The Vampire Timeline 1950-1970
1954
- Richard Matheson's 1954 novel I Am Legend has gained widespread recognition as a seminal work of vampire fiction in the 20th century. The narrative follows the experiences of Robert Neville, the lone survivor of a global pandemic that has transformed the majority of humanity into vampires. As Neville navigates a world overrun by the undead, he must come to terms with his own biases and beliefs about these creatures in order to persevere. The novel's enduring popularity has led to its multiple adaptations in film, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in the world of horror literature.
1960
- In 1960, French director Roger Vadim released Blood and Roses, a film based on the novella Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu. The film tells the story of a young woman named Carmilla who becomes obsessed with another woman and begins to suspect that she is a vampire. Blood and Roses was the first film adaptation of Carmilla and remains a unique and captivating entry in the vampire genre. Despite its initial mixed reception, the film has since gained a dedicated cult following.
1964
- 1964 saw the release of two popular television shows that featured vampiric characters: "The Munsters" and "The Addams Family". "The Munsters" followed the antics of a family of friendly monsters, including the vampiric grandpa, played by Al Lewis. "The Addams Family", on the other hand, centered around a family of eccentric and macabre characters, including the vampire-like Cousin Itt. Both shows were beloved by audiences and remain popular to this day.
1965
- In 1965, Jeanne Youngson founded The Count Dracula Fan Club, a organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the works of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Since its inception, The Count Dracula Fan Club has grown to include thousands of members around the world, and it remains a vibrant community of vampire enthusiasts. The club hosts events, publishes newsletters, and maintains an extensive collection of Dracula-related materials.
1966
- In 1966, the television show "Dark Shadows" premiered on ABC. The show followed the story of the Collins family and the strange and supernatural occurrences that took place in their town of Collinsport, Maine. "Dark Shadows" featured a wide array of supernatural creatures, including vampires. The show's unique blend of horror, drama, and romance made it a hit with audiences, and it has since gained a dedicated cult following.
1967
- In 1967, the horror comedy film The Fearless Vampire Killers was released, starring Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski. Directed by Polanski, the film tells the story of a professor and his assistant who become embroiled in a plot involving vampires in a remote Transylvanian castle. The Fearless Vampire Killers was met with critical and commercial acclaim, earning praise for its unique blend of horror, comedy, and romance. The film has since become a beloved entry in the vampire genre and is considered a classic of the horror genre.