Rather bloodless vampire movie from TV movie veteran, John Llewellyn Moxey and starring, David Naughton who co-starred in, American Werewolf in London, the year before. The idea is great in that in this updated version, the one in search of blood poses as a hooker to ensnare and in between these bouts supplements the supply with raids on hospital blood banks, as you would. All good, but here played so carefully that those special ingredients (sex and violence!) only get hinted at here. For some the wailing sax (such a sign of 80s films) is effective, for some of us lazy and tiresome, but the films just about engages and is helped enormously halfway through with a fantastic interjection by the priest figure. If only the whole film had been as vital, or indeed, dare I say, Mr Naughton's performance as effective.
13 Reviews
What an apartment!
BandSAboutMovies9 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
When you see the name John Llewellyn Moxey on the credits of a movie, you know you're getting into something awesome. Just look at The House That Would Not Die, A Taste of Evil, The Night Stalker, Nightmare In Badham County, Deadly Deception and, well, just about everything he did. I didn't even mention The City of the Dead and Psycho-Circus!
Originally called I, Desire and airing November 15, 1982 on ABC, who knew this little vampire film would be amongst the best ones I'd find for our vampire week? There's a great cast - David Naughton from An American Werewolf In London makes for a fine lead, as well as Brad Dourif as a priest, Barbara Stock as the bewitching vampire, Dorian Harewood (he was in Sudden Death!) as a cop, Marilyn Jones as Naughton's fiancee and even an appearance from Not Necessarily The News' Anne Bloom (or Frosty Kimelman in that long-lost HBO program). Oh yeah - and Marc Silver, who was the guitarist in Ivan and the Terribles, the ill-fated band in Motel Hell.
There are some great twists and turns in this one, as well as an incredible vampiric apartment at the end that I wish that I could live in. I'll assume it's just a studio set so that I don't get sad that I can never go back in time and see it for myself.
Originally called I, Desire and airing November 15, 1982 on ABC, who knew this little vampire film would be amongst the best ones I'd find for our vampire week? There's a great cast - David Naughton from An American Werewolf In London makes for a fine lead, as well as Brad Dourif as a priest, Barbara Stock as the bewitching vampire, Dorian Harewood (he was in Sudden Death!) as a cop, Marilyn Jones as Naughton's fiancee and even an appearance from Not Necessarily The News' Anne Bloom (or Frosty Kimelman in that long-lost HBO program). Oh yeah - and Marc Silver, who was the guitarist in Ivan and the Terribles, the ill-fated band in Motel Hell.
There are some great twists and turns in this one, as well as an incredible vampiric apartment at the end that I wish that I could live in. I'll assume it's just a studio set so that I don't get sad that I can never go back in time and see it for myself.
where lechery is punished
KDWms8 November 2003
This flick pretty well bridges the gap between a centuries-old concept and a modern environment. I regard this to be a difficult task in our contemporary era of pragmatism, so, this gets an above-average rating from me for its attempt. But I guess that SOME elements of the vampire belief just CAN'T be left in the past, and they, unfortunately, remind me that this IS a fantasy, evoking my idiosyncratic prejudice against that genre. The story is about a squeamish law-student/morgue worker and his nurse/girlfriend, who, in their positions, see some deaths which involve blood loss. As the guy's fascination intensifies, so does his alienation of his shack-up and the cops, who tire of his tries to convince them that his theory is worthy. I think, however, that you will agree that there is nothing unprofessional about this movie, and that you will, therefore, also conclude that this is an adequate investment.
Underrated Gem of a Horror Film
BrandtSponseller18 January 2005
David Balsiger (David Naughton) works the night shift at the city morgue, watching over the "cold room". He's just moved in with his girlfriend, Cheryl Gillen (Marilyn Jones), a nurse. A corpse shows up with puncture wounds on its neck, drained of its blood. A priest comes in, apparently from the man's family, to give last rites, then disappears. Moments later, the man's rabbi shows up. David tells the police, and begins to become wrapped up in the case, which appears to be some kind of serial murderer who is at least mimicking vampirism.
Despite a slight clunkiness in a couple spots and a too-understated climax, which caused me to subtract one point from this film's score, this is an incredibly underrated and too-little-known horror flick. It has some resemblances to Taxi Driver, including that film's wonderful grittiness, but as a vampire film.
