The Chronicles of the Counts Dracula-Cardie. Adapted from Baron Olshevris novel «Vampires»

It will look magnificent in Rita’s dark curls!

EXT – VENICE, STREET – SAME AUTUMN DAY

Carlo walks along the cobbled Venetian street. Wheels of carriages roll past him, frilled hems of the ladies’ gowns move along and a single blue blossom falls from the basket of the street flower seller, lying on the rough cobblestones

CARLO’S VOICE

(behind the scenes)

Up until now, if you do not count my mother’s fit and the disappearance of her favorite dog, everything was simple and logical.

After that we were plunged into something we could not understand

END OF THE MEMORIES

EXT-CARDIE’S CASTLE, GARDEN-SUMMER DAY

BEGINNING OF YOUNG CARLO’S MEMORIES

Count Frederick and his family doctor walk in the western part of the garden

TITLE: 1832

COUNT FREDERICK

She is recovering well, even her complexion is improving.

The doctor looks at his clock on the chain

FAMILY DOCTOR

The fresh air will be good for her, but still, don’t leave her alone by herself.

COUNT FREDERICK

I am worried about her hallucination, the one about the snake.

They stop and look at each other. The doctor puts the clock into the pocket

FAMILY DOCTOR

I am telling you, she put the necklace on herself.

COUNT FREDERICK

Well, either way, she will never see that damned necklace again.

The doctor looks at his feet and then at the count again

FAMILY DOCTOR

There is a strange epidemic in the village. Seems to affect girls and young women.

Count Frederick thrusts his hands into the pockets of his trousers. He fidgets in place. He doesn’t like this conversation

COUNT FREDERICK

Do you think it is somehow connected to what had happened to my wife?

They walk further along the garden

FAMILY DOCTOR

No, I don’t think so.

COUNT FREDERICK

So, why are you so worried, my friend?

The doctor looks around as if afraid that someone can hear them and stops near a rose bush

FAMILY DOCTOR

Old beggar-woman saw a well-dressed, elderly gentleman who was walking away from the village in the direction of the castle.

Lucy appears suddenly and drags Carlo from his hiding place behind the rose bush. Count Frederick and the family doctor see the children and fall silent

LUCY

I caught you!

EXT – CARDIE’S CASTLE, BALCONY – SAME EVENING

A funeral bell tolls from the direction of the village. Everyone crosses themselves.

Countess Maria lies propped up on the chaise lounge, surrounded by her family. Her private balcony is large enough to resemble a terrace. The Countess shivers.

Count Frederick and Petro stand nearby on the balcony

COUNTESS MARIA

Another death in the village?

COUNT FREDERICK

I am sure it is nothing, my dear. Do you want me to send Petro to find out?

PETRO