 Specifically, it was part of the blaxploitation horror genre that came about in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the box office success of American International Pictures’ "Blacula", which was also directed by William Crain.With "Blacula"s success, American International Pictures saw a new opportunity to produce classic horror films with black actors and actresses to attract a new black moviegoing audience.As a result, the production company wanted to play off the classic story and horror film, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".