ABOUT
PAUL NASCHY
Often called
the Spanish Lon Chaney, Paul Naschy (born Jacinto Molina Alvarez
in 1934) had a long and enduring career in cinema since first
appearing as an extra in Nicolas Ray's KING OF KINGS (1960). His
work in the fantastique genre began in 1968 with LA MARCA DEL
HOMBRE LOBO (American title: FRANKENSTEIN'S BLOODY TERROR), a
film he not only starred in, but scripted. Thereafter, Naschy
portrayed several classic monsters of the screen--Count Dracula,
Mr. Hyde, a mummy, a hunchback--as well as a host of villains
real and imagined. His most popular characterization is the wolfman
Waldemar Daninsky. The Daninsky series comprises eleven completed
films. Some of Naschy's best films, EL CAMINANTE and EL HUERTO
DEL FRANCES, remain relatively unknown, even among his international
fan base.
Naschy frequently
wrote the scripts for the films he appeared in, and with INQUISITION,
made in 1976, he added directing to his impressive curriculum
vitale. Later on, when the Spanish film industry was abandoning
the fantastique genre, Naschy became a producer, hoping to keep
the genre alive and viable. During this period, he branched out
to make documentaries for Japanese television. As a result of
his Japanese contacts, Naschy helmed several films that were the
first Spanish-Japanese co-productions, including the epic wolfman
film LA BESTIA Y LA ESPADA MAJICA.
In 1997, Naschy
finally penned an honest, heartfelt and richly poetic autobiography,
MEMORIAS DE UN HOMBRE LOBO (American edition, 2000: MEMOIRS OF
A WOLFMAN).
Paul Naschy
received numerous awards for his dedication and work in cinema.
In 2000, Fangoria Magazine entered Naschy into its "Hall
of Fame," an honor that is based on votes received from horror
fans worldwide. After decades of denying the value of its native
son, Spain finally acknowledged Naschy in 2001 with its most prestigious
award, the Gold Medal in Fine Arts.
On November
30, 2009, Paul Naschy passed away from cancer, still enthused
with projects he was working on or planning.
This website
is a resource for the appreciation and study of Paul Naschy's
work, and a homage to this remarkable, yet compellingly down-to-earth
man.
THE MARK
OF NASCHY site also continues its mission to spread the good word
about Naschy and to assist Naschy projects worldwide. Thus far,
we have helped with the DVD releases of Naschy films in Germany,
England and America, and have played a central role in getting
Naschy's autobiography published in the United States. We have
helped magazines, conventions and film festivals regarding contacts
and material, and facilitated Naschy's involvement with Hollywood
productions.
_________
Join
the Naschy talk!
THE
PAUL NASCHY FORUM
at
the Latarnia Message Boards
_________
IMAGES
OF NASCHY

El
gran amor de Conde Dracula/Dracula's Great Love (1972)

La
orgia de los muertes/The Hanging Woman (1973)

 
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LATEST
NEWS
11/25/2020
Several
Naschy films have been released on Blu-Ray with great results.
Ronin released VENGEANCE OF THE MUMMY, ASSIGNMENT TERROR, and
THE FURY OF THE WOLFMAN. Mondo Macabro did THE BEAST AND THE MAGIC
SWORD, Full Moon has just released ORGY OF THE LIVING DEAD (THE
HANGING WOMAN). We are planning another issue of NASCHY CHRONICLES,
with a special surprise. And there is more coming up next year
with Blu-Rays of THE FRENCHMAN'S GARDEN and HOWL OF THE DEVIL,
and other things....
9/6/2020
Happy Birthday,
Paul Naschy!

