Ballad In Bruges

The pinnacle of horror movie viewing for me this year was finally getting to see my favorite horror film, 1971's Daughters of Darkness, on the big screen. And hosted by Joe Bob Briggs, no less! His show MonsterVision was a formative part of my B-movie education in the 90s, so hearing how much he also loves this film was a very special treat for my inner 15-year-old. 

Although the film print I saw that night was faded and scratched, its High Goth glamour still shone through. How could it not, with Delphine Seyrig vamping around in a gown that looks like she just killed a disco ball and is wearing its skin? The story is somewhat in line with other lesbian vampire films from the time period, in which a mysterious woman and her lovely companion stalk the countryside for prey. This one is artier than most, however, and has a slightly different sensibility. Delphine Seyrig was an ardent feminist, so the exploitative vibe that pervaded many other lesbian vampire movies of the 60s and 70s isn't present. Not to say that her love for her vampire companion is wholesome, or even really love, but whatever it is, it isn't there to turn men on.

DoD booty!

This year was extra-exciting for Daughters of Darkness fans because the soundtrack was not only released for the very first time, but in fancy packaging and on blood red vinyl! I already got my copy (of course) and can promise it's worth the money for anyone who loves this movie. Today's song is the opening to the film, and its languid, mournful tune also serves as the leitmotif throughout. This version has lyrics, which are missing on the soundtrack and on many DVD copies. The vocals are credited to Lainie Cooke, but sound so much like Delphine Seyrig it's hard to believe it's not her. I choose to think it is her, and she's still out there running somewhere, not letting the day catch her.

Who do you think I am, some kind of ghoul? A vampire?