Blacula? Silly? I'm not sure you've actually seen it. They try to put real pathos on Mamuwalde, the vampire in question (dubbed "Blacula" by none other than Count Dracula himself -- in the 1700s, African prince Mamuwalde was trying to appeal to the crowned heads of Europe to put a stop to slave trade, and he made the mistake of visiting Transylvania first). Awakening in the 20th century, Mamuwalde believes he has found his reincarnated lost love, and is caught in the (what is now) classic bind between his cursed nature and his love.
Actually, there's some kind of chance that "Blacula" did that first -- I'm not a vampire film ologist, but I don't recall any vampires before "Blacula" being portrayed as noble, tragic figures who are victims of their curse.
Also starring Gordon Pinsent as the Token White Guy.