The Last Man On Earth (1964)

Set in 1968, a scientist (Vincent Price) has survived unscathed from an airborne plague that has decimated the world. However, the plague's victims that survived are now undead vampires who come out at night and routinely attempt to break into the scientist's home in an attempt to kill him. Based on the novel I AM LEGEND by Richard Matheson and directed by Sidney Salkow (TWICE TOLD TALES). The first film version of I AM LEGEND which was remade twice: THE OMEGA MAN with Charlton Heston in 1971 and I AM LEGEND  in 2007 with Will Smith. Of the three films, this one is closest to the original source material. While the book's author Matheson wrote the screenplay (credited in the movie under a pseudonym), he was unhappy with the result feeling Price was miscast. Initial reviews weren't favorable but in the ensuing years, its reputation has grown and it is now a cult movie. I liked it and I liked Price's performance as he brings some pathos and sense of utter loneliness to his characterization. The movie's biggest flaw is the lackluster direction by Salkow. It could have used a stronger director who could have infused the film with a richer sense of horror. With Franca Bettoia, Emma Danieli and Giacomo Rossi Stuart.