In a way the brilliant 1931 Spanish version of 'Dracula' and this fine 1957 Spanish-language film have similar strengths and weaknesses. Both lack a Lugosi or Lee in the title role, but both have outstanding cinematography, atmosphere and supporting casts.
While the English and Spanish 1931 films are often compared, it seems reasonable to compare 'El Vampiro' to Christopher Lee's 'The Horror of Dracula,' a contemporary work. German Robles is no Christopher Lee. Almost effeminate in his count's formal attire, one suspects that if he had succeeded in bringing his dead brother back to life, the brother would immediately have taken charge. He almost seems uncomfortable with his mouthful of fangs.
A weak vampire is not enough to derail an otherwise outstanding film, however. The cast overall is quite good and the black and white cinematography much creepier than the bloody Hammer color. Simply put, this movie just plain works. The sets out great, the costumes and makeup are great and the cast is very sound, including Ariadna Welter as Marta, Abel Salazar as Dr. Enrique, Jose Luis Jimenez as Emilio, Carmen Montejo as Eloisa and Alicia Montoya as Maria Teresa. Montejo, as the vampire follower of Duval and Montoya as the near-crazed Maria Teresa are especially outstanding. Montoya somehow makes me think of Morticia Addams or Lilly Munster on a bad hair/makeup day! Even the servants are quite good.
The music is just a tad over-the-top, loud and repetitive. Still, it is effective in setting the mood and mood is the name of the game in 'El Vampiro.' With its creepy crypts, spooky woods, spider webs and ancient books, it captures an eeriness that color films have trouble matching. The lighting and camera work accentuate this and help make 'El Vampiro' one of the half dozen or so better vampire films ever made. It is certainly among the creepiest and most atmospheric.
While the English and Spanish 1931 films are often compared, it seems reasonable to compare 'El Vampiro' to Christopher Lee's 'The Horror of Dracula,' a contemporary work. German Robles is no Christopher Lee. Almost effeminate in his count's formal attire, one suspects that if he had succeeded in bringing his dead brother back to life, the brother would immediately have taken charge. He almost seems uncomfortable with his mouthful of fangs.
A weak vampire is not enough to derail an otherwise outstanding film, however. The cast overall is quite good and the black and white cinematography much creepier than the bloody Hammer color. Simply put, this movie just plain works. The sets out great, the costumes and makeup are great and the cast is very sound, including Ariadna Welter as Marta, Abel Salazar as Dr. Enrique, Jose Luis Jimenez as Emilio, Carmen Montejo as Eloisa and Alicia Montoya as Maria Teresa. Montejo, as the vampire follower of Duval and Montoya as the near-crazed Maria Teresa are especially outstanding. Montoya somehow makes me think of Morticia Addams or Lilly Munster on a bad hair/makeup day! Even the servants are quite good.
The music is just a tad over-the-top, loud and repetitive. Still, it is effective in setting the mood and mood is the name of the game in 'El Vampiro.' With its creepy crypts, spooky woods, spider webs and ancient books, it captures an eeriness that color films have trouble matching. The lighting and camera work accentuate this and help make 'El Vampiro' one of the half dozen or so better vampire films ever made. It is certainly among the creepiest and most atmospheric.