The Mark of Naschy!

Paul Naschy was Spain's first horror star. A former wrestler and weight lifter, he started out as an extra in American movies made in Spain (like KING OF KINGS). He's also in an episode of TV's I SPY ("The Plains of Spain") in which Boris Karloff guest stars. He made many bloody and atmospheric horror films (most which he wrote under his real name) and played several different monsters. His most famous was the tortured werewolf character Vladamir Daninsky. Most of these films made it to the US in one form or another. Yet, he was almost totally unrecognized in his native country! He told of his ups and downs in the film industry in his autobiography "Memoirs of a Wolfman".

DRACULA’S GREAT LOVE-1972-This is Spanish horror king Paul Naschy’s only vampire film (original title: El Gran Amor Del Conde Dracula). As usual he wrote the rather sadistic story (under his real name Jacinto Molina) and tried for a new slant on the old legend. It’s a period piece but exactly in what period it takes place is undetermined. Four women and one lucky guy (Victor Acalzar/Vic Winner; also in HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB; see below) are traveling in the mountains near the castle of the original Dracula. When their wagon breaks a wheel and their coachman is conked on the head by a horse the group are forced to seek shelter from Dr. Marlowe (a suave and friendly Naschy). Turns out of course that Marlowe is actually the infamous count who needs the blood of a virgin to resurrect his daughter, the countess. Unfortunately, for the first time in his long career (?) he falls in love with his intended victim!

DGL features much bloodletting, nudity and a bloody three-way vampire lesbian scene. Also usual for Naschy’s films at the time a woman is whipped and tortured for no apparent reason (although a convoluted explanation is given). Naschy may seem an odd chance to play the king of vampires but he pulls it off fairly well (some might contend he’s a little wimpy) but the women are fantastic. Rosana Yanni (in her second Naschy film) is an unsung scream queen if there ever was one! Earlier she appeared in the laughable WHITE COMANCHE (1968) with William Shatner and Joseph Cotton.

Director Javier Acquirre (who co-wrote the screenplay with Naschy and Alberto S. Insua) provides tons of atmosphere and eroticism. He would direct Naschy, Yanni and Winner again in THE HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE (which Insua co-wrote) the next year. A dubbed but uncut version is available from The Incredibly Strange Filmworks, Inc.



HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB-1972- Made soon after the above opus HORROR is a wild ride in the Naschy tradition that borrows from several other features, most notably THE THING THAT WOULDN’T DIE and features a beheading and topless nudity even before the credits roll!

Naschy plays Ulric Du Marnac, an evil blood drinking, flesh eating, devil-worshiping sorcerer with an equally bloodthirsty companion, Mabille (Helga Line). His severed head is buried apart from his body. Just before the topless Mabille is hoisted upside down and burned she throws curses on everyone. In the present we meet his modern ancestor Hugo (also Naschy). After he and his friends have a séance and the old medium talks in Ulric’s voice Hugo decides to search for the head. His painter friend (Victor Alcazar) comes under Ulric’s evil power. With the help of some now possessed female friends, Ulric’s body is reunited with his head. He brings Mabille back to life too and they roam around ripping out hearts and eating them for nourishment. They also bring back some dead victims who terrorize Hugo and his girlfriend (Emma Cohen).

Director Carlos Aured packs this film with decadent atmosphere, ample gore and nice nudity to make it one of Naschy’s best. As usual he wrote the screenplay under his real name Jacinto Molina.

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