Martin (1977)

A young man, who believes himself to be a vampire, goes to live with his elderly and hostile cousin in a small Pennsylvania town where he tries to redeem his blood-craving urges.

Director:

George A. Romero

Writer:

George A. Romero

Stars:

John Amplas, Lincoln Maazel, Christine Forrest

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Amplas	...	Martin
Lincoln Maazel	...	Cuda
Christine Forrest	...	Christina
Elyane Nadeau	...	Mrs. Santini
Tom Savini	...	Arthur
Sara Venable	...	Housewife Victim
Francine Middleton	...	Train Victim (as Fran Middleton)
Roger Caine	...	Lewis (as Al Levitsky)
George A. Romero	...	Father Howard
James Roy	...	Deacon
J. Clifford Forrest Jr.	...	Father Zulemas
Robert Ogden	...	Businessman
Donaldo Soviero	...	Priest (segment "Flashback")
Donna Siegel	...	Woman (as Donna Siegal)
Albert J. Schmaus	...	Family

Storyline

George Romero does for vampires what he has already done to zombies - an intense and realistic treatment that follows the exploits of Martin, who claims to be 84 years old, and who certainly drinks human blood. The boy arrives in Pittsburgh to stay with his cousin, who promises to save Martin's soul and destroy him once he is finished, but Martin's loneliness finds other means of release.

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Plot Keywords:

vampire | cult film | teenage vampire | low budget film | family curse | 

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Taglines:

A Vampire for Our Age of Disbelief

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Genres:

Drama | Horror

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Fan site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 July 1978 (France)

Also Known As:

George A. Romero's Martin

Filming Locations:

Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$80,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Laurel Entertainment Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scene where Martin walks through the parade was never in the script. There was a scene being shot on the porch when the parade and marching band came through the streets blowing out the sound for the porch scene. While it was passing the production crew took to the street and grabbed quick footage of the parade, later it was added into the film as a contrast for the startling conclusion of the film.

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Goofs

At the beginning of the film, Martin breaks into a woman's train cabin and attacks her. At first, she has a cold cream mask on. During the struggle, it suddenly disappears without a trace.

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Quotes

Mrs. Santini: Boy, do I wish what you had was catching.
Martin Madahas: Some people think it *is* catching. In the movies it's catching.

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Alternate Versions

European version is completely re-edited. Martin's flashbacks are placed at the beginning so that the story is chronologically linear.

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Connections

References The Exorcist (1973)

User Reviews

This little seen genuine film is the best work from George A. Romero.

Martin (John Amplas) is a misunderstood young man, who is also a rapist and a murderer towards young woman or anyone gets in his way. Martin thinks, he lived the life of a vampire before. He has a few problems with his eyes. He creates a illusion or that could be from his pass life, when he starts out as a vampire. But he's craving for blood towards young woman but he has problems with his cousin or it could be his uncle Cuda (Lincoln Maazel), who believes in the family curses of vampires.

Written & Directed by George A. Romero (Bruiser, Creepshow, The Dark Half) made an original horror drama with an dark sense of humor. This is one of Romero's best and it is also Romero's most personal film.

DVD from Lions Gate Entertainment. DVD has an good anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer and an fine digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an new and fun commentary track by the writer/director:Romero, Producer:Richard P. Rubinstein, Make-Up Effects Artist:Tom Savini, Director of Cinematography:Michael Gornick and Music Composer:Donald Rubinstein. DVD also has an making of a featurette, new photo gallery, original t.v. spots and original trailer.

The original DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment, which it's now out of print. DVD has an fine Pan & Scan (1.33:1) transfer and an good-Dolby 2.0 Mono Sound. DVD has an excellent commentary track by Romero, Savini and actor:Amplas, original trailer and collector's booklet. Romero gives his most interesting film yet, this has an unusual premise with tongue in cheek humor. Romero comments in the commentary that his first cut runs 165 minutes but that cut is missing. The European Version of Martin has been re-edited with an new music score by The Goblins (Dawn of the Dead, Suspiria). Romero appears in a funny cameo as a Priest!, Christine Forrest Romero (The Director's Wife) appears in a supporting role, Tom Savini appears in a bit part. Amplas gives an excellent performance. Maazel is also very good in the film. Producer:Rubinstein appears in a cameo. Director of Cinematography:Gornick can be heard as the Radio Talk Show Host. This is an unusual and an unique film from the talented independent horror filmmaker. (**** ½/*****).