Free Movie of the Day: 'Atom Age Vampire'

With vampire fever gripping the nation (or at least the teenage girl segment of it), now's as good a time as any to take a look back at 'Atom Age Vampire,' a 46-year-old vampire movie that happens not to include a single vampire.

The 1963 Italian film, dubbed into English, tells the convoluted story of a scientist whose work with Hiroshima survivors has lead him to two discoveries. One, a serum that is a curative for scarring; the other a serum that turns humans into scar(r)y monsters.

When a beautiful nightclub singer accidentally drives off a cliff and ends up disfigured, the mad (and easily infatuated) scientist leaps into action with Derma 28, clearing up her complexion while falling for the Veronica Lake wannabe.

So, where's the problem? Well, there are a couple. For one, Derma 28 has a half life, so fresh supplies must be provided lest the heroine returns to her disfigured self. Then there's the sordid matter of the source material for Derma 28 ... and of course you know the monster-making Derma 25 has to make an appearance.

'Atom Age Vampire' is good campy fun, although there's nary a vampire to be found in the flick. Although the vampiric reference isn't completely unwarranted (we don't want to spoil the fun), rest assured no sleepy-eyed, pasty-complexioned mid-century Robert Pattinson will be sweeping any angst-ridden teens off their feet.

Despite director Anton Giulio Majano's' earnest effort, unintentionally comedic moments abound, from an awkward showgirl shaking her tail feathers (literally) to the scientist's mute assistant's super-hammy emoting. Then there's the best line uttered when trying to convince someone of your sanity: "You know I would kill a thousand times before I would admit defeat." And the best pickup line: "Am I wrong, or are you getting fatter?"

Watch 'Atom Age Vampire' now on SlashControl!