Samson vs. the Vampire Women (1962): Mexican wrestler against vampire women!

Samson vs. the Vampire Women, also known as Santo vs. las Mujeres Vampiro in its original Spanish title, is a Mexican horror-action film released in 1962. The film is part of the popular Santo film series, which starred the iconic luchador (wrestler) El Santo as the protagonist. Directed by Alfonso Corona Blake, the movie combines elements of professional wrestling, horror, and fantasy. El Santo, played by the real-life wrestler Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta, is a superhero-like character who dons a silver mask and fights evil forces, including vampires. In the film, a group of vampire women led by Zorina (Lorena Velázquez), the queen of the vampires, abduct young women from a Mexican village.

It also features Tundra (Ofelia Montesco), the vampire priestess. El Santo, with his incredible wrestling skills and bravery, sets out to save the kidnapped women and put an end to the vampire menace. Samson vs. the Vampire Women gained popularity as one of the most memorable entries in the Santo film series. It showcased the signature style of the luchador films, which combined thrilling wrestling sequences with horror and supernatural elements. The film’s campy and entertaining nature, along with the iconic presence of El Santo, contributed to its cult status.

Samson vs. the Vampire Women is just a fun movie…and iconic

El Santo became a legendary figure in Mexican popular culture, starring in numerous films and comic books throughout his career. He is often referred to as the “Silver Masked Man” and is widely recognized as one of Mexico’s most beloved and enduring cultural icons. Samson vs. the Vampire Women is a classic Mexican horror film that showcases the unique blend of luchador wrestling and supernatural themes that made the Santo film series so popular.

Samson vs. the Vampire Women: A note for the critics

I see the low IMDb and Rotten Tomato ratings. Any time a silly movie like this comes out, it’s likely to have critics, and the nostalgia factor isn’t always enough to gather retrospective acclaim. I get it. At the same time, you really should know what to expect when watching something like this.

I hesitate to say “Lower your expectations,” but you should understand that a flick called Samson vs. the Vampire Women probably won’t be the greatest story ever told. That being said, it pays to respect the fact that some people do like this stuff, perhaps more than some would think. Also, if you don’t care to watch this in its original form, Mystery Science Theater 3000 has riffed this a new one, so feel free to check their episode out!

If you’re going to check this movie out, you should just relax, switch your critical thinking settings to low, and let Samson wrestle some vampires. Not everyone will be impressed by this movie, but not everyone will be impressed by critics who are too high-brow to appreciate a silly movie. Sure, I don’t personally watch this film series like it’s the best thing ever, but you’ll be able to find much worse stuff out there that even I won’t defend. However, I have also enjoyed some much worse stuff than this! So just let this movie wash over you…if you dare!