baron blood (1972)

AKA Gli orrori del castello di Norimberga
"If he were really to come back he would be a monster."
Peter Kleist (Antonio Cantafora) travels to his ancestral castle in Austria to researh notorious "Baron Blood" a renowned sadist who was reputedly cursed by a witch he had burned to death. At the castle Peter meets Eva (Elke Sommer) who is helping with renovations and they stupidly read an incantation which is supposed to bring the Baron back to life! Following their reading murders start occurring and the castle is subsequently sold to millionare Alfred Becker (Joseph Cotton). But why does he want it and who is the serial killer?
An evocative gothic horror, from a horror master, but this somehow lacks something.

the vourdalak (2023)

"It was unbearable."
A French envoy (Kacey Mottet Klein) is waylaid whilst travelling in the Balkans. Lost and alone he is advised to seek out Gorcha who will be able to help him. On arrival at Gorcha's house he finds he has left a note with his family stating that has gone to fight the turkish bandits and if he returns after 6 days he is to be considered a Vourdalak! As expected Gorcha is found collapsed...minutes after the 6 days has expired!
Based on Tolstoy's gothic novel this is a stylish and atmospheric tale, reminding me of the Italian horrors of the 60's.