Scream Blacula Scream (1973) is darker and better than its predecessor, with William Marshall returning as Blacula, writes JASON D. BRAWN
As part of a successful series of blaxploitation films, this film serves as a sequel to what many consider the first blaxploitation horror film.
This film is better than the original, and I will explain why.
Following the death of a wealthy voodoo queen, Mama Loa, members of her cult decide that her disciple and adopted sister Lisa Fortier (Pam Grier) should be her successor.
This angers Mama’s upstart and vain son, Willis (Richard Lawson), who buys the bones of Prince Mamuwalde (William Marshall), known as Blacula, from a shaman in the voodoo cult called Ragman (Bernie Hamilton), and performs a ritual to resurrect the vampire.
Once Blacula is animated, he bites Willis on the neck, turning him into the first vampire and stooge.
Directed by Bob Kelljan, who helmed the brilliant Count Yorga, Vampire, and its sequel Return of Count Yorga, this film is a lot darker, and the romantic element is vague.
In Blacula (1972), it focused more on the titular character seeking love in 70s Los Angeles, which was later replicated in Wes Craven’s Vampire in Brooklyn.
Also, there are creepy movements that Kelljan uses, like the vampire running in slow motion towards the victim, similar to Count Yorga. And the opening sequence, when Willis becomes Blacula’s first victim upon awakening, has a strong Gothic mise-en-scène with this secluded mansion and the sound of a storm.
The film also features an array of well-known actors, like Craig T. Nelson, Lynn Moody, Michael Conrad and Bernie Hamilton, and was distributed by American International Pictures, headed by Samuel Z. Arkoff, which made countless horror, sci-fi, exploitation and many blaxploitation films.
There are some funny moments, especially from Willis, like after becoming a vampire, when, while getting ready to attend a party, he fails to see his reflection and asks Blacula how he looks.
As for William Marshall, he was made for this role, and I would argue he reminded me of Vincent Price. He did play another significant role as Bishop Garnet Williams in Abby, a blaxploitation take on The Exorcist.
The voodoo elements are interesting, especially when they are used against vampirism.
Pam Grier’s portrayal of the voodoo priestess called in to lift Blacula’s curse is different from her action roles in Coffy, Foxy Brown and Friday Foster.
When the film was released, it failed to match the success of its predecessor, and some of the reviews were unkind, including the title, “Worst Blaxploitation Movie” of all time in the 1980 book The Golden Turkey Awards.
However, other reviewers did like this film, such as Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, praising both Bob Kelljan and William Marshall.
Many blaxploitation films followed, including my favourite Sugar Hill.
The film is available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray, but you can view it on YouTube.
