General Information
Director: Paul Landres
Writer: Pat Fielder
Cast: John Beal, Coleen Gray, Kenneth Tobey, Lydia Reed, Dabbs Greer, Herb Vigran, Paul Brinegar, Ann Staunton, and James Griffith
Composer: Gerald Fried
Release Date: 6/1957
MPAA Rating: PG
Overview
Synthesizing a drug from the blood of bats, Dr. Matthew Campbell succeeds in returning the human mind to a primitive state. After inadvertently consuming the pills of Dr. Campbell, general practitioner Paul Beecher (John Beal) transforms into a hideous, bloodsucking creature of the night. While nurse Carol Butler (Coleen Gray) and colleague Dr. Will Beaumont (Dabbs Greer) supply emotional support for Paul, Sheriff Buck Donnelly (Kenneth Tobey) attempts to solve a series of mysterious murders occurring all over town.
Similar to Blood of Dracula (also released in 1957), this offering combines mad scientist tropes with elements of the vampire legend. Therefore, The Vampire should be required viewing for enthusiasts of the sci-fi/horror crossover genre.
Pros
Actor John Beal should be commended for his portrayal of Paul—a likable small-town doctor who, by circumstance alone, turns into a feral, vampire-like monster. Specifically, Paul embodies the inner conflict of a tortured soul, even attempting suicide to prevent himself from killing others—an aspect that, due to the convincing emotions of Beal, will prompt the audience to sympathize with the protagonist.
Also noteworthy is the performance of Dabbs Greer (known for playing Reverend Alden in Little House on the Prairie), whose character offers temporary stability for Paul—similar to Sir John Talbot, who, in Universal Studios’ The Wolf Man, provides Larry Talbot with a source of clarity and comfort prior to his inevitable demise.
Cons
Though often obscured by dim lighting, the make-up effects in The Vampire leave much to be desired on a technical level. Especially deserving of criticism are the monster’s lumpy hands, bushy eyebrows, and uneven skin texture, all of which undermine the credibility of a vampire—scientifically engineered or otherwise—coming into existence and lurking around a 1950s suburban neighborhood.
In addition to its unconvincing creature effects, this film is marred by languid pacing and copious exposition—both of which prevent the titular vampire from appearing until extremely late in the story.
Analysis
The Vampire should be praised for highlighting the power of addiction in realistic, harrowing detail. Notably, Paul initially consumes one of Dr. Beecher’s pills by accident, leading him down a path of darkness, dependency, and alienation from others—a compelling depiction of those who, perhaps unintentionally, develop terrible drug habits and self-destruct as a result.
Concluding Comments
Presenting a then unique, original take on vampire fiction, this film will appeal to creature feature buffs and science fiction fans alike. The Vampire is, however, hampered by the typical shortcomings of a low-budget horror production.
Overall Quality: 7/10
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