Watch Bloodlust!

In the early 1960s, horror films were experiencing a renaissance in Hollywood. With successful releases like Psycho and House on Haunted Hill, the stage was set for the next horror hit. Bloodlust, released in 1961, was one such film. Directed by Ralph Brooke and starring Wilton Graff, June Kenney, and Walter Brooke, Bloodlust is a tale of betrayal, isolation, and a deadly hunger for blood.

The story follows a group of young adults on a sailing trip, with two seasoned sailors and a captain. The journey takes an unexpected turn when their boat is caught in a storm and crashes onto a remote island. Stranded and alone, the group soon discovers that the island is home to an eccentric couple named Rina and Ralph. But as they stay on the island, they come to learn that Rina and Ralph's kindness is only a facade, and their true intentions are much more sinister.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Wilton Graff, who portrays Ralph, the manipulative and calculating host. Graff's portrayal of Ralph is menacing, as he is charming to the group at first, but soon reveals his true nature. He uses his intelligence to outmaneuver the young adults and their captain, finally revealing his ultimate motive of using them as prey in his horrific bloodlust.

The film features relatively unknown actors in the leading roles, but they all put in committed performances. June Kenney, who plays one of the young female leads, puts in an especially impressive performance, as she tries to escape from the island and Ralph's clutches. Her portrayal of terror, desperation, and sheer will to survive is commendable.

Another standout feature of the movie is the isolation and atmosphere created by the setting. The island, with its dense jungle and rocky coastline, is an ideal location for such a tale. The group is far from civilization, and they are at the mercy of their captors. The lush wilderness is a character in its own right, with the jungle providing much of the tension and horror.

Bloodlust is not without its flaws, primarily with its lackluster pacing. The film takes some time to get going, and some of the scenes feel overly long. However, once the story gets moving, it is gripping and satisfying.

The special effects in the movie are not the most impressive, but they get the job done. The practical effects used to create some of the horror's most gruesome moments are effective, if a little dated. The sound design is another strong point of the movie, with the eerie score adding to the tension of the film.

Overall, Bloodlust is an entertaining and well-crafted horror movie, especially considering its limited budget. Ralph Brooke's direction provides a tense atmosphere, and the performances from the cast are commendable. The film may not be as well-known as other horror movies from the era, but it is still worth a watch for fans of the genre.

In conclusion, Bloodlust is a solid entry in the horror genre of the 1960s. It's an excellent example of what filmmakers can accomplish with limited resources and a solid cast. While not without its flaws, the film's atmosphere, suspense, and classic horror tropes make it an entertaining and worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.

Bloodlust! is a 1961 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.6.