Daughters of Darkness (1971) with Carolyn Raship

Newlywed couple Stefan and Valerie are traveling across Europe by train, bound for Belgium, then England, where they are to meet Stefan’s mother.  But when the train makes an unexpected stop, the couple decide to hang out for a while in a seaside hotel in the town of Ostend.  Fortunately, It’s winter, so they have their pick of suites. But why is Stefan so hesitant to call his Mother to tell her he and Valerie are married?  And who is this new visitor, one Countess Elizabeth Bathory and her secretary Ilona?  Whoever they are, they soon begin to fixate on the newlyweds. Meanwhile, a series of grisly murders of young women are taking place in neighboring towns, and during a trip to Bruges, Stefan shows a strange interest in a murder that’s just taken place. What do Elizabeth and Ilona have to do with the murders, and why are they so determined to befriend Stefan and Valerie?  And why do the hotel concierge and a retired policeman think Elizabeth looks exactly like someone they knew 40 years ago?

Intro, Math Club, and Debate Society (spoiler-free) 00:00-33:25

Honor Roll and Detention (spoiler-heavy) 33:26-1:08:17

Superlatives (spoiler-heavier) 1:08:18-1:23:41

Director Harry Kümel

Screenplay Pierre Druout, Jean Ferry & Harry Kümel

Featuring Paul Esser, Georges Jamin, John Karlen, Danielle Ouimet, Fons Rademakers, Andrea Rau, Delphine Seyrig

Carolyn Raship draws pictures and tells stories. She is an illustrator, writer, fine artist, and maker of comics who has written and directed theater and has written a short horror film based on Edgar Allen Poe’s classic tale, The Fall of the House of Usher. And she would like you all to know that she is currently in exile from her beloved Brooklyn. Check out Carolyn’s Patreon channel.

Our theme music is by Sir Cubworth, with embellishments by Edward Elgar.  Music from “Daughters of Darkness” by François de Roubaix.

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