Mar '17
Around 15 years ago, MGM had their Midnite Movies catalogue in full swing, with 60s to 70s (and sometimes 80s) classics brought to home video, finally. My mom bought one of her old favorites, "Count Yorga, Vampire" on VHS, and I had to see what the big deal was. Was it a big deal, though? Really?
Count Yorga... Vampire! AKA "The Loves of Count Iorga", originally conceived to be a porno, but toned down by the actor's request in favor of making it more legit. At least there's still implied lesbian sex in the film.
The movie plays out like your average vampire-in-the-real-world story does. Vampiric shit happens, nobody believes it, until there's nothing left to salvage. It's a modern-day take on the old story, but it works because the characters go along with it, and always doubt that this kind of thing could be real.
Robert Quarry is fantastic as the Count, playing the role as both charming AND annoyed. This dude is stuck-up and snooty as shit, but his look and mannerisms are perfect. He's even got a big brute for a familiar, played by the hideous Edward Walsh. The mythology and cliches are strong in this movie, and the moody music makes it a definitive vampire tale.
There is a sequel, which barely has a reason to exist, but it also exists on a high note. It looks almost like a Hammer movie, set in a gothic mansion with even more crucifixes in your face. It's kind of like a rip-off, but in many ways, an equal to the original (even going as far as to feature certain cast members in near identical roles).
I think Yorga is the coolest.
Count Yorga... Vampire! AKA "The Loves of Count Iorga", originally conceived to be a porno, but toned down by the actor's request in favor of making it more legit. At least there's still implied lesbian sex in the film.
The movie plays out like your average vampire-in-the-real-world story does. Vampiric shit happens, nobody believes it, until there's nothing left to salvage. It's a modern-day take on the old story, but it works because the characters go along with it, and always doubt that this kind of thing could be real.
Robert Quarry is fantastic as the Count, playing the role as both charming AND annoyed. This dude is stuck-up and snooty as shit, but his look and mannerisms are perfect. He's even got a big brute for a familiar, played by the hideous Edward Walsh. The mythology and cliches are strong in this movie, and the moody music makes it a definitive vampire tale.
There is a sequel, which barely has a reason to exist, but it also exists on a high note. It looks almost like a Hammer movie, set in a gothic mansion with even more crucifixes in your face. It's kind of like a rip-off, but in many ways, an equal to the original (even going as far as to feature certain cast members in near identical roles).
I think Yorga is the coolest.