"Mark Of The Vampire" has a great cast (even with a few too many comic relief supporting characters), some striking scenes and lots of creepy-crawlies, but the big surprise in the story is also a let-down, as it turns the supernatural into the mundane. Ultimately, this doesn't quite qualify as one of the classics of the genre. But it does make you wonder why Carroll Borland didn't have more roles like this - she is perfect. **1/2 out of 4.

It seems that after the controversy of FREAKS, Tod Browning decided to play it safe with this film, unfortunately. What could have been an interesting little shocker is marred by a seen-it-all-before feel which comes from the fact that most of the action and events occurring are very similar to ones already portrayed in Dracula. Let's face it, this film offers up little in the way of originality, apart from a twist ending. However, if you're a fan of classic '30s horror then this film is still worth watching for some spooky moments where characters stumble through a misty graveyard and are pursued by those big, flapping rubber bats of which Universal were so fond. Otherwise it's a simple drawing room melodrama with lots of people arguing and not exactly doing much. The same old vampire folklore is gone over again adding to the sense of déjà vu.One of the film's big pluses is the excellent cast. Not one, not two, but three notable actors team up for this little flick and give it their all in over the top performances. Lionel Barrymore really gets his teeth into the role of Professor Zelen, an excitable fellow who rants about vampires non-stop until you think he's going to have a heart attack. Lionel Atwill also turns up as a gruff police inspector, essentially playing his powerful, brooding role which he always played - great! And one of the biggest names of all, Bela Lugosi, turns up in a cameo role as a mock-vampire who walks about occasionally but spends most of the time off screen! At least we get a classic Lugosi one-liner at the end of the film which almost made it all worth it. Also check out Carroll Borland's turn as a well spooky vampire girl who spouts giant bat wings in one hallucinogenic scene.Okay, so MARK OF THE VAMPIRE's real strength lies in its cast, but some real atmosphere and a sense of foreboding evil is built up with the vampires lurking about outside in the darkness. Added to this the classic cobwebby sets (which have all manner of creatures, from cockroaches to spiders to rodents running about) and lots of melodrama and you have a nice little '30s filler which doesn't amount to much but remains enjoyable throughout its short running time.

Mark of the Vampire apparently had a script change at some point in production, which gave it the controversial ending. I'm on the side of the naysayers- this is an above average, minor classic film, but fell flat for me at the last minute.Director Tod browning creates an incredibly eerie atmosphere, the mood is appropriately supernatural and even a bit sad....Count Mora(Bela Lugosi) and his "undead" daughter Luna radiate a convincing fear inducing allure. These are some of the spookiest moments you will ever see in a 30's horror film. The counterpoint offered by actor Lionel Barrymore in his Van Helsing-esque role is very satisfying (some find his character annoying, to me he is the eccentric uncle that everyone wishes they had)....However,the final 10 minutes upends the entire previous action, and the film concludes with a prosaic resolution. This may leave some viewers unsatisfied or even cheated.Overall, a good film that was probably marred by meddling censors. Watch it if only for historical purposes, but please watch it- late at night! Six stars.

Sir Karrel Borotyn is found dead with two punctures on his neck and drained of all his blood. A professor (Lionel Barrymore) and a police inspector (Lionel Atwill) investigate and all evidence points to vampires. Now it looks like Sir Karrel's daughter (Elizabeth Allan) is being targeted by the blood suckers.Director Tod Browning's remake of his now-lost film "London After Midnight." In the original, Lon Chaney played multiple parts. Here his roles are divided among Lionel Barrymore, Bela Lugosi, and Lionel Atwill. Lots of horror fans dislike this one because they feel the ending is a cheat. I thought the ending was great, though it might not hold up on closer scrutiny of certain previous scenes. The entire movie plays out more like a murder mystery with horror overtones rather than a straight horror film, so I didn't feel cheated at all. It's beautifully shot by James Wong Howe. The cast is great. Lugosi barely says anything but is a menacing presence in a Draculaesque role. Carol Borland is sufficiently creepy as his "daughter." Definitely a keeper.