As a film student at a university I will not identify, I must say that in spite of all its obvious limitations, I loved this film! In fact, I think it is equal if not better than the original "Blacula.' It is disappointing to me that many liberals (well, I am a moderate one myself) see these films as being politically incorrect stereotypes. I would argue that these were African-Americans making their own films and that they effectively broke or modified the stereotypes by taking them to extremes their own way. I think William Marshall is great in this film. He almost makes a better vampire than Bela Lugosi, but I don't know if I can put him alongside the great Max Shrek ("Nosferatu"). I was battling a case of the blues when I saw this,now happy days are here once again! Isn't that what movies are all about anyway? But, I do want to add one thing. Obviously, it is not an exceptional work of art. I gave it a 7 out of 10, but I did really, really enjoy this one!
68 Reviews
Blacula Meets Coffy
Witchfinder-General-66623 April 2008
"Scream Blacula Scream" of 1973 is a funky and fun to watch sequel to the minor Classic "Blacula" which brought Vampires into Blaxploitation cinema for the first time the year before. The success of "Blacula" also spawned a bunch of other Blaxploitation Horror flicks, such as "Blackenstein", "Ganja & Hess" or "Abby". The sequel basically has the same qualities and faults as the original. "Scream Blacula Scream" once again delivers a groovy 70s feeling, and William Marshall is more than cool in the eponymous role. What makes this film especially worthwhile is the casting of the queen of blaxploitation, the wonderful Miss "Coffy" and "Foxy Brown" herself, Pam Grier. I also liked how Voodoo was added to the plot. While it is again a cool film with a funky atmosphere "Scream Blacula Scream" is (as it was the case with the original) never creepy or scary in any way. What also disappointed me about the original was the lack of sleaze and violence, and the same is the case here, too. Nonetheless, "Scream Blacula Scream" is fun to watch. Mamuwalde alias Blacula (William Marshall) is resurrected by voodoo. As in the first part, Mamuwalde is not really a villain, but merely a tormented soul, who cannot help but turn into Blacula to satisfy his thirst for human blood in order to survive. Soon after his resurrection, he runs into Lisa (Pam Grier) a beautiful young woman who has particularly powerful Voodoo-skills... What follows are 90 minutes of goofy, but entertaining fun in funky 70s style. This is certainly no highly memorable blaxploitation effort, but it is a good time-waster and definitely fun to watch.
That Voodoo Spell
bkoganbing9 November 2014
William Marshall makes a second and final appearance as the vampire Blacula whom you thought might have been killed off. But he returns in this film to become part of a power play in a voodoo cult.
As the queen of a cult lays dying her last act is to select Pam Grier as her successor passing over her son Richard Lawson. Lawson ain't about to have anything of that so obtains the bones of the now legendary Blacula and with a few incantations Blacula reappears. But he lets Lawson know that as a vampire and an African prince he ain't about to be doing his bidding.
In fact when he hears that Grier has powers and abilities far beyond the usual voodoo black arts practitioner and she might even cure his vampirism Marshall starts seeing thing her way in the power struggle. Marshall wants Grier to start doing the voodoo she does so well.
In all of this former police detective and now writer of the occult Don Mitchell tries to be the Van Helsing of the film. But he's not up to the task as Thalmus Rasulala was in the original Blacula.
I guess there were no more demands for future Blacula sequels so with these two films Marshall got one of his two career roles, the other being Dr. Dengstrom in a Star Trek episode. Scream Blacula Scream was an enjoyable piece of entertainment in the horror genre.
But as I said before Marshall came along too soon or he would have been James Earl Jones.
As the queen of a cult lays dying her last act is to select Pam Grier as her successor passing over her son Richard Lawson. Lawson ain't about to have anything of that so obtains the bones of the now legendary Blacula and with a few incantations Blacula reappears. But he lets Lawson know that as a vampire and an African prince he ain't about to be doing his bidding.
In fact when he hears that Grier has powers and abilities far beyond the usual voodoo black arts practitioner and she might even cure his vampirism Marshall starts seeing thing her way in the power struggle. Marshall wants Grier to start doing the voodoo she does so well.
In all of this former police detective and now writer of the occult Don Mitchell tries to be the Van Helsing of the film. But he's not up to the task as Thalmus Rasulala was in the original Blacula.
I guess there were no more demands for future Blacula sequels so with these two films Marshall got one of his two career roles, the other being Dr. Dengstrom in a Star Trek episode. Scream Blacula Scream was an enjoyable piece of entertainment in the horror genre.
But as I said before Marshall came along too soon or he would have been James Earl Jones.
