NaschyCast #32 - THE NIGHT OF THE WEREWOLF (1981)

With much joy and some sadness we finally talk at length about THE NIGHT OF THE WEREWOLF. We have been holding off discussing this one for many reasons- its the last of Naschy's werewolf films for us to cover; it's a standout entry in the series; its the only Waldemar Daninsky film available on Blu-Ray; etc. The good news is that it is such a solid effort that repeated viewings only make it more impressive. Many key players return, both in front of and behind the camera making this a fun time for longtime fans but the lycanthropic action is plentiful enough to also make it a good bet for neophytes. This is a big, bold, colorful, violent and atmospheric slice of Gothic Horror and it is a worthy addition to not just Spanish Horror cinema but to the genre as a whole. With Naschy writing the script, directing the film and starring in the title role how could it be anything else but an earnest splash of monster fun?

Naschy really lets his film-fan side show in this one with many nods to older classic horror moments from THE CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF, DRACULA- PRINCE OF DARKNESS, THE MASK OF SATAN (a.k.a. BLACK SUNDAY) and several others. We hope you'll enjoy our conversation on this wonderful film. As we had little feedback in the mailbag we conclude the show with a brief look at the amazing MUCHAS GRACIAS SENOR LOBO book that showcases an extensive collection of Naschy movie memorabilia. Please let us know what you think by dropping us a note at naschycast@gmail.com or joining us over at the NaschyCast Facebook page. Oh- and Happy Halloween! 

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Muchas Gracias Senor Lobo

Naschycast #31.5 - LORNA, THE EXORCIST (1974)

For the first time in many moons we bring you a .5 episode. We have always used these non-Naschy shows to highlight Spanish horror films of note and often there is a connection to the films of Paul Naschy. In this case there isn’t a direct association but we decided to cover LORNA THE EXORCIST for different reasons - not because of its Spanish born director Jess Franco but because of its lovely star- Lina Romay. When Miss Romay passed away earlier this year Troy and I were stunned, as were most of her fans. We had no idea she was in ill health and her most recent public appearances with longtime companion Franco had shown us the typical smiling, supportive lady we’ve come to know and love. As fans of her beauty and her screen talent we felt we had to do something to mark her passing and with this film we feel we’ve found a very good piece of work to discuss. Little seen for decades LORNA sports a brave, nuanced performance from Lina and, barring a sub-plot we found questionable, it is an excellent example of Franco’s 1970s Franco low-budget transgressive esthetic. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to sing her praises and we hope everyone will get some enjoyment out of our conversation.

We had a lot of fun talking about the film's Faustian plot, interesting sea imagery, strange locations and copious nudity. Did I mention the nudity? Oh- and I manage to create a new descriptive phrase I expect will sweep the nation in the coming weeks- 'Obliquely Clear!' Start using it now and avoid the rush.  I think we covered most aspects of the movie pretty well but if you have something to add (and we hope you do!) please write us at naschycast@gamil.com and let us know how you would rate this intriguing effort. The mailbag section is petty amazing this time out with me going off on a rant about the Universal Horror Blu-Rays and - in a real surprise- Troy rants about Gamera DVDs.  Will wonders never cease? You can find us over on the NaschyCast Facebook page or at the email address above. The show can be downloaded from the link below, found in the iTunes Store or streamed through Stitcher Radio.

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NaschyCast #31 - LOS CANTABROS (1980)

When we started this podcast we had no idea that we would eventually be reviewing a sword and sandal film. We knew that we would be delving deeply into Paul Naschy’s list of credits and seeing movies that were going to be new to us but the number of surprises has been stunning. Thrillers were expected and crime movies were a given along with the obvious horror output but the comedies were a shock and this film has to be acknowledged as a major unexpected revelation. Strangely,Troy and I disagree on the film’s quality level but the discussion finds us agreeing on more points than you might expect.

Couched as an historical account of an odd moment in Spanish history LOS CANTABROS is the tale of Roman conquest in 29A.D. (or was it 32 B.C.?). While there may be much doubt as to the facts surrounding the film’s hero Caracotta there is ample historical record about Naschy’s Roman General Marcus Agrippa and his relationship with Emperor Caesar Augustus. Naschy’s re-tooled screenplay uses a lot of detail from history to obscure the unfortunate fact that this was a very low budget production. This sometimes works to benefit the proceedings and sometimes it really doesn’t. Really- it doesn't! 

We relate what little we could discover about the film’s history, talk about its bizarre tone shifts, wonder why certain actors were in particular roles, question the apparent patriotism in the film’s speeches and bitch about the crappy print we have to watch - all while dissecting this hard to find would-be epic. As always the show is available from the link below or through the iTunes store or streaming from Stitcher Radio. We do prattle on! You can drop us a line at naschycast@gmail.com or join us over on the Facebook page. 

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NaschyCast #30 - TOMB OF THE WEREWOLF (2004)

You got your werewolf in my soft-core pornography! No- you got your soft-core pornography in my werewolf! Or something like that. Episode 30 takes us to the Hollywood Hills where we encounter lots of hot naked women, lesbian sex, a Daninsky descendant, a fantastic painting and a pretty bad film. The 21st century was not a good period for low budget werewolf movies and this ‘final’ Waldemar Daninsky film is no exception. Shot in English TOMB OF THE WEREWOLF is one of our few chances to hear Paul Naschy’s actual voice in a film but, as he speaks less than a dozen words total, this is a bittersweet delight. Indeed, Naschy’s role in this production is little more than a glorified cameo so the joys for fans are slim. That being said Naschy is still the best/only reason to see this sucker and he does a fine job with the little screen time he is afforded.

