IMDb RATING
5.7/10
7.9K
YOUR RATING
An 18th-century African prince, turned into a vampire by Dracula, finds himself in modern-day Los Angeles.An 18th-century African prince, turned into a vampire by Dracula, finds himself in modern-day Los Angeles.An 18th-century African prince, turned into a vampire by Dracula, finds himself in modern-day Los Angeles.
- Awards
- 1 win
Ji-Tu Cumbuka
- Skillet
- (as Jitu Cumbuka)
Elisha Cook Jr.
- Sam
- (as Elisha Cook)
Adolph Caesar
- Narrator of Theatrical Trailer
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
Miranda Frederick
- Scared Teen
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhile the film was in its production stages, William Marshall worked with its producers to make sure that his character had some dignity in it. His character's name was changed from Andrew Brown to Mamuwalde and he received a background story about his being an African prince who had been turned into a vampire by Dracula in 1780.
- GoofsWhen Gordon and Jack go to the warehouse and are fighting the vampires, they pull oil lamps out of a box and begin throwing them at the vampires like Molotov cocktails. When the lamps break, they burst into flames like Molotov cocktails. None of the lamps are lit when they are thrown, however, so when they break, they should not burst into flames.
- Quotes
Dracula: You shall pay, black Prince. I shall place a curse of suffering on you that will doom you to a living hell. A hunger, a wild, gnawing, animal hunger will grow in you, a hunger for human blood. Here you will starve for an eternity, torn by an unquenchable lust. I curse you with my name. You shall be - Blacula!
- Alternate versionsWhen the film was originally released in theaters in the UK, the BBFC made cuts to secure an "X" rating. All of these cuts were waived in 1998 when it was granted a "15" certificate for home video.
- ConnectionsEdited from Count Yorga, Vampire (1970)
Featured review
Notable Classic
It seems that a lot of people dislike this film due to weak contextual restraints. Superficical gripes towards the actors' fashions or the homosexual lampooning in the film are myopic at best. This film came out in 1972- before Halloween, before Star Wars, and before the postmodern scare irony of the Scream franchise. It also seems that people do not take into account that this film is from the Black filmic canon, which is important to note when comparing it to other horror films.
Blacula was an early entry into the non-action field of 70's Black film. Forays in different directions were rare and notable entries few and far between. However, in the Black horror subgenre, Blacula is probably the most notable. It's a straight up vampire story with some well-conceived twists. The intro depiction of Mamuwalde as an African prince contesting slavery makes for a solid grounding and entry into the modern day. And then it's clear that AIP spent more than usual to grace this film just by the opening credits. The outstanding montage, with a considerable Saul Bass influence, are striking and instantly memorable. So too is the score, provided by Barry White collaborator Gene Page and his brother. The Hues Corporation contribute what could be one of their best songs, "There He Is Again", alongside 2 others. The act even sings them live in the movie to the characters ala "Superfly".
The superb acting and sturdy plot cannot be glossed over. The classically trained William Marshall proves a genteel, suave yet emotional main character. Vonetta McGee is graceful as the beauty easily swayed into Mamuwalde's charms. And staple actor Thalamus Rasulala's strength and authority are in full impact here as the skeptical doctor on the case. The plot might not break too many horror conventions, but it doesn't have to- who would have imagined a Black vampire story in 1962, just 10 years earlier? The love theme in the story provides excellent character development, something that many genre screenwriters skimp on.
A great film for the 70's and still a worthwhile viewing. Avoid the sequel, where Pam Grier is the only attraction.
Blacula was an early entry into the non-action field of 70's Black film. Forays in different directions were rare and notable entries few and far between. However, in the Black horror subgenre, Blacula is probably the most notable. It's a straight up vampire story with some well-conceived twists. The intro depiction of Mamuwalde as an African prince contesting slavery makes for a solid grounding and entry into the modern day. And then it's clear that AIP spent more than usual to grace this film just by the opening credits. The outstanding montage, with a considerable Saul Bass influence, are striking and instantly memorable. So too is the score, provided by Barry White collaborator Gene Page and his brother. The Hues Corporation contribute what could be one of their best songs, "There He Is Again", alongside 2 others. The act even sings them live in the movie to the characters ala "Superfly".
The superb acting and sturdy plot cannot be glossed over. The classically trained William Marshall proves a genteel, suave yet emotional main character. Vonetta McGee is graceful as the beauty easily swayed into Mamuwalde's charms. And staple actor Thalamus Rasulala's strength and authority are in full impact here as the skeptical doctor on the case. The plot might not break too many horror conventions, but it doesn't have to- who would have imagined a Black vampire story in 1962, just 10 years earlier? The love theme in the story provides excellent character development, something that many genre screenwriters skimp on.
A great film for the 70's and still a worthwhile viewing. Avoid the sequel, where Pam Grier is the only attraction.
helpful•434
- tonypuma
- Nov 1, 2000
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Count Brown Is in Town
- Filming locations
- 6501 Yucca St, Los Angeles, California, USA(As Tina's apartment complex)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $500,000 (estimated)
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content