Dr. Orlof (Howard Vernon), a former prison doctor, abducts beautiful women from nightclubs and tries to use their skin to repair his daughter's fire-scarred face... yes, this is a dark, twisted version of "Eyes Without a Face".
This is considered to be the earliest Spanish horror film, and Jess Franco's directorial debut. The second point hardly surprises me, though I have to say this was a strong start (his earlier films in general seem to be more well-developed than his later attempts). The first point seems odd -- was Spain so far behind in film that it took until the 1960s to have a horror film?
Franco was influenced by comic books, particularly the work of Manuel Vázquez Gallego, who has a small role here. He was also influenced by Orson Welles, and there are some cinematography moments that suggest "The Third Man". Film historian Tim Lucas calls out the cinematography, and also the composers, comparing the music to the score for Ken Russell's "The Devils".
Lucas notes this film introduced the idea of an "oral sadist" rather than vampire or zombie -- a monster who bites necks, but has no interest in drinking blood or eating flesh.
Which version is best is beyond me. The Spanish version is longer, particularly in the opening scene, and the wild music is more muted. Plot-wise, it is probably stronger than the French.
Anyway, a fine little film with some good black and white shots and a creepy atmosphere. Franco seems to be somewhat focused on people with weird eyes, a theme he would return to in "House of Usher"... okay.
This is considered to be the earliest Spanish horror film, and Jess Franco's directorial debut. The second point hardly surprises me, though I have to say this was a strong start (his earlier films in general seem to be more well-developed than his later attempts). The first point seems odd -- was Spain so far behind in film that it took until the 1960s to have a horror film?
Franco was influenced by comic books, particularly the work of Manuel Vázquez Gallego, who has a small role here. He was also influenced by Orson Welles, and there are some cinematography moments that suggest "The Third Man". Film historian Tim Lucas calls out the cinematography, and also the composers, comparing the music to the score for Ken Russell's "The Devils".
Lucas notes this film introduced the idea of an "oral sadist" rather than vampire or zombie -- a monster who bites necks, but has no interest in drinking blood or eating flesh.
Which version is best is beyond me. The Spanish version is longer, particularly in the opening scene, and the wild music is more muted. Plot-wise, it is probably stronger than the French.
Anyway, a fine little film with some good black and white shots and a creepy atmosphere. Franco seems to be somewhat focused on people with weird eyes, a theme he would return to in "House of Usher"... okay.