Thirst (1979)

This late seventies vampire film from Australia would fit nicely on the shelf with my Hammer horror and Italian favourites. Hell, I could picture Barbara Steele in the role of Kate Davis, though Chantal Contouri does a fine job indeed. I wonder why her filmography is so empty? <i>Thirst</i>, especially at the time of it's release in 1979, had a more unique view of vampires. From their farming of humans (to be sure that the blood is pure) to the false fangs they put in the drink blood, these weren't vamps that hid in the shadows, seducing victims to drain. When a descendant of Elizabeth Bathory is discovered, they psychologically torture the woman into joining the Brotherhood and strengthening the bloodline. Ultimately, she must make the choice of her own free will. Not quite a slow-burner, not quite action-packed, <i>Thirst</i> has enough to keep the interest of genre fans though casual viewers may wish to shy away. As for myself, I'll definitely be buying the Blu-Ray next time I make an Amazon purchase.