Dieter Eppler and Graziella Granata are captured in this exceptionally atmospheric black-and-white publicity photograph from SLAUGHTER OF THE VAMPIRES (1962), originally released in Italy as LA STRAGE DEI VAMPIRI. Eppler’s Vampire Baron leans over Granata’s Louise on her ornate bed, closing in upon her neck in a classic image of aristocratic vampire seduction and menace.

DIETER EPPLER & GRAZIELLA GRANATA - SLAUGHTER OF THE VAMPIRES (1962) Neck Bite in Bed Rare Italian Gothic Horror Photo

The elaborate surroundings make this photograph especially striking. Louise reclines amid richly patterned bedding while the Vampire Baron hovers directly above her, creating a strong diagonal composition between the two figures. Behind them, decorative wall panels, carved furnishings, an elevated ornamental urn and other period details establish the luxurious Old World environment surrounding the encounter.

That refined setting provides an effective contrast with the supernatural threat. Eppler appears less like a conventional monster than an aristocratic intruder, while Granata’s Louise remains framed by the elegance and apparent security of her bedroom. The combination of intimacy, danger and ornate European décor reflects the distinctive visual character of Italian Gothic horror during the early 1960s.

Graziella Granata portrays Louise, whose encounter with the mysterious Vampire Baron places her increasingly under his supernatural influence. Her victimization becomes central to the escalating conflict involving her husband Wolfgang, portrayed by Walter Brandi, and the vampire who has invaded their lives.

SLAUGHTER OF THE VAMPIRES is a 1962 Italian Gothic horror film written and directed by Roberto Mauri. Set in 19th-century Austria, the story follows newlyweds Wolfgang and Louise as their seemingly privileged existence is disrupted by the arrival of the Vampire Baron. The film combines traditional vampire mythology with romantic tragedy, aristocratic interiors and the shadow-filled atmosphere characteristic of European Gothic cinema of the period.

Originally released as LA STRAGE DEI VAMPIRI, the film was subsequently distributed in the United States under the title CURSE OF THE BLOOD GHOULS.

For collectors of classic vampire cinema, this photograph beautifully captures the film’s combination of Gothic elegance and supernatural danger. Dieter Eppler closing in upon Graziella Granata, the ornate bed and the extraordinary antique surroundings create an image that is simultaneously alluring, threatening and unmistakably rooted in the tradition of Italian Gothic horror.

Carefully restored and professionally printed from archival source material, this museum-quality photograph is a distinctive collectible for admirers of Dieter Eppler, Graziella Granata, SLAUGHTER OF THE VAMPIRES, LA STRAGE DEI VAMPIRI, CURSE OF THE BLOOD GHOULS, Roberto Mauri, Italian Gothic horror and classic European vampire cinema.