Blacula -DVD-27616901538

Advertised as the 100th production of American-International studios. Blacula stars actor/singer William Marshall in the title role. An 18th century African prince. Marshall is transmogrified into a vampire while visiting Transylvania. Two centuries later. he rises from his coffin to wreak havoc in the Watts district of Los Angeles. Blaculas particular target is Vonetta McGee. whom he thinks is the reincarnation of his long-ago lady love. Thalmus Rasulala assumes the 'Van Helsing' role as the vampire hunter who cant convince the authorities to cooperate. Given its title and premise. Blacula is surprisingly good -- and infinitely superior to its sequel Scream. Blacula. Scream. And yes. that is the same William Marshall who later played 'The King of Cartoons' on TVs Pee-wees Playhouse. Hal Erickson