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The Fearless Vampire Killers

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I haven't seen all of writer/director/actor/producer Roman Polanski's films, but the ones I have seen have kind of been hit or miss propositions for me. On the one hand I thought Rosemary's Baby (1968) to be a wonderfully creepy film, but on the other The Tenant (1976) while interesting, I thought to be slightly confusing and lacking a strong sense of direction. Chinatown (1974) is acknowledged by many to be a classic (to which I'd agree), while The Ninth Gate (1999) tended to annoy me with a pretentious ambiguity stemming from a European stylization of making a film obtuse and inaccessible to audiences...of course, these are all just my own, personal opinions, which really don't mean squat in the grand scheme of things...at the end of the day one should really draw their own conclusions based on their own, personal experiences. As far as the film The Fearless Vampire Killers or Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck (1967) goes, I enjoyed it as it served to reaffirmed something which I already knew...whether you like Polanski's films or not, his features are so very individualistic, rarely transgressing on each other, displaying his immeasurable talents, vision, and his ability to adapt to a wide range of material. Co-written by Gérard Brach (Repulsion) and Polanski (the latter also directed and starred), the film features performances by Jack MacGowran (Tom Jones, Doctor Zhivago), Alfie Bass (The Lavender Hill Mob), Ferdy Mayne (Where Eagles Dare, The Vampire Lovers), Iain Quarrier (Cul-de-sac), and Sharon Tate (Valley of the Dolls), who would later marry Polanski about a year prior to her murder (and that of their unborn child) at the hands of Charles Manson and his cult followers.

As the film opens, it's a moonlit night, and we see a horse drawn sled traveling down a snowy road, the occupant of the sled being the driver, Professor Abronsius (MacGowran), and the Professor's assistant Alfred (Polanski), who, on the surface, appear to be a pair of buffoons, but in such a way where the same buffoonery that gets them into trouble, also get them out, illustrated throughout the story. Seems the Professor, who has long since been labeled `a nut' by his once colleagues, is traveling the Transylvanian countryside in order to further his knowledge about vampires and their ilk. After arriving at a small village and availing themselves of the services of the local inn, telltale signs abound with regards to the presence of vampire activity within the area...the interiors of the inn are decorated with strings of garlic cloves, a hunchback arrives at the inn to collect supplies, and so on...and sure enough, not soon after their arrival, the innkeeper's daughter Sarah (Tate) is abducted, her father killed (and subsequently turned) while searching for her, and the boys are off to a nearby castle in order to find her, the Professor with an eye towards proving the theories which he's read, and Alfred more so because he's become smitten with the girl. They eventually do find the castle, along with its master, in that of Count von Krolock (Mayne), along with the Count's very effeminate son Herbert (Quarrier)...quite the aristocratic pair they are...the Professor and Alfred find themselves guests of the Count and learn of a grand gala approaching, one to be held within the castle, a sort of cadaverous celebration where the boys may not only be the guests of honor, but also the main course...

I've given some details about the plot, but there's really no way what I've written displays all the wonderful aspects inherent within the story and the film itself. There is just so much going on at any one point one could watch this film a number of times and still see something new each viewing. One of the aspects that impressed me the most, from the beginning and throughout the film, was the extensive amount of detail and attention to creating a complete sense of putting the viewer within the context of the story. It's like a fairy tale come to life. The period sets and pieces are exquisitely beautiful and intricate, featuring a serious eye towards detailing, as are the props, costumes, backdrops, etc. There's just such a pervasive feel to the entire film in terms of providing the appropriate gothic setting, something that used to be a common factor in both Hammer and Universal horror productions during their respective heydays...and keep in mind, this is supposed to a mixing of comedy and horror. And when I say comedy, I don't mean the laugh out kind (there is a good deal of slapstick, but that's not the specific humor I'm talking about here), but a slinky, subtle type of humor blended as well as I've ever seen in a cross genre film. A perfect example of this delicate melding comes in the sequence when Alfred, while searching the castle rooms for Sarah, accidentally walks in on the Count's dandy of a son Herbert. The comic touches in Herbert's coy advances soon erupt into an explosion of fanged violence that results in a Keystone Cops type chase through the castle. Another one of my favorite sequences is when the Count and his son are preparing to retire to their ornate coffins prior to the sun rising, aided by their hunchbacked manservant Koukol. After they get settled in (and boxed up), here comes Shagal (Bass), the once innkeeper now vampire, dragging his meager pine box into the crypts with the intent of also settling in for the day. Koukol, seeing this as an affront to his masters, proceeds to unceremoniously drag the coffin, which Shagal is now sitting in, down to the stables, as that's a seemingly more appropriate setting from someone of his class, with Shagal weakly protesting the entire way. The performances are strong all around, particularly that of Count von Krolock, played by Mayne. He embodies the aristocratic and sinister features one would expect from his character, along with including enough distinctions to separate his character from those of his cinematic ilk. Another wonderful aspect is the original music provided by regular Polanski collaborator and composer Krzysztof Komeda. It's suave, sophisticated, spooky, enchanting, oft times understated, and compliments film without actually drawing away from the visuals. All in all this is perhaps one of the best crafted films I've seen straddling two genres that normally don't play well together, and worth a look for those who can appreciate the expertise involved. In terms of contemporary artists, I might compare this to the better outings by individuals like Terry Gilliam or Tim Burton.

