BLACK SUNDAY (The Mask of Satan)
BLACK SUNDAY (The Mask of Satan)-Italy-1960
Barbara Steele as Katia Vajda/Princess Asa Vajda
John Richardson as Dr. Andre Gorobec
Ivo Garrani as Prince Vajda
Andrea Checchi as Dr. Thomas Kruvajan
Directed by Mario Bava
Screenplay by Ennio De Concini, Mario Sarandrei and Marcello Coscia
Based on the short story “The Viy” by Nikolai Gogol
Is “Black Sunday” a film about a witch and her illicit lover who vow vengeance on her brother’s descendants? Yes. Is “Black Sunday” a film about a vampire and her illicit lover who vow vengeance on her brother’s descendants? Again, yes. Are the witch and the vampire the same person as portrayed by the hauntingly beautiful Barbara Steele? Oh, hell yes. In fact, there is no doubt in my mind that this is Steele’s film in every way. The woman is so strikingly gorgeous that there is absolutely no way you can take your eyes off of her. Who better to portray not only the evil witch/vampire Asa Vajda and her descendant the innocent princess Katja Vajda? With one look into those eyes Steele can make your heart melt and you fall madly in love, or you will do her bidding on the path to your destruction. I have racked my brain trying to figure out a way to review this film and this is the only way I know how. This is Mario Bava’s debut film as a director and it would be the first in a long line of Italian horror classics that include “Black Sabbath”, “Blood and Black Lace” and “Planet of the Vampires.” But make no mistake about it, Bava’s name may be above the title but it is Barbara Steele and her raven beauty that is the star of “Black Sunday.”
TRIVIA
In the October 17-23, 1998 edition of “TV Guide”, director Tim Burton says this is his favorite horror film.
Both Barbara Steele and Arturo Dominici were fitted with vampire fangs. Mario Bava decided against using them in the film. They can be seen in some of the publicity photos.
In the Italian language version Princess Asa and Javutich are brother and sister which hinted at an incestuous relationship. This relationship is not part of either English language version.
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Posted on 05/17/2012, in Films Based on Novels or Short Stories, Films Released in 1960, Italian Horror Films, Movies, Vampire Films, Witch films and tagged Arturo Dominici, Barbara Steele, Black Sabbath, Black Sunday, Ennio De Concini, giallo, John Richardson, Mario Bava, Nikolai Gogol, Tim Burton, Vampire, witch. Bookmark the permalink. 21 Comments.
sounds like a great old movie to get a hold of….Love the tribute to Barbara Steele.
A gorgeous woman, no doubt about it.
Hey – I made it in today and what an awesome movie to catch. I might have to check it out someday.
Anna, thank you for stopping by. I’m glad you like the review and hope you can check out the film in the near future.
I love that poster (and this movie)!
This movie has a special place in my heart, because it’s the first Barbara Steele movie I ever saw.
The woman is stunning!!
It’s a beautifully shot film with some amazing visuals and creepy atmospheres. I will argue though that Black Sunday it is not a Giallo nor does it pretend to be. Yet, its a mesmerizing film that shouldn’t be missed by fans of horror.
Nice write-up.
To be honest I’m not as up on giallo as I would like to be. I will edit the post to reflect that is an Italian Horror film, not giallo. Other than that I thank you for the comment and the compliment, Mike.
Your welcome buddy. And if you’d like to dive into the Giallo genre, let me know and I’ll throw some suggestions your way. This way you wont start with a crappy one (and there are plenty).
Throw them at me, man!!
I’m off to work now, but will send you a short list to start with on Saturday.
Cool!!
Alrighty, here are 3 giallo’s from 3 different directors that should get you started on the right foot, at least in terms of enjoying them. Mario Bava’s Blood and Black Lace (1963). Dario Argento’s The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970). And Sergio Martino’s Torso (1974). You can also consider Argento’s Tenebre and Deep Red as well.
I believe I am going to begin with Argento’s TBWTCP. Thanks, Mike!
Okay…confession time…not sure the beautiful starlett won me over the way she did you…just sayin
Hey, not a problem, Natasha. Thank you for commenting as always!
Steele was a beautiful woman in her younger years (when this film was made). She had a very unique look (some would say odd) and had an aura about her. She, however, did not age well.
I have to agree about the aging part. I just found her to be such a striking woman in her younger days. Besides, not all of us can age gracefully.
“not all of us can age gracefully”
Very true!
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