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Horror Cult Classic

Italian Gothic chills, cursed bloodlines, and Christopher Lee in a castle of secrets.

CRYPT OF THE VAMPIRE

1964 · 1h 22m · NR · Horror · IMDB TMDB

Count Karnstein sends for a doctor to help his sick daughter Laura. Her nurse believes she is possessed by the spirit of a dead ancestor, Carmilla.

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Vault Note

If you like your vampires aristocratic and your castles a little drafty, this one’s for you.

Programmer's Pick

With Christopher Lee glowering through candlelit corridors and a plot dripping with family curses and witchy intrigue, Crypt of the Vampire is prime Italian Gothic. Expect haunted castles, spectral visions, and a dash of Carmilla-inspired vampirism for good measure.

— SassyFlix Programmer
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Quick Answer
What is Crypt of the Vampire about?

Crypt of the Vampire is a 1964 Italian-Spanish horror film directed by Camillo Mastrocinque about Count Karnstein, who enlists a doctor to help his ailing daughter Laura, only to uncover a web of possession, ancestral curses, and vampiric terror within their Gothic castle.

Details & Specs
Director
Camillo Mastrocinque
Writers
Ernesto Gastaldi, Tonino Valerii
Release
1964
Runtime
1h 22m
Country
Italy, Spain
Language
Italian
Genres
Horror
Also Known As
Terror in the Crypt, Crypt of the Vampire, Original title: La cripta e l'incubo

Synopsis

Count Karnstein sends for a doctor to help his sick daughter Laura. Her nurse believes she is possessed by the spirit of a dead ancestor;Carmilla. A young woman becomes intrigued by the mysterious deaths surrounding Laura after a carriage accident outside the castle forces her to stay. They become close friends until Laura becomes convinced the spirit of Carmilla is forcing her to kill.

Why Cult

Christopher Lee Gothic

Christopher Lee brings his signature gravitas to Count Karnstein, anchoring this eerie tale of aristocratic doom.

Carmilla Vampire Legend

The plot draws inspiration from the Carmilla myth, weaving themes of possession and female vampirism into the story.

Italian Gothic Atmosphere

Foggy castles, crypts, and haunted corridors—classic Italian Gothic horror from the 1960s at its shadowy best.

Witchcraft and Curses

Family curses, executed witches, and summoning spirits drive the supernatural narrative and amp up the sinister mood.

Cast & Crew

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Director: Camillo Mastrocinque Writers: Ernesto Gastaldi +1 more
Christopher Lee Christopher Lee Count Ludwig Karnstein Adriana Ambesi Adriana Ambesi Laura Karnstein Ursula Davis Ursula Davis Ljuba José Campos José Campos Friedrich Klauss Véra Valmont Véra Valmont Annette Carla Calò Carla Calò Ljuba's Mother (as Cicely Clayton) José Villasante José Villasante Cedric John Karlsen John Karlsen Franz Karnstein (uncredited) Ignazio Balsamo Ignazio Balsamo AM Angel Midlin NC Nela Conjiu

Scene Gallery

Trailers & Clips

Questions from the Vault

What is Crypt of the Vampire about? +

Crypt of the Vampire follows Count Karnstein as he seeks help for his daughter Laura, who may be possessed by a vengeful ancestor, set against a backdrop of mysterious deaths and Gothic horror.

When was Crypt of the Vampire released? +

Crypt of the Vampire was released in 1964.

Who directed Crypt of the Vampire? +

Crypt of the Vampire was directed by Camillo Mastrocinque.

How long is Crypt of the Vampire? +

Crypt of the Vampire has a runtime of 82 minutes.

What genre is Crypt of the Vampire? +

Crypt of the Vampire is a horror film.

Themes & Keywords