We struggle through this short but painful direct-to-video time filler while trying to maintain our good humor. I’m not sure we succeeded as I can remember a few tears on my show notes but hopefully the podcast is helpful to the Naschy loving masses. If you have the strength and desire you can join us as we work our way through TOTW and try to keep our sanity intact. As usual the discussion veers from subject to subject with a brief look at the various porn titles in the cast’s background; share some info about the location where the film was shot; point out the ever-present sound of crickets on the soundtrack; and wonder what Naschy made of the film before and after it was made.

Please drop us a line at naschycast@gmail.com anD join us on the Facebook page. As always the show is available through the link below or from iTunes and can be streamed from Stitcher Radio.

NaschyCast #30

NaschyCast #29 - DEATH OF A HOODLUM (1975)

Episode #29 focuses on a lesser known Naschy crime film that turns out to have quite a bit in common with a couple of his other non-supernatural thrillers. Even with several familiar elements the film turns out to have more than a few surprises in store for us including some shocking slow-mo violence. I guess the influence of Peckinpah's THE WILD BUNCH was still playing out in the mid-1970s - and I have no problem with that!

In this one Naschy plays a hearing impaired thief with a nasty mother fixation and the sexual charisma of Sean Connery. I'm not kidding. His character seems to be able to have his way with almost any and every woman he sees- which isn't all that different from most characters he played, but in this story its a little scary.  He's a cold bastard and the film's violence always stems from the relentless nature of his drive to get what he wants.

The film boasts good direction from our old friend Leon Klimovsky, Julia Saly in a red bikini and an excellent performance from actress Carmen Sevilla. The performances are actually very good in every case in this one. DEATH OF A HOODLUM is a pretty good combination of crime tale and domestic drama with just a twisted touch of a distressing coming of age story. Its a strange stew but in general it works so join us as we talk our way through it discussing all points large and small.

You can write us at naschycast@gmail.com to give us your thoughts on all things Naschy or Spanish Horror in general. If you don't want us to include your email as part of the show please be sure to let us know. You can also find us over on The FaceBook at the NaschyCast Fan Page as well so there really is no excuse not to contact us!

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NaschyCast #28- LICANTROPO (1996)

In this episode we creep very carefully into the 1990s, cross our fingers and hope for the best. LICANTROPO is the only Waldemar Daninsky film produced in that fetid decade and since it is Naschy scripted it has to be covered by your intrepid podcasters. We've heard numerous poor critiques of the film over the years so, although we were quite leery, I think you'll find that there are things that make the film worth seeking out. Without giving too much away I'll just say that the film certainly is an artifact of its times.

We take this opportunity to discuss the qualities that make a 1990s film different from a 1980s film and come to the conclusion that it mainly consists of nudity or the lack thereof. This is a sad thing and casts a pall over the decade (and this film, to a degree) but we can all be happy that we lived through those dark days and naked flesh has returned to the big screen! Now bring on the Naked Female Werewolves! Of course, any Daninsky movie offers the chance to observe how Naschy has decided to recast the pieces, alter the playing field and push the lycanthrope myths into new, hairy shapes. Here he makes some fascinating choices and although the film steps on some of them they still add some fresh color to the long line of werewolf cinema lore. I really need to do some research to see if the 'Vile Odor' thing is lifted from legend or a Naschy original.

After last episode's short Mail-Bag section we have a bumper crop of correspondence this time! Two separate letters from our British buddy Mark and a couple of notes from brand new writers give us a lot to mull over. That we continue to get new information about Naschy from new folks is a source of great joy for both of us. We created this show to bring more attention to Paul Naschy and his body of work and its starting to feel like we are really having some effect. That is a wonderful thing and we want to thank everyone that listens to us babble on. We hope you keep enjoying what we do and that we can encourage others to see more of Senor Molina's movies. They are well worth watching!

Please drop us a line at naschycast@ gmail.com, like us over on the Facebook page and rate us in the iTunes store. Let us know what is on your mind.

NaschyCast #28 LINK


 

NaschyCast #27 - NAKED MADRID (1979)

If you can visualize a movie made by Paul Naschy that brings to mind the classics of Robert Altman and involves a sad sack Spanish version of Woody Allen then you have a start in imagining NAKED MADRID (1979). Those images will only give you a sliver of the whole picture but it does serve to warn you that this is not your usual Naschy film. In fact, I can't think of another film in his long list of credits that resembles this odd but interesting effort. Adapted from a novel it tells the contemporary story of a large cast of characters of both the wealthy and working class in post-Franco Spain. They are mostly scheming, lying scumbags just trying to get whatever it is they need or want but that doesn't mean they aren't entertaining to watch.

Naschy casts himself in a fairly sympathetic role as a put upon chauffer trying to create a new socialist political party but getting sidetracked by an adulterous affair. His performance is strong but the entire cast is very good even though each character has very little screen time. A number of Naschy's stock company of actors and behind the camera collaborators are present as well as one uncredited cameo that is as surprising as it is welcome. And the word naked in the title should be taken quite literally as this movie sports more bare flesh than any other Naschy directed tale we've seen so far! You have been warned!

The mailbag section of this show is pretty sparse but we have our first 'voice-mail' contribution from our friend in Madrid! That's right- we have a brief visit from Elena the host of Horror Rises From Spain and she explains a few pronunciations to us silly Americans. If you’d like to get in on this segment please write us at naschycast@gmail.com and we’ll dig into your questions next time. And if you subscribe to the show through iTunes please consider leaving us a review there or you drop us a comment on the Naschycast Facebook page. Thanks to everyone for the love and encouragement. And once again we have to thank our amazing artistic director Jeff Nelson. He works beyond the call of duty for us and always gives us a distinctive piece of art to accompany the show.

NaschyCast #27 LINK