DaughtersofDarkness

Daughters of Darkness (1971)

A newly married couple, Stefan and Valerie, end up staying a night at a beautiful old hotel because of an accident that delayed their train. Stefan is taking his wife back home to meet his mother, whom he warns Valerie will not approve of her. But as soon as they arrive and he slips the doorman a note telling him to call the room and tell them the line is busy the audience is clued in that Stefan is keeping secrets. Not long after they arrive the Countess Bathory and her aide arrive in the deserted hotel (out of season you see). The Countess and her aide take an unusual interest in the newlyweds. Add in the backdrop of strange murders with all the blood being drained from young women, and the insistence of a retired policeman and concierge at the hotel that the Countess hasn’t aged in 40 years. Are you beginning to get the picture? The Countess is a vampire that is looking for a couple of new traveling companions and has decided that Valerie and probably Stefan will fit the bill.

This is a really cool movie that I enjoyed way more than I though I was going to. The story grabs you right away and keeps you guessing at what is happening. Even after you are aware that the Countess is a vampire, which is let out of the bag early on, the story keeps you guessing on her intentions. Also there is something wrong with Stefan, who has a secret that you can guess at but that isn’t ever explained. As is the case with a European horror film from the early 70s there are a couple of beautiful young women that have no problems taking off their clothing, which is always a nice thing. But unlike many inferior films the actresses here can act. The performances are top notch, which I wasn’t really expecting. Especially good is Delphine Seyrig as the Countess. She has to play a classic vampire without coming off as campy. I really believed her as a titled aristocrat. Great story that keeps you interested, excellent cast, and beautiful women getting naked. What else could you ask for?

The technical aspects to the movie are every bit as impressive as the plot. The movie looks wonderful with camerawork that takes advantage of the beautiful locations. You can tell that each and every location that the filmmakers chose was carefully selected to fit with what the atmosphere of the movie. The music is perfect for the film and helps set the mood. Finally while not a gory movie at all there is one particular death involving the Countess’ aide that is effective and cringe worthy.

For this review I watched the new Blu-Ray of this movie that was just put out by Blue Underground. The transfer and sound are both pretty damn amazing. For a film that is this old it has been remastered beautifully. If you haven’t seen this movie or want to revisit an old favorite then this is most definitely the way to watch it. Also on the Blu-Ray are some killer extras. You have a feature with both the writers Harry Kümel (who also directed) and Pierre Drouot (who co-produced as well). They clearly have an affinity for the movie and it shows as they walk thru some of the locations and talk about making the movie. We also get an interview with Danielle Ouimet called playing the victim and another called Daughter of Darkness with Andrea Rau. Both actresses talk about their careers and how they became involved in making the movie. Together this is more then 40 minutes of fun. Toss in a pair of commentary tracks and you have a Blu-Ray that is worth owning. But that isn’t all you get (God I sound like a commercial…) because in what is a first for me they include another movie as a special feature! The Blood Spattered Bride is a special feature and is itself interesting enough for a watch. Now this is a Blu-Ray that is giving you your moneys worth.

I feel confident recommending both the movie Daughters of Darkness and this Blu-Ray. It is a nice addition to any fan’s collection. For more information about this one check out Blue Undergrounds site at http://www.blue-underground.com/

3 out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer