Brides of Dracula

The vampire movies produced by England's Hammer Studios in the 1950's and 1960's were an extraordinary example of beauty, atmosphere and class, particularly in their treatment of sexuality. In those more prudent times sexuality in movies was mostly restricted to implication. In 1960, licking lesbian vampires were impossible to show on screen, so Hammer did the most with what they had available and the result was lovely.

The essence of Brides of Dracula came down to one short sequence (video) lasting only a little more than a minute.

The setup to this was done masterfully and it was what made this little vignette so effective. Gina is a friend of Marianne's and a cute babe in a way that's sometimes difficult to recognize a generation later . Gina and Marianne have a heart-to-heart conversation one night by the fire and pine about their future loves. They sigh a lot, act girlish and giggle. If this were a porno movie you know what would happen next but as I mentioned, these were more prudent times. Gina (Andree Melly, 28) is concerned about being on the verge of spinsterhood while Marianne (Yvonne Monlaur, 21) was still a fresh young flower. When Marianne steps out of the room, Dracula suddenly appears through an open window and Gina decides it was time to get a man! even if he is a vampire. The metaphor of Dracula spreading the nape of Gina's nightgown is obvious, and even today a little titillating.

As you can see from the video, the mood is set as Marianne watches over Gina's coffin. The locks inexplicably drop from the brass clasps of the cedar box and Gina busts open the lid with a steely-eyed awareness. With a wry grin she reveals her lovely canines and attempts to seduce Marianne to come away with her. Unfortunately, Marianne is scared shitless and will have nothing to do with her.

Gina looks fabulous. Her hair is long and relaxed around her shoulders. Her tits are shaped like 1950's-era missiles. Her gown is as white as her wan face and this girl is ready to make vampire love with Marianne. The dialogue is unmistakeable about what she wants yet oblique enough to pass the censor's muster. The result is spooky and atmospheric.

I once read a review about this movie stating the brides of the title were actually the men of the film (more obfuscation by the screenwriter?) and this Dracula was gay. But that part went totally over my head. I just loved the chicks, and in a rare twist the two vamp ladies lived to an unknown fate at the end of the film. Time for a B.O.D. Part II.