The Velvet Vampire (1971) Movie Script
[ Footsteps ]
Ow!
Ah!
[ Dying groan ]
Well, you're an evil-eyed woman
And you study evil all the time
Ooh ooh
And you study evil all the time
Well, when you came to evil
You almost lose your mind
Well, you and the devil walk--
Walkin' side by side
Ooh ooh
The devil's walkin'
side by side
Well, the devil said if you're not evil
Mmm, you're not satisfied
You're a music lover, right?
Yeah.
Soon as I saw ya, I could tell.
You know, he used to sing
on street corners.
WOMAN: Yeah.
I remember him
when I was just a kid.
- WOMAN: Yeah?
- Yeah.
You're real easy to talk to,
do you know that?
Yeah.
Hey, you come here often?
Whenever I want some ass.
Wow.
That's kind of frightening, huh?
I get a lot of
sensual energy from it.
You mean it's sexy?
Yeah.
[ Giggles ]
I think he sculpts death.
Is that sexy?
That depends on
your point of view.
Susan.
- Oh!
- I'm glad you came.
Hi, Carl.
Have you all met?
We've met,
but we haven't been introduced.
This is Susan Ritter.
And her husband.
How do you know
that we're married?
I'm Diane.
- Diane, would you like a drink?
- Yes.
Excuse us.
Lee?
I'd like one, too.
Sure.
Who is she? Diane?
Good customer.
Oh, you've cut yourself.
Oh, that's not me.
What do you mean it's not you?
It's from a cat.
I found him in the street bleeding
and I-- I couldn't just leave him there,
so I took care of him.
Tell me about her.
I'd rather talk about you.
Well, how is he?
He's all right.
Hey.
I like you.
Well, in the daytime
You bury your body
Deep down in
the Mississippi mud
At night you feast your eyes
On the sweetness
of human blood
Guess what, honey?
Diane has invited us to her
desert place for the weekend.
Oh, I'd love to have
both of you.
Susie will love it.
She's crazy about the sun.
Oh, you'll have all the sun
you can handle.
Sounds cool, huh?
How's the water?
What do you want?
- Just passin' through.
- Good.
'Cause this tub isn't big enough
for both of us.
Come on.
Move over and make some room.
[ Splashing ]
- What the hell are you doing?
- I'm still waiting for that drink.
What drink?
Oh, so that's it.
I forgot.
So what's so wrong with that?
She's pretty, isn't she?
Susan, I only talked to her.
She probably has a great body.
Yeah, she probably has.
Well, you'll have a chance
to find out, won't you?
All right, I'll tell ya what.
We'll forget the whole thing,
and we'll stay home.
You're sure we took
the right turn?
Check the map yourself.
I don't know, I-- I thought
it'd look different than this,
more like Palm Springs.
Mm.
We haven't passed
a car in miles.
I don't know what to tell ya.
[ Wrench turning ]
How 'bout some service?
Sorry. Can't help ya.
All I want is some gas.
I don't give gas.
Look, is it such a big deal
to get some gas around here?
Look, man, I'm a mechanic.
I mean, I'm a trained person.
And trained people
don't give gas.
Aw, shit.
You got a real
smartass over there.
Gimme a couple of bucks worth.
Pretty deserted around here,
huh?
The way the desert is.
Well, I'm-- I'm lookin' for a house
that belongs to Diane...
[ Snaps fingers ]
What's her last name, honey?
How should I know?
Well, there can't be
that many people around here.
You know the house?
Cash or charge?
Charge.
Can't you tell us
how to get there?
Dead ahead.
Then the first right.
I hope the desert
doesn't do that to everybody.
I knew we shouldn't have come.
Well, there's plenty of sun.
You can help your tan along.
I don't know.
Maybe I should start back.
No, don't.
Why not?
It's too far.
[ Car engine ]
Hear it?
A car.
Now, you're sure
Amos will tow the car in?
Out here in the desert,
we help each other.
It'll be taken care of.
How did you know where we were?
Just luck.
Well, the important thing is
that you found us.
I'm sorry.
I don't care for any.
I'll have Juan fix you a salad.
Oh, come on, Susie.
Taste it.
I don't care for steak tartare.
Well, how can you tell
if you haven't tried?
Lee, I have tried it.
I just don't like the taste of raw meat.
[ Phone rings ]
Susan doesn't have to eat
something she doesn't like.
Juan will fix you a salad.
Thank you, Diane.
You're right on time.
Always for a few bills.
Follow me.
Have you ever driven
a dune buggy?
No, but I'd like to try.
No two are alike.
Take mine.
It's slow getting started.
At first, it takes
a little manipulation.
But once it's warmed up,
it really comes alive.
Then you have to watch out.
It's hard to control.
Yeah.
You have to give in.
And then you feel like it's driving you,
as you move in rhythm with it.
Up and down, in and out,
through the dunes.
Diane, I think I'd like
to drive your buggy.
I think I can teach you how.
I think I've had enough.
I'm going to bed.
What do you do around here
at night?
Sleep. Mostly.
Well, if there's
nothing else, then--
I'll make it up to you tomorrow.
I promise.
I'll hold you to that.
Good night, Diane.
The young man is here.
Will I like him?
He's the same age as Victor.
You're good to me, Juan.
Ow, baby!
Ooh, that hurts.
Um, I think you got
the wrong guy.
If you don't want me,
maybe you'll like him.
[ Screams ]
[ Groans ]
[ Screams ]
What was that?
Probably just a coyote.
It sounded almost human.
Sometimes they do.
Lee, I'm scared.
Come here.
Come on.
Lee.
What's the matter now?
This place, I don't know.
It's this-- this room,
and that mirror over there.
It's almost as if someone
were watching us.
Someone is.
Who?
You.
My own little voyeur.