A guilty pleasure
dctrevil7 May 2003
I thoroughly disagree with a previous reviewer. This movie is a lot of fun! Anyone who loves Pam Grier as much as I do must see it, even as she is definitely not the "action hero" here. She looks particularly sexy in a sweaty ceremony scene. Unbelievable dialogue highlights this film; like when Blacula makes a new convert and the guy realizes he has no reflection in the mirror and says, "Hey man, I don't mind bein' a vampire and all that sh**, but a man has got to see his face!" I was halfway through this movie before remembering William Marshall (Blacula) from Pee Wee's Playhouse as the Cartoon King ("Let the cartoon...BEGIN!") Anyway, if you've seen this film's title and you're familiar with Pam's early work, you know what you're in for. Have fun with it!
The Black Vampire Returns
claudio_carvalho18 November 2020
When the voodoo priestess Mama Loa dies, she had not selected who would be the next leader of the cult. Her ambitious and arrogant son Willis Daniels (Richard Lawson) believes he will be her successor, but the cult chooses his stepsister Lisa Fortier (Pam Grier) instead. Willis is angry and meets an old voodoo leader that gives Mamuwalde bones and written instructions to him to seek revenge against the cult. He resurrects Blacula that turns him into a vampire and his minion. Blacula goes to a party at Justin Carter (Don Mitchell)'s house and meets his girlfriend Lisa, who is a powerful voodoo practitioner. Blacula continues his crime spree and while Justin investigates the murder cases, Blacula asks for help to Lisa to use her powers to get rid of his curse using a voodoo doll. Will she succeed?
"Scream Blacula Scream" is a Blaxploitation horror film and sequel of "Blacula". The first film was very funny, but this sequel is not so comic. Anyway, it is also a worthwhile entertainment. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Os Gritos de Blácula" ("The Screams of Blacula")
"Scream Blacula Scream" is a Blaxploitation horror film and sequel of "Blacula". The first film was very funny, but this sequel is not so comic. Anyway, it is also a worthwhile entertainment. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Os Gritos de Blácula" ("The Screams of Blacula")
Enjoyable Horror Blaxploitation
a_chinn9 May 2017
"Let the cartoooooooooooon begin!" Sorry, but for my generation William Marshall is best remembered as The King of Cartoons from Pee Wee's Playhouse, but little did I realize that he was originally the super cool vampire Prince Mamuwalde AKA Blacula! Marshall returns in this sequel that's surprisingly good. Having been vanquished at the end of the first film, Blacula is resurrected by a drug dealer who wants to use Blacula to exact his revenge. Blacula instead turns the dealer into part of a vampire army he commands for his own ends, part of which is securing Pam Grier, who hadn't broke out yet with "Coffy" which was released this same year. The vampires are creepy, the voodoo themed storyline is entertaining, and the film features a strong leads in Marshall and Grier. Overall, this is pretty silly blaxploitation film, but it's also quite entertaining in a camp sort of way. And look fast for Craig T. Nelson as a police sergeant.
SCREAM BLACULA SCREAM (Bob Kelljan, 1973) **
Bunuel197612 October 2013
The revived Prince Mamuwalde yearns to be cured of his bloodsucking habits and, to this end, seeks the help of a voodoo-practicing young woman. The raison d'etre behind this inferior sequel (directed by the man behind the two "Count Yorga" movies) to a surprisingly successful "Blaxploitation" take on the vampire myth only comes to the fore during the last fifteen minutes of the film; the rest is taken up by standard thrills, even more humdrum detection and, hilariously, copious use of – no pun intended – colorful slang: at one point, 'Blacula' himself is described as "an interesting dude"; met by a "What's happenin'?" greeting when he overhears the intentions of one of his newly-fanged acolytes to go against his direct orders – who also pleads with his master to tell him if he looks good now that he can no longer cast a reflection in the mirror!; and dismissed as an alcoholic hallucination by an inebriated partygoer with a cry of "Shiiiiiit!" As intimated earlier, the pacing is a bit off for most of the film's running time and, while William Marshall is as commanding in his role as the first time round, the welcome appearances of Pam Grier (as Blacula's would-be savior) and an unrecognizable Bernie Hamilton (as a tramp whose actions set the narrative in motion) do not help matters much.
" It's Blacula verses Foxy Brown"!
coxtalan21 June 2008
This June 27,2008 will mark the 35th anniversary of the premiere of "Scream Blacula Scream". The continuing story of Mamuwalde,the black prince who at night becomes Blacula the vampire played by William Marshall.
