The Best Old Movies on a Big Screen This Week: NYC Repertory Cinema Picks, October 5-11
Son of Dracula (1975)
Directed by Freddie Francis
Like fellow Beatle George Harrison, Ringo Starr’s post-breakup was partly spent backing films, one of which boasted singer-songwriter/late friend Harry Nilsson. Combine their drinking club’s name, Hollywood Vampires, with Ringo’s Halloween fixation and Son of Schmilsson‘s Munster-esque sleeve and Son of Dracula could’ve written itself. Also, who knows? Ringo was probably partial to dressing like Merlin and needed to tell the world. But really, this creaky ode to elegant horror harkens the Fab Four’s high-concept vehicles, with Nilsson’s role as the bloodsucking brood providing more thematic weight to tracks “Remember” or “Without You.” It’s an earnest goof, like a less contemptuous Paul Morrissey take. The story, though thin—a half-human vampire seeks to shake the curse—is bested by stellar gig footage, including Keith Moon on “Jump Into The Fire.” Despite his under-qualified leads, Anglo-horror veteran Francis shoots straight, packing in silent-era tricks (iris shots; blue filters) to balance out the blatant low budget, which afforded, amongst other horrors, a werewolf with Trumpian hair. Glitter it ain’t. Max Kyburz (October 7, 4:30pm, 9:30pm at BAM’s Nilsson series)