Presented on this DVD is the original version of the film, the one seen by European audiences. Apparently, prior to the film's American release, MGM had mangled it pretty well, removing about ten minutes, adding a new opening sequence, and hacking the soundtrack to pieces, which might explain why it didn't do as well here as it did overseas. The anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) does looks very good, but there does seem room for improvement. The Dolby Digital 2.0 mono audio comes through clean. As far as extras, there's a theatrical trailer for the film (also presented in 2.35:1 aspect ratio, along with a comical vintage featurette titled The Fearless Vampire Killers: Vampires 101 (10:18) which appears to be a lengthy promotional piece created to help advertise the film back when it was originally released.

Cookieman108

My review here is for the DVD and not for the movie, which I think is masterful.

Polanski's "Vampire Killers" is one of the greatest horror spoofs ever made. Extremely atmospheric and beautifully realized. This much anticipated DVD release of the film, however, should have been much, much better. The film itself is sharp, but the colors are muddy. The previous MGM/UA laserdisc of this title looked good, and I was expecting at least the same degree of quality. I suppose the film must have further deteriorated in the last decade, because many of the shots in this DVD have a bluish tint to them. The main titles flow over a close-up image of the (gray) moon, and look way too dark and blue on this DVD. I've seen this film theatrically (as well as previous video versions) and it looks muddy here. The soundtrack is decent, and not surprisingly, in mono, as released, but even that sounds flatter here then in previous versions. Komeda's lovely score sounds a bit compressed.

As for the bonus material, it's not bad. There is a corny promo for the film, which is silly, but nice to have. The theatrical trailer also looks in good shape. However, the alternate animated opening to the film, which was available on the older laserdisc, is NOT HERE, and that, I find unexcusable.

Overall, a so-so DVD release of a classic film. Hopefully a better release will await in the future.

Speaking only as a fan of this movie and not wanting to get into any technical aspects, this is a very charming movie that really deserves better than it's been treated. While some may deride this as fluff and a showcase for Sharon Tate or, even worse, a mediocre attempt at broad humor by Polanski, it is none of those. It's clever, witty and very dry in it's humor.

"Oy, have you got the wrong vampire." Teases Shagal.

As a nine year old, when this was released, I did not get that at all. But later I noticed this type of causual and sardonic humor was peppered throughout the dialog. You just have to catch it. This movie suffers with a cropped version. Every inch of the screen is used here. From the crowd at the Inn to the vampire's ball, you need to see this in it's original format. For years the only available widescreen version has been on laser disc, although a Brazilian DVD has surfaced using the same transfer. Comparing all formats, it's no wonder fans have been screaming for a decent print of this film. Warners has the masters, so they should be releasing a very good looking DVD.

So, a review. A very unique and different vampire movie. Yes, I know, they all say that. But in 1967, it was. Having nothing to do with Dracula, who's story had been flogged to death even back then, or horrible family curses, it showed a completely different history of vampirism. This played on a double bill with "House Of Dark Shadows", which scared me to death, and was a great counterpoint to the serious attitude of the legend. Roman Polanski is a very good actor. His scene with the count's son still kills me to this day. He is also a great director who can work with seasoned actors and get great perfomances from them.

Why is this a cult movie and sometimes panned? Who knows. Perhaps coming after two intense and psychologically dramatic movies this shocked and disappointed people in the same way his Pirates did. Speilberg had his 1941, which I thought was brillant, so it seems certain expectations are demanded of directors. You can't please everyone, so why try? Because you're creative and can't help yourself. That's why a movie like Fearless Vampire Killers exsists.