This time,Mamuwalde meets up with a voodoo priestess played by"Foxy Brown" Pam Grier who just might be able to cure him of his long suffering curse. Will he be cured or will he cursed forever?
The movie is scary great and the music is "hip". What can I say it was the 70's.
This movie also stars Michael Conrad "Hill Street Blues",Bernie Hamilton "Starsky and Hutch", and a young Craig T. Nelson (as Craig Nelson)who later on gained fame with the horror movie "Poltergeist" and TV shows like "Coach","The District", and "My Name is Earl" to name a few.
A must for fans like me of those 70's horror movies.
This time,Mamuwalde meets up with a voodoo priestess played by"Foxy Brown" Pam Grier who just might be able to cure him of his long suffering curse. Will he be cured or will he cursed forever?
The movie is scary great and the music is "hip". What can I say it was the 70's.
This movie also stars Michael Conrad "Hill Street Blues",Bernie Hamilton "Starsky and Hutch", and a young Craig T. Nelson (as Craig Nelson)who later on gained fame with the horror movie "Poltergeist" and TV shows like "Coach","The District", and "My Name is Earl" to name a few.
A must for fans like me of those 70's horror movies.
An Okay Sequel
Uriah4323 October 2023
This film essentially begins with a dispute over who will take the place of the dying leader of a voodoo cult with her son "Willis Daniels" (Richard Lawson) angrily denouncing the more popular practitioner "Lisa Fortier" (Pam Grier) and threatening all those who oppose him. To make good his threats, he visits another voodoo priest who gives him the bones of an African prince by the name of "Mamulwade" (William Marshall) and tells him that, by following certain instructions, he can summon an entity so powerful that nobody can stand in his way. Naturally, being an extremely arrogant person, he does exactly what he is told. What he doesn't count on however, is that rather than having a powerful demon at his command, the newly resurrected vampire known as Blacula subjugates him to his will instead. Not only that, but rather than destroying Lisa Fortier like Willis so desperately wants, Blacula decides to do the exact opposite and protect her--for reasons known only to him. Needless to say, this infuriates Willis but, since Blacula is so powerful, there is little he can do for the time being. Even so, he remains adamant in his desire to destroy her the very first chance he gets. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this film started off rather well but seemed to lose its bite a little further on. That being said, while I don't consider William Marshall to be quite as good a vampire as Bela Lugosi or Christopher Lee, I suppose he played his role well enough, and I have rated this film accordingly. Average.
Better Than Made Out to Be
gavin69428 May 2015
After a dying Voodoo queen, Mama Loa, chooses an adopted apprentice, Lisa Fortier (Pam Grier) as her successor, her arrogant son and true heir, Willis, (Richard Lawson) is outraged. Seeking revenge, he buys the bones of Mamuwalde the vampire from the former shaman of the voodoo cult, and uses voodoo to resurrect the vampire to do his bidding.
This film seems to get a bad rap. In the first Blacula, there was an attempt to make the vampire more refined, more serious and a character who was not just a joke. Some say they did not take the same approach the second time around. Well, I don't agree with that. Having him be knowledgeable in African art seems pretty refined to me.
Maybe an army of vampires or a voodoo priestess is a little silly, but this is AIP we are talking about. The point is to have fun, and this movie is fun.
This film seems to get a bad rap. In the first Blacula, there was an attempt to make the vampire more refined, more serious and a character who was not just a joke. Some say they did not take the same approach the second time around. Well, I don't agree with that. Having him be knowledgeable in African art seems pretty refined to me.
Maybe an army of vampires or a voodoo priestess is a little silly, but this is AIP we are talking about. The point is to have fun, and this movie is fun.
"I'd give it serious consideration before trying."
LeonLouisRicci4 November 2014
Played Perfectly Straight, Despite Some Jive Talk and Enormous Afros, this Sequel is More of the Same Blaxploitation with Clunky Montage and a Very Weak Ending.
There are Some Highlights to Go with the Low Lighting, but Most of it is Hokey Humdrum with Pam Grier Wasted as a Shrinking Voodoo Priestess. William Marshall is Again Commanding and is a Towering Presences that Really Does Impose as the Threatening Vampire.
There is an Exorcism Scene that is Pure Sexual Symbolism as Grier Goes All Hand-Job on a Voodoo Doll of Blacula as He Seems to be Deriving Pleasure as the Ritual Proceeds Until Coitus-Interruptus. It's Pretty Lame Filmmaking with the Sweaty Pair Bobbing and Weaving Through the Thing that is Made with the Least Bit of Style.
