The Vampire Lovers is a 1970 British horror film directed by Roy Ward Baker and starring Ingrid Pitt, Peter Cushing, and Madeline Smith. The film is based on the novella Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.
The story is set in the early 19th century in Styria, a region in Austria. The Karnstein family, who were infamous for their vampirism, all perished due to the efforts of Prince Hartog (Cushing). Hartog dug up the graves of the family, driving a stake through the hearts of the undead and preventing them from causing further harm. However, he was unable to locate the tomb of Mircalla Karnstein, the most beautiful and dangerous of the Karnstein family.
Years later, a carriage carrying young Laura (Smith) and her father on their way to stay with family is attacked by a large black beast. Laura's father is killed, and she, the only survivor, is taken in by family friends, General von Spielsdorf (Douglas Wilmer) and his niece Emma (Kate O'Mara). Laura's arrival coincides with the reappearance of the mysterious and alluring Carmilla (Pitt), who quickly becomes Laura's close friend.
As Carmilla's hold over Laura intensifies, it soon becomes apparent that something is not quite right about her. Laura begins to have strange dreams and nightmares, and her health begins to decline. As she delves deeper into Carmilla's past, Laura uncovers the terrible truth about the Karnstein family and the curse of their vampirism.
The film features atmospheric sets and costumes and a haunting score by composer Harry Robinson. Ingrid Pitt delivers a mesmerizing performance as Carmilla, exuding both seductive charm and terrifying menace. The film was controversial for its portrayal of lesbianism and sexual content, but it has since become a cult classic and is regarded as one of the best adaptations of Le Fanu's novel.
