Watch La Venganza de las Mujeres Vampiro

"La Venganza de las Mujeres Vampiro," which translates to "The Vengeance of the Vampire Women," is a 1970 Mexican horror film that mixes elements of wrestling and the supernatural, a sub-genre known as luchador films, which were particularly popular during this era. This film is an installment in a long series of movies starring the iconic Mexican wrestler Santo, known as El Santo, whose real name was Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta. Santo was not just a wrestler but a legendary cultural hero who, in the context of the series, often found himself battling various monsters, criminals, and supernatural beings.

Set in the realm of fantasy and horror, the film intertwires traditional vampire mythology with the high-flying realm of lucha libre, a unique combination that defines the film's eccentric and campy vibe. Santo portrays a heroic version of himself, a professional wrestler by day, and an unflappable fighter of evil forces by night. The character of Santo in these films often takes on his opponents wearing his signature silver mask—something he famously did in real life throughout his entire wrestling career, never revealing his face publicly.

In this spooky adventure, the story kicks off when the evil vampiress Tundra, played by the alluring Gina Romand, is resuscitated from the dead. Tundra is on a relentless quest for revenge against the descendants of the mysterious Lina (Norma Lazareno), one of the key protagonists whose ancestor played a role in Tundra's demise a hundred years earlier. The film is stylized with gothic elements that are typical of vampire movies from the period, including eerie castles, dark cemeteries, and a haunting atmosphere with a touch of Mexican flair and kitsch.

As the plot thickens, the dormant vampire women under Tundra’s control rise from their graves, setting out to aid in her vengeful plans. The cinematography captures the spooky essence of these nocturnal beings, adorned in flowing gowns and exuding a malevolent elegance. The sight of Santo battling these supernatural creatures adds an unusual contrast and a visually interesting dynamic that keeps audiences engaged.

Santo's character, in addition to his wrestling prowess, is shown as a man of action and ingenuity, possessing various gadgets and employing detective skills that match his physical abilities. In "La Venganza de las Mujeres Vampiro," audiences are taken on a wild ride as Santo not only engages in standard wrestling matches but also confronts the diabolical forces that threaten the innocent.

The heroine Lina, played by Norma Lazareno, finds herself in a perilous situation, caught between her modern life and the ancient curse that haunts her bloodline. As a result, Santo becomes her protector, committing to break the curse and save her from a fate worse than death. The relationship between Santo and Lina is a focal point of the film, providing an emotional touchstone amidst the supernatural chaos.

Director Federico Curiel, a prolific filmmaker in the lucha film genre, manages to blend action, horror, and drama in a way that is quintessentially representative of these luchador-centric films. His direction ensures "La Venganza de las Mujeres Vampiro" encapsulates the essence of what makes these movies so charming and enjoyable to their cult following.

The appeal of this film extends beyond the plot to the campy special effects, costume designs, and stylized set pieces that characterize many horror films of the 60s and 70s. Although these elements can seem dated by contemporary standards, they add a nostalgic charm and a sense of fun, which is a big part of the movie's enduring appeal.

The sound design and musical score are also integral to setting the tone, with dramatic flourishes that accentuate both the wrestling scenes and the moments of horror. It ensures that the film delivers a full sensory experience, typical of genre films of its time which sought to fully immerse audiences in their unique worlds.

Furthermore, the film injects humor and personality into the mix, exemplified by Santo's calm and collected demeanor, even in the face of outright strangeness and danger, a trait that has always endeared him to fans.

"La Venganza de las Mujeres Vampiro" therefore represents a curious and entertaining piece of the Mexican film heritage. It's a retro cinematic experience that combines the thrill of wrestling with the allure of vampire folklore, resulting in a cult classic that continues to captivate those with a taste for the eccentric and the extraordinary. As such, it remains a memorable entry in the filmography of El Santo and a testament to the era's unique genre-blending cinema.