Don't joke, Lee.
I feel strange here.
Why?
You've got a bodyguard.
I promise to take
real good care of ya.
Please?
I just don't feel like it.
No!
What is it?
A dream. Nothing.
Well, come on. Tell me.
We were in bed, in the middle
of the desert, making love,
and someone pulled you away.
What's wrong?
Well, I was having the same dream,
but you were pushing me away.
[ Knock at the door ]
Who is it?
Good morning.
It's almost dawn.
And if you wanna see the desert,
we have to get started early,
before the sun
becomes too strong.
And be sure to
cover yourselves up.
I don't wanna see the desert.
Susie, you don't wanna
do anything.
Am I covered up enough, Diane?
Remember, this is the desert, and
out here the sun can be destructive.
You're not exactly
a nature-lover, Diane.
Oh, I am, but it can hurt you,
the sun, if you let it.
Yahoo! Whoo!
How long has this mine
been shut down?
Almost 100 years.
Why was it abandoned?
Some of the miners
started disappearing.
- They sent search parties--
- Disappearing?
Dying, being killed off.
By what?
Some people thought it was done
by a person who went berserk.
Others, from the wounds on the dead,
said it was a crazed animal.
But a few believed it was
neither human nor animal.
Well, which was it?
Who knows?
Well, the wounds, what kind
of wounds were they?
All the dead had large gashes
on their throats.
Ready?
There are lots of ribs running off
this spine, so keep up.
I wouldn't wanna lose you two.
Don't worry, you won't.
Oh!
Oh, I'm sorry.
- You okay?
- Mm-hmm.
Diane?
Diane?
Diane?
Which tunnel do we take?
Uh--
Honey, I want you to wait
right here for me,
and I'll go out and
try to find her.
Now, if I can't, I'll come right back,
but I don't want you to go anywhere.
Do you understand?
[ Kisses ]
[ Whispered, overlapping ]
Susan. Susan. Susan...
[ Bat shrieks ]
[ Screams ]
Lee!
Diane!
[ Wheels creaking ]
[ Gasps ]
[ Screams ]
Oh, thank God it's you.
[ Gasping sobs ]
You were like someone drowning,
Susan.
I didn't mean to scare you.
My flashlight went dead,
and I couldn't see.
Juan probably left them out
in the sun.
You can't do that,
it kills the batteries.
Yeah, but didn't you hear me
calling for ya?
I got too far ahead, I guess.
I must've been in another tunnel.
But look what I found.
It's the same stone
as my necklace.
Bloodstone.
I couldn't help myself.
I had to have it.
There is no life without blood,
and here it is,
trapped forever
in these tiny red veins.
You two go on. I don't feel like
seeing anything else.
Wanna go back to the house?
No.
I'll get some sun.
I can do it here
as well as there.
Do you mind if we go?
No. It's okay with me.
What's your pleasure, ma'am?
You know, this is where the miners
came for rest and recreation.
Oh, yeah?
But they did a lot more
than just drink here.
What else did they do?
This.
[ Snake tail rattles ]
[ Snake tail rattles ]
[ Screams ]
[ Gasps ]
Jesus, a snake!
Susan, hold still
and do not move one muscle.
[ Gasps ]
- It's bitten you.
- Honey, you're gonna be okay.
[ Gasps ]
I'll have to cut
the puncture open.
Now, hold on, honey,
and you're gonna be all right.
- [ Gasping breaths ]
- Try to relax.
Oh!
If I don't suck out the blood...
- [ Gasps ]
-...the poison will spread.
[ Gasps ]
That's a good girl, honey.
Just relax.
[ Spits ]
[ Spits ]
[ Gasping breaths ]
[ Spits ]
[ Whimpers ]
Don't worry.
I'll take care of you.
You're a very lucky girl.
It's not serious.
Thank you for what you did.
Well, when you live in the desert,
you learn what to do.
Juan taught me.
Out here, a woman needs a man
like Juan to help her.
How long has he been with you?
Since he was a child.
Did his parents live here, too?
His people died
on their reservation.
- Then, your family raised him.
- Yes.
He was like a brother to me.
Now, I think the best thing for you
is a midday nap.
I always rest
in the hottest part of the day.
All right.
Thank you, Diane.
We can go home now, if you want.
No.
I'm beginning to like it here.
[ Piano music ]
[ Knock on the door ]
- Yes?
- I'm looking for a friend.
Named Cliff.
He came out here last night
to work for--
No one came last night.
Are you sure?
It was about dinner time.
No one came last night.
[ Door slams ]
Lee? Diane?
Anyone here?
[ Knocks on door ]
Diane?
[ Door creaks ]
Take your hands off that.
You're quite a watchdog, Juan.
Diane tells me
you grew up together.
What was your family like?
There was no family.
There was only Diane.
And she took me in.
Then, she must be
older than you.
Where's my husband?
With Diane.
Sightseeing.
- What are we coming here for?
- You'll see.
Tell me,
could you live in the desert?
Not me.
I don't know how you can.
Have you always?
Always.
What a waste.
Oh, I'd leave if I could.
The truth is, I hate the sun.
Well, then, why hang around?
Because my husband
is buried here.
When did he die?
About a week after
we were married.
Have you ever thought
about moving the body?
I can't.
You see, when he died, I had
the Indians prepare him for burial,
because they know how to
preserve the dead.
Something about the desert?
Yes.
If he leaves the dry air,
he'll crumble to dust.
You talk about him
as if he were still alive.
The dead can live
if you want them to.
No, baby.
When you're dead, you're dead.
Life is for the living.
WOMAN:
You're Diane, aren't you?
Yes.
That guy at your place
wouldn't let me see you.
What do you want?
I wanna know where Cliff is.
Who's Cliff?
He works at the gas station.
