El imperio de Drácula

Although the name of Dracula appears in the title, this Mexican gothic horror movie doesn't actually feature the infamous Transylvanian Count: the bloodsucker in this film goes by the very silly name of Baron Draculstein!

In the opening scene, the vampire is defeated by Señor Brener (Víctor Alcocer), who dies shortly after of injuries sustained during his battle with evil. Years later, his son Luis (César del Campo) must also face Draculstein, who has been resurrected by his faithful servants. The key to defeating the vampire is an old oak cross, hidden somewhere within the Baron's castle.

Featuring several tasty young women with heaving bosoms, The Empire of Dracula was clearly inspired by Hammer's horror films, but it lacks those films' class and style. According to my Aurum Encyclopedia of Horror, this was Mexico's first colour horror film, but the version I saw was in black and white; the direction and cinematography is so uninspired that I doubt colour would have made much difference.

The film delivers all of the expected tropes -- cobwebs, coffins, a dungeon, and even an assistant called Igor -- but does so with very little imagination, with much of the final act involving tedious fisticuffs between the hero and the villains.

3/10. Listen out for the hilarious creaking door sound effect at around the hour mark: I think the foley artist was having an off day.