This was another surprising film. With a title like "Deathmaster" you don't expect too much, do you(?)
Unexpectedly, what we get is an average, but watchable and enjoyable vampyre yarn. The screenwriter, R L Grove, gives us the first metaphysical vampyre story I've seen. He uses the undead's immortality to play on the issues of existence and truth. Subjects that have hounded mankind since creation. Khorda uses this philosophy to draw in his young prey, whose eager minds are ready to accept the snake oil he's selling. Quickly, he's the Sire of his brood... except for Pico, the anti-hero of our tale.
Can Pico save the love of his life, Rona, from becoming a member of this Vampyre Clan?
For the answer to that question, you must watch the movie.
Ray Danton, who directs this little number, gives the audience some impressive scenes. The best example being the opening sequence. This perfect way to start a film. We see a man arrive at some seaside cliffs. He sets up some paraphernalia, which may be occult in origin. He then produces a wooden flute and plays. As the tune floats on the wind, the surf washes a black coffin ashore. A passing surfer lets his curiosity get the better of him and he opens up the casket. Shocked by what's inside, he quickly closes the lid and turns to leave... only to find the flautists hand waiting to strangle the life from him. Casting the dead surfer aside, the man then hefts the coffin onto his back and drags it away across the sands. Danton has constructed this sequence splendidly. It slams a mystery straight into the viewers' minds. And is a powerful hook to keep their eyes on the screen.
There is one slight drawback to the scene, though. That is the wooden flute. The sound it produces is so deep and rich in a tone that you instinctively know it doesn't come from this woodwind instrument. You need something with more substance and resonance to produce the beautiful timber. This is a shame because it breaks the viewers' concentration from the first note played.
I wish Danton had included more well-constructed scenes throughout the film. I have to admit the film's conclusion comes close to the power of the opening sequence. However, thanks to Bill Ewing's poor acting, it doesn't reach the same enthralling heights. And regrettably, most of the film is pedestrian in both direction and creativity, There were several instances when my attention faltered and I withdrew from the story. It's not great for the film or the viewer. It should focus your attention on the unfolding story. However, I got through to the end, which I'm glad I did. The ending presents a most bittersweet conclusion to the story.
Robert Quarry gives an outstanding performance as the Vamp Khorda. He exudes the right balance of conviction and sliminess the character requires. He also has the perfect stance to carry his character with regal elegance. Proving, he's the leader of this pack.
Bill Ewing play Pico, the native American. Sadly, Ewing is the weakest link in the film. I found him to be under-skilled at his craft. His acting was staid and wooden. Though Ewing's body acting hinders the movie most. Nearly destroying the climax of the film. He is wholly unbelievable as Pico and there's zero chemistry between him and Rona, Brenda Dickson. So it becomes difficult for the audience to relate to him or get behind his quest to save his beloved.
Dickson is amiable enough in her role of Rona. She's better skilled at acting than Ewing and almost makes up for his weakness... almost.
Because the "A-Cast" isn't too good, it's the "B-Cast" who bolster the film. Especially the veteran actor John Fielding who plays Pops. Pops' persona is comparable to every character we've seen Fielding play. Yet, this very reason is how he strengthens the movie. When you see Fielding your mind connects him with his other roles and gives you a sense of familiarity and reliability. Automatically you believe the film can't be too bad because he's chosen to act in it. A marvellous ploy, but alas, Pops doesn't have much screen-time. This is a shame as both Fielding and his character deserved more time and presence within the story.
That said, the film offers a different take on the Vampyre mythos and for that reason is worth one sitting. I don't think I'll be rushing back to this one too soon. This film's for the Vamp lovers out there. Horror fans can steer clear as there's little to no fear here.
Ratings:
Story 1 : Direction 1.25 : Pace 1 : Acting 1 : Enjoyment 1
Total 5.25 out of 10
Flap those bat-wings and fly on over to my Absolute Horror list to peek at where this bat nested in my rankings.
Take Care and Stay Well.
