Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires, The (1974)

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Who dares to disturb
the sanctuary of Dracula?

Who are you?

Wretch!
I do not grant favors!

I do not accede to
the request of minions

Don't you know Dracula
command...

...even from the confines
of this miserable place?

This miserable place...

Yet you can
serve me, Kah.

I need your mortal coil

I need the form of
your miserable carcass

I need your vile image
I need to walk this earth again.
Free from this walls!

Free from this mausoleum

I will return to your temple
in your image, Kah.

I will recall the
seven golden vampires...

...as my own post!

Tools of my vengeance on mankind!

I will take on your mantle...

...your appearance

Your image!

Your image, Kah!
Kah, your own image...

...but to beneath the image,
The inmortal power...

...of Count Dracula!

The legends of Ancient China
have their roots in the mist of time

Some are awesome and
terrifying in their implications...

...some are real and have
their foundation in truth.

There's a doomed village
somewhere in the vast centre of China...

...that becomes cursed each year
at the time of the seventh moon.

It cringes in fear as it listens to
the hearfelt cries of souls in torment...

...and the terror strikes deep into
the hearts of the inhabitants

The whispered word is "Vampire"

and the horror is real and very close

Once in a while,
some brave man...

...tortured with grief and
angry frustation...

...will fight and conquer
his own fearful dread...

...and venture outside
the walls of this village...

...to do battle with the monsters
that torment his people.

Some years ago
there was such a man

A poor farmer who have lost his most
treasure possessions through them.

His name, so they say,
was Hsi Tien-en.

I believe the legend
to be true.

I believe that this is the way
the farmer died and in dying...

...he destroyed the
seventh vampire

One of the cursed creatures
that lived enthroning...

...in an order of fear
and terror

I do not know the location
of this village...

...or even the area where
in which it can be found

But I know it exists,
still cursed, still doomed.

For of the seven vampire creatures,
six still survive.

My studies and research
into the subject...

...and my own confrontation
with an arch-vampire...

...leave me in no doubt
whatsoever as to the validity...

...of this particular story.

If vampirism exists in Eastern Europe,
and I can assure you it does...

...there's no reason to question
its existance in other parts of the world.

Its fundations, in the beginnings,
must extend from Ancient China

No one knows better than you,
at the faculty of chinese history...

...of this reknown university,
that many of your legends...

...are based on thruth
and documented experience.

Professor Van Helsing, we'd
heard of your research in Transilvania...

...and the reports of your confrontation
with a certain Count Dracula

An undoubted madman.

Excuse me, sir.
Dracula was not a madman.

At least not in the accepted sense.

He was the most grotesque
creature, the arch-vampire...

...Lord of the undead.

This monsters may
find sentry...

...in the imagination
of the peasants of Transilvania...

...but China has a sofistication
that is flowered in bloom...

...over the course of
more than 3.000 years.

You cannot diminish that
sofistication as faking tales...

...of devil monsters
and grotesque fiends.

- Grant us some intelligence, sir.
- But I do.

That is why I'm here now

I'd like to continue my research
with your help

Use your knowledge,
your facilities.

Work with you,
have access to your documents.

Vampires do exist.
I know they exist.

I beg you yo listen to me,
take me seriously.

I'm an outsider,
I accept that...

...but I have experience
the horror...

...and the aftermath.

No one has a greater respect
for professor Van Helsing than I, Leyland.

But your father is a
dedicated outspoken man.

I'm fearing that he's becoming some
unpopular with the university people.

Because of his theories
on the vampires legends?

Well, these are difficult times.

As a brittish trade consul, I have to warn
compatriots to trade carefully.

I might be allowed to remain here
by the local authorities.

Any embarrasment could
destroy all the goodwill I built up...

...and when there're people
like Leung Hon in the city.

- Who is he, sir?
- A sort of Tong leader.

- Awful bloated.
- How very jolly!

Unfortunately, I cannot pick
and choose my guests these days.

There must be some
you did choose, sir.

Ah, yes. Ms. Vanessa Buren,
a scandinavian lady.

Her husband died two
years ago. I believe.

- Left her well provided for.
- Evidently.

- Those earrings must be worth a fortune.
- She's in a world tour.

Actually, traveling alone.
Can't say I approve.

