Vampire Lovers, The (1970)

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I place this memoriam card
in the pages of my history...

...and the book is closed
I pray forever.

I have written in full
of how my sister died.

How I, the Baron Hartog,
avenged her death.

The enemies I sought
were no ordinary mortals.

They were murderers
from beyond the grave.

For this ruined castle,
where I lay in wait,

had once been the home
of the Karnstein family,

and at certain times
their evil spirits...

...thrust out from their
mouldering tombs...

...and took a kind of
human shape...

...to roam the countryside...

...and seek for victims
to satisfy their need,

their passion,
their thirst... for blood!

Sometimes to court its victim,
savouring its enjoyment,

at other times, to strangle and
exhaust as a single feast.

I knew the Spectre, when satiated,
would return to its grave.

I also knew that without the shroud,
in which it was interred,

to cloak its festering body,

there could be no night
of rest... for any vampire.

My heart pounded
with apprehension...

...as I watched the creature
search around its grave.

My limbs would scarcely obey...

...but I challenged
the monster out there,

whatever it might be,
to reclaim its shroud!

A vampire can be destroyed...

...only by a stake through
the heart or decapitation.

I waited, sword in hand.

Miss Emma, do you have
to leave us so soon?

I'm afraid so.

Never mind, there'll be
another time.

- Mr. Morton.
- General.

- Delightful party.
- So glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you Laura,
it was a lovely party.

And I think Carl is very handsome.

Must you go, Emma? It's so early.

We have a long journey home.

Very happy birthday!

And remember, you're coming
to stay with Emma very soon.

I'm looking forward
to it, Mr. Morton.

- General.
- Auf Wiedersehen!

Good bye.

Excuse me.

My dear Countess...

...I am honoured.

General Spielsdorf,
so charming of you to invite us.

May I... May I present
my... daughter?

Marcilla.

Who's that?

They've just moved into
a place about 5km away.

You know, where the old
Baroness used to live.

Well, we must love
our neighbours, Kurt.

- Will you dance, Countess?
- Oh, enchanted.

- Carl, I do love you.
- What?

Every other young man in the room is
staring at that girl over there,

except you.

I do believe she'd like
to take you away from me.

She keeps staring at you.

Nonsense! She's looking at you.

Excuse me, General.

Bad news?

A dear friend of mine is dying.

I am so very sorry.

You will forgive me,
leaving you like this?

Is there anything I can do?

Well, I... Oh, I hardly
dare to ask you...

...but my daughter, Marcilla...

It is a long journey.

We must ride all night.

My dear Countess, I assure you
it'd be my pleasure...

...to look after your daughter,
if you so wish.

And she'll be
good company for Laura.

- General, you are too kind.
- Not at all.

I must tell Marcilla.

- I'm so sorry.
- Goodbye...

...and a safe journey.

Would you like her
to stay with us, Laura?

- Yes, of course, Uncle.
- Good.

But where is she?

You did frighten us last night.

I went for a walk.

Your uncle's estate
is so big. I lost myself.

For hours! Everyone was
looking for you.

And then you just suddenly
appeared, as if by magic.

You must not worry about me.

I like to wander off
on my own sometimes.

Dear Laura,

I do feel we'll be
such good friends.

We already are.

How beautiful you are.

Now you're just teasing me.
Like Carl always does.

Laura!

What is it?

There! There, there!

It was... It was a cat!

A huge cat!

It was choking me!

There now, you were having
a nightmare, that's all.

Now you settle down
and have a nice sleep.

That's right.

I'm sorry.

That's all right. You gave us all
quite a fright there.

Thought it was some prowler.

You try and get some rest.

Goodnight, darling.

You'll be all right now.

All right, then.

Such screams!

Oh, it's enough
to wake the dead.

It must have frightened
poor Marcilla to death!

Better see how she is.

Yes.

Marcilla?

- Let her sleep.
- All right.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight, sir.

It troubles me, Doctor. The child seems
to get weaker and weaker.

Anaemia! They don't eat,
only think of their figures.

