Ganja & Hess

Ganja & Hess

Year: 1973

Runtime: 113 mins

Language: English

DramaHorrorFantasyFaith and religionGothic and eerie haunting horror

Some marriages are made in heaven; others in hell. After a doctor is pierced by an ancient, germ‑infested knife, he is overtaken by an unrelenting thirst for blood. The curse torments his marriage and pulls him deeper into a nightmarish, vampiric existence.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Ganja & Hess (1973)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ganja & Hess (1973). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 20th century (roughly 1970s)

The film takes place in a contemporary setting reminiscent of the 1970s, evident from the fashion, decor, and social context. This period was marked by explorations of race, identity, and new cultural movements, themes that are reflected in the characters' backgrounds and the film's aesthetic.

Location

Green's mansion, Myrthian territory

The movie is primarily set in Green's luxurious mansion, which showcases African art and decor, reflecting the cultural heritage explored in the story. The mansion serves as a central location for the characters' interactions and their supernatural experiences. The film also references Myrthian territory, an ancient African nation of blood drinkers, adding a mythic dimension to the setting.

🏡 Rich estate 🌍 African heritage 🖼️ Decorated with African art

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:54

Main Characters – Ganja & Hess (1973)

Meet the key characters of Ganja & Hess (1973), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Hess Green (Duane Jones)

A wealthy and intellectually curious anthropologist, Green becomes a vampire after being stabbed with a Myrthian ceremonial dagger. He is conflicted, intelligent, and seeks meaning beyond his cursed existence, ultimately turning to faith for salvation.

🧠 Intellectual 🩸 Cursed ✝️ Religious

Ganja Meda (Marlene Clark)

Meda's wife and Green's lover, she transitions from horror at her vampiric state to survival and adaptation. She exhibits resilience and a complex mix of desire, horror, and acceptance of her new life.

🔥 Passionate 🔄 Adaptive 💔 Complex

Reverend Luther Williams (Sam Waymon)

A spiritual leader and Green's chauffeur, he represents faith and moral guidance. His presence emphasizes the film's religious themes and the clash between spiritual salvation and supernatural curse.

✝️ Religious ✅ Moral compass 🚗 Supportive

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:54

Major Themes – Ganja & Hess (1973)

Explore the central themes of Ganja & Hess (1973), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🩸 Blood & Immortality

The movie delves into the themes of blood, immortality, and the supernatural, using vampirism as a metaphor for deeper spiritual and existential questions. It explores the life of the immortal Dr. Hess Green as he grapples with his cursed existence and the moral dilemmas surrounding consumption and mortality.

✝️ Faith & Redemption

A central theme is the conflict between spiritual faith and the corrupting influence of vampirism. Green's return to Christianity and his eventual suicide highlight the desire for redemption and the struggle to find peace amid supernatural affliction.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:54

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Unlock the Full Story of Ganja & Hess

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ganja & Hess in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ganja & Hess is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ganja & Hess Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ganja & Hess, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ganja & Hess Summary

Ganja & Hess Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ganja & Hess with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ganja & Hess Timeline

Ganja & Hess Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Ganja & Hess that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Ganja & Hess Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Ganja & Hess

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ganja & Hess: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Ganja & Hess

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