The U.S. title for this film is The Fearless Vampire Killers, or: Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck, which ought to give you a pretty good indication of the tongue-in-cheek quality of the film, and the musical. It was released in 1967 and was written and directed by Roman Polanski, who also plays the role of Alfred.
I happened to catch this movie on late-night TV once, and it was really interesting. There is actually remarkably little dialogue for a film of almost two hours. And a lot of what’s said, especially at the beginning, is unintelligible. 🙂 Probably the only character who speaks more than three lines together is von Krolock!
However, the movie manages to be both scary and funny at the same time, which is a difficult mix! I knew what was going to happen, and I still found myself getting a little nervous at times! The sets are very nice, I love all the snow shots, and the castle as well. The score is also very good, a little bit scary, but never going too far. I love the ballroom scene towards the end…the Dance of the Vampires. 🙂 One plot point confused me though – if, in that ball scene, Sarah is reflected in the mirror, meaning she’s human, how then does she become a vampire, if she is with Alfred the rest of the time?
The cast is very good as well. There are no great acting demands on any of them, but they do what they’re asked to very well. Probably my favourite bit of the whole movie was the part with Herbert and Alfred, it just struck me as very funny for some reason. 🙂
Here are a few of my favourite quotes as well:
When Magda holds up a crucifix to fend him off
Shagal: Oy, have you got the wrong vampire!
After Herbert tries to attack Alfred
Professor: Did you provoke him?
Alfred: No! He got excited all on his own.
Before the ball
Count von Krolock: Save your surprise for later on, you’ll need it.