"The Fearless Vampire Killers" is producer/director/screenwriter/actor Roman Polanski's comedic rendition of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" legend. The bumbling Professor and his timid assistant Alfred (played by Roman Polanski) travel to Transylvania to study vampires. The Professor and Alfred rest at an inn festooned with garlic. That evening, the innkeeper's daughter (played by the *stunningly beautiful* Sharon Tate) is kidnapped by the Count (played with a characterization combining elements of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing). The distraught innkeeper (played with a Zero Mostel characterization) runs out into the night to rescue his kidnapped daughter and never returns alive. The Professor and Alfred seek the Count's castle. The Count invites the Professor and Alfred to stay at his castle and to study in his library. The Professor and Alfred agree, they learn that the Count and his flock are planning a formal dress ball, and the real fun begins ...

This film's scenic vistas and its theatrical sets are impressive -- they are complex, ornate, and convey a somber atmosphere. And Sharon Tate's beauty is impressive -- previously an unknown actress, this film gave general public recognition to Sharon Tate. Roman Polanski was involved in *all* aspects of this film's production, and his quality touch is visible throughout the film.

It is ironic that this film's plot revolves around Sharon Tate's kidnapping by the Count and his flock. After this film was released, Sharon Tate and her real life friends were murdered in their home by members of the Charles Manson family.

An excellent spoof of classic vampire movies. The style will remind you of some old or silent movie. The characters are almost cartoonish. Especially the Professor. Roman Polanski did a great job with Sharon Tate in this campy comedy. In parts it is spooky, and in others very comical. Sometimes it is even very sensual. A movie well worth seeing if you enjoy vampire movies, but especially if you like comedies. Since this was made in the Sixties it will seem a little low tech when it comes to special effects.

It makes up for it in being fun to watch with friends and lovers. The pace of the movie is good and the music is a good match with the action. The costumes are well done and some of the set pieces at the castle are excellent. The quality of the transfer is excellent. The colors are vibrant and the sound is clear. A pity the DVD does not include interviews of Polanski or Tate. It does include a featurette vintage making of "The Fearless Vampire Killers". I owned the VHS and I am glad to have it on DVD.

Hardtimes have hit the vampire community. Count Krolock (Ferdy Mayne) has had to resort to kidnapping to feed his flock. When traveling vampire hunter Professor Abronsius (the delightfully silly Jack MacGowran who also was in "The Exorcist" and "Doctor Zhivago") and his inept assistant Alfred (Polanski) stumble upon the village near Krolock's castle, they're forced into action to save the innkeeper's daughter Sarah (Sharon Tate). Since Alfred is smitten with the girl he braves the vampire's lair with the good doctor in tow. The good news...the know where the girl has been taken. The bad news...theres a lot of vampires between them and the girl.

A delightful satire of Hammer horror films, "The Fearless Vampire Killers" becomes a comedy of errors from the very first moment. While it's funny, it also has some genuinely chilling moments mixed in with the comedy. Filled with wonderful performances from a very funny script by Polanski Gerard Brach("Jean de Florette", "The Name of the Rose", "Tess")the wonderful cinematography of Douglas Slocombe ("Raiders of the Lost Ark")and artful direction of Polanski will keep you entertained.

The print looks pretty good overall although there clearly has been some fading of the original negative and a color shift as well. Warner didn't use any digital filters to eliminate the analog defects of the original negative/print used here. There not a huge problem but evident. The mono soundtrack doesn't have quite the presence it should although it doesn't sound bad by any means. It just sounds....tinny. Perhaps a bit more compression would have beefed up the sound a bit for modern systems. It's not all that big a deal. The animated menu is delightful incorporating the original poster art.


I first saw "The Fearless Vampire Killers" on a late night broadcast by CBS (the very same place I also got my first...taste..of "Dracula Has Risen from the Grave" and other Hammer horrors). I don't recall any animated opening titles for the film when I first saw it (perhaps that was the British release)so including them would have been a nice extra. Although it would probably be too much to ask Polanski to do a commentary track (given Sharon Tate's brutal murder by the Manson clan almost three years later), there are members of the cast still around who could have done a commentary track. The short vintage featurette provides an interesting glimpse into the making of the movie. There's no booklet included.

