HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB (1973) / HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE (1973) Blu-ray Reviews

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Jon Kitley (of Kitley’s Krypt) is back to discuss Horror Rises from the Tomb and Hunchback of the Morgue, two of Spanish weightlifting star-turned-horror icon Paul Naschy’s 1973 features, both of which celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year.

DRACULA, PRISONER OF FRANKENSTEIN (1972) movie review

Dracula, Prisoner of Frankenstein (aka Dracula contra Frankenstein) (1972) d. Jess Franco (Spain)

This is Franco in his “I ain’t got no money, but I got some actors and a castle to play in” prime. The “script” makes absolutely no sense at all, with Dr. Frankenstein (Dennis Price) deciding to revive Dracula (Howard Vernon) for no other reason than to, um, have a vampire around? Somehow, this is also supposed to prove that he has mastered the bridge between life and death, but he also delights in the fact that the Count seeks out a semi-crazed artist (Genevieve Robert) and turns her into an undead as well. (As one of my fellow viewers noted, “That guy writes 'Success!' on every page of his diary.”)

HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE (1973) review

Hunchback of the Morgue, The (1973) (2nd viewing) d. Aguirre, Javier

Naschy plays the titular walking infirmity as a sensitive, lovelorn suitor who brings flowers every day to his favorite fatally ill female patient, the only person to show him kindness. After she expires, he secrets her corpse away from prying eyes, but mad scientist Alberto Dalbés promises to resurrect her in exchange for a few body parts here and there. You see, Dalbés is creating a new species of life form in his underground lair, a bubbling, bellowing beastie whose offscreen cries recall a wicked encounter with undercooked Spanish cuisine (BLEEEEEEAAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!) The results are an energetic and gory good time, unless you happen to be one of the many rats that Naschy & Co. set ablaze for their squealing production value. There is no doubt animals were harmed in the making of this film.