Paul's
handwriting to the left.
9/5/2019
It's been
a while since the last update, but this one brings good news.
Scorpion's first Naschy title, THE
MUMMY'S REVENGE, has been released on Blu-Ray, and it is a
winner. While much effort has been directed toward finding the
"nude" version, nothing has come up yet, even photographs!
Either this version does not exist or it is impossible to find.
But the Blu-Ray does contain a scene not in the Spanish DVD release,
so that is welcome. Anyway, the Blu-Ray is exemplary, and all
Naschy fans should get it.
Around
the corner is the next Scorpion Blu-Ray release of a Naschy film,
ASSIGNMENT TERROR. I've seen some of the results, and I am most
thrilled to see what has been done, as the quality is exceptional.
Now you can finally see everything!
After that
is THE FURY OF THE WOLFMAN. Work has to be done, but it is getting
closer and closer. It is also hoped that the Blu-Ray will contain
many Naschy graphics, trailers, etc.
Mondo Macabro,
which always puts out quality product, is doing THE BEAST AND
THE MAGIC SWORD. The Blu-Ray should be out later, and it is something
that all Naschy fans are looking forward to.
I've put
out a magazine, THE
NASCHY CHRONICLES, that will have much Naschy memorabilia
and news. It is different than this website, and a free preview
can be seen, as well as ordering instructions if you want.
So 2019
is turning to be another Year of Naschy. Blu-Rays, a magazine,
and maybe something more.... Time will tell.
And, of
course, tomorrow is Naschy's birthday!
3/17/2019
Well, the
latest news is that the Scorpion three Naschy Blu-Rays are still
not ready, though edging slowly toward their goal. The first one
should be THE MUMMY'S REVENGE, followed by ASSIGNMENT TERROR and
finally THE FURY OF THE WOLFMAN. As some of you know, there has
been news about Code Red, which was originally scheduled to release
the Naschys. Bill, the head honcho at Code Red, has had numerous
health problems and stays in the hospital. We wish him well. Scorpion,
run by his brother, will be releasing the Blu-Rays, but the focus
is on other things. Understandable.
Javier Trujillo
has released THE LINEAGE OF THE WEREWOLF, and interested fans
can find the English page on Amazon. Just put in the title of
the publication.
Meanwhile, my own
guide to Naschy will be released soon, but not yet. After that,
the mega volume set on Naschy will come out, one volume at a time.
Hopefully, I will not try to outdo the delays with those Blu-Rays!
9/26/2018
Once again, we
are at a holding pattern while we await Scorpion doing "their
thing" on the Naschy Blu-Rays that are coming up. Three Blu-Rays
right now: ASSIGNMENT TERROR, THE FURY OF THE WOLFMAN, and THE
MUMMY'S REVENGE. And, supposedly, more Naschy Blu-Rays will follow
later in 2019.
Though I wish it
were otherwise, I am seeing from experience that the upgrades
to this site are somewhat stagnating, though I try for upgrades
when I get a jolt of energy and intent to do so. Doing this site
takes some money, too, and I have to be focused on other things,
whether I like to or not. I want this site to have a legion of
information and photos, some of which had been sent to me by Naschy
himself. But I am also a realist in some ways, and this year I've
taken a hit in regards to...well, let's just say I've taken a
hit and some of it has to do with the world of Naschy. Some of
you know what I mean, but I don't want to go there at this point.
I feel that I have a bunch of information and other things that
need to get out. I feel also that I've been attacked or dismissed,
in one way or another. Others have claimed a position that I think
is laughable if I were in mood to laugh. And even others, some
of whom I respect, have joined the unknowledgeable accolades that
certain things have gotten. Frankly, I want to drop it all at
times. There is a part of me that just wants to leave and have
the "experts" do their thing. Some of this "information"
is wrong and much of it is taken from the work of others who are
not paid or even acknowledged and certainly not challenged, unless
by a few people. And that is the way of the world. Unfortunately,
this year I've experience that world first hand, though the way
of the world is not surprising to me. As I stated, I am somewhat
of a realist.
I have set up a
PayPal account, whose funds will go to this site and the work
that needs to be done here, Naschy-related. Some of you have helped,
mostly on the Facebook pages that are related to this site, and
I thank you for that. This link is just in case. You
go to PayPal and the link is paypal.me/mireklipinski
4/23/2018
Not much
new to report. Mondo Macabro has now released their Naschy holdings
on Blu-Ray: INQUISITION and THE DEVIL INCARNATE (EL CAMINANTE).
Scorpion will be released Blu-Rays of ASSIGNMENT TERROR, THE FURY
OF THE WOLFMAN and THE MUMMY'S REVENGE. Street date on these is
still undetermined. Everything seems to be going on as before,
though it takes time. The only new things are artist Javier
Trujillo's work on the Waldemar Daninsky series. And LICANTROPO,
a series of comics from Marc Gras Cots and Sparkle.
Thanks to Elena Anele and her Spanish
Fear site for her updates.
1/3/2018
The "Year
of Naschy" continues with the new year, so let me tell you
what you can anticipate. Since they are related, Scorpion will
now release the titles that Code Red had announced. So expect
some classic Paul Naschy to come: ASSIGNMENT TERROR, THE FURY
OF THE WOLFMAN and THE MUMMY'S REVENGE are being worked on right
now. Others will follow. I will be doing the inner sleeve liners,
and I'm set for a commentary track on FURY. I was offered commentary
tracks on the others, but so far I don't have enough time to fit
those in and not make them just padding for a resume. And, yes,
I know who will be doing the commentary tacks on those. At least,
it is not a surprise for me. Of course, I will be watching (and
listening), and will review all discs later on.
There should be
at least two books dedicated to Naschy coming from America this
year. More later.
I also will be
reviewing EL CAMINANTE (now called THE DEVIL INCARNATE) coming
out from Mondo Macabro. Mondo has tried to make sure that the
elements are the best and were not satisfied with what they received
initially. Some of the featurettes I am interested in, so I will
be getting this disc eventually. And Naschy considered it one
of his best films, if not the best.
Unfortunately,
Mondo has decided to battle with me, as I called their audio commentator
a "poseur." This was done on my page, not theirs (where
I haven't said a word). I think I can say what is on my mind on
my own page, but maybe I'm wrong. I should watch what I say and
smile. But that is not me. Sorry.... Anyway, my pre-order payment
for their upcoming non-Naschy Spanish horror film, a real classic
that I recommend, was returned with no explanation by Jared, the
person in charge of the orders. I assume he and Pete Tombs (the
owner of Mondo) are deeply pissed off at me for being vocal about
the presence of their commentator, though others have said uncomplimentary
things about this commentator online and even on Mondo's own Blu-Ray
page. But I am the one who is their enemy. I find this somewhat
strange, but oddly in keeping with the film that they are going
to promote. It is not a spoiler to say that Naschy, as "the
Devil Incarnate," hurls down gold pieces while mocking humanity.
I would pass some of those gold pieces around. Undoubtedly, there
will be takers.
12/2/2017
The 3D version
of LA MARCA DEL HOMBRE LOBO, titled here as FRANKENSTEIN'S BLOODY
TERROR, continues to tour around the country. This is the original
Sam Sherman version, so it is intentionally cut of the first 15
minutes or so, but it is complete as regards to the version that
was exhibited here in the United States decades ago. This Sherman
edit was, in fact, the first Paul Naschy film in dubbed English
to be seen here. At some showings Sam Sherman is present and takes
a Q and A from the audience. The best place to find out about
any showing is at the GarageHouse
Facebook. This next showing is in Philadelphia this coming
Saturday, the 9th of December (with Sherman attending).
By now, the two
Scream sets, containing five films each, have been released on
Blu-Ray. Not perfect, but as close as one can get at this time.
This, and Mondo's release of the Blu-Ray of INQUISITION, have
"marked" this year definitely the year of Naschy. Last
year a superlative Blu-Ray release of COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE
streeted, making Naschy more known and available than before.
We will have full reviews later on.
Progress on my
two-volume book on Naschy continues, though it has had its pauses.
The first volume should be available sometime at the beginning
of next year. Save your pennies!
11/3/2017
The latest news
is both good and bad. The good news is that Paul Naschy, his films,
the DVDs and Blu-Rays (in particular) are getting more and more
available. The bad news is that the Blu-Rays, while worthwhile,
could have been much better. Unfortunately, the will power or
the knowledge really is not there from the some companies to push
for these films in the best presentation as possible. Spanish
horror is not the priority for many people. That is the way it
is.
As someone who
has devoted part of his life toward Naschy, I cannot in any respectable
conscience associate myself with a smilely face in some of these
endeavors. I wish them success, but there is no solid reason to
spend more time and more money on these releases than warranted.
What would Paul
Naschy do? I ask myself this, as I feel it is critical in the
equation. Though none one can speak with absolute knowledge here,
I think that he would shake his head at some things and then move
on to make sure all his films were presented in the best possible
manner. I concur that his films should be presented in the best
possible manner. Films. Anything else is not in my hands.
9/28/2017
There's a lot of
news since the previous update. More, much more, to come!
2017 has been called
"The Year of Naschy" with multiple Blu-Ray releases
on the labels Scream (2 sets), Mondo Macabro and forthcoming,
Code Red.
The second issue
of Golden Age of Spanish Horror is available now, 2/10/2018. To
order direct, visit:
2nd issue:
http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1415806
Ist issue:
http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1260187
Meanwhile, please
join our Paul Naschy Facebook page for the lastest on the man
and related items.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/250208148765688/
And our Spanish
Horror Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/211311682362887/

