Countess Dracula (1970)
DIRECTOR: Peter Sasdy
CAST: Ingrid Pitt, Nigel Green, Sandor Eles, Maurice Denham, Patience Collier, Peter Jeffrey, Lesley Anne-Down, Nike Arrighi
This historical fantasy has nothing to do with Dracula, but is instead based loosely on Countess Elisabeth Bathory, a 16th-century Hungarian aristocrat and serial killer who, according to legend, bathed in the blood of virgins in order to retain her youthful looks.
The film is rather a straightforward affair, lifted by some fascinating images, including a semi-nude Ingrid Pitt positively glowing as she emerges from her blood-bath clad only in a blue gown. Peter Sasdy returns to direct, following his success with Taste the Blood of Dracula, but this film is no equal to that or the later Hands of the Ripper.
The production was filmed at Elstree Studios, with the usual location work at Black Park.
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