Watch Mark of the Vampire

Mark of the Vampire, released in 1935, is a gothic drama horror film starring Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allan, and Bela Lugosi. The film was directed by Tod Browning, known for his works such as Dracula and Freaks. The story centers around a wealthy family living in a castle in Central Europe. The family is struck by a mysterious murder, where the victim is found drained of all their blood. The locals are convinced that vampires are behind the crime, but the investigating authorities are skeptical. They believe it is the work of a human and set out to uncover the killer.

Enter the renowned vampire hunter, Professor Zelin (Lionel Barrymore), who arrives at the castle to assist with the investigation. Along with Inspector Neumann (Lionel Atwill), they begin to unravel the mystery of the murder. They soon discover that the supposed vampire countess, Mora (Carroll Borland), and her creepy servant, Sandor (Bela Lugosi), who reside in the nearby cemetery, may be involved in the crimes.

Barrymore's character, Professor Zelin, is a fascinating character who has spent his life studying vampires. He is quite knowledgeable and quickly sets about investigating the possibility of the supernatural at play. However, as the plot thickens, it becomes difficult to determine whether or not his theories are correct. At the same time, Allan's character, Irena, becomes increasingly suspicious, leading to some tense moments between the cast.

Bela Lugosi, who played Dracula just three years prior, is superb in his role as the creepy servant Sandor. His character is pivotal to the plot, and his unsettling presence is felt throughout the film.

The atmosphere of Mark of the Vampire is something to be admired. The film's gothic aesthetic adds depth and mood to the story. The castle is a magnificent backdrop, offering some stunning shots of the surrounding countryside. The cemetery where Mora resides is decorated with hanging fog and eerie statues, making for a spooky setting.

One of the more notable aspects of Mark of the Vampire is the use of music. The score, composed by Edward Ward, is ominous and haunting, suiting the movie's tone perfectly. In addition, there are some standout scenes where the music is the primary focus, creating an atmosphere of dread.

At times, Mark of the Vampire is reminiscent of Dracula. It is not surprising considering it was directed by the same person, but it does have unique characteristics that set it apart. For instance, the take on vampirism in this film is vastly different from what we are used to seeing in modern movies.

One of the aspects that may not sit well with modern audiences is the idea of the twist ending. While it was undoubtedly a fresh take for the time, it may come off as contrived and more clichéd than inventive now. Nevertheless, it still makes for an intriguing final act.

Overall, Mark of the Vampire is a well-presented and suspenseful horror movie. The performances of the leading cast are terrific, and the gothic aesthetic adds a palpable tension to the story. While it may not be as masterful as some of Tod Browning's other works, it is still a must-watch for fans of classic horror.

Mark of the Vampire is a 1935 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.