The Fearless Vampire Killers
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Synopsis
An eccentric bat expert and his clumsy apprentice travel deep into the frozen heart of Transylvania to hunt vampires, only to find themselves infiltrating a lavish aristocratic ball in a bid to rescue the innkeeper’s abducted daughter.
Our Review
The Fearless Vampire Killers, which is popularly known as “Dance of the Vampires” outside U.S. It was also titled as “The Fearless Vampire Killers, or Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck” in its American release.
The movie has the same plot as any other vampire movie, but what makes it different is the horror spoof that has been tried to create. Alfred’s character played by Polanski has its special touch of Polanski making it worth a watch and watching Count Von Krolock played by Ferdy Mayne in the vampire role is just splendid.
It is said that later on the movie underwent heavy editing because of which Polanski’s role was cut short and in many scenes dubbing was done due to which movie’s essence was lost. As a result, Polanski asked his name to be removed from the credits of the movie. However, it is worth a watch for Polanski’s humour, standing as a unique tonal counterpart to the darker classics featured on MovieToWatch.
Plot
Professor Ambronsius (Jack MacGowran) is an old aged academician, who specializes in the study and research of bats and vampires. The young and wacky Alfred (Polanski) assists Professor Ambronsius in his academic pursuits, during which time they both have to travel to a village named Transylvania which is always snow-clad and it said to have been inhibited by vampires.
The Professor and Alfred puts up at an inn in Transylvania, where Alfred and Sarah (Sharon Tate) the beautiful and comely daughter of the innkeeper get romantically involved. Suddenly one day Sharon is abducted by the vampire Count Von Krolock (Ferdy Mayne) and to her rescue comes Professor Ambronsius and Alfred, who then head towards the castle which is occupied by the vampires.
Infiltrating the gothic fortress, the duo must navigate bizarre vampire aristocrats, treacherous battlements, and a lavish midnight masquerade ball where reflections in the grand hall mirror reveal that they are the only living mortals in the room.
Ending Explained
During the Grand Vampire Ball, Alfred and Professor Abronsius disguise themselves in period formalwear to rescue Sarah. While dancing among the undead, their living human reflections are revealed in a massive ballroom mirror, alerting Count von Krolock and his ghouls. Using crossed wooden swords as an improvised crucifix, Alfred and the Professor escape the ballroom and flee into the snowy night in a horse-drawn sleigh with Sarah.
Believing they have triumphed over the forces of darkness, Professor Abronsius happily drives the horses forward, oblivious to the fact that Sarah has already been turned into a vampire. Sitting in the back of the carriage, Sarah reveals razor-sharp fangs and sinks her teeth into Alfred’s neck, turning him as well. The narrator reveals that instead of destroying the vampire plague, the oblivious Professor unwittingly carried the curse across Europe and spread evil throughout the civilized world.
What We Think About This Movie
What We Liked
Exceptional production design with snow-drenched Bavarian landscapes, authentic castle interiors, and a lavish period ballroom.
Krzysztof Komeda's haunting choral score, blending eerie gothic voices with playful, melancholic themes.
Ferdy Mayne’s aristocratic Count von Krolock, giving a performance that rivals Christopher Lee in regal menace.
Sharon Tate’s breathtaking screen presence and comedic warmth as Sarah Shagal.
What We Didn't Like
The deliberate, episodic pacing may feel sluggish to modern viewers accustomed to rapid horror-comedies.
MGM's historical U.S. re-edits and animated intro diluted some of the director's subtle, macabre visual balance.
Who Should Watch
Fans of vintage 1960s gothic horror, Hammer film aesthetics, slapstick horror spoofs, and classic European cinema.
Who Should Skip
Viewers looking for relentless jump scares, modern gore, or fast-paced creature action.
Movie Details
Where to Watch The Fearless Vampire Killers in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions About The Fearless Vampire Killers
Is The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967) worth watching?
Yes. Holding a 7.8/10 rating on MovieToWatch, it is a masterclass in gothic production design, blending traditional Hammer-style atmosphere with biting, macabre satire.
Who directed The Fearless Vampire Killers?
The film was directed and co-written by Roman Polanski, who also starred as Alfred. (Producer Michael Mindlin Jr. supervised the initial U.S. theatrical edit).
What is the alternative title of the film?
Outside the United States, the movie is internationally known as 'Dance of the Vampires'.
Who played Sarah in the film?
Sarah Shagal was played by Sharon Tate in one of her most famous and charming cinematic roles.
How long is The Fearless Vampire Killers?
The official uncut runtime of the movie is 108 minutes (1 hour and 48 minutes).
What is the age rating for The Fearless Vampire Killers?
It carries a PG-13 rating for vampire menace, comic violence, gothic sensuality, and brief partial nudity.
