The Vampire's Ghost (1945)

Sick Product of a Sick System

For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

Awesome Movie

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

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.

This is an unusual little B-movie from Republic Studios. It's unusual because this studio was never known for producing horror movies--it's more like what you'd expect from Universal or Columbia. In addition, it stars a guy who usually is a bit or supporting actor, the very erudite John Abbott--who I have always liked but a man whose name few would probably remember today. I remember him because I am weird about things like that and love looking for familiar supporting actors in films. It's nice to see him get a chance her to helm a film. The film also is pretty odd because you'd not normally expect a vampire film to be set in Africa! As for the overall film, I was a bit surprised. While I love classic monster movies, this was one that had little impact on me as I watched. It was neither bad nor good--sort of like the white bread of the monster world. I think the biggest problem was that the film was very talky and lacked action--and really needed an infusion of energy.

Vampire's Ghost, The (1945) *** (out of 4) Unique version of a vampire tale from Republic has been forgotten over the years due to its rarity but this here certainly needs to find a new crowd. A 400-year-old vampire (John Abbott) living in Africa sets his sight on a new girl but the voodoo locals and her boyfriend try to stop him. A very intelligent script by Leigh Brackett makes this head and shoulders more original than the Dracula films being delivered by Universal and Columbia. The film throws in all sorts of new ideas surrounding the legend of vampires and that's what makes this film so interesting even if it does drag a bit at 59-minutes. Abbott is wonderful in his role and his strange look is all the more fitting. Nice atmosphere and a terrific mood help overcome the low budget.

Vampire's Ghost is one of those gems that pops up now and again among the old B's. The vampire is multi-dimensional rather than unmitigated evil. There are some metaphysics mixed into the story. If you find this one on late night cable give it a watch.