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Despite the genre’s popularity, few Blaxploitation films ever got a sequel. Even box-office hits were often one-and-done, with “Shaft” and “Cleopatra Jones” being rare exceptions. But standing alongside those icons is another legend: “Blacula“. After the first film’s success, the vampire prince returned just a year later for a chilling sequel—”Scream Blacula Scream”.
After a voodoo cult leader dies, a jealous follower named Willis resurrects the vampire Prince Mamuwalde (Blacula) in a bid for power, only to fall victim to the vampire’s curse himself. As Blacula builds an army of the undead, he becomes intrigued by Lisa Fortier, the cult’s new leader, believing her voodoo abilities may have the power to cure his vampirism. However, his insatiable bloodlust threatens to consume him, leading to a tense battle between dark magic and the supernatural as Lisa attempts to free him from his curse before it’s too late.
For the first 15 minutes, “Scream Blacula Scream” feels like a fresh take, introducing voodoo rituals and a power struggle between wannabe voodoo leader Willis and Lisa, played by the queen of Blaxploitation, Pam Grier. However, once Mamuwalde is resurrected, the film largely retreads the original’s footsteps. While there are subtle differences—such as Mamuwalde exhibiting more slasher-like tendencies in the first act—the overall narrative doesn’t break much new ground.
Mamuwalde is a difficult character to fully sympathize with. While flashbacks serve as a reminder of his tragic backstory, he still claims multiple innocent victims. At the same time, his brutality toward street thugs who arguably deserve it creates a morally complex figure—one you might hate in some scenes but root for in others. The finale centers on his attempt to lift the vampire curse with the help of voodoo priestess Lisa, a resolution you almost want to see succeed. But as the vampire in a horror movie, it’s clear that his fate will likely involve a stake through the heart.
While William Marshall once again dominates the screen as Mamuwalde, Pam Grier is undoubtedly the next best thing in the film. Unusually for a 1970s movie, she keeps all her clothes on, and more importantly, she’s never merely used as a sex symbol. Instead, Lisa is presented as a genuine character with agency, allowing Grier to showcase her talent beyond her usual action-packed, seductive roles.
In my review of “Blacula“, I noted the goofy special effects of Mamuwalde transforming into a bat, and thankfully, they make a welcome return as one of the film’s most amusing highlights. The superimposed bat silhouette hovering over city skylines and busy intersections is pure 1970s charm—something only a film from that era could pull off with a straight face.
Since this is essentially the same movie as its predecessor, “Scream Blacula Scream” doesn’t stand out as either an improvement or a disappointment. However, it does benefit from the addition of Pam Grier, who elevates the material she’s given and makes the film a must-watch for her fans. That said, much like “Blacula“, those looking for genuinely great horror are still better off searching elsewhere.