He came up here last night to do
some work on your dune buggy,
and he never came back.
And he's straight these days,
so something's gotta be wrong.
My buggy was acting up yesterday,
but it was a false alarm.
I called the station
just before dinner
and told Amos
not to send anyone after all.
Cliff said he was going
to your place.
Well, he didn't.
That's a new grave there,
isn't it?
How should I know?
I'm not the undertaker.
[ Coyotes yip and howl ]
[ Twig snaps ]
[ Struggling gasps ]
[ Screams ]
Did you enjoy your afternoon?
It was okay.
You know, I was wrong about Diane.
She's a remarkable woman.
She sure knew what to do
with that knife.
Yeah. It didn't hurt a bit.
Well, that's because
you're so tough.
[ Chuckles ]
Lee, do you remember that Diane
said her family raised Juan?
Yeah.
Well, this afternoon Juan told me
Diane had no family,
that she raised him
all by herself.
So?
That would mean Diane's
a lot older than she looks.
I don't get the feeling that
Juan is someone to trust.
Good night, Susie.
Good night.
Susie?
What the hell are you doing?
What about you?
I thought you were sleeping.
With Susan.
How can you eat that stuff?
You ate raw meat yesterday.
Yeah, but that's-- that's liver.
That's raw liver.
Ever notice people
feed their cats raw liver?
Cats are animals.
So are we.
But it must frighten us.
We try so hard to forget it.
Why fight it?
Fight what?
The animal in you.
I'll take that.
Oh, here, honey.
Let me help you.
Why isn't Juan doing that?
I thought I'd help out.
Let's have breakfast
in the living room.
Sort of an indoor picnic?
Coffee?
No.
Yeah.
Diane, I need the number
of the station.
We have to leave this afternoon.
I don't think you can.
Why not?
Amos called earlier.
The part he ordered hasn't come in.
Since today's Sunday,
it won't be here until tomorrow.
Yeah, but I gotta get back.
I gotta see a guy.
No hassle.
Call and postpone it.
- I guess I could.
- Sure you could.
Anyway, we just got here.
It's not polite to hit and run.
You know, Diane,
this place grows on you.
I've seen things here
I've never seen before.
Then, you'll stay.
Sure.
Good.
I get to have you two
for another night.
But enjoy yourselves now,
because I have to leave for a while.
All right,
I got laid last night.
That's what you wanna
hear me say, right?
Right.
Well, now will you stop
givin' me such a bad time?
Sure.
How can I put you down for
something I could do myself?
Hey, Susie?
Susie, I'm right here,
so don't play like I'm not.
Aw, look, Diane doesn't turn me on.
She's a desert freak.
And I'm a Susie freak.
You wanna see
what she showed me yesterday?
Sure.
Anything Diane showed you
I wanna see.
Well, come on.
You sure know how to get to me.
You're goddamned right I do.
Come on.
[ Chuckles ]
Come here, you little,
beautiful little thing, you.
Oh! What?
Oh, no! No! No!
Please!
[ Screams ]
Get out of here.
You need me.
You're not what I need.
Why did you kill your husband?
I tried to leave him alone.
Then why did you marry him?
Why do you stay with me?
Because...
I can't leave you.
[ Sighs ]
You're suffering.
You need nourishment.
I need more and more now.
Something is speeding up
inside me.
Let me help you.
I'll get someone for you.
I'll bring one of my people.
You're good to me, Juan.
You've always been good to me.
[ Screams ]
This is the fourth one
that died in the 1870's.
Must've been a bad year.
Do you remember what Diane said
about the killings at the mine?
Yeah?
Lee, let's go somewhere else.
Oh, don't be afraid.
Everybody here is dead.
Susie, come and look at this.
[ Gasps ]
Lee!
Maybe it was some
kind of animal.
No animal kills like that.
- Did you see anyone around?
- No.
Diane, there's one thing
I don't get.
The headstone said
your husband died in 1875.
Easy, Lee.
No. He's right.
I'd wonder, too.
You see, that was originally the grave
of Victor's great-grandfather.
Now, he's the one
that died in 1875.
Oh, years ago, his body was
stolen by grave robbers,
and when Victor died,
I buried him in the empty grave.
Why would anyone rob the grave?
Well, there's an old belief
around here
that people used to be buried
with their jewels.
Yeah, but if they wanted the jewels,
why'd they take the body?
I don't know.
Why wasn't there any dirt
in your husband's grave?
Because if the dry air doesn't
reach him, he'll decay.
Diane, what if someone still believes
that story about the jewels?
And Juan caught them robbing
your husband's grave?
Maybe.
Might even be a member
of his own tribe.
They can be very brutal.
Juan became an outcast
when he left them to live here.
He gave up so much for me.
He meant more to me than he knew,
and I never got to tell him.
What the hell are we waitin' for?
I'm gonna call the police.
No.
No.
That's my responsibility, Lee.
I'll take care of it.
Excuse me.
What's bugging you?
I don't believe a thing she said.
That's what.
What's this stuff about dry air
in the grave?
Ah, she told me some story about she
made her husband into a mummy
and that the desert air
preserves him.
How weird.
Don't worry, it's a lot of shit.
Well, I think her feeling
for Juan was real.
I wonder if she can feel at all.
You are really down on her.
You know,
the first night we met--
It's from a cat.
And then, last night--
You ate raw meat yesterday.
What about last night?
Nothing. As soon as
the car's ready, we split.
There's nothing.
Anyway, this one was my dream.
[ Phone rings ]
Station.
This is Lee Ritter.
You got my car.
Yep.
Is it ready?
No.
Well, it's supposed to be ready
this morning.
- Did you get the part in?
- What part?
The part you ordered.
Don't need no part.
Well, then,
what are you waitin' for?
Lady who called told me to wait
for her go-ahead.
