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David Carradine, Jim Metzler, Morgan Brittany, Maxwell Caulfield, M. Emmet Walsh ... see more see more... , Deborah Foreman , Bruce Campbell , Dana Ashbrook , Elizabeth Gracen , Dabbs Greer , Bert Remsen , John Ireland , John Hancock

Director Anthony Hickox (Waxwork) crafted this entertaining bit of horror-western fusion about the vampiric residents of a remote, dusty desert town who have chosen to derive their sustenance from a p... read more read more...lasma-manufacturing plant in an attempt to put aside their monstrous nature and peacefully co-exist with humans. When the plant begins malfunctioning, the town's leaders summon the designer, David Harrison (Jim Metzler), to look into the problem. Soon after Harrison and his wife Sarah (Morgan Brittany) arrive, however, they find themselves in the thick of an escalating rivalry between two vampire factions -- one led by peaceful Count Mardulak (David Carradine), who ordered the blood plant as part of his plan to integrate the dying vampire race into human society; and the old-school bloodsuckers, under the sinister Jefferson (John Ireland), who consider Mardulak and his followers traitors to their predatory heritage. While the Harrisons' fates hang in the balance, the scales are jostled further by the arrival of a man named Van Helsing (Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell, in a surprisingly low-key performance), descendant of the legendary vampire hunter, whose disorganized efforts at wiping out town's undead populace are impeded by his growing attraction to a pretty young vampire (Deborah Foreman). With tongue firmly in cheek, this semi-parody plays off audiences' familiarity with the conventions of the vampire genre, but it seldom sacrifices creepiness and suspense when needed. It marked a creative step forward for Hickox (who would later stumble with Hellraiser III), who clearly tailors his projects to seasoned horror buffs. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

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52% liked it

1,002 ratings

R, 1 hr. 44 min.

Directed by: Anthony Hickox

Release Date: January 13, 1990

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DVD Release Date: September 23, 2008

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Stats: 88 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (88)

  • phubbs1
    July 14, 2011
    phubbs1
    One the oddest vampire flicks I've seen for sometime with a blend of western, redneck, comedy and horror which doesn't really come off 100%. I was hoping for an 'American Werewolf' type film and this is certainly bizarre enough to pull that off but the effects are pretty tame and... read more nothing really truly exciting actually happens.

    There is a good cast in here its gotta be said, E. Walsh, Ireland, Caulfield, Carradine and horror comedy legend Bruce Campbell but the direction is weak and the film fails to grab your attention as a spooky vampire thriller, the fact that all the vamps are almost all old people and regular working Joe's just doesn't work here. I have seen some vamp Westerns before and they have always added to the mythology with their own cool ways but this misses the target simply cause it doesn't feel like a vamp film, its too camp and cheesy plus it looks kinda cheap too, shame as the films poster was always really nice.
  • thefog1331
    October 8, 2008
    thefog1331
    One of the better vampire movies that tries to do something new. It's a cheesy, fun, comic-book like 80's movie with a sense of humor and a rousing score.
  • threefolddado
    July 22, 2008
    threefolddado
    Tongue in cheek, campy fun.
  • cacutshaw
    March 16, 2008
    cacutshaw
    Bruce plays Van Helsing to Carradine's Dracula in one of the first Vampire westerns. Fun, but forgettable, and for die hard traditionalists, it may piss them off a tad.
  • PumpkinGetsASnakeBite
    July 16, 2010
    PumpkinGetsASnakeBite
    An over the top campy comic book style vampire western starring Bruce Campbell and David Carradine. Very odd indeed. I say check it out.
  • karenshaub
    October 29, 2009
    karenshaub
    Frankly anyhow who doesn't enjoy SUNDOWN: THE VAMPIRE IN RETREAT is either a cinematic snob or has no funnybone whatsoever. I've been waiting for this flick to be released ever since I bought my first DVD player! The plot (as you undoubtedly now by now) centers around a machine t... read morehat manufactures the synthetic blood that feeds the vampiric citizenry of Purgatory, a town founded by Count Mardulak (David Carradine) to serve as a retreat for all those bloodsuckers who wish to mend their ways. Unfortunately there are those within the town who aren't quite so eager to abandon the old ways, and a civil war slowly breaks out. A young family is caught in the middle of this as is a descendent of Professor Van Helsing, played by our man Bruce Campbell. This is a nearly bloodless vampire flick with lots of gentle, quirky humor that's suitable for the whole family. I can recommend this one whole heartedly!
  • CHILIcheeseDONUTSwithTUNAonTOP
    September 5, 2009
    CHILIcheeseDONUTSwithTUNAonTOP
    Bruce Campbell and David Carradine star in this modern-day vampire flick. A small New Mexico town is home to vampires as they wish to become more mainstream and stop killing humans. Some in the town disagree and a vampire war ensues. Comedic w/ great scenery.
  • kcddck
    June 5, 2009
    kcddck
    This one kind of surprised me as I didn't think it was going to be that good. Not too bad of acting and it had some really funny moments. There were times when it would get a little stupid, but I can live with what I saw and say that I enjoyed it.
  • ornerylil1
    August 3, 2008
    ornerylil1
    I have been trying to find this on video/DVD for several years. If anyone knows where I can find it, message me.
  • wihyena
    March 21, 2008
    wihyena
    such a cheesy vampire movie, but also one of my favorites. give me a break, i first saw it when i was 12.

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Critic Reviews

Steve "Uncle Creepy" Barton
October 1, 2008
Steve "Uncle Creepy" Barton, Dread Central

If you're longing for the days when vampire movies weren't so long-in-the-tooth and are in serious need of a good time, then set yourself up with a visit to the small town of Purgatory. Full Review

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