Vampira [Old Dracula]

Culver City, CA: Columbia Pictures, 1973, 1974. Collection of 69 vintage photographs from the 1974 British comedy/horror film, a mix of studio still photographs and reference and promotional photographs. Included is a photograph of director Clive Donner, David Niven, and Linda Hayden on the set.

All photos housed in archival sleeves and bound in a red leather three-ring binder. The vast collection includes photographs of Niven, Hayden, Teresa Graves, Peter Bayliss, Jennie Linden, Nicky Henson, Bernard Bresslaw, Cathie Shirriff, Andrea Allan, Minah Bird, and Luan Peters, among others.

Dracula, portrayed by the typically charming Niven, attempts to revive his great love, the Countess Vampira, by collecting blood from Playboy models touring his castle, but when Vampira awakens, she is now a powerful black woman, in a delightful performance from Graves. The US release changed the film's name to "Old Dracula," in an attempt to cash on the success of Mel Brook's 1974 blockbuster "Young Frankenstein," and the two were frequently shown as a double bill.

Shot on location in London.

8 x 10 inches. Near Fine, overall.

Binder, 10 x 12 inches. Near Fine.
Howard, Blaxploitation Cinema, p. 180.

[Book #152517]