Common with young girls,
sir, I assure you.

And a few old ones, too.

But these dreadful nightmares
she keeps having?

Body weakens, mind gets active.

Needs some iron, that's all.

Green stuffs, red meat.
Put some blood back into her.

A drop of port, perhaps, at night.

I'm glad you don't regard it
as too serious a matter.

She'll be all right.

- I'll ride over again in a day or two.
- I'd be very grateful.

Goodbye, Doctor. Thank you.

Ah, Marcilla, you're so kind to me.

I swear I shall die
when you leave.

I shall never leave you...

...my dearest Laura.

I've been to the Vollheimers' farm, sir.
The new barn is ready for use.

Good, good.

How is Laura, sir? May I see her?

No. I don't understand her.

She doesn't really want
to see anyone except...

- Marcilla.
- Yes.

Laura seems devoted to her.

Nevertheless, I shall be glad
when the Countess comes back for her.

No, please, no! No!

No, go away!

No more!

No! Stop! No!

Doctor!

Doctor! You must come at once!

Marcilla?

Marcilla?

Fetch her!

Marcilla?

- Marcilla?
- She'll be here very soon.

Where the devil is she?

I don't know, sir.
Her room is empty. I...

I am here.

I could not sleep.

I went to the chapel...

...to pray.

You may open the curtains.

It is daylight now.

She is dead.

No! Laura!

Laura! Laura!

Laura! Laura!

Doctor, please! Hurry!

No!

Marcilla?

Marcilla?

Marcilla!

Marcilla!

Marcilla!

Marcilla!

Marcilla!

Poor Laura.

And the General?

The General has gone away, sir.

To visit a friend, Baron Hartog.

Yes, he wouldn't want to stay
in that house. I understand that.

Mademoiselle Perrodot
will look after her.

- You all right?
- Yes.

Anyone hurt?

- My niece!
- Emma!

My house is nearby.
You must rest a while.

Oh, no, no! My journey
is imperative!

Quick, quick!

- Father!
- Yes?

She's very shocked.
We must take her home with us.

Oh, no, no, I cannot.
My brother is dying. I cannot delay.

My name is Morton.

If I may be allowed to
suggest, your niece...

Carmilla.

...Carmilla, will be more than
welcome to stay with us...

...while you continue
your journey.

Oh, no, no. It is impossible!

My daughter would be grateful
for the company.

You are too kind.

You're to stay with us!

Der Mund...

Die Augen.

Die Augenbraue?

Die Augen...

Die Augen...

I can't say it.

Die Augenbraue.

The eyebrow!

German's so difficult.

Oh, but you must try.

I'll try tomorrow.

All right. You'd better
get ready for dinner.

Your father will be home soon.

Yes!

- Who is it?
- It's me, Emma.

Oh, do come in!

Those dresses!
Aren't they beautiful?

You may wear one
if you want to.

May I really?

Emma, hand me that towel
over there, please.

Yes.

Thank you.

Your dress is very pretty,
but it's for a country girl.

In town you must be
more sophisticated.

You must take everything off!

Try it once.

Oh! All right.

You can't put it over a bodice.
It ruins the shape.

I've never worn
anything like this,

I feel so daring.
What will my father say?

Oh, he will appreciate it,
like all men.

But I think it will be too big.

It's not. I'm sure it's not.

I'll show you.

Look, Carmilla!

What did I tell you?

Take the other dress I have.

- No!
- It's too small for me.

- No, I don't want to!
- Yes, you must!

- Take the other dress!
- No, I don't want to!

- I want you to!
- No!

- I say, take the other dress!
- Stop it!

- No! No!
- Yes!

- Good evening, Mr. Morton.
- Good evening.

You look quite lovely.

Thank you.

- Red or white, miss?
- Red, please.

Emma dear, what is it?
What's the matter?

- I must have dreamed!
- Dreamed what?

A great cat! It was there!

It was a nightmare.

No! My eyes were open,
I swear I saw it!

It was grey and big as a wolf!

It had enormous eyes!

All the better to see you with.

