Mario Bava is one of the most respected names in all of horror, but BARON BLOOD is a weak link in his resume'. The plot, about a ruthless Austrian nobleman brought back to a semblance of life to take up his brutal ways once again, is serviceable enough, but it never comes to fruition. There is a real dearth of action, and while there are successful moments scattered throughout BARON BLOOD Bava cannot maintain suspense or drama. To his credit, Bava emphasizes atmosphere over gore, and the violence is surprisingly restrained and delicately handled, but there are no thrills.Characters are dull and unrealistic, and Joseph Cotton fails utterly in his turn as the resurrected Baron. Elke Sommer is better as the leading lady, and she's certainly easy on the eyes, and an extended chase scene in which the Baron pursues her through the eerily lit shadows is one of the few times the film begins to realize its potential. Sadly, Bava can't keep it going, and for the most part BARON BLOOD is tepid and dreadfully slow, culminating in an unconvincing climax that is satisfying only in the sense that it brings the tedium to a close.
Review of Baron Blood
