MY
SON THE VAMPIRE-1952-English music hall comedian Arthur Lucan made 15
films between 1937-1952 in which he starred in drag as charwoman Old
Mother Reilly. He'd probably be completely unknown in the US if it
wasn't for this entry (actually the last in the series) which of
course featured Bela Lugosi as the villain Van Housen, also known as
“The Vampire”, a mad scientist and kidnapper who sleeps in a
coffin. For some reason he has a robot sent to him but the addresses
get mixed up and store owner Mrs. Reilly (Lucan) gets the mechanical
man instead.
It's a lot of dumb fun though Lucan (who also sings a
song) is a little overbearing at times. There's a slapstick inspired
fight and the robot terrorizes Mrs. Reilly near the finale, although
he/she has nothing to do with catching Van Housen in the end.
Some
may think this was a real comedown for the great Lugosi but he has
some good lines and seems to be enjoying himself and remember this
same year he made BELA LUGOSI MEETS A BROOKLYN GORILLA!
Also known as
VAMPIRE OVER LONDON and OLD MOTHER RILEY MEETS THE VAMPIRE the US
version featured a song by Allen Sherman over the opening credits
where neither Lugosi or Lucan are mentioned as the stars! Director
John Gilling later made several horror films including PLAGUE OF THE
ZOMBIES and THE REPTILE.
Thanks for reading!
No comments:
Post a Comment