Thirsty Thursdays Feature | A Part of Music Box of Horrors: Dawn of the Drive-In Presented by Shudder 

Vampire In Brooklyn was the end of an era for Eddie Murphy, as it was the last film produced under his contract with Paramount that began with 48 Hours. Murphy—a longtime horror fan—and his brother Charlie envisioned Vampire In Brooklyn as a straight horror picture. But director Wes Craven was looking to branch out into comedy, which, according to Craven, led to difficulties on the set. The film is notable in Murphy’s career, as it reflects his desire never to be pigeonholed as just the “funny guy.” He takes the role of head vampire Maximilian 100% seriously, creating a villainous, sexy character that’s an anomaly in his filmography. And despite what contemporary critics wrote, the horror and the comedy do work together, with the assistance of a supporting cast that includes Angela Bassett, Kadeem Hardison, and the legendary John Witherspoon.