Overall, Disappointing and the Climax is Rushed and by the Numbers. The Final Shot is Anything but Money.
There are Some Highlights to Go with the Low Lighting, but Most of it is Hokey Humdrum with Pam Grier Wasted as a Shrinking Voodoo Priestess. William Marshall is Again Commanding and is a Towering Presences that Really Does Impose as the Threatening Vampire.
There is an Exorcism Scene that is Pure Sexual Symbolism as Grier Goes All Hand-Job on a Voodoo Doll of Blacula as He Seems to be Deriving Pleasure as the Ritual Proceeds Until Coitus-Interruptus. It's Pretty Lame Filmmaking with the Sweaty Pair Bobbing and Weaving Through the Thing that is Made with the Least Bit of Style.
Overall, Disappointing and the Climax is Rushed and by the Numbers. The Final Shot is Anything but Money.
A sequel worthy of the original...
poe4262 June 2002
The members of the Count Dracula Society were on to something when they voted BLACULA the scariest (theatrical) film of 1972 (THE NIGHT STALKER, scripted by Richard Matheson, came creeping across tv screens the same year, and rivaled BLACULA for outright fright). SCREAM,BLACULA,SCREAM! proved a worthy follow-up. The voodoo angle was a logical next step, and, for a kid whose preference was for fright films, it did not disappoint. And it STILL doesn't: I caught this one on a cable channel not too long ago, and I was surprised at how creepy it still is, after all these years. Pam Grier's character here is more sympathetic than the vast majority of the parts she's had over the years, and she is more than capable in the role. William Marshall is as majestic as ever. The direction is even better than in the original. All told, a sequel worth seeing.
Better than first one
Bored_Dragon15 May 2018
Once again it has been shown that the sequences can be better than the original. Although "Scream Blacula Scream" isn't scary at all, unlike most of such movies it isn't stupid. It has a fairly well-written story, with a moderate amount of humor and interesting characters. The acting is good, music is even better, and movie keeps your attention from start to finish. It's not effective as horror, but it's quite decent low-budget movie worth watching.
6/10
6/10
A (b)lacklustre sequel.
BA_Harrison5 May 2017
William Marshall, the Christopher Lee of Blaxploitation horror, returns as Blacula, resurrected from the dead by voodoo cultist Willis (Richard Lawson), who wants revenge on Lisa Fortier (Pam Grier), destined to be the cult's next leader. As in the first film, Blacula sets about creating a small army of blood-slurping followers, while ex-cop Justin Carter (Don Mitchell) puts together the pieces of the puzzle and comes to the only conclusion: vampires!
This rushed into production sequel isn't a patch on the original, lacking that film's fun factor. Marshall once again puts in a strong performance, but the plot is deathly dull, with very little of interest happening for much of the time. Pam Grier, so often the strong female lead, is relegated to helpless girl-in-peril, at least until the very end when she kills Blacula via the use of a voodoo doll. Funniest moment comes when narcissist Willis realises that he can no longer see his reflection in a mirror, although the library scene had me chuckling a lot as well: check out how many copies of Summer in Sodom, The Erotic Revolution and The Zolotov Affair they've got on the shelves!
This rushed into production sequel isn't a patch on the original, lacking that film's fun factor. Marshall once again puts in a strong performance, but the plot is deathly dull, with very little of interest happening for much of the time. Pam Grier, so often the strong female lead, is relegated to helpless girl-in-peril, at least until the very end when she kills Blacula via the use of a voodoo doll. Funniest moment comes when narcissist Willis realises that he can no longer see his reflection in a mirror, although the library scene had me chuckling a lot as well: check out how many copies of Summer in Sodom, The Erotic Revolution and The Zolotov Affair they've got on the shelves!
It's Better Than You Think!
teuthis4 April 2002
I'm a Dracula fan and I really got a kick out of this film. True, if you try to perceive it as merely serious horror, then you might be disappointed. But if you view it as a Dracula Genre-Blackxploitation Meets Hammer Films-1970's Culture Shock Satire, then it's a lot of fun! Sure, I'll watch anything with Pam Grier in it; and I have! I love William Marshall's deep-voiced, precisely-dictioned intonations too. How many actors can walk into a 1970's black nightclub in a tux and cape,sans "afro" and carry it off with his effortless aplomb? But this film has more than humor. It was fairly well thought out and is entertaining escapism. It also has all the usual funny little peccadillos of the low budget film genre. These are numerous and often hilarious. I watch it almost every time I see it on cable. [Of course I also loved Dr. Black and Mr. Hyde, with Bernie Casey.] For my money, any Dracula is good Dracula... or is that Blackula?
