Surpasses the original (which itself was a good yarn) thanks mainly to the charisma of William Marshall (reprising his role), and the effective plot formula employed by horror specialist director Bob Kelljan.
Lovely Pam Grier co-stars as a modern voodoo cultist, whose estranged brother (Lawson) threatens to end her reign after he's overlooked as cult leader following the death of their mother. He instead unwisely awakens the long-dead spirit of Manuwalde (aka Blacula), a move he'll soon regret.
Director Kelljan's experience in the genre shows, and fans will instantly recognise the plot structure lifted from his earlier Count Yorga Vampire and it's sequel, the Return of Count Yorga.
Scary, witty and well-acted, it's a fun and frightening way to spend 85 mins and despite its obvious low-budget, still manages to provide a shock or two kudos to Marshall and his commanding, Shakespearean eloquence (which is on-par with that of Robert Quarry's sophisticated portrayal of Count Yorga). Another enduring AIP master-stroke well worthy of a look.
Lovely Pam Grier co-stars as a modern voodoo cultist, whose estranged brother (Lawson) threatens to end her reign after he's overlooked as cult leader following the death of their mother. He instead unwisely awakens the long-dead spirit of Manuwalde (aka Blacula), a move he'll soon regret.
Director Kelljan's experience in the genre shows, and fans will instantly recognise the plot structure lifted from his earlier Count Yorga Vampire and it's sequel, the Return of Count Yorga.
Scary, witty and well-acted, it's a fun and frightening way to spend 85 mins and despite its obvious low-budget, still manages to provide a shock or two kudos to Marshall and his commanding, Shakespearean eloquence (which is on-par with that of Robert Quarry's sophisticated portrayal of Count Yorga). Another enduring AIP master-stroke well worthy of a look.