Hannah, Queen of the Vampires
a.k.a. Crypt of the Living Dead / La tumba de la isla maldita
1973 · Directed by Julio Salvador · Spain / USA
Hannah, Queen of the Vampires, aka Crypt of the Living Dead, does not fulfil its bloody opening. The Spanish/American production from 1973 ultimately lacks bite. It shuffles along for most of the film; Hannah doesn’t make much of a presence until two thirds in, when she finally starts to terrorise the islanders.
The soundtrack by Philip Lambro is probably the best thing about it. The direction by Julio Salvador is pedestrian at best. The cinematography makes the best of the Mediterranean landscape but is not enough to lift it from the depths of the undead. Teresa Gimpera has an ethereal quality as Hannah but is easily despatched by leading man Andrew Prine.
The Wild Man of the island is never explained. He is in from the beginning without any concept of where he came from and how he got involved in serving the vampire queen. The twist with the children feels tacked on and has been done better in the first Count Yorga film.
It made me yearn for the gothic horror of Hammer; at least they knew how to build the drama. Another Euro curiosity, which will probably get a release through Severin Films.
Gallery
Trailer
From the score
-
Philip Lambro – music from Hannah, Queen of the Vampires
