"Zoltan, Hound of Dracula" review

Zoltan, Hound of Dracula (1978)

Director: Albert Band
Writer: Frank Ray Perilli

Michael Pataki... Michael Drake / Count Dracula
Jan Shutan... Marla Drake
Libby Chase... Linda Drake
John Levin... Steve Drake
Reggie Nalder... Veidt Smith
Cleo Harrington... Pat Parks

My friend and I saw this one the other day. After it was over, he was demanding the LANDFILL for "Zoltan, Hound of Dracula". But I can't do it. "Zoltan" gave me too much joy to throw on the garbage pile. Not because it was a quality horror film mind you. There's nothing scary about this movie. But because Zoltan cracked me up! My friend feels like "Zoltan" was robbed of its rightful rating and is filing a protest. His dissenting opinion is duly noted.

A bunch of soldiers release Zoltan and his master from their graves. Zoltan has to get to America so he can find the last descendant of Dracula, (Michael Pataki). They can't function unless they are groveling at Dracula's feet. So Zoltan and his master start stalking the latest Dracula while he's on a camping trip. Yes, a camping trip. The rest of the movie has Zoltan doing battle with other dogs while partaking in constant telepathic discussions with his master. "Yes, Zoltan, Yes."

"Zoltan, Hound of Dracula" is hilarious. I laughed through most of it. I especially loved Zoltan's master who was addicted to communicating with the vampire dog telepathically, "Yes Zoltan. Soon we shall strike, Etc." But the true comedy in this movie is Zoltan himself. There's just something comical about a dog with obvious fake fangs trying to bite someone in the neck. Zoltan curls his lips a lot so he can show off his phony fangs. Each time is a guaranteed laugh.

The ending was classic. It leaves open the possibility of a sequel. Dare we dream? Bring on "Zoltan 2"! Yes Zoltan, Yes.

SCORE: 2 out of 4 Zoltans