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Recently I found a copy of Showtime's 1990 production of Carmilla at a video close out table and purchased it for $7.99. For those of you who may not be aware, Carmilla is a short story by Sheridan Le Fann. Carmilla has been done several times, the most notable of which is 1960's Blood and Roses, by Roger Vadim. Carmilla is a story of female vampirism, with strong lesbian overtones and tastefully done eroticism. Showtime's version is 60 minutes long and stars the talented and lovely Meg Tilly, (why did she never become a major star?), and Roddy (Fright Night) McDowall. I must confess that I was totally unaware of this making of Carmilla -- not an easy admission for one who considers himself a serious student of horror film. Even so, Carmilla is not a typical horror story, and this production even less so than most, for this version is equal parts fairy tale and horror with a large dose of eroticism added. Marie, played by Ione Skye, is the only child of a post-civil war general and plantation owner. The general is very protective of his beautiful daughter, (Ione Skye & Meg Tilly as Carmilla are striking throughout the short film. Two very attractive brunettes dressed in expensive southern belle attire by costume designer Bob Blackman), and we soon learn that Marie has no friends. The first scene of the `poor little rich girl' shows Marie alone in her room with only dolls and a large doll house for company. Only a few minutes into the film, we are presented with an almost surreal, storybook atmosphere which is not entirely displeasing. Soon Carmilla enters the story, apparently the victim of a coach accident on the road near the big house. She is brought inside and soon she has recovered from her wounds and the shock of the accident. Quickly the lonesome Marie and Carmilla become close friends. Carmilla ingratiates herself to Marie's father, always smiling in his presence and telling him how handsome he is. However, before long, persons in the household begin to die and Carmilla is suspected of being the carrier of the `southern sickness,' (vampirism). Inspector Amos, (Roddy McDowall, very pleasing in a part he knows well), is brought in and the life and death struggle begins for real. Although Amos is slain, Carmilla is eventually slain also, ending the sad existence of Carmilla, the once happy and beautiful young woman. So, to comments. At 60 minutes, this making was too short. It would have been much better at 90 or perhaps 105 minutes, for the story moves along a little too quickly. The sexual tension between Marie and Carmilla was strong yet subdued and tastefully done. The scene in which Carmilla is seen biting Marie's neck while floating on air is perhaps the film's best. The mood and atmosphere are superior, as one easily imagines what one wishes plantation life in the old south to have been. However . . . beautiful home, beautiful clothes, beautiful women, indeed, the entire fairy tale atmosphere detracts from the well done horror elements. But, once again, Carmilla is not your standard horror story. Carmilla may be hard for you to find, but view it if you have the chance. It is interesting on several different levels, just do not expect it to be more than it is, or is not. What is IS is a mildly erotic, titillating story with some impressive horror moments. What is IS NOT is a horror tale in the pure sense.
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