Blacula

In 1780, Prince Mamuwalde of Africa travels through Europe seeking support for his campaign against the slave trade. His journey brings him to Count Dracula's castle, where the European nobleman mocks him, infects him with vampirism and seals him inside a coffin, cursing him under the name Blacula. Nearly two centuries later, the coffin is shipped to Los Angeles among a collection of antiques, and its occupant wakes to find himself in a modern city, feeding on those around him while pursuing Tina, a woman he believes is his lost wife reborn. A doctor close to Tina uncovers what Blacula really is and sets out to stop him.

William Crain directed the film, from a screenplay by Raymond Koenig and Joan Torres, with Joseph T. Naar producing for American International Pictures. William Marshall leads the cast as the prince and his vampire alter ego, alongside Vonetta McGee, Denise Nicholas, Thalmus Rasulala, Gordon Pinsent and Charles Macaulay, among 26 credited performers.

Released on 25 August 1972, the film runs 93 minutes and belongs to the fantasy and horror genres. It took about 2 million dollars worldwide at the box office. On IMDb it holds 5.8 out of 10 from around 8,800 votes, and on TMDB 5.5 out of 10 from 184 votes, while the critics' rating stands at 5.2 out of 10 from 28 reviews. Audience scores therefore sit slightly above the critics' assessment, with the wider IMDb sample a little higher than TMDB's smaller one.