Don't laugh at me.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I was only joking
to make you feel better.

But you must be rational.

Either you had a nightmare,

or you were awake
and saw a cat.

A big cat! Grey!

It's all right.
Look, it's only Gustav.

You're very bad, Gustav.
Emma was terrified of you.

Mademoiselle Perrodot,
it wasn't Gustav!

It was a big cat! Grey!

Shall I make Gustav...
big and grey for you?

There you are, you see?

You mustn't let your imagination
get the better of you.

I'm sorry.

- Will you sleep now?
- I'll try.

Good.

Trouble with this part of the world
is they have too many fairy tales.

I've let Emma sleep on.
She had a bad nightmare again.

It's beginning to worry me.

She seems to have them
every night now.

She's so pale and listless.

I think she must be
fretting over Laura.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

I wish it weren't necessary
for me to go to Vienna today.

But you'll write to me,
let me know how she is?

Naturally.

Why don't you call in the doctor?
A tonic would do her good.

I'm sure it's just nerves.

But I know I can leave her
safely in your hands.

Of course.

Mr. Morton,

I will take care of Emma
as though she were my own sister.

I'll just look in and see
how she is before I go.

I'll come with you.

No, thank you. I'm not hungry.

Carl!

Good to see you, sir.

How's Emma?

Not too well just recently.

A bit upset, I think, about Laura.

I'm just off on
a business trip to Vienna.

You think you'll be able to get over
and see her, Carl, while I'm away?

Yes. Yes, of course, sir. If I can.

Yeah, I know you're busy, but...
do try, sometime this week.

- I will, sir.
- I must get on.

Oh, she has a young friend
staying with her.

So there you are,
two pretty girls to visit.

Perhaps you'll feel
stronger soon.

I hope I shall be recovered
when my father gets back.

Of course you will. It's nothing.
You mustn't worry about it.

I try not to,

but I keep having
these awful dreams.

It happened again last night.

I saw...

Now, Emma,

you mustn't allow yourself to
be terrorised by your own imagination.

I suppose it was the cat again.

Yes.

But Mademoiselle Perrodot,
I must tell you,

if I don't see these things
then I'm going mad!

Now, Emma, you mustn't
talk like that.

It was probably only poor little
Gustav that you saw again.

Yes. It's just my imagination.

Of course it is. Now you sit still
and get some rest.

It's just that your mind
is overactive, that's all.

"Pulling her gently towards him...

...he showered her sweet up-turned
face with manly kisses."

This is a silly book.

But it's a lovely story!

Don't you wish some handsome young man
would come into your life?

No. Neither do you, I hope.

I'd like to see one.

I wish Carl would come again.

He's very handsome.

- Who?
- Carl Ebhardt.

He manages General
Spielsdorf's estate.

Do you know the General?

No.

His niece was my best friend.

Then she died.

Oh, you chat on like an old
peasant woman sometimes!

Always of death and tragedy!

Carmilla, you are unkind!

Emma, you know how
it upsets me.

I'm sorry. Forgive me.

No! Forgive me!

I shouldn't snap at you like that.

You're so sensitive.

Only about some things.

And about you.

Silly! Why about me?

Because I love you!

And I don't want anyone
taking you away from me!

Taking me away? Who do you mean?

You know we'll always
be friends, Carmilla.

Surely you don't mean
my handsome young man?

Why, I do believe you're jealous!

Why should I not be?

Why?

Because it's not the same thing.
It's different.

I want you... to love me...

...for all your life!

Come along. That's enough
chatter for tonight.

Goodnight, Emma.

Goodnight, Mademoiselle Perrodot.
You are so kind.

Carmilla, why do you always
sit in the shade?

The sun is too bright for me.
It hurts my eyes.

Then close them. It's glorious!

You can feel the
warmth penetrating.

It's like life.

You talk such nonsense sometimes.

Stop it! Stop it!

Carmilla, what is it?

Nothing! Only that dreadful noise!

The funeral? But it's
the woodman's daughter!

I hate funerals! Hate them!

I thought it rather sad...
and yet beautiful.

