This was my second opportunity to see Kiss of the Vampire. Watching and enjoying a Hammer film is what I call a very comfortable experience. And, Kiss of the Vampire does not disappoint – it is very comfortable.The basic story (with possible minor SPOILERS): A couple honeymooning in Bavaria becomes stranded. They soon meet the local "big man", Ravna, and are invited to visit with him and his family at their château. They are later asked to attend a party at the château. During the party, the husband and wife are separated. While the husband is being drugged, the wife is being bitten by Ravna and made a member of his vampire cult. The husband wakes and must do whatever he can to save his wife. Anymore of the story would be too much.
Most of the acting was at least adequate. The exception to this was Ravna's son as played by Barry Warren. A tree limb could show more emotion.
Being a Hammer film, you expect it to have that Hammer look. There was no disappointment here. The colors are as rich as you would expect. The ball gown worn by the wife has to be one of the most vivid shades of red ever filmed. In addition, there's plenty of the bright red blood so famous in Hammer films. Overall, this is a very visually pleasing film.
My biggest complaint with Kiss of the Vampire was that Lee and/or Cushing are missing from the proceedings. Either's presence could have easily made this one of Hammer's best vampire films.
8/10
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