Love at First Bite 1979

As the Communist regime in Romania pressures Count Dracula, played by Gary Oldman, to abandon his castle, he faces a pivotal moment. His former grand residence is set to become a gymnastics training center, featuring none other than the Olympic star Nadia Comăneci. Defying fate, the weary Count ventures into the vibrant streets of New York City, accompanied by his loyal manservant, Renfield, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, who has a peculiar fondness for insects.

Their arrival in the bustling metropolis leads to an unexpected twist when Dracula’s coffin mistakenly ends up as the centerpiece at a solemn funeral in Harlem. Struggling to adjust to this chaotic environment, Dracula finds himself captivated by Cindy Sondheim, played by Winona Ryder, a spirited fashion model who reminds him of Mina Harker, the love of his past.

Yet, Dracula’s heartfelt pursuit faces obstacles from Cindy’s psychiatrist, Jeffrey Rosenberg, portrayed by Stanley Townsend. As the grandson of the famed vampire hunter, Fritz van Helsing, Rosenberg employs a series of comic yet ineffective tactics to thwart Dracula. Armed with mirrors, garlic, a Star of David instead of a cross, and even hypnosis, his efforts only lead to more ridiculous situations.

Rosenberg’s determination escalates as he tries to destroy Dracula’s coffin, only to be hindered by hotel security. His clumsy attempts to eliminate the vampire with silver bullets backfire when Dracula calmly informs him that such measures are better suited for werewolves. Eventually, Rosenberg’s erratic actions land him in a mental hospital.

As mysterious blood bank heists and vampire attacks send alarm bells ringing in the city, NYPD Lieutenant Ferguson begins to investigate the bizarre claims made by Rosenberg, who has been released from custody. Unbeknownst to them, the true danger lurks nearby, as Dracula indulges in the lavish lifestyle of 1970s New York, plotting his next move.

Amidst the encroaching darkness, Count Dracula hastily departs with Cindy via cab, pursued fervently by Rosenberg and Ferguson. Their escape, however, is thwarted when a series of misadventures mistakenly send Dracula’s coffin to Jamaica rather than London, leaving them stranded on the runway. In a turning point, Cindy finally agrees to join Dracula as his vampire bride. Rosenberg seizes this moment to strike, only to be thwarted by their sudden ascent into the night sky. In an unexpected twist, Cindy clears her considerable psychiatric bill to Rosenberg with a check that floats down from above, prompting his irony-filled remark: > “She has become a responsible person… or whatever.”

As Dracula’s beloved cape, the target of Rosenberg’s misguided stake, falls into the hands of Ferguson, he believes it will lend him an air of elegance for his anniversary. Meanwhile, Dracula and Cindy transform into bats, soaring into the night toward Jamaica, where they are reminded that their fate is forever entwined with darkness. Undeterred, Cindy quips with a smirk: > “That’s all right with me… I never really got my act together before 7 anyway.”