What lady?
Didn't say.
Look, how long will it take
to fix it?
You can have it tomorrow.
I need it today!
Mister, I don't like shoutin'.
Anyway, my mechanic
ain't around.
Well, when can I--?
[ Hang up, dial tone ]
Susan?
Enjoying yourself?
Sure.
Tell me, how long have
you and Lee been married?
Almost two years.
Have you had another man
since then?
I don't think that's any
of your business, Diane.
Lee's nice, but--
But?
He's not very observant, is he?
Susan, have you ever noticed
how men envy us?
Envy us how?
The pleasure we have,
that only we can have.
We can't help it.
It's just our nature,
the way we are.
And in their secret hearts
they hate us for it,
because they can never know
what it's like.
Susan?
I wanna talk to you.
Alone.
Get your things packed.
What's the rush?
We're gettin' out of here.
I just talked to the guy at
the station. Remember Diane...
she said she'd call and
took care of everything?
Well, she took care of nothing.
She's trying to keep us here,
and I think that creep at
the station is helping her.
Aren't you getting
a little paranoid?
No, I'm not!
I don't like those dreams either.
They're turning out to be real.
You mean for you.
You've gotten what you want,
so we leave.
Okay, what do you want?
To stay here a while.
I think you want her.
Maybe I do.
How does it feel?
Where is that bitch?
Diane.
Close the door.
That bed--
I called the station.
You told him not to fix the car.
You're afraid of me, Lee.
No.
Then why stay so far away?
Tell me.
The car.
Why?
Don't you understand?
You should,
after the other night.
I want you here with me.
I can't stay.
I've gotta get back.
For a while, at least.
Ever since that night at the gallery,
ever since, I knew I wanted you.
I was hungry for you
for as long as I could have you.
You don't wanna go.
You don't.
No.
No, I--
Lee...
Do you know who was always
buried in that grave?
[ Kisses ]
Your husband.
[ Kisses ]
Yes. Only him.
You see, I'm really very old.
Do you care?
[ Kisses ]
No.
Want me to?
[ Sighs ]
Oh, yes.
[ Kisses ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Gasps, groans ]
Diane?
[ Door opens ]
[ Gasps ]
[ Gasps ]
[ Knocks on door ]
Lee?
Lee! Where are you?
[ Knocks on door ]
Lee!
Where's Lee?
He's left for the station
to see about your car.
Is something wrong?
[ High-pitched noise ]
Your bed...
That sound.
Close the door, Susan.
You've been watching us
from that room, haven't you?
Yes.
Why?
Don't you know?
No.
You should.
You did the same thing
the other night.
That was different.
It was an accident.
You could have turned away.
But you didn't.
I saw Juan, Diane.
In that room.
Lee thinks you killed him.
Yes.
But you loved him.
Yes.
He'll be with us now, always.
With us?
I want you here with me, Susan.
Ever since that night at the gallery,
ever since, I knew I wanted you.
I was hungry for you for as long
as I could have you.
Stay with me.
Yes.
[ Thump ]
What was that?
Nothing.
Susan.
Come back.
[ Screams ]
[ Pants, screams ]
[ Snarls ]
[ Screams ]
[ Pants ]
Make up your mind, in or out.
I got things to do.
Travelling light.
I forgot my coat.
I got something in back
if you want.
Didn't even thank me
for stoppin'.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Thank you.
What are you runnin' from?
No place.
Wasn't you stayin' with her?
Don't have much to say, do you?
How'm I supposed to know
where you wanna go?
Wherever I can get a ride
to Los Angeles.
May I have your attention,
please?
Regular Express scheduled
from Los Angeles to New York City
is now available for boarding.
Please!
The woman,
she murdered my husband.
She'll kill me, too.
[ Muffled PA announcements ]
Every effort will be made
to hasten your departure.
Please listen for announcements
concerning your destination.
Have a pleasant trip,
and thanks for going Greyhound.
Hello.
Carl, it's Susie.
Listen, you've got to help me.
Lee's dead, and she's after me.
What are you talking about, Susie?
Who's after you?
That woman we met at your place.
Diane.
I know it sounds crazy, but she's
a vampire, and she murdered Lee.
Susie, tell me what
this is all about.
Look, don't question me.
Help me.
All right.
Come on over.
I can't. She's still around someplace,
and she'll kill me, too.
- Where are you?
- In the bus station.
Be there in a few minutes.
Please hurry.
No!
[ Cry of pain ]
[ Muffled PA announcement ]
Help me. Help me.
Please.
Please help me.
Please. Help me.
She must be a vampire.
Hey, get her with the cross.
Get her with the cross.
- Get her!
- She's getting away!
- Let's get her!
- Get her!
Hey, look at her go.
Let's get her!
Go get her!
The sun!
Help me take off her cape!
[ Pants ]
[ Sobs, gasps ]
[ Groans ]
How long have I been asleep?
Oh, a couple of hours.
Have the police found Lee yet?
Yes.
Some of her other victims, too.
Don't they want to question me?
Tomorrow's soon enough.
Carl, how well
did you know Diane?
Oh, pretty well.
She wasn't just a customer?
Yeah, she was just a customer.
But she told me a--
a few things.
Like what?
She had a rare blood disease.
Her body couldn't manufacture
its own blood,
so she needed
regular transfusions.
It's what she came
to town for, mainly.
But why did she kill Lee?
And how do you explain
her fear of crosses and the sun?
Well, I, uh--
I guess she freaked out.
She probably needed
blood so much,
she convinced herself
she was a vampire.
So she acted like one.
But what about those dreams
Lee and I had?
They all came true.
How do you explain them?
They were your dreams, Susie.
How do you explain them?
This knife is just like Diane's.
Yes, I sold her one.
There are only five of them.
They're collector's items.
