by Mark Murton

Also Known As: Count Downe

Directed by: Freddie Francis

Synopsis: Count Downe (Harry Nilsson), the son of Count Dracula and a mortal woman, arrives in England for the astrologically ordained time discerned by Merlin the Magician (Ringo Starr) when he will be crowned the Overlord of the Underworld. However, the Count is not interested in being crowned, only in making music, and when he meets and is attracted to the human woman Amber (Suzanna Leigh), he decides that he wants to abdicate the crown and undergo an operation to be made mortal. However, the scheming Baron Frankenstein (Freddie Jones) is determined that this will not go ahead.

Kitty Cameos: After a visit from Baron Frankenstein, Merlin instructs “Rubasta” to show him to the door. We cut to a surprised looking black cat.

Then, as the Baron looks on, the cat slowly morphs into the housekeeper (Shakira Bakshy/Caine).

Later in the film Merlin again addresses Rubasta (though clearly played by a different cat actor this time, going from a shorthair to a longhair!), announcing that it’s nearly time for the Count’s operation . . .

. . . before magically transporting the cat to the basement of the operation’s venue, where the Count’s faithful servant, Brian (David Bailie), lies unconscious having been put out of commission by the scheming Baron.

A few licks on the face from the Rubasta revives Brian and allows him to return to the action.

Job done, the cat exits the scene and the movie.

Final Mewsings: Even the cats were embarrassed about being in this film.

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