Robert Quarry is the main reason to watch this early 70s, California-set vampire favorite. Quarry plays the title character, a Bulgarian émigré hired by some young adults to conduct a seance. Soon some of them are disappearing, the females falling under the spell of this stranger. It's up to those that are left, including Michael (Michael Macready, who also produced the film), and doctor / blood specialist Jim Hayes (Roger Perry), to wage war with the fiend.
"Count Yorga, Vampire" is good fun for fans of the vampire genre. Writer & director Bob Kelljan creates some convincing suspense and atmosphere (as well as a few well timed shocks). Things also get satisfactorily gory without ever turning the proceedings into a true bloodbath. Of course, it's also quite sexy, with the young ladies dressed provocatively, and Yorgas' vampire brides taking up residence in his cellar. Standout scenes include our protagonists facing off against the bloodsucker, trying to keep him up until dawn. But Yorga always seems to have the upper hand. A dapper, aristocratic type, he clearly holds his opponents in contempt and doesn't doubt that HE can vanquish THEM. Quarry is absolutely aces in this role, and it makes one wish that he could have had more leading roles over the years (not that he did that badly for himself - his career was especially impressive during the 70s).
Yorgas' nemeses come off as reasonably likable, if occasionally foolish. What's particularly amusing is the way that Dr. Hayes is so readily accepting of the concept of vampires and that it's actually him that has to convince the others of the possibility.
The lovely actresses present include Donna Anders, Judy Lang, Julie Conners, Marsha Jordan, and Deborah Darnell. Future star Michael Murphy is amiable as Paul, another of our would be Yorga slayers, the hulking Edward Walsh is amusing as the Counts' ugly manservant, and that's Michael Macready's father, veteran actor George M., speaking the narration for the opening few minutes.
Highlighted by an effectively grim ending.
Seven out of 10.
"Count Yorga, Vampire" is good fun for fans of the vampire genre. Writer & director Bob Kelljan creates some convincing suspense and atmosphere (as well as a few well timed shocks). Things also get satisfactorily gory without ever turning the proceedings into a true bloodbath. Of course, it's also quite sexy, with the young ladies dressed provocatively, and Yorgas' vampire brides taking up residence in his cellar. Standout scenes include our protagonists facing off against the bloodsucker, trying to keep him up until dawn. But Yorga always seems to have the upper hand. A dapper, aristocratic type, he clearly holds his opponents in contempt and doesn't doubt that HE can vanquish THEM. Quarry is absolutely aces in this role, and it makes one wish that he could have had more leading roles over the years (not that he did that badly for himself - his career was especially impressive during the 70s).
Yorgas' nemeses come off as reasonably likable, if occasionally foolish. What's particularly amusing is the way that Dr. Hayes is so readily accepting of the concept of vampires and that it's actually him that has to convince the others of the possibility.
The lovely actresses present include Donna Anders, Judy Lang, Julie Conners, Marsha Jordan, and Deborah Darnell. Future star Michael Murphy is amiable as Paul, another of our would be Yorga slayers, the hulking Edward Walsh is amusing as the Counts' ugly manservant, and that's Michael Macready's father, veteran actor George M., speaking the narration for the opening few minutes.
Highlighted by an effectively grim ending.
Seven out of 10.