She cut me with--
Oh!
Carl.
Ow!
Ah!
[ Dying groan ]
Well, you're an evil-eyed woman
And you study evil all the time
Ooh ooh
And you study evil all the time
Well, when you came to evil
You almost lose your mind
Well, you and the devil walk--
Walkin' side by side
Ooh ooh
The devil's walkin'
side by side
Well, the devil said if you're not evil
Mmm, you're not satisfied
You're a music lover, right?
Yeah.
Soon as I saw ya, I could tell.
You know, he used to sing
on street corners.
WOMAN: Yeah.
I remember him
when I was just a kid.
- WOMAN: Yeah?
- Yeah.
You're real easy to talk to,
do you know that?
Yeah.
Hey, you come here often?
Whenever I want some ass.
Wow.
That's kind of frightening, huh?
I get a lot of
sensual energy from it.
You mean it's sexy?
Yeah.
[ Giggles ]
I think he sculpts death.
Is that sexy?
That depends on
your point of view.
Susan.
- Oh!
- I'm glad you came.
Hi, Carl.
Have you all met?
We've met,
but we haven't been introduced.
This is Susan Ritter.
And her husband.
How do you know
that we're married?
I'm Diane.
- Diane, would you like a drink?
- Yes.
Excuse us.
Lee?
I'd like one, too.
Sure.
Who is she? Diane?
Good customer.
Oh, you've cut yourself.
Oh, that's not me.
What do you mean it's not you?
It's from a cat.
I found him in the street bleeding
and I-- I couldn't just leave him there,
so I took care of him.
Tell me about her.
I'd rather talk about you.
Well, how is he?
He's all right.
Hey.
I like you.
Well, in the daytime
You bury your body
Deep down in
the Mississippi mud
At night you feast your eyes
On the sweetness
of human blood
Guess what, honey?
Diane has invited us to her
desert place for the weekend.
Oh, I'd love to have
both of you.
Susie will love it.
She's crazy about the sun.
Oh, you'll have all the sun
you can handle.
Sounds cool, huh?
How's the water?
What do you want?
- Just passin' through.
- Good.
'Cause this tub isn't big enough
for both of us.
Come on.
Move over and make some room.
[ Splashing ]
- What the hell are you doing?
- I'm still waiting for that drink.
What drink?
Oh, so that's it.
I forgot.
So what's so wrong with that?
She's pretty, isn't she?
Susan, I only talked to her.
She probably has a great body.
Yeah, she probably has.
Well, you'll have a chance
to find out, won't you?
All right, I'll tell ya what.
We'll forget the whole thing,
and we'll stay home.
You're sure we took
the right turn?
Check the map yourself.
I don't know, I-- I thought
it'd look different than this,
more like Palm Springs.
Mm.
We haven't passed
a car in miles.
I don't know what to tell ya.
[ Wrench turning ]
How 'bout some service?
Sorry. Can't help ya.
All I want is some gas.
I don't give gas.
Look, is it such a big deal
to get some gas around here?
Look, man, I'm a mechanic.
I mean, I'm a trained person.
And trained people
don't give gas.
Aw, shit.
You got a real
smartass over there.
Gimme a couple of bucks worth.
Pretty deserted around here,
huh?
The way the desert is.
Well, I'm-- I'm lookin' for a house
that belongs to Diane...
[ Snaps fingers ]
What's her last name, honey?
How should I know?
Well, there can't be
that many people around here.
You know the house?
Cash or charge?
Charge.
Can't you tell us
how to get there?
Dead ahead.
Then the first right.
I hope the desert
doesn't do that to everybody.
I knew we shouldn't have come.
Well, there's plenty of sun.
You can help your tan along.
I don't know.
Maybe I should start back.
No, don't.
Why not?
It's too far.
[ Car engine ]
Hear it?
A car.
Now, you're sure
Amos will tow the car in?
Out here in the desert,
we help each other.
It'll be taken care of.
How did you know where we were?
Just luck.
Well, the important thing is
that you found us.
I'm sorry.
I don't care for any.
I'll have Juan fix you a salad.
Oh, come on, Susie.
Taste it.
I don't care for steak tartare.
Well, how can you tell
if you haven't tried?
Lee, I have tried it.
I just don't like the taste of raw meat.
[ Phone rings ]
Susan doesn't have to eat
something she doesn't like.
Juan will fix you a salad.
Thank you, Diane.
You're right on time.
Always for a few bills.
Follow me.
Have you ever driven
a dune buggy?
No, but I'd like to try.
No two are alike.
Take mine.
It's slow getting started.
At first, it takes
a little manipulation.
But once it's warmed up,
it really comes alive.
Then you have to watch out.
It's hard to control.
Yeah.
You have to give in.
And then you feel like it's driving you,
as you move in rhythm with it.
Up and down, in and out,
through the dunes.
Diane, I think I'd like
to drive your buggy.
I think I can teach you how.
I think I've had enough.
I'm going to bed.
What do you do around here
at night?
Sleep. Mostly.
Well, if there's
nothing else, then--
I'll make it up to you tomorrow.
I promise.
I'll hold you to that.
Good night, Diane.
The young man is here.
Will I like him?
He's the same age as Victor.
You're good to me, Juan.
Ow, baby!
Ooh, that hurts.
Um, I think you got
the wrong guy.
If you don't want me,
maybe you'll like him.
[ Screams ]
[ Groans ]
[ Screams ]
What was that?
Probably just a coyote.
It sounded almost human.
Sometimes they do.
Lee, I'm scared.
Come here.
Come on.
Lee.
What's the matter now?
This place, I don't know.
It's this-- this room,
and that mirror over there.
It's almost as if someone
were watching us.
Someone is.
Who?
You.
My own little voyeur.
Don't joke, Lee.
I feel strange here.
