Vampire Bat, The

AKA's:

Blood Sucker / Forced To Sin / Sombras Tragicas, Vampiros? / Vampiro Acecha, El / Vampiro, Il / Vuelta Del Vampiro, La

Release date:

1933 USA

Running time:

62' - Source: DVD (RC 1/NTSC) b/w
60' (cover 60') - Source: VHS PAL b/w

Rating:

UK: PG; US: NR

Main Crew:

Director: Frank R. Strayer (Condemned To Live 1935; The Monster Walks 1932)
Producer: Majestic Pictures
Score: Charles Dunworth / Mischa Bakaleinikoff
Writer: Edward T. Lowe Jr.
Director of photography: Ira H. Morgan

Cast:

Summary:

Thousands of monstrous bats fill the night sky of a terrified village, while residents are murdered in their beds, drained of all their blood. As the killings increase, rumors of a vampire in their midst send the townspeople into a frenzy of panic, as even the most respected scientist of the community seems convinced by the evidence. Only one investigator refuses to believe the superstitious tales and argues that a maniac must be at the root of the killings. A mob gathers to hunt down the suspected vampire and drive a stake through his heart, yet the exorcism fails to end the horrific slayings.

Note:

- This is one of a trio of early horror films in which Lional Atwill and Fay Wray co-starred (also "Doctor X" and "The Mystery Of The Wax Museum").
- Majestic Studios shot "The Vampire Bat" at night on Universal Studio's European village set, using the village set from "Frankenstein", the interiors from "The Old Dark House", and furnishings from the silent version of "The Cat And The Canary".
- The same year, Fay Wray rose to stardom with her role in "King Kong".

click here for filmstills (pictures from the movie)

Our Ranking

short review:

These old black-and-white movies seem to have their own special "antique" charm. This one has it too. A nicely implemented story, where you won't see any vampire! Nevertheless it is a vampire film, though the main focus is on a murder mystery. If you have a weak spot for these "oldfashioned" movies, give this one a chance - it's charming!