Baron Blood (1972)

- Gli orrori del castello di Norimberga
Underrated Bava, 4 February 2005

While I prefer Bava's Black Sunday and Kill Baby...Kill, this is a good movie that I would highly recommend. Baron Blood combines the best elements of a good old-time ghost/haunted house story with a modern day slasher film.

All of Bava's trademarks are here - imaginative lighting, wonderful sets, and dramatic locations. Combined, they create the perfect horror movie atmosphere. Unfortunately, another Bava trademark is here as well - a weak script. There are some plot holes big enough the drive the Baron's castle through. But with Bava's style and skill as a director, the plot problems seem very minor.

The film concerns the evil Baron Otto von Kleist. After having been brought back to life, he continues the murderous ways of the past. There are some truly frightening moments in the film. (I'm not talking just creepy, I mean downright scary.) Examples would include the scenes involving the summoning of the Baron or Elke Sommer running from the Baron through the dark streets.

Speaking of the chase scene, films like Halloween or Friday the 13th were obviously heavily influenced by this movie. One could easily envision either Michael or Jason chasing Elke through the foggy streets.

7/10