Why?
You've got a bodyguard.
I promise to take
real good care of ya.
Please?
I just don't feel like it.
No!
What is it?
A dream. Nothing.
Well, come on. Tell me.
We were in bed, in the middle
of the desert, making love,
and someone pulled you away.
What's wrong?
Well, I was having the same dream,
but you were pushing me away.
[ Knock at the door ]
Who is it?
Good morning.
It's almost dawn.
And if you wanna see the desert,
we have to get started early,
before the sun
becomes too strong.
And be sure to
cover yourselves up.
I don't wanna see the desert.
Susie, you don't wanna
do anything.
Am I covered up enough, Diane?
Remember, this is the desert, and
out here the sun can be destructive.
You're not exactly
a nature-lover, Diane.
Oh, I am, but it can hurt you,
the sun, if you let it.
Yahoo! Whoo!
How long has this mine
been shut down?
Almost 100 years.
Why was it abandoned?
Some of the miners
started disappearing.
- They sent search parties--
- Disappearing?
Dying, being killed off.
By what?
Some people thought it was done
by a person who went berserk.
Others, from the wounds on the dead,
said it was a crazed animal.
But a few believed it was
neither human nor animal.
Well, which was it?
Who knows?
Well, the wounds, what kind
of wounds were they?
All the dead had large gashes
on their throats.
Ready?
There are lots of ribs running off
this spine, so keep up.
I wouldn't wanna lose you two.
Don't worry, you won't.
Oh!
Oh, I'm sorry.
- You okay?
- Mm-hmm.
Diane?
Diane?
Diane?
Which tunnel do we take?
Uh--
Honey, I want you to wait
right here for me,
and I'll go out and
try to find her.
Now, if I can't, I'll come right back,
but I don't want you to go anywhere.
Do you understand?
[ Kisses ]
[ Whispered, overlapping ]
Susan. Susan. Susan...
[ Bat shrieks ]
[ Screams ]
Lee!
Diane!
[ Wheels creaking ]
[ Gasps ]
[ Screams ]
Oh, thank God it's you.
[ Gasping sobs ]
You were like someone drowning,
Susan.
I didn't mean to scare you.
My flashlight went dead,
and I couldn't see.
Juan probably left them out
in the sun.
You can't do that,
it kills the batteries.
Yeah, but didn't you hear me
calling for ya?
I got too far ahead, I guess.
I must've been in another tunnel.
But look what I found.
It's the same stone
as my necklace.
Bloodstone.
I couldn't help myself.
I had to have it.
There is no life without blood,
and here it is,
trapped forever
in these tiny red veins.
You two go on. I don't feel like
seeing anything else.
Wanna go back to the house?
No.
I'll get some sun.
I can do it here
as well as there.
Do you mind if we go?
No. It's okay with me.
What's your pleasure, ma'am?
You know, this is where the miners
came for rest and recreation.
Oh, yeah?
But they did a lot more
than just drink here.
What else did they do?
This.
[ Snake tail rattles ]
[ Snake tail rattles ]
[ Screams ]
[ Gasps ]
Jesus, a snake!
Susan, hold still
and do not move one muscle.
[ Gasps ]
- It's bitten you.
- Honey, you're gonna be okay.
[ Gasps ]
I'll have to cut
the puncture open.
Now, hold on, honey,
and you're gonna be all right.
- [ Gasping breaths ]
- Try to relax.
Oh!
If I don't suck out the blood...
- [ Gasps ]
-...the poison will spread.
[ Gasps ]
That's a good girl, honey.
Just relax.
[ Spits ]
[ Spits ]
[ Gasping breaths ]
[ Spits ]
[ Whimpers ]
Don't worry.
I'll take care of you.
You're a very lucky girl.
It's not serious.
Thank you for what you did.
Well, when you live in the desert,
you learn what to do.
Juan taught me.
Out here, a woman needs a man
like Juan to help her.
How long has he been with you?
Since he was a child.
Did his parents live here, too?
His people died
on their reservation.
- Then, your family raised him.
- Yes.
He was like a brother to me.
Now, I think the best thing for you
is a midday nap.
I always rest
in the hottest part of the day.
All right.
Thank you, Diane.
We can go home now, if you want.
No.
I'm beginning to like it here.
[ Piano music ]
[ Knock on the door ]
- Yes?
- I'm looking for a friend.
Named Cliff.
He came out here last night
to work for--
No one came last night.
Are you sure?
It was about dinner time.
No one came last night.
[ Door slams ]
Lee? Diane?
Anyone here?
[ Knocks on door ]
Diane?
[ Door creaks ]
Take your hands off that.
You're quite a watchdog, Juan.
Diane tells me
you grew up together.
What was your family like?
There was no family.
There was only Diane.
And she took me in.
Then, she must be
older than you.
Where's my husband?
With Diane.
Sightseeing.
- What are we coming here for?
- You'll see.
Tell me,
could you live in the desert?
Not me.
I don't know how you can.
Have you always?
Always.
What a waste.
Oh, I'd leave if I could.
The truth is, I hate the sun.
Well, then, why hang around?
Because my husband
is buried here.
When did he die?
About a week after
we were married.
Have you ever thought
about moving the body?
I can't.
You see, when he died, I had
the Indians prepare him for burial,
because they know how to
preserve the dead.
Something about the desert?
Yes.
If he leaves the dry air,
he'll crumble to dust.
You talk about him
as if he were still alive.
The dead can live
if you want them to.
No, baby.
When you're dead, you're dead.
Life is for the living.
WOMAN:
You're Diane, aren't you?
Yes.
That guy at your place
wouldn't let me see you.
What do you want?
I wanna know where Cliff is.
Who's Cliff?
He works at the gas station.
He came up here last night to do
some work on your dune buggy,
and he never came back.