Scream!
Spuzzlightyear22 March 2012
An interesting and, dare I say it, better-then-the-original follow-up to Blacula. Where the first was essentially set-up, this is dynamite pay-off. William Marshall and his team of phantom vampires are generally creepy this time (thanks to a director who's been there before) and the story presents an interesting take on the vampire story with Voodoo elements combined. Pam Grier is an expert on the occult, and agrees, with some heavy reservations mind you, to take on Mr. Blacula and tries to rid his little problem with the help of voodoo dolls! If this sounds silly, it probably is, but it's presented quite interestingly and with a lot of style that the cheesiness isn't too obvious. Quite a little surprise.
I'm surprised they didn't make anymore Blacula movies after this one; underrated
justin-fencsak29 November 2018
When Blacula first was unleashed to the public after the successes of Shaft and Badass , it became a cult hit among horror fans of all races and ages. Rated PG (equal to a pg-13 rating today) and made on a low budget, it made its money back through reissues and tv airings and became a mainstay of black horror cinema not to mention blaxploitation cinema in general. A sequel was rushed to capitialize on the success of the movie, and it's a good one as well as a stand alone movie. Pam Grier is awesome and the rest of the cast too. Beyonce's father in law makes his screen debut in this film long before he was in Poltergeist and the classic 1983 miniseries V. This movie is not for kids as it's teenage horror and harsh language. Worthy of a rental.
It's hard to keep a good vampire down!
planktonrules6 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Sure, Blacula was killed in the last film, but like Dracula, it's hard to keep a good vampire down once and for all. The movie begins with Willis (no relation to Todd Bridges) becoming angry because he thought he'd become the next voodoo high priest. When he is passed over instead, the dude comes up with a brilliant plan--buy the bones of Blacula and bring him back to life using a little 'black magic' in order to exact revenge. Unfortunately, the plan only half works--Blacula comes back but makes this big butt-head his vampire slave--a very silly dressed vampire slave, too, I might add!
I must say that the ceremony for reconstituting Blacula was pretty lame as you NEVER get to see the bones become the vampire--the guy leaves the room and minutes later, Blacula comes out to get him. Lame! Everyone in the theater expected a cool transformation scene and got nothing! I guess that's what you get when American-International backs your film!
After Blac and his new protégé feast on a couple victims, the Prince of Evil decides to go out on the town and crashes a party where some African treasures are being admired. Since he is a very, very old African man, he is able to identify the items--and impresses the house guests so much that he's a hit at the party. In the process, he meets the lady of his dreams (and many other guys back in the 70s), Pam Grier. But, he gets a bad case of the munchies and he decides to sneak off to feed on Gloria. Soon after this, he walks home from the party and comes upon a couple cheap pimps. After they try to mug him, the Prince of Darkness then drinks one of them dry. Wow---three times in one evening, this cat is insatiable! I can't recall ever seeing Dracula doing that in any one of his films! And, for that matter, I can't recall seeing Dracula suck guys dry. Hmmmm...I guess Blacula isn't worried about what others might think or say behind his back....making him a very, very confident vampire, indeed...or he's bi-.
Later, when Gloria miraculously comes back from the dead and tries to kill her, her friend (Grier) is a bit stunned and realizes the powers of evil might just be afoot. But, in a blaze of fury, Blacula comes to save Ms. Grier as well as engage in some small talk. It turns out Blacula needs her help, as with her wondrous voodoo powers, she MIGHT be able to cure him of his wretched curse (the curse of vampirism...not his having to appear in this film!). How can Grier help? What is to become of Blacula? Tune in yourself to see.
Okay, I gotta admit that the Blacula films are amazingly silly. But, on the other hand, they are also a lot of fun--and great entertainment. However, I don't often tell people I love these two films (and many other blaxsploitation films)--it gets you funny looks! The acting of William Marshall (Blacula) is very nice--and he has a nice presence about him. As for the rest of the cast, they try their best despite having to say some occasionally silly lines and almost non-existent special effects! Good entertainment....just NOT a candidate for the Criterion Collection!
I must say that the ceremony for reconstituting Blacula was pretty lame as you NEVER get to see the bones become the vampire--the guy leaves the room and minutes later, Blacula comes out to get him. Lame! Everyone in the theater expected a cool transformation scene and got nothing! I guess that's what you get when American-International backs your film!
