Blacula (1972). This cheaply made Blaxploitation riff on Dracula boasts a great leading turn by Shakespearean actor William Marshall, who lends the picture a resonant speaking voice and a commanding presence — even when he’s wearing goofy sideburns that track all the way from his eye sockets to his jaw line. Enjoyable as a kitschy time capsule, or on its own merits as a competently executed tragedy, Blacula delivers everything its title promises. I’m just sorry I can’t say the same for the disappointing 1973 sequel, which boasts an even better title — Scream, Blacula, Scream! — and the presence of Blaxploitation queen Pam Grier.

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