Bela Lugosi plays Armand Tesla, a European vampire with a predilection for young women. After attacking a child called Nicki in London, 1918, her grandfather Dr Saunders ( Gilbert Emery ) and his colleague Lady Jane Ainsley ( Frieda Inescourt ) slay him in a church yard and reclaim his werewolf servant Andreas ( Matt Willis ) for humanity. Twenty years later, the Luftwaffe bombs disturb his grave and he comes after Nikki again.
Lady Jane fails to recognise Tesla when he returns, posing as a refugee doctor and neither she nor Andreas have aged enough in the interval but otherwise it's a nicely atmospheric chiller with good performances all round.
Nina Foch ( as Nicki )
Sex : No ( beyond the usual caveat about the symbolism of vampire attacks )
Death : Survives
This was only the second film for 19-year old Nina from Holland. She had a strong career with an Oscar nomination for Executive Suite in 1954. From the late fifties on, she appeared in fewer films and moved more into television. She also worked as an acting coach and stage director. She was still acting on TV until right up to her death in 2008 aged 84.
Jeanne Bates ( as Miss Norcutt )
Sex : No
Death : From blood loss and shock at the vampire's return
Though slightly older, Jeanne was also appearing in only her second film. Before that she was a model and radio actress. Though never more than a supporting actress , Jeanne also had a long career in television. She died in 2007 aged 89.
Sherlee Collier ( as young Nicki )
The South African child actress appeared in just 11 films, mainly in uncredited roles. She died in 1972 aged 35.
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