Until last year, I had opened October month with Dracula's Daughter. It had kind of become a tradition. Of course, last year is an October month I would love to forget, although I won't considering all the crap I had to deal with. That said, I think I might return to that tradition this year. It just seems like the right kind of movie to open Halloween month. Gloria Holden, the vamp who wants to be free from the Dracula curse, and her intimidating, slick-haired manservant, Irving Pichel, brooding over her, reminding her of the bloodthirst because he doesn't want her to change; instead, he wants to be turned, perhaps to be the man she desires (instead, Holden longs for Otto Kruger). Professor Van Helsing was relegated to a minor part here, forewarning but rather limited to his role in stopping Dracula's daughter. Holden's haunting presence, conveying both a craving for freedom and hunger for blood, is really what I think keeps the film relevant. I have read from other horror buddies who have watched Dracula's Daughter that they find it rather slow-going and maybe a bit dull, but whenever Holden and Pichel appears I think the film is fascinating. The much-discussed lesbian undercurrent remains rather compelling, I think. I find myself really drawn, no spellbound, by the way Holden closes in as the poor girl, the flesh of her neck and shoulders unwrapped to Dracula's daughter like a precious present, becomes hypnotically inert. Like many of my horror brethren (and sisters), this is always fun; figuring out your line ups for each night in October month. Yes, we may seem to be horror geeks, but we are a passionate bunch. I really want this October to eclipse the previous year. That would be ideal if a few gems are discovered while going through the month. I plan to reveal some movies I have never seen before that should show up for the month.
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