The Reluctant Vampire (10 Jul. 1991)

A good natured vampire takes a more novel approach to satisfying his blood lust with his chosen undercover employment.

Director:

Elliot Silverstein

Writers:

Terry Black (screenplay), William M. Gaines (comic books)

Stars:

Malcolm McDowell, Sandra Dickinson, George Wendt

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Malcolm McDowell	...	Donald Longtooth
Sandra Dickinson	...	Sally (as Sandra Searles Dickinson)
George Wendt	...	Mr. Crosswhite
Michael Berryman	...	Rupert Van Helsing
Paul Gleason	...	Det. Robinson
John Kassir	...	Crypt Keeper (voice)
Gloria Dawson	...	Old Lady

Storyline

Donald Longtooth is a vampire with a conscience. Rather than feed on innocent people the un-dead creature of the night obtains the supply of blood he needs by other means. Which is working the night shift as a security guard in a Blood Bank. Problems arise when Donald's mean spirited boss, Mr. Corsswhite informs the staff at the bank that there will have to be budget cuts made due to the shortages of blood. The thought of the other staff members losing their jobs due to Donald's pilfering pricks the un-dead blood-suckers conscience and he hits upon a way of replenishing the stock which attracts the attention of a relentless vampire slayer.

---

Plot Keywords:

vampire | holy water

---

Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 July 1991 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Home Box Office (HBO), Tales From The Crypt Holdings

Technical Specs

Runtime:

29 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Longtooth: In the mouth, over the fangs, away with the hunger pangs!

User Reviews

A very comical and camp episode that twists at the end.

This "Tales from the crypt" episode titled "The Reluctant Vampire" from 1991's season 3 was certainly a very campy and funny episode. This tale was well remembered more for it's comedy than fright. It centers around a blood bank that's getting robbed of it's blood at night. However most notable is the appearance of stars the legendary Michael McDowell("A Clockwork Orange") and TV funny man George Wendt("Cheers"). McDowell is a lonely all night security guard of a blood bank and night after night the blood supply is drained, that's what he has for lunch in his dinner bucket! And Wendt is frustrated and wondered as he's an angry blood bank manager who has to provide answers as to where is the blood supply going. However this is the most unusual vampire he really has no bite as it's rightfully titled the reluctant vampire. However this tale takes an unexpected twist and the right things happen as mister fangs teeth of the night lives happily ever after! Overall comical and very camp like tale it's mostly remembered because of McDowell and Wendt which is a watch just for their appearances, because overall it's just an average episode.