I read online recently that someone regarded Vampire Circus as to be akin to a Carry On film and that it was a laughable Hammer entry. With such strong sentiments I thought a rewatch would be in store. These opinions certainly weren’t in line with how I remembered the film when I watched it on TV in the late 80’s.

The setting is Serbia in the 19th Century. As the plague sweeps through a village, a travelling circus takes up residency. Soon young children in the village start to disappear. Could this be the result of the killing of the vampire Count Mitterhaus years before?

Vampire Circus, whilst not being the Hammer equivalent of a Carry On film, is certainly VERY camp! That’s not a bad thing and it doesn’t take anything away from the occasional and very effective gore within the film.

The cast is excellent led by the stunning Adrienne Corri who inhabits her role with relish. There’s even Dave Prowse in a supporting role as the circus’ strongman.

The film also looks gorgeous and has a colour palate that is both very attractive and pleasing to the eye.

Another aspect of the film that I loved was that it didn’t seem to take itself too seriously but without sinking down to the awful level of not being able to be taken seriously by the audience.

All in all, a very entertaining film that is far from an embarrassment. Note to self- please disregard comments from nobodies on social media about films I actually like.

3.5 out of 5 stars