Seductive vampire Carmilla Karnstein (Ingrid Pitt) is targeting the daughters of rich families in 18^th century Europe. But while she’s busy picking off the locals and setting her sights on a new victim (Madeline Smith), a vampire hunter is called upon to put an end to her reign of terror.

We love Peter Cushing at Abertoir and we’re thrilled to find one of his films to fit this year’s theme: in 1970, the BBFC raised the age requirements for the ‘X’ certificate from 16 to 18, and The Vampire Lovers was the first Hammer Horror to embrace the possibilities. As you’ll see, they could push the boundaries a little further and it was the perfect way for the legendary studio to lead the way into the more daring filmmaking era of the 1970s.  

We are delighted to welcome Madeline Smith to Abertoir virtually for an on-screen discussion about the film, her career and a chance to take questions from the audience.

Director

Roy Ward Baker

Country

UK

Language

English

Running time

91 mins

Year

1970