I do guess that they
want the vote next.

She has mine, sir.

I do wish she wasn't
wearing all that jewelry.

If I were a thief, it wouldn't
be the diamonds I covet.

There's some here that will
covet the jewels and the lady.

I'll introduce you.

Ms. Buren may I present
Mr. Leyland Van Helsing?

- How you do?
- Delighted to meet you.

You are the son of the
famous professor Van Helsing?

I'm so very interested
in your father's work.

Many people in my country have
the greatest respect for his reputation.

He'd be delighted to hear
that, Ms. Buren. At this time.

I would so much
like to meet him

I'm afraid we weren't be
staying in Chungking much longer.

- But perhaps before he...
- He is here?

Yes, if I could meet him.

I'd read his books about Count Dracula
and his travels in Transilvania.

I've to meet a
vampire hunter personally...

As a point of fact, Ms. Buren, my
father is primarily an anthropologist.

And I'm fear one that is
not catch a vampire.

Who's there?

Who are you?

What it is you want?

My name is Hsi Ching,
professor.

I come to apologize for
the behaviour of my countrymen.

Their ignorance is to be pity
and then dismish.

You were at the lecture.

I was...

...and I listen most
attentive to your words.

- Well, thank you.
- The truth deserves respect.

You believe the legend
of the seven golden vampires?

Of course.

Then I imagine you're the only person in
Chungking who does Mr. Hsi.

Forgive my intrussion
into your rooms.

I want to speak to you alone.

Please, sit down.

- May I offer you some refreshment?
- No, thank you.

I understand you're
soon to leave Chungking.

Yes, I shall go to Hong Kong...

...and cath the packet boat
back to Europe.

Had you heard the
story of the vampires before?

The name of the farmer who destroyed
the seventh golden vampire...

...was Hsi Tien-en.

The name of the village is Ping Kwei.

?Hsi Tien-en? ?Hsi!

That is your family name!

Hsi Tien-en was my grandfather.

Ping Kwei is my ancestors village.

And the vampires still rule there

I don't think I disapprove that ladies
travel the world unaccompanied...

...I would say it has its
hazzards Ms. Buren.

Danger and excitement are
like food and drink to me.

And fortunately I
can indulge myself.

- Am I shocking you?
- Not at all.

Come now, if I were
an english gentlewoman...

I grant you that
might be different.

I'm sure I shock our
gracious host.

- Well, perhaps just a little.
- I beg you pardon, madam.

"Mr. Leung Hon extends his most
cordial and respectful whishes...

...and begs the honor to escorting
Ms. Buren to her lodgings...

...and deliver her the benefit
of his company and protection".

Do give Mr. Leung Hon my sincerest
apologies...

...and tell him I already offered
to escort Ms. Buren to her home

- Do you think he understand?
- Yes.

He understands alright.

I'll get my shawl.

You realize what you done?

You cause Leung Hon to loose face.

Here that is an
unforgivable crime.

Well in that case, sir, could
I trouble you for an escort?

We need your knowledge and
skills to fight the curse of Ping Kwei.

Well...

I'll give you all the
information I have.

You don't understand, sir.

We wished you to journey
with us to Ping Kwei.

We need to take you
back with us.

- We?
- My brothers and I.

He'd pledge to rid our people
of the vampire curse.

We must lift the terrible
shadow from our village.

But we can't do this alone.

An expedition into the inland would
require a small army and bearers...

...requires a lot of money,
for equipment and so forth.

I have a very little,
I'm afraid.

Are you or your brothers
rich men, Hsi Ching?

We have nothing, sir.

Except our strengh
and our willingness.

You have no need of guards
with Hsi brothers at your side.

Now you saw and heard the reaction
to my lecture at the university.

Nobody believe me,
except you, my friend.

Now, in the mountains
of Transilvania...

...the vampiric legends
are very strong.

You can almost feel the terror,
it has a tangible quality.

But here...

...perhaps even I need proof.

And you join us if you
have that proof, professor?

Yes, if the expedition
could be mounted

Yes, I would indeed join you.

Behold then.

The golden medallion of the
seventh vampire of Ping Kwei.

Stop, stop here please.

Perfect night for walking,
don't you think?

I get so tired of
sitting around.