Perhaps with a different cast, Desire, The Vampire (aka I, Desire) would be a much lesser film, but Naughton, who is the focus here--we're following him 90-percent of the time, is fabulous. As he becomes more wrapped up in the strange events, so do we, and we empathetically experience the odd, alienating reaction that he begins to receive from others. Brad Dourif is extra-creepy in the film, and in many ways he's the biggest villain in a film that has many besides the obvious, titular one.
This film deserves much more recognition. A 9 out of 10 from me.
Despite a slight clunkiness in a couple spots and a too-understated climax, which caused me to subtract one point from this film's score, this is an incredibly underrated and too-little-known horror flick. It has some resemblances to Taxi Driver, including that film's wonderful grittiness, but as a vampire film.
Perhaps with a different cast, Desire, The Vampire (aka I, Desire) would be a much lesser film, but Naughton, who is the focus here--we're following him 90-percent of the time, is fabulous. As he becomes more wrapped up in the strange events, so do we, and we empathetically experience the odd, alienating reaction that he begins to receive from others. Brad Dourif is extra-creepy in the film, and in many ways he's the biggest villain in a film that has many besides the obvious, titular one.
This film deserves much more recognition. A 9 out of 10 from me.
The American werewolf vs a sexy vampire.
Bynovekka12 May 2001
Superior made for television movie that bears a more than passing resemblence to the newer and triter "Def by Temptation". "I Desire" stars David Naughton fresh from his impressive performance in "American Werewolf in London", as David Balsiger, a Los Angeles morgue attendant who notices a series of bodies that cross his station appear to be victims of a vampire. He initially discounts this possibility but as more bodies come in he undertakes a personel investigation into the matter.
Eventually his snooping leads him into a near fatal confrontation with a decidedly female fiend.
Foolishly, he tells the authorities of his encounter and is promptly dismissed as a crank. His fellow morgue attendants get wind of the story and play some morbid but convincing hoaxes on him. Even his girlfriend doubts him, suggesting he seek professional help.
Balsiger is just starting to doubt his sanity when a priest shows up and confirms his suspicions. The priest, who has tracked the killer from its last murder spree in New Orleans tells the young man what they are dealing with is more than a mere vampire.
The beast is actually the demonic personification of lustful desire. Taking the form of a beautiful woman the creature poses as a prostitute and uses the art of seduction to corrupt the souls of men. Only a truly righteous man, the priest informs him, can hope to resist the demon's wiles and thus combat it.
Armed with this knowledge Balsiger sets forth to battle the beast in an all or nothing showdown of good versus evil.
Being a made for television film overt sexuality and gore are thankfully nonexistant. Instead the movie wisely concentrates on characterization and quality plot development.
Eventually his snooping leads him into a near fatal confrontation with a decidedly female fiend.
Foolishly, he tells the authorities of his encounter and is promptly dismissed as a crank. His fellow morgue attendants get wind of the story and play some morbid but convincing hoaxes on him. Even his girlfriend doubts him, suggesting he seek professional help.
Balsiger is just starting to doubt his sanity when a priest shows up and confirms his suspicions. The priest, who has tracked the killer from its last murder spree in New Orleans tells the young man what they are dealing with is more than a mere vampire.
The beast is actually the demonic personification of lustful desire. Taking the form of a beautiful woman the creature poses as a prostitute and uses the art of seduction to corrupt the souls of men. Only a truly righteous man, the priest informs him, can hope to resist the demon's wiles and thus combat it.
Armed with this knowledge Balsiger sets forth to battle the beast in an all or nothing showdown of good versus evil.
Being a made for television film overt sexuality and gore are thankfully nonexistant. Instead the movie wisely concentrates on characterization and quality plot development.
Desire, The Vampire
a_baron31 October 2014
This film has a strong opening, a murder, then looks like it is going to deteriorate into the usual fifth rate predictable trash, but the consensus is that this somewhat off-beat tale of modern horror is both a superior effort and vastly under-rated. A female vampire posing as a prostitute to procure her, or perhaps that should be its, victims, a cynical detective working his first homicide - which soon becomes a killing spree - a deranged former priest who is not so deranged, and our hero - a righteous man - one who will not be tempted by the sins of the flesh. Yeah, "Desire" delivers the goods.