And he's straight these days,
so something's gotta be wrong.
My buggy was acting up yesterday,
but it was a false alarm.
I called the station
just before dinner
and told Amos
not to send anyone after all.
Cliff said he was going
to your place.
Well, he didn't.
That's a new grave there,
isn't it?
How should I know?
I'm not the undertaker.
[ Coyotes yip and howl ]
[ Twig snaps ]
[ Struggling gasps ]
[ Screams ]
Did you enjoy your afternoon?
It was okay.
You know, I was wrong about Diane.
She's a remarkable woman.
She sure knew what to do
with that knife.
Yeah. It didn't hurt a bit.
Well, that's because
you're so tough.
[ Chuckles ]
Lee, do you remember that Diane
said her family raised Juan?
Yeah.
Well, this afternoon Juan told me
Diane had no family,
that she raised him
all by herself.
So?
That would mean Diane's
a lot older than she looks.
I don't get the feeling that
Juan is someone to trust.
Good night, Susie.
Good night.
Susie?
What the hell are you doing?
What about you?
I thought you were sleeping.
With Susan.
How can you eat that stuff?
You ate raw meat yesterday.
Yeah, but that's-- that's liver.
That's raw liver.
Ever notice people
feed their cats raw liver?
Cats are animals.
So are we.
But it must frighten us.
We try so hard to forget it.
Why fight it?
Fight what?
The animal in you.
I'll take that.
Oh, here, honey.
Let me help you.
Why isn't Juan doing that?
I thought I'd help out.
Let's have breakfast
in the living room.
Sort of an indoor picnic?
Coffee?
No.
Yeah.
Diane, I need the number
of the station.
We have to leave this afternoon.
I don't think you can.
Why not?
Amos called earlier.
The part he ordered hasn't come in.
Since today's Sunday,
it won't be here until tomorrow.
Yeah, but I gotta get back.
I gotta see a guy.
No hassle.
Call and postpone it.
- I guess I could.
- Sure you could.
Anyway, we just got here.
It's not polite to hit and run.
You know, Diane,
this place grows on you.
I've seen things here
I've never seen before.
Then, you'll stay.
Sure.
Good.
I get to have you two
for another night.
But enjoy yourselves now,
because I have to leave for a while.
All right,
I got laid last night.
That's what you wanna
hear me say, right?
Right.
Well, now will you stop
givin' me such a bad time?
Sure.
How can I put you down for
something I could do myself?
Hey, Susie?
Susie, I'm right here,
so don't play like I'm not.
Aw, look, Diane doesn't turn me on.
She's a desert freak.
And I'm a Susie freak.
You wanna see
what she showed me yesterday?
Sure.
Anything Diane showed you
I wanna see.
Well, come on.
You sure know how to get to me.
You're goddamned right I do.
Come on.
[ Chuckles ]
Come here, you little,
beautiful little thing, you.
Oh! What?
Oh, no! No! No!
Please!
[ Screams ]
Get out of here.
You need me.
You're not what I need.
Why did you kill your husband?
I tried to leave him alone.
Then why did you marry him?
Why do you stay with me?
Because...
I can't leave you.
[ Sighs ]
You're suffering.
You need nourishment.
I need more and more now.
Something is speeding up
inside me.
Let me help you.
I'll get someone for you.
I'll bring one of my people.
You're good to me, Juan.
You've always been good to me.
[ Screams ]
This is the fourth one
that died in the 1870's.
Must've been a bad year.
Do you remember what Diane said
about the killings at the mine?
Yeah?
Lee, let's go somewhere else.
Oh, don't be afraid.
Everybody here is dead.
Susie, come and look at this.
[ Gasps ]
Lee!
Maybe it was some
kind of animal.
No animal kills like that.
- Did you see anyone around?
- No.
Diane, there's one thing
I don't get.
The headstone said
your husband died in 1875.
Easy, Lee.
No. He's right.
I'd wonder, too.
You see, that was originally the grave
of Victor's great-grandfather.
Now, he's the one
that died in 1875.
Oh, years ago, his body was
stolen by grave robbers,
and when Victor died,
I buried him in the empty grave.
Why would anyone rob the grave?
Well, there's an old belief
around here
that people used to be buried
with their jewels.
Yeah, but if they wanted the jewels,
why'd they take the body?
I don't know.
Why wasn't there any dirt
in your husband's grave?
Because if the dry air doesn't
reach him, he'll decay.
Diane, what if someone still believes
that story about the jewels?
And Juan caught them robbing
your husband's grave?
Maybe.
Might even be a member
of his own tribe.
They can be very brutal.
Juan became an outcast
when he left them to live here.
He gave up so much for me.
He meant more to me than he knew,
and I never got to tell him.
What the hell are we waitin' for?
I'm gonna call the police.
No.
No.
That's my responsibility, Lee.
I'll take care of it.
Excuse me.
What's bugging you?
I don't believe a thing she said.
That's what.
What's this stuff about dry air
in the grave?
Ah, she told me some story about she
made her husband into a mummy
and that the desert air
preserves him.
How weird.
Don't worry, it's a lot of shit.
Well, I think her feeling
for Juan was real.
I wonder if she can feel at all.
You are really down on her.
You know,
the first night we met--
It's from a cat.
And then, last night--
You ate raw meat yesterday.
What about last night?
Nothing. As soon as
the car's ready, we split.
There's nothing.
Anyway, this one was my dream.
[ Phone rings ]
Station.
This is Lee Ritter.
You got my car.
Yep.
Is it ready?
No.
Well, it's supposed to be ready
this morning.
- Did you get the part in?
- What part?
The part you ordered.
Don't need no part.
Well, then,
what are you waitin' for?
Lady who called told me to wait
for her go-ahead.
What lady?
Didn't say.