You must die! Everybody must die!

But she was so young.

There's been so much tragedy
in the village recently.

The blacksmith's young wife
died only last week.

My father said...

Oh, you really are upset, Carmilla.

And I've been saying
all these foolish things.

Come on. Let's go home.

Carmilla!

Hold me! I beg you...

...hold me tight!

"He unfolded her in his arms...

...and there was rapture
in their wild embrace."

There.

Oh, Carmilla, do let's have
another chapter.

You read so beautifully.

Tomorrow!

You're not going?

I must.

I'm sorry.

You've read too much,
I've tired you.

Perhaps.

I wish I felt tired. I never do.

Not at night.
Just sort of... excited.

- Do you?
- Yes.

And I don't sleep.
At least not for ages.

And then I feel so wretched
and tired during the day.

- And do you dream?
- You know I do.

Horrid dreams!

So strange and... lifelike!

Tell me.

I haven't told anyone.

Not everything. I can't.

Tell me.

A cat comes...

...and sits at the foot
of my bed, staring!

Then it reaches out towards me!

I try to scream!

My throat is strangled!

And it lies across me...

...warm and heavy...

...and I feel its fur in my mouth...

...and I wretch with fear!

And then...

And then?

It turns into you, Carmilla.

Me?

And then you embrace me
and kiss me...

...and suddenly everything is
all right and I'm so happy.

But even as you're
holding me close,

I feel a pain, sharp as needles,
dragging at me.

I feel the life running out of me,

as though my blood
were being drawn.

And?

I wake... and scream.

My poor darling.

You know you'll always be safe
as long as you're with me.

Emma!

Mademoiselle Perrodot,
it was there!

It bit me! Look!

It was my fault.

A broach I gave her.
I told her to be careful.

No! No! It was the cat!

Go to sleep.

Everything is all right now.

Go to sleep.

I have one too.

Do you see how sharp
the pins are?

Oh, yes.

- Let me give it to you.
- Oh no, please, I couldn't!

Please. I want you to have it.

She'll be quiet now.

Turn down the lamp.

Good morning, Mr. Ebhardt.

Good morning, Mademoiselle.

Uh, Mr. Morton asked me
to call in to see Emma.

When?

Well, when he left for Vienna.

Emma is not here.

She has gone... for a picnic.
She'll be out all day.

- With her friend?
- What friend?

Well, Mr. Morton said that...
she had a friend staying with her.

No. Not any longer.

Well, I'll call back later
perhaps. Tomorrow?

We shall be busy tomorrow.

Call next week Mr. Ebhardt.

Mr. Renton, it's Miss Emma!
She looks so ill!

Does Mademoiselle Perrodot
know about this?

I don't know, sir. I suppose so.

She asked me to
fetch her up a tray.

Very well, Gretchin.

Excuse me, Mademoiselle.

Yes, Renton, what is it?

It's Miss Emma.

If I may be so bold,
I think she should see the doctor.

I shall send for
the doctor, Renton,

should I think it necessary.

Very good, Mademoiselle.

Carmilla.

Ah, beautiful!

But not as beautiful
as you, my love!

You've had more
than enough tonight.

She's right, you know.

It wouldn't do for a man
in my position to be caught...

- ...drunk and disorderly.
- Oh, it's all right, Mr. Renton...

...while your master is away.

That's just the point, Kurt,
that's just the point!

I've been left in a position
of responsibility.

Miss Emma is very ill.

Oh, what is the nature of
the illness, Mr. Renton?

How would I know, man?
I'm not the doctor.

Why won't that blasted governess
let me send for him?

That's what I want to know.

I shall send for the doctor, Renton,
should I think it necessary.

That's more like a bloody
vampire, that one!

It was only a joke.

Not round here it isn't, Mr. Renton.

There's been three deaths
around here lately.

None of them by natural causes.

Just a scream in the night and...

...then found there,
pale as death.

Pale as death?

The blood drained from them.

God!

Goodnight, Mr. Renton.

Doctor!

Carmilla.

What is it, my darling?