I'm not a retiring english rose,
Mr. Van Helsing.

I don't take the blushing
and I certainly don't faint away...

...at the first improper suggestion.

Wherever comes from a chinese rogue
or a very proper english gentleman.

A totally emancipated female.

I think you might like your
women more fragile, perhaps.

- Perhaps.
- Oh dear, I am embarrassing you.

Let's change the subject.

I particularly want to
talk about your father.

I find him totally fascinating.

- Are you alright?
- Yes, thank you.

Yes, thank you.

Ever since you arrived
to Chungking...

...you and your son had been
under our protection.

No harm could be for you.

Already your son had witness
the skills of my brothers.

Kwei, the bowman,
and Ta, the axeman.

There are four others...

...each one a master
of the martial arts...

...and ready to guard you.

One thing is certain, father.
We can't stay in Chungking.

Maybe this trip to Ping Kwei
will be the answer.

But it needs great
deal of finance.

- How much?
- I'm sorry, madam?

How much would this
expedition cost?

We will need stocks
and provisions.

Ping Kwei is a long way away.

I think...

...perhaps 10,000
chinese dollars, madam.

- You'll have it.
- What?

I'll finance the trip
to this village...

- ...on one condition.
- And what is that?

That you take along too.

I think a vampire hunt
sounds exciting.

Ms. Buren, it is quite inadequate

A woman couldn't possibly make
such a hazardous trip.

We'll be going to unknown territory.
An area doesn't shown on maps.

The countryside is abounded
with robbers and briggers.

I know.

I also have to
leave Chungking.

I suspect the fate Mr. Leung Hon
has bestowed for me...

is rather more perilous than
the bloody plans for your son.

Hsi Ching, perhaps you
would explain to Ms. Buren.

The dangers are many.

If you could believe that
my brothers and I...

...will be beside you
every moment of every day.

Then I'm sure I have
very little to fear.

I really must protest...

It wouldn't do the slightest
bit of good, father.

The lady has
a will of her own.

We have a sister.

Her name is Mai Kwei.

It means "as beautiful
as a rose".

It would be her honour
to attend you.

So now, all is in the
hands of the gods.

We should be ready to leave Chungking
by the first light of tomorrow dawn.

Stop!.

From here, we go on foot.

I said no harm would be
for you on the journey.

It was the most fantastic display,
I've never seen anything like it.

My brothers would die
in your defence.

This is our way.

You should know more
of the others.

And perhaps keep their names
in some corner of your memory.

My twin brothers,
the swordsman, Sung y San.

Their blades are of
burning silver.

Chi-Tao, the massive one,
he got the mace.

And he has the strengh
of ten oxs.

Po-Kwei.

Many years ago he chose
the short stepping spear...

...and is now his master.

Ta, the axeman y Kwei, the bowman,
you already know that.

And we must don't forget
Mai Kwei, our little sister.

May I predict that your son
would not easily forget her name.

And what of you, Hsi Ching?
How did you really find me?

Wasn't the chance that brought
you to the university, was it?

You are a famous man, professor.

Oh, no, I don't famous.

Perhaps in academic circles
found me regarded as an authority...

...in some specialized field
but no more than that.

Then I put it to you professor:

Did I find you?
Or where you sent to us?

You have fought
the arch-vampire.

You are the final authority.

And you will regress the demons.

My knowledge as far as it go is
limited to the european heresy.

I'd hope to learn
something on the East...

...from the faculty
of chinese history.

As you witness the professors
were not forthcoming...

...to say the least of it.

When the time comes...

...when you meet the creture
face to face...

...you'll know what to do,
professor.

We are not dealing
with mortal beings.

What you must understand
is that they are already dead.

They are cursed creatures...

...craving human blood
for their very existence.

They are immensely strong...

...and possess black powers
that are far reaching.

Now fall before them...

...and you too
will be eternally dammed.

Yet they can be destroy?

Oh, yes. They can.

They abhor anything that has
a holy significance.

They fear the word
of the Lord.

In Europe, the vampire
walks in dread of the crucifix.

But here...

...it would be the
image of the Lord Buda.

These are our protection.

How you destroy them?

A wooden stake...

...buried deep into their heart.

Or better still, a silver shot.

Fire.

What of fire?

Not in Europe.
In East perhaps. I don't know.

