8. Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon) - Fright Night (1985)
The Prince Of Darkness is of course a perfect gentleman, but if you thought Christopher Lee was the epitome of urbane bloodsuckers, think again. Not only is Jerry Dandridge handsome, witty and irresistible to women, but he also has an appreciation for vampire movies. His house resembles the Barlow residence in Salems Lot and, just like Reggie Nalder in that film, he has an accomplice whos shot by vampire hunters as he walks towards them. Its therefore apt that his opponent is a TV horror host (and erstwhile actor), a situation that Dandridge quickly turns to his advantage. Asked why there are no mirrors in his house, he laughs it off and makes jokes about sleeping in a coffin. Remember: the greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didnt exist.
Ian Watson is the author of 'Midnight Movie Madness', a 600+ page guide to "bad" movies from 'Reefer Madness' to 'Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.'
