Retrospective: Scream Blacula Scream (1973)

Written By: Maurice Jules, Raymond Koenig
Directed By: Bob Kelljan
The Cast: Pam Grier-Lisa the voodoo Princes, Williaman Marshall
Blacula, and a Sheriff-Sheriff Donlop Micheal Conrad(Cattle Annie And
Little Britches, Baby Blue Marine).
Rated: R
Running Time: 1:45 min.
Genre: Horror/ Blaxploitation
Theatrical Release: June 27, 1973
Distributor: American International Pictures



"Scream Blacula Scream" is a sequel to its 1972 release "Blacula."
Lead actor William Marshall returns as Mamuwalde, a black Prince from
Africa who attempts to end the slave trade in his native country
Africa.

This 1970's classic from American International Pictures directs our
attention to the 1970's era of raising black films here director Bob
Kelljan gives this legendary mid evil creature Dracula a new twist.
This time Dracula is black. William Marshall who portrays Blacula is a
tall vibrant and extraordinary handsome black man that successfully
plays a chilling role of this most beloved cannibalistic vampire. In
this movie the McCabe comes with many twists, and turns, that will
make you laugh or its decorations may even scare you.

William Marshall a long forgotten movie star drew attention to himself
in his leading role of the 1970's hit movie Blacula. His last
performance was in the 1995 release of "Sorceress." "Scream Blacula
Scream" was released in 1973. Not much is seen of Marshall anymore,
but he will not be forgotten. He will always be remembered as the
stunning afrocentric image of Dracula. I echo his words that rang very
strong and vibrant in his leading roles in "Blacula" and "Scream
Blacula Scream." As he stood erect with his hands stretched and yelled
"THE NAME IS BLACULA."

The film opens in Transylvania, and in the castle of Count Dracula a
European Vampire, and owner of slaves in Africa. Mamuwalde and his
wife visit the castle of Count Dracula to discus the end of the slave
trade. When Mamuwalde's demand of ending the slaved trade is rejected,
and Count Dracula makes an unpleasant pass at the wife of Mamuwalde,
Mamuwalde becomes defiant. As a result, he is cursed by Count Dracula
and is turned into a vampire; his wife is killed, and Mamuwalde is
given the name of Blacula. As a result of Count Dracula's curse upon
Mamuwalde, Mamuwalde must now live a life of damnation that comes with
a cannibalistic appetite for human blood.

In "Scream Blacula Scream" Mamuwalde returns from the grave and
continues his quests to kill and drink blood for his survival. Later,
Blacula meets a beautiful woman and a voodoo princess; Lisa (Pam Grier-
Coffy, Foxy Brown.) who he believes can free him of a cursed vampire's
life. Blacula becomes notable and tailed by a Sheriff after a serious
of strange killings in the city.

As this movie goes on we see Blacula kill and hunt to persevere his
life. His victims rise from the dead, jump out of coffins, and run the
streets like wild animals committing a rampage of murders. They have
become zombies, acting as Blacula's disciples as they go out and hunt
victims and drink their blood. Meanwhile Lisa tries to brake the curse
to no avail. This movie finally reaches its climax when Lisa's attempt
to end the curse takes a unique and surprising turn.

Overall, "Scream Blacula Scream" is an entertaining movie. Its
memorable thematic revisits of witch craft and voodoo, topics that
were very popular on the big screen. Pam Grier in her leading rule as
Lisa is superb in this lead role she doesn't play the stereotypical
role as the big bad black tough mama as she successfully portrayed in
her hit movie "Coffy." In this sequel of "Scream Blacula Scream" she
delivers a more docile and effective role. William Marshall delivers
the best performance in his leading as Blacula.

I enjoyed this movie because of its unique twist, and blend of
culture, from a Translyvania 1800's Eurocentric flavor to a funky LA,
Afrocentric twist of 70's style with soul, and rhythm. This movie is
well done and it's an item that should be added to your horror movie
collection. There have been many remakes and twists to this most
popular and beloved evil creature Dracula, but this movie "Scream
Blacula Scream" takes on its own unique twists, and turns. "Scream
Blacula Scream" is a must see movie.


Reviewed by Lisa Smith
(c)2007