The Kiss of the Vampire [Blu-ray]

Overview

Producer Anthony Hinds used the alias "John Elder" to pen the screenplay of Kiss of the Vampire. Professor Zimmer (Noel Williams), an early 20th century Bavarian, entices a British honeymooning couple (Clifford Evans, Jennifer Daniel) to accept his hospitality. Once ensconced in Zimmer's chateau, the couple discovers with horror that Zimmer, Bavaria's biggest fan of Count Dracula, is the leader of an enthusiastic vampire cult. Clifford Evans plays the Van Helsing counterpart, determined to rescue the entrapped couple. Not as horrific as the title suggests, Kiss of the Vampire concentrates on the seductive, sensual side of vampirism, especially in a surrealistic masked ball sequence. Though it contains far less bloodletting than most Hammer productions, Kiss of the Vampire was severely cut for its American TV release (and retitled Kiss of Evil).

Product Details

Release Date:	07/14/2020
UPC:	0826663208726
Original Release:	1963
Rating:	NR
Source:	Shout Factory
Region Code:	A
Language:	English
Time:	1:28:00

Special Features

New 4k scan of the Interpositive; New Audio Commentary with Film Historian/author Steve Haberman and film historian/filmmaker Constanting Nasr; New "Men Who Made Hammer: James Bernard; New "Men Who Made Hammer: Bernard Robinson" Audio Commentary with actors Edward DeSouza and Jennifer Daniel, Moderated by Peter Irving; Deleted Scenes; Theatrical Trailer

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Edward De Souza	Gerald Harcourt
Clifford Evans	Professor Zimmer
Jennifer Daniel	Marianne Harcourt
Noel Willman	Dr. Ravna
Barry Warren	Carl Ravna
Jacqueline Wallis	Sabena Ravna
Isobel Black	Tania
Peter Madden	Bruno
Vera Cook	Anna
Brian Oulton	1st Disciple
Noel Howlett	Father Xavier
John Harvey	Police Sergeant
Stan Simmons	Servant
Olga Dickie	Woman at Graveyard
Margaret Read	1st Girl Disciple
Elizabeth Valentine	2nd Girl Disciple
James Bernard	Composer

Technical Credits

Anthony Hinds

John Elder

Les Bowie	Special Effects
Anthony Hinds	Producer,Screenwriter
Don Sharp	Director
John Elder	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

This non-Dracula entry in Hammer Films' collection of vampire films is a prototypical example of the studio's trademark approach to the horror genre. The Anthony Hinds script delivers a solid, traditional take on the vampire mythos that delivers plenty of scares as it gradually builds toward an impressive climax. Don Sharp directs the tale in a confident style, playing up its gothic atmosphere and consistently ratcheting up tension to draw the viewer in. He also pleases genre fans by turning in a number of effective setpieces throughout the film: highlights include the opening, in which a funeral goes horrifically wrong, and a masked ball that slowly shifts from elegant to unnerving as the sequence progresses. Performances are all strong across the board: Edward De Souza makes a charming protagonist but the attention-getting work comes from Clifford Evans as the obsessive vampire hunter and Noel Willman, who offers a quietly creepy turn as the vampiric Count. Also worthy of note is Barry Warren, who manages to be menacing in a subtle manner as the Count's son. The resulting film doesn't break new ground for the genre but it is a skillful programmer that offers the kind of moody style and chills that genre fans will enjoy. As a result, Kiss Of The Vampire is worth a look to anyone who enjoys the Hammer take on the genre.

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