After Blac and his new protégé feast on a couple victims, the Prince of Evil decides to go out on the town and crashes a party where some African treasures are being admired. Since he is a very, very old African man, he is able to identify the items--and impresses the house guests so much that he's a hit at the party. In the process, he meets the lady of his dreams (and many other guys back in the 70s), Pam Grier. But, he gets a bad case of the munchies and he decides to sneak off to feed on Gloria. Soon after this, he walks home from the party and comes upon a couple cheap pimps. After they try to mug him, the Prince of Darkness then drinks one of them dry. Wow---three times in one evening, this cat is insatiable! I can't recall ever seeing Dracula doing that in any one of his films! And, for that matter, I can't recall seeing Dracula suck guys dry. Hmmmm...I guess Blacula isn't worried about what others might think or say behind his back....making him a very, very confident vampire, indeed...or he's bi-.
Later, when Gloria miraculously comes back from the dead and tries to kill her, her friend (Grier) is a bit stunned and realizes the powers of evil might just be afoot. But, in a blaze of fury, Blacula comes to save Ms. Grier as well as engage in some small talk. It turns out Blacula needs her help, as with her wondrous voodoo powers, she MIGHT be able to cure him of his wretched curse (the curse of vampirism...not his having to appear in this film!). How can Grier help? What is to become of Blacula? Tune in yourself to see.
Okay, I gotta admit that the Blacula films are amazingly silly. But, on the other hand, they are also a lot of fun--and great entertainment. However, I don't often tell people I love these two films (and many other blaxsploitation films)--it gets you funny looks! The acting of William Marshall (Blacula) is very nice--and he has a nice presence about him. As for the rest of the cast, they try their best despite having to say some occasionally silly lines and almost non-existent special effects! Good entertainment....just NOT a candidate for the Criterion Collection!
I cannot imagine any more drab and unflattering garments she was given to wear
christopher-underwood19 December 2018
Director, Bob Kelljan previously helmed the first and second Yoga films, with mixed success and now takes on the follow up to Blacula. Not being a great fan of Blacula, except for William Marshall's majestic performance, I thought at first I was going to prefer this. After Marshall's almost speechless and affective opening scenes, however, things become a little too campy for me and one non scene follows another. The big house is great but too many long tracking shots and pans do not a suspenseful or exciting film make. Not being interested in any of the characters meant the slow drawn out passages became a problem. The obvious and most simple solution would have been to increase Pam Grier's part and give her some decent clothes. I cannot imagine any more drab and unflattering garments she was given to wear especially as everyone else is gloriously dressed. The late scenes with Marshall and Grier over voodoo are great. He is back on form, the direction and editing is tight and Grier looks quite amazing. Shame the whole film could not have been like this.
More of the same.
mark.waltz21 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Fun viewing for the type of film that it is, but it's not much different and not quite as clever as the 1972 original. In fact, certain elements of the film seem like they were taking directly from the original as if they knew that they would get fans of the original but didn't add much creativity. Prince Mamuwalde has been brought back from the dead through voodoo, his bones being seen as Richard Lawson performs a ritual on them and suddenly finding himself complaining about the fact that he can no longer see his reflection in the mirror. "A man's got to know what he looks like", he says, and he's basically the Igor to William H. Marshall's "Blacula".
One thing is clear. Marshall, like several other big screen and TV vampires, doesn't want to be the living dead, and spouts philosophies throughout the film that reveals the soul underneath the doomed creature of the night. Pamela Grier is his quite beautiful object of affection, so Blacula is a romantic creature at heart, and that does give his character some empathy. But a creature of the night is going to have enemies in the light, and their goal is going to be to destroy what they see as pure evil.
So while this is definite camp and has a few chills, there's nothing new to it, and obviously this would be the end of the line for the chocolate Mr. Toothy. Still, it's worthy of viewing as a Halloween distraction, colorful and frequently funny, and in my view, not worthy for its inclusion on the Golden Turkey list. Definitely not worth any screenplay praise either, and at times, it does go a bit overboard. But there definitely have been worse vampire films, and they are bloodier messes than this is.
One thing is clear. Marshall, like several other big screen and TV vampires, doesn't want to be the living dead, and spouts philosophies throughout the film that reveals the soul underneath the doomed creature of the night. Pamela Grier is his quite beautiful object of affection, so Blacula is a romantic creature at heart, and that does give his character some empathy. But a creature of the night is going to have enemies in the light, and their goal is going to be to destroy what they see as pure evil.
So while this is definite camp and has a few chills, there's nothing new to it, and obviously this would be the end of the line for the chocolate Mr. Toothy. Still, it's worthy of viewing as a Halloween distraction, colorful and frequently funny, and in my view, not worthy for its inclusion on the Golden Turkey list. Definitely not worth any screenplay praise either, and at times, it does go a bit overboard. But there definitely have been worse vampire films, and they are bloodier messes than this is.
