This is the first on-screen appearance of a black actor playing vampire and it was also unique at the time for having a black lead. I will say, that William Marshall, who plays the lead (Prince Mamuwalde) gives us an incredibly strong and imposing vampire in this film, better than many attempts at Dracula in my opinion. He’s strong and regal, and bone-chillingly calm. Obviously, there are cons to the blaxploitation genre, that being the reinforcement of certain black stereotypes, but William Marshall did get to have some input into his character, hoping to keep him dignified. I was honestly expecting this movie to be campier than it was, it’s actually a decently chilling vampire movie.
African Prince Mamuwalde is bitten by Dracula and imprisoned in a tomb as a punishment for seeking Dracula’s help to end the slave trade. Dracula also enslaves the Prince’s wife. He is finally freed years later in 1972 and is seeking revenge. As he is out exploring the world he sees a woman who resembles his long dead wife and is enamored with her. Initially scaring her, she soon becomes interested in him as well. However, detectives are on the hunt for him, as he is leaving quite a body count in his wake. As they close in on the prince, the stakes are raised and the tension rises.
This film has mixed reviews and I guess I can see why. Aside from a strong performance from the lead, and I think good reviews from most of the supporting cast, the plot is very basic and there isn’t a ton going on. However, as I said before, I think the performances are enough to carry the film. I wish there was a little more involved plot, but aside from that, I don’t have much to pick on with this film.
I definitely recommend checking this flick out. It’s a really fun, creepy vampire movie and it’s definitely fun to see black people given a lead role in a genre that they were never really seen in before. Not to mention the ending is absolutely heartbreaking. I think this movie is unique and a worthwhile watch for any horror fan.
Netflix available: DVD
Hulu available: no
Xfinity available: Yes, for a fee
Amazon Prime available: Yes, for a fee
Rating: 3.5/5
Final Girl Horror Reviews 