David Balsiger is the law student who having tangoed with the evil one in the hospital where his girlfriend works as a nurse, goes on her trail only to be arrested by an undercover policewoman for soliciting a prostitute. Fortunately, although he doesn't find her, she finds him, but how can a righteous man overpower a fiend who can rip iron security bars from a third floor window and leap out of it with impunity? Who knows, but good will triumph over evil. Or will it? Gripping stuff, even three decades and more on.
David Balsiger is the law student who having tangoed with the evil one in the hospital where his girlfriend works as a nurse, goes on her trail only to be arrested by an undercover policewoman for soliciting a prostitute. Fortunately, although he doesn't find her, she finds him, but how can a righteous man overpower a fiend who can rip iron security bars from a third floor window and leap out of it with impunity? Who knows, but good will triumph over evil. Or will it? Gripping stuff, even three decades and more on.
One hot-looking Vampire
aesgaard417 November 2000
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has one of the hottest looking female vampires ever played on television.Played by [whoops,spoiler],this vampire spooks,bedevils and exasperates David Naughton and the police. You'd think this was part of the Kolchak movie/ tv series as Naughton stumbles into the vampire's lair by mere chance. Still,the gothic atmosphere and humor of the movie does keep the viewer spellbound.It really is a shame that this isn't on video because I'd love to have this in my collection.
Charming little vampire flick NOT TO BE MISSED!
theoxrox4 April 2007
This little gem has it all! David Naughton was an excellent casting choice for the lead role, but some of my favorites such as Dorian Harewood and Marilyn Jones (remember the cute little Nurse that Radar meets in Japan on TV's MASH?), the alluring Barbara Stock, and a powerful Brad Dourif performance also contribute to this made-for-TV delight which richly deserves to be released on DVD! (Hint, hint!!) The plot was probably patterned after "The Night Stalker", with a vampire in modern-day urban America coming to the attention of law student and part-time night employee David Balsiger. He and his attractive "girl-next-door type" fiancée Cheryl Gillen make a likable young couple, and Harewood is very convincing as ambitious young Police detective Jerry Van Ness. But defrocked priest Paul (Brad Dourif) has a memorable few minutes in the middle of the movie that really sticks in my mind.
The ending of the movie comes as somewhat of a surprise, and is well handled by the cast members. There's a bluesy musical theme supporting all this, and a refreshing ABSENCE of modern potty-mouth language that make so many modern flicks unattractive for adults and unsuitable for children.
Keep a lookout for it on TV, and if it's ever released on a "legitimate" DVD, stay out of my way at the counter, or you'll get run over by me when selecting it!
The ending of the movie comes as somewhat of a surprise, and is well handled by the cast members. There's a bluesy musical theme supporting all this, and a refreshing ABSENCE of modern potty-mouth language that make so many modern flicks unattractive for adults and unsuitable for children.
Keep a lookout for it on TV, and if it's ever released on a "legitimate" DVD, stay out of my way at the counter, or you'll get run over by me when selecting it!
I can't say enough about this great movie! Roy.
rhapsody_roy24 May 2006
If I could only use one word to describe the movie "I, Desire" that word would be Surreal !!. The critics should hail it as the triumphant climax of Surrealistic art. It is truly an Existentialist's delight. That Barbara Stock is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and the way she walks down those steps at the end of the movie is the most memorable scene I have ever seen. It is so sad that it has been pushed aside by the mainstream media. It is hardly known to anyone because every person I have asked about it has never even heard of it. Barbara Stock should have appeared in more productions. They should have worked that sexy woman to death.
There are also some important analogies to real life in that movie. For example, when "Paul" was in the coffee shop, which he "hates", he dramatically stresses the importance about staying out of trouble by keeping one's mouth shut! At the end of the movie, David is almost misled by a woman of great tempting qualities but is able to resist and finds he is better off to stick with the " Suzy Homemaker" type.
There are also some important analogies to real life in that movie. For example, when "Paul" was in the coffee shop, which he "hates", he dramatically stresses the importance about staying out of trouble by keeping one's mouth shut! At the end of the movie, David is almost misled by a woman of great tempting qualities but is able to resist and finds he is better off to stick with the " Suzy Homemaker" type.