Look, how long will it take
to fix it?
You can have it tomorrow.
I need it today!
Mister, I don't like shoutin'.
Anyway, my mechanic
ain't around.
Well, when can I--?
[ Hang up, dial tone ]
Susan?
Enjoying yourself?
Sure.
Tell me, how long have
you and Lee been married?
Almost two years.
Have you had another man
since then?
I don't think that's any
of your business, Diane.
Lee's nice, but--
But?
He's not very observant, is he?
Susan, have you ever noticed
how men envy us?
Envy us how?
The pleasure we have,
that only we can have.
We can't help it.
It's just our nature,
the way we are.
And in their secret hearts
they hate us for it,
because they can never know
what it's like.
Susan?
I wanna talk to you.
Alone.
Get your things packed.
What's the rush?
We're gettin' out of here.
I just talked to the guy at
the station. Remember Diane...
she said she'd call and
took care of everything?
Well, she took care of nothing.
She's trying to keep us here,
and I think that creep at
the station is helping her.
Aren't you getting
a little paranoid?
No, I'm not!
I don't like those dreams either.
They're turning out to be real.
You mean for you.
You've gotten what you want,
so we leave.
Okay, what do you want?
To stay here a while.
I think you want her.
Maybe I do.
How does it feel?
Where is that bitch?
Diane.
Close the door.
That bed--
I called the station.
You told him not to fix the car.
You're afraid of me, Lee.
No.
Then why stay so far away?
Tell me.
The car.
Why?
Don't you understand?
You should,
after the other night.
I want you here with me.
I can't stay.
I've gotta get back.
For a while, at least.
Ever since that night at the gallery,
ever since, I knew I wanted you.
I was hungry for you
for as long as I could have you.
You don't wanna go.
You don't.
No.
No, I--
Lee...
Do you know who was always
buried in that grave?
[ Kisses ]
Your husband.
[ Kisses ]
Yes. Only him.
You see, I'm really very old.
Do you care?
[ Kisses ]
No.
Want me to?
[ Sighs ]
Oh, yes.
[ Kisses ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Gasps, groans ]
Diane?
[ Door opens ]
[ Gasps ]
[ Gasps ]
[ Knocks on door ]
Lee?
Lee! Where are you?
[ Knocks on door ]
Lee!
Where's Lee?
He's left for the station
to see about your car.
Is something wrong?
[ High-pitched noise ]
Your bed...
That sound.
Close the door, Susan.
You've been watching us
from that room, haven't you?
Yes.
Why?
Don't you know?
No.
You should.
You did the same thing
the other night.
That was different.
It was an accident.
You could have turned away.
But you didn't.
I saw Juan, Diane.
In that room.
Lee thinks you killed him.
Yes.
But you loved him.
Yes.
He'll be with us now, always.
With us?
I want you here with me, Susan.
Ever since that night at the gallery,
ever since, I knew I wanted you.
I was hungry for you for as long
as I could have you.
Stay with me.
Yes.
[ Thump ]
What was that?
Nothing.
Susan.
Come back.
[ Screams ]
[ Pants, screams ]
[ Snarls ]
[ Screams ]
[ Pants ]
Make up your mind, in or out.
I got things to do.
Travelling light.
I forgot my coat.
I got something in back
if you want.
Didn't even thank me
for stoppin'.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Thank you.
What are you runnin' from?
No place.
Wasn't you stayin' with her?
Don't have much to say, do you?
How'm I supposed to know
where you wanna go?
Wherever I can get a ride
to Los Angeles.
May I have your attention,
please?
Regular Express scheduled
from Los Angeles to New York City
is now available for boarding.
Please!
The woman,
she murdered my husband.
She'll kill me, too.
[ Muffled PA announcements ]
Every effort will be made
to hasten your departure.
Please listen for announcements
concerning your destination.
Have a pleasant trip,
and thanks for going Greyhound.
Hello.
Carl, it's Susie.
Listen, you've got to help me.
Lee's dead, and she's after me.
What are you talking about, Susie?
Who's after you?
That woman we met at your place.
Diane.
I know it sounds crazy, but she's
a vampire, and she murdered Lee.
Susie, tell me what
this is all about.
Look, don't question me.
Help me.
All right.
Come on over.
I can't. She's still around someplace,
and she'll kill me, too.
- Where are you?
- In the bus station.
Be there in a few minutes.
Please hurry.
No!
[ Cry of pain ]
[ Muffled PA announcement ]
Help me. Help me.
Please.
Please help me.
Please. Help me.
She must be a vampire.
Hey, get her with the cross.
Get her with the cross.
- Get her!
- She's getting away!
- Let's get her!
- Get her!
Hey, look at her go.
Let's get her!
Go get her!
The sun!
Help me take off her cape!
[ Pants ]
[ Sobs, gasps ]
[ Groans ]
How long have I been asleep?
Oh, a couple of hours.
Have the police found Lee yet?
Yes.
Some of her other victims, too.
Don't they want to question me?
Tomorrow's soon enough.
Carl, how well
did you know Diane?
Oh, pretty well.
She wasn't just a customer?
Yeah, she was just a customer.
But she told me a--
a few things.
Like what?
She had a rare blood disease.
Her body couldn't manufacture
its own blood,
so she needed
regular transfusions.
It's what she came
to town for, mainly.
But why did she kill Lee?
And how do you explain
her fear of crosses and the sun?
Well, I, uh--
I guess she freaked out.
She probably needed
blood so much,
she convinced herself
she was a vampire.
So she acted like one.
But what about those dreams
Lee and I had?
They all came true.
How do you explain them?
They were your dreams, Susie.
How do you explain them?
This knife is just like Diane's.
Yes, I sold her one.
There are only five of them.
They're collector's items.
She cut me with--
Oh!
Carl.