"Fearless Vampire Killers' all bark and no bite.
By Emerson Batdorff
If only The Fearless Vampire Killers, or, Pardon Me, but Your Teeth are in
the final cut and some of the 'Fearless Vampire Killers is odd, coming from Trandubbing.
But the problem seems to Allen, Heights, Westwoodbe more fundamental. The problem is that there is in
A horror-farce that is only
sylvania as they do.
SHARON TATE, who frequently bathes but who is more highly visible in a low-
My Neck" had lived up to it no one a man can relate sometimes funny and often cut dress because she likes
the bright promise of its toothsome title!
You would think that a film with a name like that would naturally have to be cranked out by a master humorist. Instead it was turned out by a master titlewriter.
live or die or get bitten on to, or care much if they the neck by a vampire. Or an elephant, either, for that matter.
In its sporadic course there are some wickedly funny moments. One involves what appears to be a homosexual vampire, proving that it takes all kinds to make a crypt. a bag full of doorknobs and When he gives up limp just about as sharp. wristing and lisping to lunge naturally) he chomps down at a victim's throat (male
The film is as uneven as
ROMAN POLANSKI help
short on gasps.
The story involves a doddery old professor (Jack MacGowran) and his stupid assistant (Roman Polanski) hunting out vampires in their native haunt.
pire kit, a bag containing all They carry an anti-vamthe specifics: crucifixes (not efficacious against Jewish vampires, it turns out) heart, mallet for driving stakes to drive through the
Martin Ransohoff-Romanpolanski production produced by Gene Gutkowskl, directed by Polanski from a screenplay by Polanski and Gerard Broch, in color. Presented by Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer with this cast:
Professor Abronslus ..Jack MacGowran ....Sharon Tate ....Alfie Bass .......Ferdy Mayne
Sarahi Yoine Shagal
Count Krolock Koukol
a lot of suds, is the toothAlfred some target of the main Rebecca vampire, a Count Krolock. Herbert the middle of the annual It is her rescue, right from that is the crux of things. vampire convention and ball, that is the crux of things.
It culminates in a chase down a snowy mountain that pits a horse-drawn sleigh against a hunchback who uses a casket as a sled. of imagination here. Makshowing that there's no lack
ing it jell is the problem.
"Seven Women" is on the
ed write the screenplay, diinstead on a slim volume same, and garlic to breathe same bill at the Allen.
rected the film and acted in it so there is a handy candidate for blaming.
True, Polanski argued to have his name taken off the film before its New York release, complaining about
on love making, and it gets stuck on his fangs.
THAT IS a moment to remember.
But such inspiration comes all too seldom.
in a vampire's face. Vampires don't like garlic, which
...........................................Terry Downes
Roman Polanski
....Jessie Robbins
..........................Flona Lewis ...fain Quarrier