Carmilla, I'm dying!

Yes.

Will I live...

...until Father comes home?

Perhaps.

- Good evening.
- Good evening, Doctor.

There's a sharp wind
tonight, Renton.

Doctor!

Mademoiselle Perrodot.

- I'm afraid Mr. Morton is away.
- Yes, I know.

Had a message from him.

Asked me to look in
on Miss Emma.

Was this you, Renton?

I, Mademoiselle?

She has not been well but I'm sure
it is nothing that need trouble you!

I'll be able to set
his mind at rest, then.

Is she... dead?

Not yet, thank heavens!

What the devil
have you got there?

Garlic flowers, sir. They...

They have an antiseptic scent.

Have you been listening
to village gossip?

- No, sir.
- Illness...

...is a matter for modern science.

Not witchcraft.

Yes, sir.

Take those flowers away at once!

Mademoiselle!

This is my patient!
Kindly do not interfere!

Quite healthy, I suppose.

You can get some more, Renton.

Yes, sir.

Where is Mademoiselle Perrodot?

- I... I don't know, sir.
- Very well.

See that Miss Emma
is not disturbed.

Have one of the maids
sit up with her all night.

- Very good, sir.
- I'll be back in the morning.

Very well, sir.

I have sent for Mr. Morton, sir.

Good.

Whatever happens,
keep her away from Miss Emma.

Yes, sir.

- Goodnight, Doctor!
- Goodnight.

Gretchin!

Mademoiselle?

Who told you to
put those there?

Mr. Renton, Mademoiselle.

- Take them out, please.
- But Mademoiselle...

Take them out!

Yes, Mademoiselle.

Renton,

will you kindly remember
that I am in charge of this house...

- ...during Mr. Morton's absence.
- Certainly, Mademoiselle.

Then why did you order those...

...weeds to be put in
Miss Emma's room?

Not I, Mademoiselle. The doctor.

I'm sure we're agreed that...

...he is in charge of the patient.

Take those back, Gretchin.

Sir...

Take them away!

Why don't you take them away,
Mademoiselle?

Come on, boy! Jupiter! Come on, boy!

Come on, Jupiter!

What's the matter
with you, Jupiter?

Jupiter!

Jupiter, come back, boy!

Jupiter!

- Good morning, sir.
- Good morning.

How is Miss Emma?

She's sleeping, sir. Peacefully.

Had it not been for the doctor, sir,
and... these remedies...

It's ridiculous.

I can't believe it.

Neither could I, sir, at first.

But let the landlord tell you.

It is the Karnsteins come back.

From that old ruined castle?

The story is they
were all wiped out.

Aye, sir. So we thought.

It was a young nobleman
whose sister was m*rder*d by them.

This gentleman, a Baron Hartog,

he crept up to the castle
late at night and he lay in wait.

He saw a shroud and he knew
that without it...

...there would be no
resting place for any vampire.

Baron Hartog took the
shroud and he waited.

He chopped off the head
of the vampire...

...and he staked the rest
in their graves!

Then how could these... these things
be here now? It's nonsense!

I beg you to listen to him, sir.
Think of Miss Emma.

If you don't believe me, sir,

ask General Spielsdorf.

General Spielsdorf?

The General has gone away, sir.

To visit a friend,
the Baron Hartog.

Yes, I remember now...
the General.

That was where he went!

Sir?

Where is the doctor?

It's past noon. He said he'd be
here this morning.

Oh, yes, he said he'd come.
Shall I send for him?

No, I'll go myself.

- Gretchin?
- Yes, miss?

Do not disturb Mademoiselle
Perrodot today, please.

She does not feel well
and wants to stay in her room.

Yes, miss.

How is Miss Emma?

She doesn't seem
to get any better.

She had a quiet night.
Are you going in to see her, miss?

Perhaps,

but I cannot stand
the smell of those flowers.

Could you not remove them?

I dare not, miss.

Mr. Renton said I wasn't to move them
under any circumstances.

- Where's Mr. Renton?
- I don't know, miss.

Thank you, Gretchin.

