The 1972 blaxploitation horror film Blacula, directed by William Crain, starred William Marshall in the title role. “Although the title may seem overly simplistic and obvious…Blacula itself is no joke and is, in fact, a legitimate and even dignified horror film with terrifying scenes and enduring moral questions.” (Pop Matters)

In 1780, African Prince Mamuwalde (Marshall) pays a visit to Count Dracula in Transylvania, seeking his support in ending the slave trade. Instead, the vampire curses his noble guest and transforms him into a vampire! Released from his coffin nearly two centuries later by a pair of luckless interior decorators, Mamuwalde emerges as “Blacula.”

“William Crain's sharp direction, along with the funky music score by Gene Page, and of course the late William Marshall's memorable lead performance make this film a classic of the Blaxploitation genre.”—The Grindhouse Cinema Database

One of the top-grossing films of the year, Blacula was the first film to receive an award for Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards. Blacula was followed by the sequel Scream Blacula Scream in 1973.

Below are the movie trailer—and a playlist with tracks from the amazing score by Gene Page.