The House That Dripped Blood Page #5

I want a wardrobe that look

as if it's been lived in.

Or died in.

Well, what do you expect us to do?

Rob a graveyard?

Take this shmutter away, madam.

Use it for draperies.

But were scheduled to

start shooting tomorrow,

we have no time.

Find anything else.

Well it looks as though

I shall have to find

something for myself, doesn't it?

Mr. Henderson.

Wardrobe, mistresses,

ineffectual art directors,

low budget pictures.

Curse of the Blood Suckers.

Come.

Your call sheet for

tomorrow, Mr. Henderson.

By the way, somebody left this card

on my dressing room mirror.

Any idea who it was?

None at all, Mr. Henderson.

Right, thank you.

Hello?

Anybody here?

Shop?

May I be of some assistance?

You are...

Yes, I am Von Hartmann.

You are a celebrant?

I beg your pardon?

Oh, I see what you mean.

No, of course I have

performed the black mass

on many occasions.

Ah!

In my films, you understand?

My name is Henderson.

Paul Henderson.

The film actor.

I'm afraid, sir, I do

not patronize the cinema.

Well.

So I'm looking for a cloak.

A cloak?

Yes, a long black cloak,

something old and worn.

The sort of thing that

might have been used

by a Transylvanian vampire.

A vampire's cloak?

Yes, I was hoping to find

something that looked authentic.

It's so important, don't you think?

I think I may be able to help you, sir.

I think this may well be

what you require, sir.

Try it on.

That's funny, I felt a sort of chill.

Yes, it's been a long time down below.

It's very cold down there.

Yeah.

How much are you asking for it?

Shall we say 13 shillings?

That's an odd sum, 13 shillings a week?

No, my dear sir, 13 shillings

and it's yours for life.

Well that seems very reasonable.

10, 11, 12, 13.

I shall soon be closing

this establishment.

I only hope you put the

cloak to its proper use.

My dear Mr. Von Hartmann, in my films,

there is nothing improper.

Shall I put it in a bag?

Thank you, no.

I'll take it over my arm.

My car is just outside.

Good day, sir and thank you.

Thank you.

Now, I shall be able to rest in peace.

Come.

Ready in two minutes, Mr. Henderson.

Right, thank you.

Come.

Were ready for you now, sir.

Right, thank you.

I'll bring

the cloak for you, sir.

Yes, thank you.

We'll come into close-up

half way through the scene

and cut, just after you kiss her.

Then makeup will put in your

fangs for the next shot.

And we'll come in from the other angle

as you raise your head.

Look, I have done this sort

of thing before, you know?

Yes, well I think we'll try a take.

Kill the house lights.

Now, quiet please, quiet!

Turn over.

Scene, mark it.

27, take one.

Action!

Must you really go?

It's almost midnight.

I'm not afraid.

Even though your father

believes that in my family,

there runs a thirst for blood?

You mustn't take him seriously.

He still believes in the old

superstitions of our land.

That at the stroke of

12, the vampire must feast.

But do you believe it?

I only know that I love you.

Goodbye, my dearest.

Cut!

Okay?

Okay.

Paul!

Paul!

Help!

You beast!

You bit me!

Oh!

Paul, that's a very splendid performance

but you really don't have to

get quite so carried away.

Egg roll?

You know I'm vegetarian.

Morning, Mr. Henderson.

Good morning.

What scenes are we doing today?

24, 35, 53 and 89.

None with the cloak?

No, sir.

Thank god.

Has Ms. Lind arrived yet?

Yes, sir, she's over there.

Carla, I really must apologize

for what happened yesterday.

I don't know what came over me.

I've been playing vampires for years

but I've never actually

bitten anybody before.

Then why start on me?

Carla, please.

Am I forgiven?

Alright, Paul, but it

will cost you a dinner.

Then back to my cottage

afterwards for champagne.

If you promise I'll be safe with you.

Safe as houses.

Thank you for a lovely dinner, Paul.

My dear, Carla.

It's the least I could do

under the circumstances.

Let me recharge your glass.

Thank you.

It's rather good, don't you think?

No.

Oh.

Doesn't do you justice.

Good heavens.

What is it?

Listen to this.

Fire destroys costumery shop.

The salvage authorities

investigating the cause of the fire

are puzzled by the discovery of a coffin

buried in the earth of the

cellar beneath the shop

containing the body of an elderly man.

Although dead for years, the

body was quite well preserved

and death appeared to

be from natural causes.

It's Von Hartmann.

Who?

The man from whom I brought my cloak.

He said he was closing the place

and was glad to find

someone to give it to.

Well, that someone was me.

What are you talking about?

I'll show you what I'm talking about.

This.

I asked for something authentic.

Well, don't you see?

This is authentic.

That old man was a vampire

and this was his cloak.

He had to pass it on to

someone before he could die.

Carries his spirit and

transfers his blood lust

to whoever wears it.

I know about these things,

I've read all about them.

That's why I bit you last

night and that's why.

Excuse me.

What are you going to do?

I'm gonna burn it.

Oh, surely you don't.

Oh look, it's only an old cloak.

Every time I wear this,

I'll turn into a vampire.

Oh nonsense, put it on,

prove to yourself then.

No!

Look at the time.

It's nearly midnight, the witching hour.

There's no telling what might happen.

Paul, I think you are afraid.

Me, afraid?

Nonsense.

Prove to yourself that it's

only a silly superstition.

Come on, put it on.

Very well, but I must say,

I'm not over keen on the idea.

You see, nothing happened.

Well, I can't understand it.

Wait a minute, this isn't my cloak.

No, this one is.

Carla.

Carla, no.

No.

No, Carla.

Carla, don't put that on,

you'll turn into a vampire.

Carla!

Carla, please!

We love your films so much

we wanted you to become one of us forever.

Welcome to the club.

Carla!

Carla!

Don't be ridiculous.

Carla, this is going too far.

Carla!

Carla!

You must be joking.

Now what sort of a crazy story is that?

Oh, I just thought it might amuse you.

Look I'd like to see the house.

May I have the keys, please?

If you wait until the morning,

I'd be most happy to accompany you.

No, I'd like to see the house tonight.

One question if I may.

In your job, do you ever

give anyone another chance.

Someone who's not likely

to commit a crime again?

All crimes must be

paid for, that's the law.

I'd not advise your going

to the house, not alone.

The keys please.

You've heard what's happened there.

Haven't you fathomed its secret yet?

The keys, please.

I still say you'd do better

to wait until the morning.

The electricity is cut off.

I know what I'm doing.

Do you?

No!

Perhaps you understand the

secret of this house now.

Precisely, it reflects the personality

of whoever lives in it and

treats him accordingly.

I hope it finds a proper tenant soon.

Perhaps you would like it.

There's nothing to be afraid of,

if you're the right sort of person.

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