There are many things
I don't know yet.

But one thing I do know:

This golden medallion...

...is a symbol of the
undead lifeforce.

The remain six vampires will
do anything they can to retreat it.

Once is in their hands again...

...they can reincarnate
the seventh vampire.

They know we're coming.

She's very beautiful.

What?

Ah, Mai Kwei...

Who you think? As she
gets you such a smile.

Back in my country, that is a open
invitation to help with the dishes.

Is a strange night, isn't it?

Do you think they could be fall
in love in this desolate place?

I think it is most likely.

How nice.

They're lucky.

They always remembered
this moment, whatever happened.

Are you afraid?

Yes.

And yet I'm glad I'm here.

Isn't it strange?

It would be dark soon.

We must find shelter
before the sun goes down.

The nights are very cold here.

I never take another
country walk as long as I live.

There some caves up ahead.

We can rest there.

I'll take that, professor.

Thank you.

I haven't seen a living creature
in about three hours.

No birds, no insects,
not even a lizzard!

Oh, is a God forsaken place!

That's a very apt description.
God forsaken.

I like a bath, lots of warm
water, perfumed soap.

My poor feet!

I could do some sleep.
About ten days worth!

I don't like it.

I hate it, professor.

Ah, no.

I mean the atmosphere...
There's something malignant here.

I don't think we're going
to find a village in all this wilderness.

Maybe they forgot their
way back.!

We can be miles from
where we should be!

- Leyland, you're a great comfort!
- I'm sorry, but I...

No, we're on the right track
and heading on the right direction.

- I'm sure of that.
- How do you know, father?

Instinct, perhaps.
That "I'm here before" feeling.

I never seen the place...

...but every detail
is cristal clear.

Strange and uncanny
but it happens ocasionally.

You know just what's
around that corner...

...even before you turn it.

Do you know what is
around this corner?

We are reaching the
village of Ping Kwei...

...and the lair of the vampires.

Well, as long as they don't
come out to meet us.

There'll be food soon.

Well I never though I'll
be happy to sleep in a cave.

We shall be safe here.

Wild animals will not
venture into the cave.

And my brothers will keep
watch through out the night.

Wild animals?

We haven't seen a thing that moves
or breath to the last 20 miles.

Sometimes...

...it is the darkness
that brings them out.

Strike to the heart!

You're like a beautiful
porcelain kitty.

And suddenly
you're a fighting tigress.

Is incredible.

- It displeased you?
- No, it amaze me.

There's three of them.

There are three vampires here.

Those creatures?

they are their victims.
The undead.

Their sl*ves along the ages.

My brothers cannot survive
another attack, professor.

We destroyed half their number.

Three still remain!

Just three demons
terrorizing Ping Kwei...

...your ancestors village.

And now you want
us to turn back?

We know these creatures
could die!

They're not omnipotent!

We make preparations. The
next time we'll ready for them.

Ching, remeber when you came
to see me at my lodgings in Chungking.

Don't give up now!

Over here, professor.

The legend is true!

Every detail.

Over the next hill is the
home of my ancestors...

...Ping Kwei.

This way.

Ching, we must make sure
they can't slip far into this trench.

We will extend it
as far as we can...

- ... in the time left to us.
- Well.

Thank you.

Do you think the trench and
the stakes would stop them father?

For a while, with any luck.

What a sinister place!

I think Ms. Buren quite like
it, you know.

No, thanks.

Romance florishing
in the strangest places.

Doesn't it?

Hear ye, great
demons of hell.

Watch your release,
thy disciples.

Thus do we dedicate
ourselves to your service...

...and your command.

Light it!

Ching, you must destroy her!

To the temple.

Come on.

Van Helsing, across the globe...

...even to this very place,
do you prey me!

Dracula.

Count Dracula.

I knew it.

I knew it, you'd
have to be here.

A curse on you and
your house!

Show yourself.

Or must you hide behind
the image of another man?

Is the mighty Dracula too frighten
to reveal his face to me?

I am Dracula, Lord of Darkness,
master of the vampires...

...prince of the undead,
ruler of the damned!

- Prove it!
- Right.

Van Helsing...

...you will once more
see my face...

...before you die.

Behold, Van Helsing.

Look on me, now!