The Thing (1951). **
The Thing is memorable for several reasons: As a piece of popular culture trivia (James Arness was "The Thing"; as the first science fiction film which utilizes the vampire figure; and as one of the few science fiction films of which critics are fond). Yet, The Thing neither merits the lavish critical acclaim it has received, nor does it truly deserve to be forgotten. The plot of The Thing is stereotypical horror: A group of victims are stranded and isolated in a remote location and are stalked by a hostile presence.
Plan Nine from Outer Space (1966). *
A 1-star rating for this film was given reluctantly. The film is so badly done that it must be seen to be believed. Its alternative title gives one a clue to its plot: Grave Robbers from Outer Space. It is Bela Lugosi's last film. In fact, Lugosi died during production of the film, and he was replaced by a look-alike who always kept his cape up around his face so that the audience (presumably) wouldn't know that the actor wasn't Lugosi. Essentially, the plot concerns a group of aliens from outer space who intend to implement "Plan Nine" — the revival of corpses which will be used as troops against living human beings.
The Horror of Dracula (1957). *****
This is the first of Great Britain's Hammer Studios' vampire films, and it is a true classic of the genre. It was directed by Terence Fischer and was written by Jimmy Sangster, who based the film on Stoker's novel. Sangster managed to return the Count to the tradition of the English gothic villain: He is a charming and intelligent aristocrat who transforms his female victims into carnal, lascivious creatures. The death of the Count is similar to the death of the vampire in Murnau's Nosferatu: He is tricked into staying out until daybreak, and then he is exposed to sunlight, which causes him to crumble away into dust. Not only does the villain's demise allow special effects, but it culminates the hero's ritualistic chase of the villain to his castle.
Blood of the Vampire (1957). ***
An interesting film which revolves around a prison warden who is also a vampire and supplies himself with blood from his prisoners. Prints of this film are rare.
