Countess Dracula (1971)

My rating - 6.5/10

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Countess Elisabeth Nadasdy, an aging woman discovers she can look young again by bathing in the blood of virgin girls. Assisted by her loyal lover Captain Dobi who provides her with her victims it becomes clear that the effects don't last and she needs more and more virgins to survive. As the locals notice so many people going missing they start to turn on their ruler, the countess.

Based on the true life story of Countess Elizabeth Bathory, the surname was changed to Nadasdy for this movie, although Nadasdy was the real name of her husband. Go read some history books if you want to know more about them. This Hammer film is one of the better of their latter day output, although it's low budget does show through. Ingrid Pitt became an horror icon from this role and she's great as the countess. The sets and costumes are also very good, as you'd expect from a Hammer production.

Pitt's make up, changing her from and old woman to a young siren is excellent. The supporting cast all do a good job, but are of course overshadowed by Pitt. The gore is light but there's a fair bit of nudity if that's your thing. Definitely worth your time for all Hammer Horror fans.

SCREEN SHOTS

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