A gorgeous, louche, sexy vampire film from 1971...a gloriously empty hotel on the Belgian sea resort town of Ostend is an unfortunate stop for an innocent couple. The Countess oversees their education in indulgence. Beautiful to watch as the days start shortening, night falls sooner and windows must finally be closed.
There is nothing quite so comforting as rereading old, old favourites when everything is on the verge of spinning out of control around you. Currently I'm snatching warmth whenever I can on the subway and before lights-out with Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, from Stephen King's 'Different Seasons' collection. The movie was wonderful, but the story goes deeper and a bit harder, and all the better for it. It also makes you rather thankful for your little lot.
