Watch A Taste of Blood

A Taste of Blood is a 1967 horror film produced by Herschell Gordon Lewis. It is a mix of horror, comedy, and drama that features a unique take on the vampire subgenre. The movie follows a prominent businessman named Banner Thomas (Bill Rogers) who decides to take revenge on a group of vampires that have been tormenting him and his family for generations.

The film opens with an eerie scene of the vampire Count Dracula (William Kerwin) emerging from his coffin and setting out to find a new victim. Meanwhile, Banner is plagued by nightmares of his vampire ancestors and decides to investigate his family's dark past. He discovers that his great-grandfather was transformed into a vampire by Dracula himself, and that his family has been cursed ever since.

Banner decides to take matters into his own hands and sets out to destroy the vampires once and for all. He enlists the help of a ghoul named Yandro (Loren Statley) and his own wife (Elizabeth Lee) in his quest for revenge. With the help of his trusted companions, Banner embarks on a bloody journey to rid his family of the vampire curse.

The film explores themes of revenge, family legacy, and the dangers of obsession. Banner's obsession with destroying the vampires puts him and his loved ones in great danger, and he must ultimately face the consequences of his actions. The movie also features some social commentary, addressing issues like drug addiction and sexism.

The acting in A Taste of Blood is generally excellent, with Bill Rogers delivering a standout performance as the tormented Banner. William Kerwin is also impressive as Count Dracula, delivering a menacing and convincing portrayal of the iconic vampire. The supporting cast is also strong, with Elizabeth Lee providing a nuanced performance as Banner's wife and Loren Statley stealing the show as the creepy ghoul, Yandro.

The special effects in A Taste of Blood are a mixed bag. Some of the makeup and practical effects are impressive for the time, while others are noticeably low-budget. However, this only adds to the film's charm and sense of fun. The movie also features some surprisingly effective use of music, with a haunting score that perfectly captures the eerie atmosphere.

Overall, A Taste of Blood is an entertaining and unique horror movie that offers a fresh take on the vampire subgenre. It blends elements of horror, comedy, and drama in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. While it may not be for everyone, fans of Herschell Gordon Lewis' work and cult horror in general will find much to enjoy here.