Watch Vampire Circus

In the small village of Stetl, it is said that the arrival of the Vampire Circus is an omen of death and destruction. The villagers have long feared the supernatural and staked their hope of salvation on the local priest and doctor. But when the circus rolls into town, they soon realize that their fears may become reality. Vampire Circus is a 1972 horror movie that blends elements of the Gothic novel, Hammer horror, and folk fairytales to create an eerie and captivating tale of terror. Directed by Robert Young and written by Judson Kinberg, the film takes viewers on a thrilling journey into a mystical world of bloodlust and malevolence.

The story begins with a flashback to 15 years earlier, when a local vampire named Count Mitterhaus was staked to death by the villagers. However, before he perished, he vowed to return and seek revenge on those who had betrayed him. Now, with the arrival of the Vampire Circus, it seems his prophecy is coming true.

The circus, led by a sultry ringmistress played by Adrienne Corri, is an enigmatic and supernatural troupe that mesmerizes the villagers with their daring feats and frightening performances. The circus performers are all imbued with supernatural powers, and the villagers are quickly entranced by their seductive and hypnotic tricks.

But as the villagers become more and more entranced by the circus, they start to suffer from a strange illness that leaves them weak and vulnerable. Meanwhile, the circus performers begin to take advantage of their weakness, preying on them and turning them into bloodthirsty vampires.

The movie is notable for its use of vivid colors, elaborate costumes, and grotesque makeup. The eerie atmosphere is enhanced by an eclectic soundtrack that ranges from baroque classical music to psychedelic rock. The cinematography by Moray Grant is also striking, with its use of bright, vibrant colors and quick camera movements creating a disorienting and unsettling effect.

Adding to the movie's intrigue is the fantastic cast, which features some of the most renowned actors of the era. Thorley Walters delivers a standout performance as the drunken doctor who struggles to protect his daughter from the seductive ringmistress. Anthony Higgins, in one of his earliest roles, plays the young hero who tries to unravel the mystery of the circus and the vampire curse.

Overall, Vampire Circus is a must-see horror classic that combines the best elements of traditional horror with an innovative and imaginative twist. Its unique blend of Gothic horror, supernatural elements, and fairytale lore make it a standout in the horror genre. Whether you are a fan of vampire movies, Gothic literature, or just enjoy a good horror tale, Vampire Circus is sure to captivate and terrify you.

Vampire Circus is a 1972 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.