BLOOD AND ROSES (1960) Reviews and overview

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blood and roses

‘It plunges you into the midnight zone beyond the grasp of reason!’

Blood and Roses – original title: Et mourir de plaisir – is a 1960 vampire film directed by Roger Vadim based upon the novella Carmilla (1872) by Irish writer Joseph Sheridan le Fanu. The movie stars Mel Ferrer, Elsa Martinelli and Annette Vadim.

The setting of the story was shifted from 19th century Styria to 20th century Italy.

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Plot:

Young Carmilla is jealous of her friend’s engagement to Leopoldo, her beloved cousin. Her obsession leads her to the tomb of a female vampire. The vampire possesses her to kill and terrorise the inhabitants of the estate. But is it all in her mind, or is she really under the control of an ancient vampire ancestor?

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Reviews:

“The beautiful photography, classy music, elaborate costumes and ornately layed-out gardens make for a sumptuously assembled film – but alas little more than that.” Moria

“Clearly intended as an art-house horror movie, it aims for a dreamily languorous rhythm which never quite manages to overcome the obstacles posed by stilted performances (Ferrer in particular), bathetic dialogue, and direction too prosaic to achieve the necessary intensity.” Phil Hardy (editor), The Aurum/Overlook Film Encyclopedia

Cast and characters:

  • Mel Ferrer … Leopoldo De Karnstein
  • Elsa Martinelli … Georgia Monteverdi
  • Annette Vadim … Carmilla
  • René-Jean Chauffard … Doctor Verari
  • Marc Allégret … Judge Monteverdi
  • Alberto Bonucci … Carlo Ruggieri
  • Serge Marquand … Giuseppe
  • Gabriella Farinon … Lisa
  • Renato Speziali … Guido Naldi

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