This flick still scares the $#!% outta me!

Call it campy, call it cheesy, whatever; This was one of the most frightening TV films I'd seen. The scary part is the realistic panning of the camera and the almost documentary style commentary done by Darin McGavin.

Although the film didn't use any actual special effects, the way the story is told, showcased and performed is enough to give anyone watching it the creeps! The realistic aspects of the narrative, given by Darin McGavin as newspaper reporter Carl Kolchak is mesmerizing, as he gives specific facts, including locations (in this case, Las Vegas), dates, times and method of death of the victims in graphic detail and of the killer. That, combined with the nearly documentary style panning technique camera work gives this ABC "MOTW" (movie of the week), quite an edge. The fairly campy music doesn't hurt the story.

One of the more intersting aspects of this movie is how it showcases the villain, Janos Skorzeny, as played by Barry Atwater. Skorzeny's either a super athletically inclined 70+ year old maniac who out runs police cars and leap over 8 foot fences who THINKS he's a vampire, or he is in fact a real (un)live member of the undead who can take gunshots at point blank range without injury.

Skorzeny's depicted as less of a supernatural being, with his reflection able to be seen in mirrors, he doesn't change into bats, fog or wolves, as opposed to the classic vampire wearing a black cape/tuxedo. Janos Skorzeny's dusty black suit is enough to get the job done here.

The only downside to it for me is our 'vampire' killer is presented simply as a non speaking, snarling blood thirsty monster who doesn't express himself vocally at all, only displaying his hungerlust for human blood.

Stars Darin McGavin and Barry Atwater did an awesome job in their roles, profressionals all the way. This is what why classic features can last forever.

Apparantly a new version of this classic is to be made with Johnny Depp and James Franco. It has big shoes to fill and hopefully will be up to the task. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with the storyline and if they can deliver the chills as well. Time will tell.


Alonzo Golden
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