All in all, I'm happy that the film is finally available on DVD after all these years. It was delightful then and still is after all these years. If you'd like to watch a very funny horror movie with a bit of slapstick added to the mix, I'd suggest fearlessly taking a bite out of this classic film.

This film is wonderful, a true classic, and I'm glad to see that it is finally being released on dvd.

Polanski set out to make a spooky, spoofy fairy tale and he fully succeeded. The production values are excellent. Visually the film is dazzling, it is full of breathtaking snowscapes and eerie, elaborate sets. The music score by Polish jazz composer Christopher Komeda (who also scored Polanski's Rosemary's Baby, and Knife in the Water) is the best ever composed for a horror film. Full of soaring, wailing voices Komeda?s spooky score sets the tone of the film marvelously.

The cast is great, especially Jack MacGowran and Polanski as the bumbling vampire killers. British character actor Ferdy Mayne is a wonderful vampire count, and Sharon Tate is beautiful and funny as the dizzy heroine, Sarah.

This will be a delight for all viewers who are cool enough to appreciate the film's unique charm. It is (as one would expect of Polanski) definitely a one-of-a-kind jewel, and successful on every level.

I love the cover art. I'm glad to see they are using the cool cartoon from the film's original poster and ad campaign. Good for Warners.

I first watched this film on the television at Christmas in about 1982 (under the title "Dance Of The Vampires"), and even then, as a 12 year-old, was impressed by this superior vampire 'caper'. The film starts with a beautifully haunting score (by the late Christopher Komeda) and the arrival of a pair of intrepid vampire killers to a Transylvanian Inn. Throughout the film, the viewer is treated to a visual and musical feast, enhanced by brilliant acting from the likes of Ferdy Mayne, Jack MacGowran, Alfie Bass, and of course, Iain Quarrier as the token gay vampire! The enchanting qualities of Sharon Tate as the inn-keeper's young daughter, Sara, add to the overall enjoyment of the film; which, in my opinion, is easily the best vampire and/or Polanski movie to date.

Hilarious spoof of vampire films, particularly towards the Hammer Studio versions, director Roman Polanski also wrote and starred, proving his versatility. He plays Alfred, assistant of Professor Abronsius (Jack MacGowran), a vampire "killer" (before "slayer" came into vogue). They arrive in an isolated Slovianian village, having been informed of a presence of a bloodsucking cult. After meeting the voluptuous Sarah (Sharon Tate), the daughter of the innkeeper (Alfie Bass), the young assistant is smitten, and, in true Polanski vision, becomes mildly obsessed and voyeuristic. While on their hunt, Alfred witnesses Jewish vampire Count von Krolock (Ferdy Mayne) attack the comely maiden in her bubble bath, and whisk her away to his castle. Alfred and Abronsius pursue him, and in an elaborate attempt to rescue Sarah from being initiated into the cult, they pose as members during a sort of "dawn of the dead" ball with a wonderful mirror sequence. To complicate matters, the count's gay son, Herbert (Iain Quarrier, priceless) develops a crush on the young Alfred. Humorous, enjoyable farce; try for Polanski's original cut at 107 min; beware the American shortened theatrical versions - one runs 98 min; they do not do it justice. Sharon Tate is gorgeous and funny in her bathing scenes; it was during this film's production that she and Polanski began their passionate if short-lived relationship.

This vampire comedy is akin to a Hammer Horror production with more goofs than ghouls. If you like Hammer Horror, or the works of Polanksi, then you may want to investigate this production but it doesn't take itself seriously. The other interesting reason to watch this is that Sharon Tate, Polanski's late wife (who was murdered by the Manson's followers) stars in it.

The film has a number of titles, the most popular of which is the European title, Dance of the Vampires. The USA title of The Fearless Vampire Killers or: Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck, was introduced probably to reveal its a comical content.

Jack MacGowran as Professor Abronsius is pleasing amusement. Even Roman Polanski as Alfred, Abronsius' Assistant, puts on an interesting comical performance.

It is not all comedy. The vampire's fangs are certainly some of the biggest you will see and the ball is errie, but the star of the show is the castle and its the main reason to watch this film. The castle is every bit as good as what Hammer has put out and then some more. The set designs from the local village pub to the castle that overlooks it, the bedrooms covered in spider webs, are first rate and inspiring.

Dance of the Vampires, is certainly more than watchable. If you have an interest in Hammer, Polanski or just good old fashioned fun, then you can't go too far wrong with this.