Transylvania 6-5000
"WANTED: Two thrill-seeking reporters, brains optional, looking to dig up the story of the century. For information call..."
Two reporters head to a remote Transylvania castle after a tip about the apparent return of Frankenstein. Instead of a straightforward scoop, they collide with a bizarre cast of original monsters and misfits who call the place home. The Wolfman is moody and introspective, the Vampiress Odette is... Read more
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About Transylvania 6-5000
Two reporters head to a remote Transylvania castle after a tip about the apparent return of Frankenstein. Instead of a straightforward scoop, they collide with a bizarre cast of original monsters and misfits who call the place home. The Wolfman is moody and introspective, the Vampiress Odette is coquettish and wary of intruders, and a string of ghoulish neighbors pops up in a running parade of gags. As the newsroom deadline looms, the duo bumbles through capers, disguises, and increasingly slapstick escapes, unsure what is real and what is staged by a set that keeps bending the rules of horror for laughs. No major twists revealed, but the ride never takes itself too seriously. The vibe stays breezy and unserious.
Released in 1985 and directed by Rudy De Luca, Transylvania 6-5000 draws from an original screenplay by De Luca rather than adapting a specific book. The film pairs Goldblum and Bologna with a supporting cast, leaning into spoof and slapstick.
On a budget of three million, the movie grossed roughly seven point two million worldwide globally, a modest return that kept the project financially viable. The numbers reflect a niche appeal rather than a blockbuster, drawing audiences through home video.
Over time the film has lived as a cult friendly riff on classic monster lore rather than a prestige horror. Jeff Goldblum and Joseph Bologna spark offbeat chemistry, and the castle's surreal set pieces became sources of fond memories for fans who crave goofy, affectionate spoofs rather than scares today.
Critics gave mixed notices, praising the brisk banter and the cast's energy while some found the jokes too broad. The film mocks gothic tropes, turning fear into punchlines and journalism into a chaotic game. The friendship between the reporters keeps the mood light. A light note that fun can coexist.
Details
- Release Date
- November 08, 1985
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Rating
- PG
- User Ratings
- 161 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Comedy, Horror
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- Jadran Film +3 more
- Budget
- $3,000,000
- Box Office
- $7,200,000
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Jeff Goldblum
Jack Harrison
Joseph Bologna
Dr. Malavaqua
Ed Begley Jr.
Gil Turner
Carol Kane
Lupi
Jeffrey Jones
Lepescu
John Byner
Radu
Geena Davis
Odette
Michael Richards
Fejos
Donald Gibb
Wolfman
Norman Fell
Mac Turner
Written by: Rudy De Luca