The Literary Vampire
Most vampire conventions were first articulated in the late Victorian novel "Dracula," written by Bram Stoker.
Various deterrents which will hold a vampire temporarily at bay include garlic, holy water, thorny roses or various religious articles--such as crucifixes--when they are brandished by one who has faith.
Vampires are able to transmogrify themselves into a number of non-human creatures including wolf, bat and insect.
Before a vampire may enter your house for the first time, he must be invited by the rightful owner of the house. Thereafter he can enter at will.
Supernatural characteristics of the undead include the ability to fly, superhuman strength, indefinite life-span and the ability to mesmerixe his victims.
The Eastern European region traditionally associated with vampires is Transylvania.
Some methods of permanent vampire eradication are a stake through the heart, decapitation,
burial face-down, being submerged in their own blood or thorough burning.
Vampires on the Silver Screen
The first serious cinematic version of a vampire tale, largely derived from "Dracula," was made in Germany in 1922. It was "Nosferatu," by filmmaker F.W. Murnau.
In 1930, an American studio, Universal, released the first important U.S. version of "Dracula," starring Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi as the count. The part was originally intended for American actor Lon Chaney.
The British film actor most frequently associated with vampire movies from the U.K. is Christopher Lee.
Two companies dominated production of vampire films during the heyday of the genre in the 1950s and '60s--Hammer Films and American International Pictures.
In 1972, the first black vampire film, "Blacula," made its appearance in the U.S. starring William Marshall as the vampire.
One of the most successful vampire films of recent years was a 1979 spoof entitled "Love at First Bite." George Hamilton played the vampire, and Susan St. James palyed his attractive victim.
The actor who played a vampire with time running out in "The Hunger" was David Bowie.
Udo Kier played the evil count in Andy Warhol's version of "Dracula."
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