Love at First Bite
dir. Stan Dragoti · 1979
Count Dracula, newly relocated to New York, navigates the chaos of modern life while pursuing the enchanting Cindy Soundheim. As he grapples with the absurdities of urban romance and the bumbling attempts of her boyfriend to thwart him, the film unfolds with a playful charm that blends horror and comedy. Watching it feels like a delightful romp through a whimsical world where the supernatural collides with the mundane, leaving viewers chuckling at the absurdity of love and life.
This vampire spoof has Count Dracula moving to New York to find his Bride, after being forced to move out of his Transylvanian castle. There with the aid of assistant Renfield, he stumbles through typical New York city life situations while pursuing Cindy Soundheim. But her boyfriend, Doctor Jeff Rosenberg, realizes she is under the influence of a vampire, and tries his bumbling best to convince police Lt Ferguson of what is going on, and to help him stop Dracula.
Talking points
- the evolution of vampire mythology in film
- the intersection of horror and comedy
- cultural perceptions of romance in the 1970s
- the role of supporting characters in romantic narratives
