The Grue-Crew tackle the early Italian horror film THE VAMPIRE AND THE BALLERINA (1960, L'amante del vampiro) from director Renato Polselli. This is a first watch for each of the crew: Bill, Daphne, Doc, and Jeff. Walter Brandi makes for an interesting vampire appearing mostly in a oddly effective monster mask while Maria Luisa Rolando fills the role of Countess Aldo - also a vampire. Much of the film is reminiscent of the Dracula story but set near Rome, Italy, shot in the spectacular castle of Artena in 1959. This is a fun episode as we dive into the cast of characters, the posters, the director, writers, and cast. And, oh yeah, dance numbers. Check it out, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!

THE VAMPIRE AND THE BALLERINA (1960)
Episode 230 - Decades of Horror: The Classic Era

Quote: "His curse is on us all. But one of these times, we'll arrive in time to drive a stake through his heart."

Synopsis: A troupe of beautiful young dancers finds itself stranded in a sinister, spooky old castle, unaware that it is home to a group of vampires.

Director: Renato Polselli
Writer: Renato Polselli and Giuseppe Pellegrini and Ernesto Gastaldi
Cast:
Hélène Rémy as Luisa (credited as Helene Remy)
Tina Gloriani as Francesca
Walter Brandi as Herman
Isarco Ravaioli as Luca
Gino Turini as Giorgio (credited as John Turner)
Pier Ugo Gragnani as Il professore (credited as Ugo Gragnani)
María Luisa Rolando as La contessa Alda

Every 2 weeks we'll be focusing on a specific film released between 1920 and 1969. Next up, chosen by Jeff is The Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933), d. Michael Curtiz w/Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, Glenda Farrell.