More fun than a stake through the heart!
dfranzen7030 July 2019
Even better than the original, which was pretty fine in its own right. This sequel to the so-called Blaxploitation classic concerns the resurrection of Prince Mamuwalde, aka Blacula, by a voodoo cultist who's trying to take over his group after the death of their leader (his mother). Opposing said cultist is the priestess Lisa (Pam Grier). Do you think Blacula just exacts revenge on the part of the son? Naw, son! He's out for himself, same as always. He gets the idea that the lovely Lisa can use her voodoo magic to put Blacula's soul to rest, but of course Lisa is a little reticent about that option. The bodies keep piling up, because of course Blacula has no compunction about bleeding folks dry. This movie is an example of how good genre pictures could be in the early 1970s, even with (or especially with) a modest budget. This was an early role for Grier, who has gone on to make a boatload of entertaining films, and although her acting is kind of raw here (to be fair), she shows quite a bit of charm and personality, traits that would be on better display in later movies like Coffy. Still, how often to you get to see a black-themed horror movie without it devolving into nonsense (Scary Movie, A Haunted House, Paranormal Movie)? The answer is not often. The atmosphere is haunting and feels authentic.
Not quite right...
jockledoodledoo3 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This follow up to 'Blacula' really doesn't quite deliver what it should. While the first film is by no means perfect, it is highly entertaining and quite well paced. 'Scream Blacula Scream' howls 'cash-in', basically being a carbon copy of the original (myth versus science / voodoo versus science) with the addition of Pam Grier. One might expect Pam's role to be one of a bad ass chick sent down to kick Blacula's ass, but no, sadly she is wrongly cast as a fairly dull damsel in distress.
The pacing of the film is altogether incredibly sluggish - indeed, the most is made out of some of the spooky set pieces, but this feels like a dragged out 45 minute TV show with bigger ambitions than it could actually deliver. There is a vast amount of tedious filler - not that the first film didn't heavily feature musical performances, but these were at least were rather fun.
The ending itself seems to also sum up the film; it just stops really, after the set 'movie length' has been covered it sinks into a severe anti-climax. The director and cast cannot have been proud of this effort which is best avoided. Watching the trailer will sum up the film, and you'll get to see (most) of the highlights and then have time to watch a more decent film!
The pacing of the film is altogether incredibly sluggish - indeed, the most is made out of some of the spooky set pieces, but this feels like a dragged out 45 minute TV show with bigger ambitions than it could actually deliver. There is a vast amount of tedious filler - not that the first film didn't heavily feature musical performances, but these were at least were rather fun.
The ending itself seems to also sum up the film; it just stops really, after the set 'movie length' has been covered it sinks into a severe anti-climax. The director and cast cannot have been proud of this effort which is best avoided. Watching the trailer will sum up the film, and you'll get to see (most) of the highlights and then have time to watch a more decent film!
The Man in Black Is Back in Town
domino10035 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"Scream Blacula Scream" is actually better than the original. Of course, that may have a lot to do with Pam Grier.
Grier plays Lisa, who had just been given the title of head of a voodoo cult. However, Willis (Richard Lawson), the son of the recently deceased voodoo queen, is not pleased at all with the group's choice. And of course, when you're mad, you have a burning desire to get even.
Ragman (Bernie Hamilton), who is also mad about how he was treated, gives Willis a helping hand by giving him bones that will help him in his revenge quest. That night, Willis does a voodoo chant with the bones (And during which Lisa sees something rise through fire in a vision) and up comes Blacula (William Marshall), who is none too pleased with being brought back to life (or death, or whatever). And he shows his displeasure by giving Willis an undead hickey.
Willis, who is now in undead chic, wants to attend a party. However, Blacula goes instead. There he meets Lisa, who feels that they had met before (In a way she has, seeing him rise from the flames during his resurrection). Soon, mysterious deaths occur and Sheriff Dunlop (Michael Conrad) believes that Lisa's cult may have something to do with it. Lisa's boyfriend Justin (Don Mitchell) believes otherwise.
Lisa later discovers Blacula's secret and he wants her to help him: her voodoo know-how can drive out the evil spirit that's within him.
Marshall and Grier work pretty well together, and I think that is why this film is slightly better than the first one. Too bad this was pretty much the end of the Blacula films. By the late 1970's, the era was pretty much dead, and films made during this period are regarded as stereotypical or racist.
However, despite some faults, this is still a pretty good film to have in your collection.
