Along with Thriller's host Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Vincent Price would be considered true icons of the horror genre, but my question would be - what's the deal with this guy Reggie Nalder? Man, he is one of the creepiest looking guys ever and that's even without the benefit of makeup. Nalder has a rather colorful if mysterious presence in the history of cinema, with career highlights as an assassin in Hitchcock's remake of "The Man Who Knew Too Much", and a horrifying role as a vampire in the Stephen King inspired TV mini-series "Salem's Lot". His role as a vampire in this story is also quite mesmerizing, and I would argue the story didn't even need that demonic accomplice to be effective.
Additionally, you have John Newland here in not only the lead role as heir Ellis Corbett, but he goes one step beyond to take on directing duties as well. Newland's character must promise his Uncle Amos that he will live in uncle's house upon his death, and will examine the burial vault daily to insure that it has not been breached. With that, Uncle Amos (Terence de Marney) summarily commits suicide with a poison pill, with written directions left behind in case foul play ever intrudes on his final resting place.
If remade today, I wouldn't change a thing except for that poorly executed apparition serving as the ghostly accomplice of Andrew Bentley (Nalder). Totally unnecessary because, as I've mentioned, Nalder is truly demonic enough himself with that burn scarred face and gaunt expression. He could however take a lesson from Lugosi on how to swing that cape.
Additionally, you have John Newland here in not only the lead role as heir Ellis Corbett, but he goes one step beyond to take on directing duties as well. Newland's character must promise his Uncle Amos that he will live in uncle's house upon his death, and will examine the burial vault daily to insure that it has not been breached. With that, Uncle Amos (Terence de Marney) summarily commits suicide with a poison pill, with written directions left behind in case foul play ever intrudes on his final resting place.
If remade today, I wouldn't change a thing except for that poorly executed apparition serving as the ghostly accomplice of Andrew Bentley (Nalder). Totally unnecessary because, as I've mentioned, Nalder is truly demonic enough himself with that burn scarred face and gaunt expression. He could however take a lesson from Lugosi on how to swing that cape.