The Vampire Happening

The Vampire Happening, a 1971 production directed by Freddie Francis, challenges the conventions of traditional vampire fiction. With a fresh take on the genre, this film offers a unique fusion of comedy and horridity. The engaging plot, dramatic performances, and the scenic beauty of the film's environment combine to deliver an entertaining ride to the audience.

Pia Degermark, an acclaimed Swedish actress, stars as the protagonist, Bettina, an American actress who comes to the fictional Transylvanian town of Funesto. She inherits an ancient castle from her grandmother and decides to sell it. Degermark’s performance as the dual role of Bettina and her grandmother who becomes a vampire, gives her a fantastic opportunity to display her acting dexterity. Her portrayal of the two contrasting characters – a cosmopolitan, liberal actress and a centuries-old, traditionalist vampire- curves out an intriguing plot that keeps the audience engaged.

Thomas Hunter plays the role of a jovacious, romantic priest, Father Malley who gets thrown into the mix of Bettina and her vampire grandmother. Yvor Murillo, on the other hand, plays the comic relief maintaining the lively energy of the film. The dynamic between the actors brings out the best in their performances, making the film a joy to watch.

Beyond its surface gag-filled comedy, the film puts a spin on the classic vampire myth by rearranging the traditional making of a vampire via a bite. This sets the film apart from other usual vampire narratives. The way the story unfolds and the horror elements are interspersed with comedic instances is engaging and entertaining to the audience, making it an entertaining spectacle from start to finish. The distinctive plot, the comic narrative, and the incorporation of horror elements in unexpected ways are instrumental in setting a captivating and comic tone throughout the film.

The uniqueness of The Vampire Happening can also be seen in its visuals. Set in an ancient Transylvanian castle, the cinematography captures the eeriness and old-world charm of the venue splendidly. The camera work combined with the tuneful yet ominous music creates an ambiance of mystery and spookiness, which is expected in a vampire film.

An interesting aspect of the film is its treatment of female characters. In contrast to traditional vampire lore, where the monstrous vampires are usually males preying on innocent women, this film subverts the trope. Apart from the leading actress, who plays both a mature and emancipated woman from the 20th century and an eternal, but assertive vampire countess, many more women vampires appear in the storyline. This treatment of the female characters is a departure from the usual concurrence in the genre and is quite refreshing.

Freddie Francis, a highly respected director for his work in classic British horror films, takes a break from the serious thrillers and delivers a light-hearted dark comedy with The Vampire Happening. While keeping intact the elements of vampire lore, he also introduces comedic instances – peculiar conversations and situational comedy, thereby creating a playful atmosphere that accompanies the macabre, which makes the film all the more entertaining.

With its blend of comedy and horror wrapped in a vampire tale, The Vampire Happening certainly delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience. It has been deemed a cult classic by its fans, mainly due to its unusual approach towards vampire mythology and the delightful performances of its cast. Despite its release in the early 70s, the film continues to offer a delectable viewing experience for all fans of the alternate horror genre.