Atom Age Vampire [PG]

When beautiful exotic dancer, Jeanette, is left horrendously scarred after a car crash, there seems to be little reason left to live. That is until a scientist who has discovered a miracle treatment that can revive damaged and even deceased cells approaches her. She has the treatment and it’s a success, but only temporarily. Having fallen madly in love with Jeanette, the scientist resorts to unethical, even horrific means by which to make the cure permanent. With suspicions mounting in Jeanette’s boyfriend and the police closing in, time is running out for the scientist to find the cure and win Jeanette’s heart. 

One of the more esoteric horror films in cinematic history, Atom Age Vampire nevertheless swings with a bit of force, landing a fair few shots right in the face that leave the ears ringing. Special applause has to go to all the ladies that delivered such great screams and the makeup effects, which were really quite impressive and added to the horror factor. 

When beautiful exotic dancer, Jeanette, is left horrendously scarred after a car crash, there seems to be little reason left to live. That is until a scientist who has discovered a miracle treatment that can revive damaged and even deceased cells approaches her. She has the treatment and it’s a success, but only temporarily. Having fallen madly in love with Jeanette, the scientist resorts to unethical, even horrific means by which to make the cure permanent. With suspicions mounting in Jeanette’s boyfriend and the police closing in, time is running out for the scientist to find the cure and win Jeanette’s heart. 

There was something about this flick that was a bit La Belle et la Bete and a bit Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. All together pretty enthralling, with just the right amount of predictability in terms of the story and structure, Atom Age Vampire explores the darker side of obsession. Our heroine seeks untested medical advice out of her obsession to get her beauty back and all sorts of horrible things happen at the hands of the scientist, stemming from his various obsessions of bringing about a successful miracle cure and keeping Jeanette for himself. 

It’s particularly interesting because the title is actually kind of misleading. Contrary to what the word ‘vampire’ connotes, there is no bloodsucking, no shape shifting into mist or bats, and no coffins. The term ‘atom age vampire’ actually refers to the night time murders and the inhuman monstrousness of vampires: their strength to kill and lack of morals or empathy. 

Whilst some of the women need betterment in the ways of their acting, i.e. the heroine/damsel in distress, the men bring a passion and drama to the film that successfully keeps eyes on screen. Alberto Lupo who stars as our tortured mad scientist delivers a wonderfully captivating performance brimming with gravitas, drama, desperation, romance, and irrepressible drive. An unstoppable force is what this man is. 

I also want to give a shout out to the make up and special effects people because the marriage of the two worked to great effect in this film. The transformation sequences are actually pretty creepy and it’s all done in a slow crescendo to really heighten the suspense and terror. Considering this is an early 60s film, it’s actually pretty impressive. 

Starring Susanne Loret, Sergio Fantoni, Franca Parisi, Roberto Bertea, Andrea Scotti, and Ivo Garrani, Atom Age Vampire is a thrilling old classic filled with murder, drama, obsession, romance, suspense, and horror. It’s great to go back and watch some of these really old esoteric types of horror flicks because some of them can still manage to pack a punch.