Carmilla is a short story written by Sheridan LeFanu which helped influence Bram Stoker to write Dracula.The characters are good, but Meg Tilley is especially convincing as the beautiful, mysterious, yet evil Carmilla, who befriends a lonely, and overprotected Marie, played by Ione Skye, who soon finds herself under Carmilla's spell. After a series of grisly murders reveals Carmilla as a bloodthirsty vampire, it's a race against time for Marie's father, and a local inspector to try to save Marie against Carmilla's power. If you come across this hard to find Showtime Classic, you owe it to yourself, to give it a try.

Like many literary horror classics, Irish writer J. Sheridan LeFanu's lesbian vampire tale received its fair share of cinematic adaptations; unfortunately, one made in 1966 for the "Mystery And Imagination" TV series no longer exists. Still, this made-for-TV version (which I was not aware of until now) is the sixth one that I have watched – after Dreyer's very liberal VAMPYR (1932), Roger Vadim's BLOOD AND ROSES (1960), the Italian-made CRYPT OF THE VAMPIRE (1964), the Hammer/AIP co- production THE VAMPIRE LOVERS (1970), the Spanish THE BLOOD-SPATTERED BRIDE (1972) – and the only one which kept the original title. Which is quite surprising since, not only is the setting changed from Victorian England to the American South, but there is no mention at all of Carmilla's true identity, Mircalla Karnstein! Also, it is unsurprising, given its pedigree, that the lesbian overtones prevalent in the short story and some of the earlier film versions, are highly underplayed here; even so, the cast is quite decent – Meg Tilly in the title role; Ione Skye as her main victim; Roy Dotrice as her father; and "Inspector" Roddy McDowall – and there are a couple of standout scenes: the bat attack on the maid; the bizarre high-flying seduction in the park; and McDowall's weird and unexpected, bloody come-uppance. For the record, this adaptation was an episode in the obscure and short-lived TV series entitled "Nightmare Classics" which bore the executive producer credit of actress Shelley Duvall!; unfortunately, I came across this on "You Tube" via a print with an askew aspect ratio that often (ironically enough) 'beheads' the characters appearing on screen!

Recently I found a copy of Showtime's 1990 production of Carmilla at a video close out table and purchased it for $7.99. For those of you who may not be aware, Carmilla is a short story by Sheridan Le Fann. Carmilla has been done several times, the most notable of which is 1960's Blood and Roses, by Roger Vadim. Carmilla is a story of female vampirism, with strong lesbian overtones and tastefully done eroticism. Showtime's version is 60 minutes long and stars the talented and lovely Meg Tilly, (why did she never become a major star?), and Roddy (Fright Night) McDowall. I must confess that I was totally unaware of this making of Carmilla -- not an easy admission for one who considers himself a serious student of horror film. Even so, Carmilla is not a typical horror story, and this production even less so than most, for this version is equal parts fairy tale and horror with a large dose of eroticism added. Marie, played by Ione Skye, is the only child of a post-civil war general and plantation owner. The general is very protective of his beautiful daughter, (Ione Skye & Meg Tilly as Carmilla are striking throughout the short film. Two very attractive brunettes dressed in expensive southern belle attire by costume designer Bob Blackman), and we soon learn that Marie has no friends. The first scene of the `poor little rich girl' shows Marie alone in her room with only dolls and a large doll house for company. Only a few minutes into the film, we are presented with an almost surreal, storybook atmosphere which is not entirely displeasing. Soon Carmilla enters the story, apparently the victim of a coach accident on the road near the big house. She is brought inside and soon she has recovered from her wounds and the shock of the accident. Quickly the lonesome Marie and Carmilla become close friends. Carmilla ingratiates herself to Marie's father, always smiling in his presence and telling him how handsome he is. However, before long, persons in the household begin to die and Carmilla is suspected of being the carrier of the `southern sickness,' (vampirism). Inspector Amos, (Roddy McDowall, very pleasing in a part he knows well), is brought in and the life and death struggle begins for real. Although Amos is slain, Carmilla is eventually slain also, ending the sad existence of Carmilla, the once happy and beautiful young woman. So, to comments. At 60 minutes, this making was too short. It would have been much better at 90 or perhaps 105 minutes, for the story moves along a little too quickly. The sexual tension between Marie and Carmilla was strong yet subdued and tastefully done. The scene in which Carmilla is seen biting Marie's neck while floating on air is perhaps the film's best. The mood and atmosphere are superior, as one easily imagines what one wishes plantation life in the old south to have been. However . . . beautiful home, beautiful clothes, beautiful women, indeed, the entire fairy tale atmosphere detracts from the well done horror elements. But, once again, Carmilla is not your standard horror story. Carmilla may be hard for you to find, but view it if you have the chance. It is interesting on several different levels, just do not expect it to be more than it is, or is not. What is IS is a mildly erotic, titillating story with some impressive horror moments. What is IS NOT is a horror tale in the pure sense.

The reasons are: Ione Skye and Meg Tilly! (Two of my favorites)If not for their beauty this would be a total loss. If you like post Civil War period pieces and/or are a fan of Vampire movies perhaps you might enjoy "Carmilla". It reminded me of a Grade B 1950's Vincent Price horror movie more then a movie made in 1990. Meg's a Vampire and she's after Ione trying to seduce her. Ione's Papa tries to save her. The town doctor tries to figure out why all these people are dying. (and why do they have those strange puncture marks in their necks?) And why was I watching this 60 minute turkey anyway?Oh yeah... Meg and Ione are lovely to watch!