“Vampyr” (1932) directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer / Z-View

Vampyr (1932)

Director: Carl Theodor Dreyer

Screenplay:  Christen Jul, Carl Theodor Dreyer;  based on the story In a Glass Darkly by Sheridan Le Fanu

Stars: Julian West, Maurice Schutz, Rena Mandel, Jan Hieronimko, Sybille Schmitz and Henriette Gerard.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Allan Gray, a drifter walking through the countryside takes a room at an inn.  Late that night he is awakened from his sleep by a stranger in his room.  The man leaves a note, “To Be Opened Upon My Death” and quickly leaves.  Gray attempts to follow the man and arrives at a castle.  Looking in he sees an old woman and shadows of people although no one else is seen.  The shadows appear to move on their own.

As Gray investigates further he will find the old man shortly before the gent is murdered.  Gray opens the note which speaks of demons called vampyrs.  Gray believes that the old man’s young daughter is becoming a vampyr.  

Can she be saved?  Must she be destroyed?  Gray must decide.  The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Many consider Vampyr a classic.  For whatever reason it didn’t resonate with me.  Your mileage, as always, may vary.

Although it was created when sound films had arrived, it still presents much information in title cards used in silent films.

Most of the characters in this film were not played by professional actors.

Vampyr (1932) rates 2 of 5 stars.