This is a shocker from Republic Studio's with John Abbott as the undead blood sucker. Abbott gives a bit of a different slant to his vampire. His Webb Fallon is not truly a monster and his attitude of melancholy resignation about his existence speaks volume's of the sadness of his unnatural immortally. The arrival of Julie Vance played by Peggy Stewart gives Fallon hope that he can relieve his loneliness by making her his companion in eternity.
Republic specialized in western's and serials. John Wayne was their top star. However, when WWII started studio executives noticed that some of the other smaller studio's were making a nice profit with horror and chiller films so a few few were added to the production schedule. Lesley Selander was director of B-westerns and a pro at staying with the budget and staying on schedule but had little experience with the horror gender. Abbott was a stage trained actor with a dour look and a crisp, clear voice and while he couldn't convey physical menace he could project a sinister quality.
Vampire's Ghost being set in Africa is a different kind of locale for this kind of a tale and the vampire is not bound by some of the traditional movie clichés such as moving about in the daylight which adds to the interest. It does moves a little slowly and has a bit too much talk to be a really frightening horror film. Not much FX either. But a solid cast helps it along and it's an entertaining way to spend an hour.
Republic specialized in western's and serials. John Wayne was their top star. However, when WWII started studio executives noticed that some of the other smaller studio's were making a nice profit with horror and chiller films so a few few were added to the production schedule. Lesley Selander was director of B-westerns and a pro at staying with the budget and staying on schedule but had little experience with the horror gender. Abbott was a stage trained actor with a dour look and a crisp, clear voice and while he couldn't convey physical menace he could project a sinister quality.
Vampire's Ghost being set in Africa is a different kind of locale for this kind of a tale and the vampire is not bound by some of the traditional movie clichés such as moving about in the daylight which adds to the interest. It does moves a little slowly and has a bit too much talk to be a really frightening horror film. Not much FX either. But a solid cast helps it along and it's an entertaining way to spend an hour.