Watch Scream, Blacula, Scream!

Scream, Blacula, Scream! is a 1973 horror film directed by Bob Kelljan and is the sequel to the 1972 film Blacula. The movie is a classic horror flick that incorporates elements of blaxploitation cinema and revolves around the story of Prince Mamuwalde (William Marshall), who is turned into a vampire by Dracula himself. The story begins with a group of voodoo practitioners who seek to raise the dead in order to gain immortality. They perform the ritual using the remains of Prince Mamuwalde, who had been dead for over 200 years. However, the ritual goes haywire, and the prince is resurrected as a vampire, going on a killing spree while struggling to control his newfound bloodlust.

Meanwhile, a young voodoo priestess, Lisa Fortier (Pam Grier), seeks the help of the infamous vampire hunter, Van Helsing (Don Mitchell), to put an end to the prince’s reign of terror. As the death toll rises and the prince’s thirst for blood deepens, Lisa and Van Helsing must race against time to stop him before he destroys everything and everyone in his path.

One of the most striking aspects of Scream, Blacula, Scream! is its unique fusion of horror and blaxploitation influences. The movie features an almost entirely black cast, including the legendary Pam Grier in one of her early lead roles, and touches on themes of African spirituality and mysticism. At the same time, the film indulges in classic horror tropes, such as the undead vampire and the fearless vampire hunter, while also subverting some of these tropes by placing them in a distinctly African-American context.

William Marshall is particularly impressive in his role as Prince Mamuwalde, effectively conveying the character’s anguish, desperation, and inner turmoil as he struggles with his vampiric nature. The scenes in which he grapples with the bloodlust that comes with being a vampire are especially well-executed, and his commanding presence adds an air of both menace and nobility to the character.

Pam Grier also shines as Lisa Fortier, the tough but vulnerable heroine who teams up with Van Helsing to take down the prince. With her striking looks and natural charisma, Grier brings a depth and complexity to the role that elevates it beyond mere stock character territory. Don Mitchell, as Van Helsing, gamely plays the straight-laced foil to Grier’s more unconventional character, and the chemistry between the two is engaging and believable.

In of its visual style, Scream, Blacula, Scream! is a product of its time, with a distinct 1970s aesthetic that incorporates bright colors, bold patterns, and a lively soundtrack. Director Bob Kelljan effectively creates an atmosphere of suspense and foreboding, and there are some genuinely creepy moments sprinkled throughout the film. The special effects, while obviously dated by modern standards, add to the movie’s campy charm and complement its overall tone.

Overall, Scream, Blacula, Scream! is a solid and entertaining horror movie that manages to blend disparate genres and influences into a satisfying whole. It’s a landmark film in the canon of blaxploitation cinema and remains relevant today for its themes of black empowerment and cultural identity. With its engaging performances, lively visuals, and mix of scares and thrills, it’s well worth a watch for anyone who’s a fan of classic horror or blaxploitation films.