Watch The Return of the Vampire

The Return of the Vampire is a classic horror film from 1943 starring Bela Lugosi, Frieda Inescort, and Nina Foch. The movie is set in London during World War II, where mysterious killings have been occurring in the city, leaving the authorities baffled. The film begins with a group of vampire hunters led by Armand Tesla, played by Bela Lugosi, who is trying to resurrect his long-lost vampire bride, Lupita. Tesla is unsuccessful, and the hunters mortally wound him. The movie cuts to twenty-five years later when an American bomb destroys the crypt, freeing Tesla.

Dr. Hugo Bruckner, played by Gilbert Emery, is studying the occult history of the British Isles in his basement when Tesla suddenly appears, seeking vengeance against the descendants of his previous enemies. Tina, played by Nina Foch, is a young woman who is drawn into the plot when she visits the cemetery and meets a handsome young man, John (played by Roland Varno). Tesla sees a striking resemblance between Tina and Lupita and decides to use her as a replacement for his lost love. Tesla kidnaps Tina, and it is now up to John and Dr. Bruckner to save her before it's too late.

One of the standout performances in the film is Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Armand Tesla. Lugosi crafts a character that is sinister, suave, and seductive, all at once. He imbues Tesla with a sadistic pleasure in causing pain and a cunning intelligence to plan his revenge. Throughout the film, Tesla appears both threatening and alluring. Lugosi's performance beautifully showcases his versatility as an actor, and it's easy to see why he is still remembered today as one of the most iconic movie villains of all time.

Frieda Inescort, who plays Lady Jane Ainsley, is another standout in the film. Lady Jane is a strong-willed woman who sees through Tesla's facade of charm and is determined to stop him. Inescort portrays Lady Jane as a quick-thinking and determined individual who is not afraid to take control of a situation. She often takes charge in the absence of John and Bruckner, showing a level of competence and bravery that is ahead of its time.

Nina Foch, who was still early in her career at the time of this film, also delivers a commendable turn as Tina. She portrays the character as sweet, innocent, and vulnerable, without being overly cloying. Tina's character serves as the love interest for John, but she also has her own agency, and Foch does an excellent job conveying the different layers of her character.

The Return of the Vampire is a beautifully shot movie, with a gloomy, atmospheric quality that is characteristic of classic horror films. The cemetery scenes are particularly noteworthy, with the looming shadows and fog creating a sense of unease. The special effects in the film are relatively crude by modern standards, but they are still effective, with Tesla's transformation scenes being particularly memorable.

Ultimately, The Return of the Vampire is a classic horror movie that showcases some of the best performances of Bela Lugosi's career. The film is still entertaining today, with all the scary elements that have made horror films popular for decades. Fans of classic horror will enjoy this film and appreciate the nostalgia that comes with watching it more than 75 years after its release.

The Return of the Vampire is a 1943 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.