- Why, Mr. Morton!
- General Spielsdorf!

I cannot stop now!
I'm on my way to fetch the doctor!

The doctor is with us, Mr. Morton.

What?

- Where?
- Here.

I travelled many miles
to find a Baron Hartog.

Very glad I am to make
this journey back here with him.

But you, as an Englishman, Mr. Morton,

will be less aware than we are...

...of the need to seek out these...

...evils immediately...

...and to destroy them.

Then you believe
that it is true about this...

...family of vampires?

I know that it is true.

You asked where we
were going, Mr. Morton.

Now I will tell you and
you believe us if you wish.

Our destination
is Karnstein castle.

Mircalla!

Mircalla!

Mircalla!

I was determined to avenge
the death of my sister.

I knew where these
monsters came from...

...and what had to be done
to rid the world of them.

But face to face,

my limbs seemed paralysed.

I prayed to God to
give me back their strength.

But when the moment came...

...I could not move!

That... moment has been
a nightmare...

...all my life.

I was saved by a cross I wore.

As it touched the vision of beauty
which confronted me, I...

...I felt a shock of evil!

And God in His mercy
gave power to my arm.

It was... a woman?

A very beautiful woman.

Thank you.

I think I'll sit with
Miss Emma for a while.

Yes, miss.

- Oh, Renton?
- Yes, miss.

I wonder if you could have
those garlic flowers removed?

They upset Miss Emma.

I'm sorry, miss, I can't do that.
The doctor was most insistent.

That seems silly.
They have a horrid smell.

You wouldn't want to cause
Miss Emma discomfort, would you?

I'm sorry, miss, I can't move them.

Why not? Why are they there?

- I can't explain, miss.
- Why not?

I'm not a child.

You are in some things, miss.

What things?

It's best to keep away
from Miss Emma's room...

...and best to keep away from
Mademoiselle Perrodot.

Why Mademoiselle Perrodot?

She's a wicked woman,
if she's human.

You don't mean...

Yes, miss.

Oh, no!

They were all evil in life...

...and remain evil after death.

That night...

...I disinterred their bodies.

One by one, I dug down
into their graves...

...and did what had to be done.

I worked through the night...

...until, in my exhaustion...

...I could do no more.

There was one grave
I did not find.

That of a young girl.

After the horrors of the night,

I could not spend
another moment in this place!

Now, here is her sweet
and gentle face!

Mircalla.

Marcilla!

That girl is a guest in my house!

Her name is Carmilla!

- And my daughter is dying!
- Morton! Wait!

Ebhardt knows every inch
of these forests!

He'll get to your house
in half the time!

For God's sake, save her!

That cross, it's marking her neck.

Put it back in the case.

It's not marking her neck, sir...

Do as you're told, girl.

No.

Light, over here!

We must find that grave, and quickly!

And take these away!

But sir, you said yourself...

- ...I wasn't to...
- Do as I say!

Here! It's over here!

No shroud?

Fetch the box!

Carmilla!

Emma, you can get up now.

I think I'm too weak.

No, I will give you strength.

- Come!
- Where?

I am taking you with me.

- But my father...
- Come! Hurry!

- The coffin has gone!
- For God's sake! Where?

Anywhere in this castle
or in these grounds.

But there's still time.
I doubt if she's yet returned.

And she will not return
until she has glutted herself...

...with the blood of
at least one victim.

How can you be sure?

Vampires are intelligent
beings, General.

They know when the forces of good
are arraigned against them.

She will want to rest
a long time in her coffin.

We must find that shroud!

You're coming with me...

...to my home.

It's not far from here.

You can rest there.

Carmilla!

Take me with you!

Please!

Mircalla!

Holy mother of God, protect me!

Sacred heart of Jesus, save me!

Only now can I see
the evil in her eyes.

General!

Into the chapel.

Take the handles.

Now.

I will do it.

He is praying that
his daughter is still alive.

I know that Laura is dead.

Dear God, no!

There's no other way.

Let us pray to God that Styria...

...has been rid of these
devils forever.

It's over.