The Fearless Vampire Killers, or Pardon Me but Your Teeth Are in My Neck (1967)

One of Roman Polanski's more overt comedies, this 1966 monster spectacle stars Jack MacGowran and Polanski as a clunky but heroic pair of vampire killers. Called upon to rescue the beautiful and buxom daughter (Sharon Tate) of an innkeeper from a Draculalike bloodsucker, the duo muddle through all sorts of scrapes, the most intense being a scene in which a room full of dancing vampires realize the human interlopers are the only ones in the room who are reflected in a mirror. Scary and funny, the film has some unforgettable set pieces, a terrific score, one of the few records of Tate's extraordinary beauty, and vibrant performances. Not exactly Polanski in a relaxed mode, but clear evidence of his estimable skills as a director of both brilliance and polish. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

Ummm. Well, it was great 40 years ago

This is a flick I remember seeing at the local drive-in as the 4th feature of a monthly horror night. By the time it was shown, our packed car was sound asleep, except for me, but it was definitely worth staying awake. I thought this was the funniest and weirdest movie around, and probably the only comedy-horror-adventure movie featuring two gorgious women and dozens of very, very stupid jokes. I've been looking for it on VHS and DVD for several decades now, so I plunked down my $15 without even thinking about it.

Ooops! Like I say, that was 40 years ago, and a lot has changed. Principal change? Not funny anymore. Even the single best line ('Oy, have YOU got the wrong vampire') wasn't even all that great...absolutely hilarious in memory - on the TV screen? Uhhh, not so much. And while the Count's son was so extraordinarily fey back in the sixties, again, today? Not nearly so much..........

A lot was made of the fact that this was Sharon Tate's last movie before being murdered. For that, it's probably worth existing as a historical document on a library shelf, and that is precisely where my copy's headed. My plan is to donate it to the local bibliothèque in the hope that it will spare some other poor unfortunate soul from purchasing what is now pretty much a P.O.S.

As a movie I give it one star, as a piece of history, two.
July 15, 2008

love this kind of movie

I purchased this movie because I,ve seen it before. Love those old campy B Movies. June 25, 2008

Great!

This product arrived very quickly to the location that I had it shipped to! This was a gift to my dad and he was really excited to get it because you can't find this movie anywhere! Thank you Amazon for always having what I need available! April 5, 2008

Great castles and good old fashioned fun

This vampire comedy is akin to a Hammer Horror production with more goofs than ghouls. If you like Hammer Horror, or the works of Polanksi, then you may want to investigate this production but it doesn't take itself seriously. The other interesting reason to watch this is that Sharon Tate, Polanski's late wife (who was murdered by the Manson's followers) stars in it.

The film has a number of titles, the most popular of which is the European title, Dance of the Vampires. The USA title of The Fearless Vampire Killers or: Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck, was introduced probably to reveal its a comical content.

Jack MacGowran as Professor Abronsius is pleasing amusement. Even Roman Polanski as Alfred, Abronsius' Assistant, puts on an interesting comical performance.

It is not all comedy. The vampire's fangs are certainly some of the biggest you will see and the ball is errie, but the star of the show is the castle and its the main reason to watch this film. The castle is every bit as good as what Hammer has put out and then some more. The set designs from the local village pub to the castle that overlooks it, the bedrooms covered in spider webs, are first rate and inspiring.

Dance of the Vampires, is certainly more than watchable. If you have an interest in Hammer, Polanski or just good old fashioned fun, then you can't go too far wrong with this. March 8, 2008

Fearless Vampire Killers

The humor is very subtle, and the horror aspect is pretty campy, but overall I found it to be an enjoyable experience, if only to get to see Sharon Tate and a young Polanski. I really liked how he did the background scenery. The movie itself was okay by me, but not to a lot of others I have talked to who have seen it. It's one of those you either like or you don't. November 25, 2007

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