This is absolutely terrible. No exaggeration, one of the worst movies I have ever seen.
But what was so bad about it? I can't stress enough, everything! Every moment of this movie was bad: the camera work, the acting, the story. At no point was this entertaining.
Within this complete failure, one aspect stands out as the worst part: Eva. I can't think of another character I have seen who was so stupid and annoying as her. Have you ever watched a horror movie and there was someone who you wanted to die immediately? Yeah, that's Eva.
Okay, just so you can know I watched _Baron Blood_, and I'm not just leaving a negative review for fun: there is a scene where Eva throws a tapestry over a railing, and then - there's really no other way to put this - she has an orgasm. It is never explained. It never comes up again. It just happens. Moving on.
There is simply no story here. Even saying there is a first act is being far too generous than I will grant. This is a long second act. There is no set up, no pay off. Nothing happens.
I have to talk about the camera work. It's like the cinematographer thought zooms, pans, and lingering shots would save the movie.
Given the title, the poster, and the era, I thought this was going to be a creepy sleaze fest, but there is no gore, no nudity, no atmosphere.
This is on par with the worst Jess Franco films, but at least he knew that a piece of crap can be polished if you have enough sex in it.
Do not watch this.

***Gothic horror at an Austrian castle***

Taking a break from his college studies, Peter Kleist (Antonio Cantafora) flies to Austria to get in touch with his heritage. He learns that his notorious ancestor was nicknamed "Baron Blood,” a sadist cursed by a witch he burned to death. After meeting Eva (Elke Sommer) they playfully read an incantation at his family’s castle and inadvertently bring the infamous Baron back to life, which is when people start dying. Joseph Cotton is on hand as a mysterious wheelchair-bound man who purchases the chateau at auction.

The original Italian title of Mario Bava’s “Baron Blood” (1972) is “The horrors of Castle Nuremberg” (translated), which describes the film in a nutshell. In style & content it places just between Hammer gothic horror and the soon-to-come slashers.

The best thing about the flick is its spooky castle ambiance, which brings to mind hallowed horror like “The Terror” (1963), “Bloody Pit of Horror” (1965) and “The Devil’s Nightmare” (1971). It’s superior to the hammy “Bloody Pit,” but pretty much on par with the other two, although I prefer them for various reasons. This one's marred by nonsensical script elements concerning the witch's curious curse & the Baron's unexplained abilities. Nevertheless, it’s a top contender for gothic horror atmosphere.

Antonio Cantafora looks like the Euro version of Peter Fonda, albeit less formidable (physically). Meanwhile feminine charms are limited to Elke Sommer, unless you favor witchy women like Christina/Elizabeth (both played by Rada Rassimov, who resembles Celine Dion). Little redhead Nicoletta Elmi (Gretchen) would grow up to be a striking minor actress.

The film runs about 1 hour, 37 minutes, and was shot at Burg Kreuzenstein (castle) and Klosterneuburg (street scenes) & Korneuburg in Lower Austria, as well as Vienna. Writer Vincent G. Fotre was a professional tennis player who dabbled in scriptwriting.

GRADE: B-/B