The 'Karnstein Trilogy': The Vampire Lovers (1970). **
Directed by Roy Ward Baker; Lust for a Vampire (1970) 1/2 directed by Jimmy Sangster; and Countess Dracula (1970) ** directed by Peter Sasdy. These films are based on Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's short story "Carmilla" (1871), a story of vampirism with lesbian overtones. Thus, these films exploit the sexuality of vampirism — specifically, a female vampire whose favorite victims are the daughters of nobility. Most of the action of these films centers around Karnstein castle. All of the films feature wonderfully stylized sets and (self-consciously) "arty" photography, creating a rather dream-like atmosphere. The Vampire Lovers, the first of the series, was a huge commercial success, and thus inspired Hammer to produce more of the same. The second film, Lust for a Vampire, is probably the best of the trilogy, although it too exults in lots of free-flowing blood. Countess Dracula features a vampire who bathes in the blood of her victims in order to restore her youth and beauty. All of these films are blatant "soft-core" pornography and were extremely popular with American teenage audiences.
The Omega Man (1971). *
A competent film adaptation of Matheson's I Am Legend (see The Last Man on Earth, 1964) starring Charleton Heston in the title role. This film has rather stylized production values, though its symbols — such as that of Heston's crucifixion at the end of the film — is rather blatant and heavy-handed. Nevertheless, a thoroughly competent and delightful film.
Twins of Evil (1971). **
This film was a further attempt by Hammer Studios to exploit Le Fanu's "Carmilla," with predictable results.
Dracula, A.D. 1972 (1971) * and Dracula Is Dead (1972). *
Both of these films were directed by Alan Gibson and scripted by Don Houghton. The second of the above films is a sequel to the first. These films represent Hammer's attempt to set the story of Dracula in modern London. The results are wretched. In both films, Christopher Lee played the vampire while Peter Cushing played the protagonist.
