The Return of the Vampire (1943) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

• fuboTV Stream · HD
• Fawesome Free · HD
• Amazon Video Rent $3.99 · HD
• Apple TV Store Rent $3.99 · HD
• Fandango At Home Rent $3.99 · HD
• Google Play Movies Rent $3.99 · SD
• YouTube Rent $3.99 · SD

Streaming availability powered by

1. 1

   Tesla stalks London during World War I

   During World War I, the vampire Armand Tesla stalks London as his latest victim is brought to a clinic run by Lady Jane Ainsley and Professor Walter Saunders. The doctors misinterpret the symptoms as a severe case of anemia and begin their investigation. A chilling supernatural danger emerges as the patient is treated.

   When

   World War I

   Where

   London

2. 2

   Tesla targets Saunders' granddaughter Nicki

   The vampire infiltrates the clinic and, unable to finish the previous victim due to shock, turns his attention to Saunders's granddaughter Nicki. Saunders and Lady Jane notice puncture marks on both victims and begin to suspect vampirism. The mystery deepens as they realize they are dealing with an ancient predator.

   When

   World War I

   Where

   London clinic

3. 3

   A cemetery search for the vampire's crypt

   The pair searches a nearby cemetery hoping to locate the vampire's resting place and gain proof of his immortality. They comb old graves and tombs, following a trail of clues left by the creature. The sense of danger grows as they realize the stakes are personal and deadly.

   When

   World War I

   Where

   Nearby cemetery

4. 4

   The coffin revelation and proof of vampirism

   They locate Tesla in his coffin and confront him. A mirror held to his face reveals no reflection, proving he is a vampire. The discovery solidifies the doctors' resolve to stop him.

   When

   World War I

   Where

   Tesla's crypt

5. 5

   Andréas the werewolf's interference and the stake

   A werewolf named Andréas assists Tesla and tries to hinder the investigators, but their plan succeeds despite him. After Tesla is staked, the curse on Andréas is lifted, transforming him and eventually making him Lady Jane's assistant. The victory is bittersweet, foreshadowing new alliances.

   When

   During the initial confrontation

   Where

   Cemetery

6. 6

   Twenty four years later a new investigation begins

   Twenty-four years later, Scotland Yard detective Sir Fredrick Fleet reads Saunders' account and warns Lady Jane that if the body they staked was alive, she could be charged with murder. Jane explains that the body belonged to Armand Tesla, an eighteenth-century vampire expert. They decide to keep this from Nicki to spare her from reawakening old trauma.

   When

   Twenty-four years later

   Where

   London

7. 7

   Tesla returns from the grave during a bombing raid

   After a bombing raid, cemetery workers discover Tesla's corpse exposed with the spike still in his chest. They remove the spike, mistakenly thinking it is bomb shrapnel, and Tesla regains power over Andréas. He resumes his plan to avenge himself on Lady Jane.

   When

   Post bombing raid

   Where

   Cemetery

8. 8

   Tesla impersonates Bruckner at a party

   Tesla arrives at Lady Jane's party disguised as Hugo Bruckner and charms everyone except Sir Fredrick. The manuscript of Saunders' account is stolen and left in Nicki's room. Nicki begins reading it and gradually falls under Tesla's influence.

   When

   Party scene

   Where

   Lady Jane's residence

9. 9

   Nicki's attack and the investigation narrows

   Nicki is found unconscious with puncture marks after reading the manuscript, and Sir Fredrick begins to connect the strange events with vampirism. He corners Andréas for questioning, but the werewolf escapes as he begins to transform. Tesla continues to manipulate Nicki and the others, keeping his presence hidden.

   When

   After party

   Where

   London

10. 10

    Pursuit and the werewolf transformation

    Sir Fredrick assigns plainclothes to shadow Andréas, who is observed transforming into a werewolf. Tesla eludes capture and intensifies his manipulation of Nicki and John. The investigation edges toward a climactic confrontation.

    When

    Late stage

    Where

    London streets

11. 11

    Cemetery meeting during an air raid

    Nicki meets Tesla and Andréas at the cemetery during an air raid and faints. Andréas tries to carry her to safety, but Sir Fredrick shoots him, forcing the survivors to seek shelter from the bombing. The tense moment marks the height of the chase.

    When

    Air raid

    Where

    Cemetery

12. 12

    The ruins of St. Mathias church and the final downfall

    At the ruins of St. Mathias church, Andréas, influenced by Jane, uses a crucifix to free himself from Tesla. A bomb strikes the church, knocking the protagonists unconscious. Tesla is driven to daylight bones, and Andréas dies from his earlier wound.

    When

    War time final showdown

    Where

    St. Mathias church ruins

13. 13

    Nicki learns of Andréas's sacrifice

    Nicki tells Sir Fredrick and Lady Jane that Andréas saved her life during the events. The revelation reframes the vampire conflict as a tale of sacrifice and loyalty rather than mere predation. The personal costs of combatting evil become clear.

    When

    Aftermath

    Where

    London

14. 14

    The closing uncertainty about Tesla

    Sir Fredrick remains unconvinced without physical proof and questions the vampire theory. He asks his deputies whether they believe in vampires, leaving the final stance to public belief and interpretation.

    When

    Finale

    Where

    London