Nifty made-for-TV vampire horror winner
Woodyanders30 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Affable law student David Balsiger (a fine and engaging performance by David Naughton) works a full-time job as a morgue attendant to pay his way through college. David finds himself in considerable jeopardy after he discovers that a beautiful and seductive, yet deadly and predatory vampire (a sultry and convincing portrayal by the ravishing Barbara Stock) who poses as a hooker is responsible for a series of blood-drained corpses at the morgue he works at.
Director John Llewellyn Moxey keeps the engrossing story moving along at a brisk pace, makes nice use of various Los Angeles locations (there's some choice nighttime footage of Hollywood Boulevard in all its deliciously seedy glory), stages the savage vampire attack scenes with flair, and ably builds to a tense, dreamy, spooky, and even fairly erotic climatic confrontation between David and the vampire Mona. Robert Foster's smart script offers an inspired take on vampire lore with the alluring distaff bloodsucker serving as an irresistible embodiment of lust, desire, and temptation that her male victims have to willingly give in to. Moreover, there are sound supporting contributions from Dorian Harewood as the no-nonsense Detective Jerry Van Ness and Marilyn Jones as David's sweet girlfriend Cheryl Gillen. However, Brad Dourif easily steals the show with his trademark riveting wired intensity as loopy vampire expert Paul. A tasty little teleflick that's well worth sinking your fangs ... err, teeth into.
Director John Llewellyn Moxey keeps the engrossing story moving along at a brisk pace, makes nice use of various Los Angeles locations (there's some choice nighttime footage of Hollywood Boulevard in all its deliciously seedy glory), stages the savage vampire attack scenes with flair, and ably builds to a tense, dreamy, spooky, and even fairly erotic climatic confrontation between David and the vampire Mona. Robert Foster's smart script offers an inspired take on vampire lore with the alluring distaff bloodsucker serving as an irresistible embodiment of lust, desire, and temptation that her male victims have to willingly give in to. Moreover, there are sound supporting contributions from Dorian Harewood as the no-nonsense Detective Jerry Van Ness and Marilyn Jones as David's sweet girlfriend Cheryl Gillen. However, Brad Dourif easily steals the show with his trademark riveting wired intensity as loopy vampire expert Paul. A tasty little teleflick that's well worth sinking your fangs ... err, teeth into.
A Hidden Gem
ladymidath24 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I had completely forgotten about this movie. I had seen it before years ago and I really enjoyed it back then. It's a made for tv movie about a very sexy vampire and a young man, David Naughton of An American Werewolf In London fame. A vampire prostitute is stalking and draining blood from her customers. Brad Dourif plays a former priest who is hunting the vamp. The rest of the cast is great and the movie itself is entertaining. There isn't a lot of gore but that's because it's an early 80s tv movie so the blood and violence had to be toned down. That doesn't hurt the film though. The movie is much better than the usual made-for-television stuff that's out there. The cast does elevate it to something much better than many others of the same genre. It sets the mood and tone very early and does you interested.
It's fun fare for horror fans in the mood for something fun and a bit lighter than more intense horror movies.
It's fun fare for horror fans in the mood for something fun and a bit lighter than more intense horror movies.
"I Want Tonight To Last Forever!"...
azathothpwiggins29 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
David Balsiger (David Naughton) works at the County Coroner's office / morgue. When a body is brought in with strange punctures in the neck, and a mysterious Priest (Brad Dourif) visits, then seems to disappear, David's life begins to change. Drastically.
Fresh off his stint in AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, Naughton puts in another performance in a horror film. This time, it's I, DESIRE, a made-for-TV vampire epic. Naughton's very good in his oddball sleuthing role, as is Barbara Stock as the beautiful bloodsucker.
The story is simple, but effective.
Special mention goes to Mr. Dourif, who puts in one of his best, most emotive performances. He's always great, but he really shines here...
Fresh off his stint in AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, Naughton puts in another performance in a horror film. This time, it's I, DESIRE, a made-for-TV vampire epic. Naughton's very good in his oddball sleuthing role, as is Barbara Stock as the beautiful bloodsucker.
The story is simple, but effective.
Special mention goes to Mr. Dourif, who puts in one of his best, most emotive performances. He's always great, but he really shines here...
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