Black Sunday (1960)

Black Sunday (La maschera del demonio)
Directed by Mario Bava
Written by Ennio De Concini and Mario Serandrei from a story by Nikolai Gogol
1960/Italy/USA
Galatea Film/Jolly Film/Alta Vista Productions
First viewing/Netflix rental
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

[box] Princess Asa Vajda: You, too, can feel the joy and happiness of hating.[/box]

Director Bava shows off his skills as a cinematographer in this graphic witchcraft/vampire film.

The setting is Moldavia.  As the film opens, Princess Aja (Barbara Steele) is being burned at the stake as a witch along with her faithful servant Ivan.  The last punishment before the fire is lit is to place a spiked mask of Satan on her face.  Aja’s brother brought the charges against her and as the flames rise higher she curses her entire family and its descendants in Satan’s name.

Segue to two hundred years later, in what looks like the 19th Century.  Two doctors are traveling to a conference and come upon a ruined crypt when their carriage breaks down. There Dr. Krujevan discovesr the coffin of Aja.  He accidentally cuts his finger and the few drops of blood are all Aja needs to begin to come to life.

Outside the crypt, the travelers meet Princess Katia (Steele again), Aja’s descendent.  They proceed to an inn but Krujevan is called to the home of Katia’s father Prince Vajda.  Little does he know that the coachman sent for him is actually Ivan.  So begins Princess Aja’s revenge.

Barbara Steele is very good in her dual role.  Her Princess Aja is truly evil and scary.  There are a lot of moments that will make your skin crawl.  The film looked beautiful on Blu-Ray. I watched the Americanized version.  Recommended to horror fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q5nV12AgVc

American Trailer