Svengoolie Season 7 Episode 14 The Return of the Vampire

In season 7 episode 14 of Svengoolie, titled "The Return of the Vampire," horror host Svengoolie introduces viewers to a classic horror film from 1943. The film features Bela Lugosi in his second and final portrayal of a vampire onscreen.

The story opens in 1918 London, where a vampire named Armand Tesla (Bela Lugosi) has been terrorizing the city. He is eventually staked through the heart and buried, but his loyal assistant, Andreas (Matt Willis), takes his body and preserves it with a special solution that allows him to revive Tesla whenever he desires. Twenty-three years later, Andreas brings Tesla back to life and the vampire resumes his reign of terror, targeting young women and leaving them drained of their blood.

Scotland Yard inspector Sir Frederick Fleet (Miles Mander) is hot on Tesla's trail, aided by Professor Walter Saunders (Gilbert Emery), an expert in vampire folklore. Together, they uncover Tesla's secret lair and devise a plan to stop him once and for all.

The film is notable for its use of Lugosi's iconic Dracula persona, despite not being an official sequel to the 1931 film. The production also boasts impressive special effects for its time, including the use of wirework to simulate bats in flight.

As usual, Svengoolie adds his own comedic commentary to the film, pointing out its more ridiculous moments and cracking jokes along the way. Fans of classic horror will appreciate his reverence for the genre, as well as his ability to bring levity to even the most chilling films.

Overall, "The Return of the Vampire" is a spooky and entertaining watch, showcasing Bela Lugosi at his creepy best and serving as an excellent example of the horror films of the 1940s.