Saturday, October 1, 2016

October Horror Movie Challenge - Curse of the Undead (1959)


Synopsis: After the death of her father and brother, Delores, hires a mysterious gunslinger to help. However her dear friend, Preacher Dan, suspect the mysterious stranger is more than he seems. 

The Good: I love the weird west. Horror and westerns go together like biscuits and gravy in my book. I appreciate that the vampire of this tale isn't the standard Hollywood vampire and draws more from folklore and legends. 

The Bad: Take the vampire element away and this is a standard B western. Also, because of the era and such, this isn't scary. If you're wanting to see some blood-drenched vampire cowboy action, this is not your movie. Also, if you don't like black and white films, pass on this.


Final Thoughts:  This movie definitely came from a simpler time, but I enjoyed it. 

In Your Game:  I like having a variety of vampires in my games. In addition to the standard Whedon Vampire that is featured in cinematic unisystem (and the customizable Ghosts of Albion version) I created the Dionin Vampire quality based on Lair of the White Worm to use in my games.  Here is a a vampirism from suicide vampire quality for characters like Drake. The silver thing isn't in the film, but I pulled it from Dracula 2000, which also features Iscariot/vampire ties.

Iscariot Vampire (12 or 15 point quality)

Iscariot vampires gain +3 to Strength, +2 to Dexterity, +2 to Constitution, and two levels of Hard to Kill (they can take as many as 10 levels in total); +2 bonus to smell/taste-based Perception rolls, recover from injuries at the rate of one Life Point per Constitution level every hour (fire damage regenerates at the rate of one Life Point per Constitution level per day; and are immortal.

Unlike traditional vampires, Iscariots suffer no penalty for being in sunlight. However, they are still affected by stakes through the heart and beheading. They are extra vulnerable to consecrated holy symbols, which do X 2 the damage they normally would. In addition they have an aversion to silver (a remnant of the original Iscariot) and must succeed in a Willpower (doubled) check to remain in its presence.

They gain a bite attack that deals Strength X 2 damage. However, unlike regular vampires, they can not use this to create new vampires. Iscariots only come into existence via suicide.

Iscariots may take the Hypnosis quality (as described in Angel).

The 12 point quality is for soulless Iscariots, cast members should purchase the souled 15 point quality.

New To Me Movies Watched: 1
Total Movies Watched: 2



2 comments:

  1. This looks like a cool weird western to check out. Thanks for finding it!

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    1. You didn't hear this from me, but it may or may not be on Youtube at the moment.

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