Grier plays Lisa, who had just been given the title of head of a voodoo cult. However, Willis (Richard Lawson), the son of the recently deceased voodoo queen, is not pleased at all with the group's choice. And of course, when you're mad, you have a burning desire to get even.
Ragman (Bernie Hamilton), who is also mad about how he was treated, gives Willis a helping hand by giving him bones that will help him in his revenge quest. That night, Willis does a voodoo chant with the bones (And during which Lisa sees something rise through fire in a vision) and up comes Blacula (William Marshall), who is none too pleased with being brought back to life (or death, or whatever). And he shows his displeasure by giving Willis an undead hickey.
Willis, who is now in undead chic, wants to attend a party. However, Blacula goes instead. There he meets Lisa, who feels that they had met before (In a way she has, seeing him rise from the flames during his resurrection). Soon, mysterious deaths occur and Sheriff Dunlop (Michael Conrad) believes that Lisa's cult may have something to do with it. Lisa's boyfriend Justin (Don Mitchell) believes otherwise.
Lisa later discovers Blacula's secret and he wants her to help him: her voodoo know-how can drive out the evil spirit that's within him.
Marshall and Grier work pretty well together, and I think that is why this film is slightly better than the first one. Too bad this was pretty much the end of the Blacula films. By the late 1970's, the era was pretty much dead, and films made during this period are regarded as stereotypical or racist.
However, despite some faults, this is still a pretty good film to have in your collection.
William Marshall once again plays the title role in Scream Blacula Scream with a nice performance by leading lady Pam Grier
tavm10 February 2012
Having just rewatched Blacula, I've now done the same with Scream Blacula Scream. Once again, William Marshall reprises his character of Prince Mamuwalde who became the feared Blacula. Pam Grier plays Lisa Fortier who becomes the new voodoo priestess after her elderly predecessor dies. The one who thought he should have taken over, Willis Daniels (Richard Lawson), is the one who brings Blacula back to life when he buys a bag of bones from the Ragman (Bernie Hamilton) and performs his own voodoo service. Lynne Moody plays Denny, Willis' girlfriend. Don Mitchell plays Justin Carter, an ex-detective who's with Lisa and who is the one that thinks about the marks on many victims' necks are the work of a vampire which he tells a skeptical Sheriff Harley Dunlap (Michael Conrad). I'll stop there and just say this was almost as effective as Blacula. I did like the way director Bob Kelljan had both the music score and the background music play at the same time at the same volume to provide many chillingly effective scenes. And there was a humorous scene with a couple of pimps (Bob Minor, Al Jones) harassing Mamuwalde that I got a kick out of. So on that note, Scream Blacula Scream gets a recommendation from me. P.S. Many of the supporting cast I cited are probably more well known outside of this movie like Don Mitchell had played Mark Sanger on the TV series "Ironside". Richard Lawson would years later play one of the exorcists whose name is Ryan on Poltergeist. Lynne Moody was the original Jenny Willis on "All in the Family" before Belinda Tolbert replaced her on the spin-off "The Jeffersons". And then there's Michael Conrad who would eventually become Sergeant Phil Esterhaus on "Hill Street Blues" becoming well known for the tagline "Hey, let's be careful out there." And another player, Janee Michelle who played Gloria, is a native of the Seventh Ward of New Orleans which is a two-hour drive from where I now live. Also, she was-in N.O. parlance-a "Creole's Creole".
You disgust me! Goodnight
lastliberal8 May 2007
I actually saw the original Blacula in the theater. Well, I say I saw it, but I walked out in disgust after a particularly gruesome scene. I didn't appreciate zombie movies at the time.
This film bears no resemblance to the original. It is a campy blaxploitation film with William Marshall as a pretty cool Blacula who wants to get cured, so to speak. He seeks the services of Pam Grier, who has Voodoo powers. One would not expect to see her in a submissive role where she is not kicking butt, but she is pretty effective, especially when she is performing the ceremony. There was an eerie sexuality about her at that time that was exciting to watch.
The rest of the film was formulaic blaxploitation with overdressed pimps and some fairly cool zombie action.
This film bears no resemblance to the original. It is a campy blaxploitation film with William Marshall as a pretty cool Blacula who wants to get cured, so to speak. He seeks the services of Pam Grier, who has Voodoo powers. One would not expect to see her in a submissive role where she is not kicking butt, but she is pretty effective, especially when she is performing the ceremony. There was an eerie sexuality about her at that time that was exciting to watch.
The rest of the film was formulaic blaxploitation with overdressed pimps and some fairly cool zombie action.
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