Count Yorga

[Earth 2 Chris]

So, the Yorga films were a blindspot for me. I heard of them years ago, but never saw them. I knew (thanks to Brian) that the Dracula painting on the Remco 9" box is based on Yorga. I knew the film started in development as a softcore porno, but that was about it.

So, I really have to say, I liked the first movie! Quarray's Yorga is just deliciously urbane, until he goes bat-crap and runs at you with his shark teeth! I recognized Michael Murphy from Batman Returns and Roger Perry from the Trek episode, "Tomorrow is Yesterday". And that ending...WOW! The beginning of the bleak endings in horror film? Well, this and Night of the Living Dead, I suppose. But this was pretty early.

The Return of Count Yorga SHOULD have been better. Better cast with Marriette Hartley and a very young Craig T. Nelson (in his first screen role). Perry is back as another character, and hey...Michael Pataki! Lots of Trek alums in these flicks.
But I found they relied too much on the once-shocking bit of Yorga running right at the camera. He did that like 4 times. I did like the nonchalant way he disposed of the priest, and some of his dialog was even better than the first. I expected the shock ending this time. Still, a lot of fun, and that opening with the vampire women is CHILLING. I had seen that clip before.

So, I guess that's it for Yorga? I've heard some sources claim Quarry plays Yorga in the 2nd Dr. Phibes film, but I don't think that's true.

Chris

[palitoy]

Deathmaster is Quarry's other turn as a vampire, very of it's time and super dated but I dig it. I saw it a couple of times as a kid.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Piglet himself, John Fielder! Or Redjac from Star Trek (another Trek alum)! You're right about it being "of its time". I kept waiting for Billy Batson and Mentor to drive up.

But now I gotta go watch the rest of it.

Chris

[megoapesnut]

I love Count Yorga. One of my favorite vampire flicks. I agree with your thoughts on the 2nd film. I actually got my review of Count Yorga published in a video magazine in the early years, maybe 1989ish.

[Goblin19]

The first Count Yorga holds a special place for me. It terrified me as a child. It holds up pretty well. Quarry is terrific. The second one is just okay.

[PNGwynne]

I've only seen the first film, I like Quarry in general (Biederbeck, anyone?) and his Count Yorga in particular.

[palitoy]

I kept waiting for Billy Batson and Mentor to drive up.

And Billy jack.

But now I gotta go watch the rest of it.

Me too, arg.

[daz71]

blacula reminds me of yorga crossed with Kolchak

[Earth 2 Chris]

^Definitely a similar vibe. Plus, you have that slow mow running thing with the woman at the morgue, which is clearly ripped off from Yorga. Both AIP films.

Chris

[daz71]

i'll have to watch the second yorga film again i can't remember anything about it.i remember robert quarry in madhouse too with vincent price and peter cushing.