The Vampire Bat (1933)

Directed by: Frank R. Strayer | 60 minutes | horror, science fiction | Actors: Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, Melvyn Douglas, Maude Eburne, George E. Stone, Dwight Frye, Robert Frazer, Rita Carlyle, Lionel Belmore, William V. Mong, Stella Adams, Harrison Greene

The beginning of this 1933 by Majestic Pictures released ‘The Vampire Bat’ is atmospheric and above all very telling. Nightly shadows, large numbers of bats in the treetops, frightened villagers, superstition that reigns supreme, the notables of the village with their hysterical talk about human vampires that ravaged the village in earlier centuries… these are scenes that in their classic recognisability are promising harbingers. of what’s to come. When there are also mention of the victims who have been found for weeks with bite marks on their necks and without blood in their veins, nothing seems to stand in the way of a genuine vampire classic. But things turn out differently than initially thought, partly due to the misleading title of this film. A vampire who clearly makes his presence known is left behind. Perhaps somewhat disappointing for the inveterate vampire fan, because attributes such as crucifixes, garlic, wooden stakes and related things do not come up because of this. However, also because victims continue to fall with the regularity of the clock, there is a well-evoked, developed and maintained tension during the first half of the playing time. And there is certainly nothing to complain about a suitable vampire-like atmosphere, especially in the first part of this story when everything takes place in the context of vampirism, when the dark atmosphere that characterizes the opening scenes is also maintained afterwards. An atmosphere that is not much inferior to that of the Universal-Dracula films. More than that, multiple aspects of the story make this film seem all too inspired by the success of Universal’s 1931 ‘Dracula’.

After the first part, however, it is noticeable that the story turns into a murder mystery. The belief in vampirism is largely abandoned and the story focuses on the unmasking of who or what was responsible for the murders. For many horror fans perhaps less successful developments, because in addition to letting go of the more vampire-oriented atmosphere, there are also some shortcomings, especially compared to the first part of this film. Relatively much talk about the cause of the murders committed, the identity of the perpetrator that becomes clear too early, the too great predictability that arises as a result and a few ambiguities that arise. Yet director Drayer manages to keep the attention in the sequel of his film. Because of the interesting twist he has given it, because the perpetrator turns out not to be alone, the necessary victims continue to be made and the villain in this story not only manages to deceive several of the main characters but also seem to be prey to fall for his deranged and criminal plans. In addition, director Drayer, although different from the first part of his film, manages to maintain a dark atmosphere even at a later stage. Partly due to the correctly chosen environment and the necessary successful decors. A dark castle, a laboratory where mysterious and horrific experiments are carried out, nighttime shots in dimly lit and misty streets and alleys, dark caves… all contribute effectively to the atmosphere that this film exudes. Complete with suspicions, chases and fateful confrontations at the hands of the maddened and torch-equipped villagers.

However, the various developments and the denouement make it clear that in addition to ‘Dracula’, the influences of that other well-known horror classic, ‘Frankenstein’ from 1931, are all too evident in ‘The Vampire Bat’. Reasons also that it seems very strong that with this approach an attempt has been made to profit from the success of these two horror classics at the time.

There is creditable acting by the various actors and also a welcome reunion with some well-known names from various horror classics. ‘Dracula’ and ‘Frankenstein’ veteran Dwight Frye is typecast as the odd-behaving and haggard-looking villager Herman, who is suspected of vampirism. And Frye, as usual, loses his performance in an almost inimitable way and, although his performance is relatively short, also manages to steal the show. Again a neat and distinguished performance by Lionel Atwill as Doctor von Niemann, who also appeared in several Dracula/Frankenstein classics, and solid acting by Melvyn Douglas as the skeptical and rational inspector Brettschneider. Furthermore, successful supporting work by the later ‘Scream Queen’ Fay Wray and Maude Eburne as the bossy aunt, although the role of Eburne seems rather superfluous and the humor that has been incorporated in her role now seems rather dated. The above makes ‘The Vampire Bat’ an atmospheric cross between a horror movie and a mystery story. Perhaps not all viewers will be charmed by the fact that this film tries to unite both aspects in a single story, but all in all, director Drayer has delivered a creditable and entertaining story on several fronts. A film that, although it does not reach the level of its obvious Universal sources of inspiration ‘Dracula’ and ‘Frankenstein’, should nevertheless not be missed by fans of horror films and classics.