New 35mm
3D print of the U.S. release version courtesy of Garagehouse Pictures.
With original distributor Sam Sherman in person. October 14, 2017,
7pm, Quad Cinema, NYC. 212-255-2243.
From Garagehouse:
Here’s some
amazing news for 3-D and Euro-Horror fans: Garagehouse Pictures
has made a deal with Independent International Pictures to strike
a new 35mm print of FRANKENSTEIN’S BLOODY TERROR in 3-D
for repertory screenings. Now, for the first time in nearly 50
years, fans can see Paul Naschy as El Hombre Lobo in three dimensions!
The print will be available for theatrical bookings, and for venues
that do not have 3-D lenses and a silver screen, we’ve put
together our own 3-D projection lens system that uses state-of-the-art
chromatic filter technology that works without the silver screen
necessary for the old polarized system. Any venues interested
in showing the film should contact us. The film will debut in
NYC at the Quad Cinema on 10/14, and in Philadelphia on 12/9,
as part of a FRANKENSTEIN’S BLOODY TERROR/DRACULA VS FRANKENSTEIN
double feature. A list of other screenings will be posted soon.
Any parties interested in bringing Paul Naschy in 3D on 35mm to
their cinemas should contact Garagehouse Pictures at: harry@garagehousepictures.com.
From the
administator of this site:
Update 10//29:
Having now seen the 3D version of FRANKENSTEIN'S BLOOD TERROR,
I can say I am impressed--with reservations. A fuller report,
with commentary from a variety of people, can be found on our
Naschy Facbook page. I will be doing a detailed analysis, but
I don't know yet where it will appear first. I will let people
know. Very soon the second set of Naschy films, five in number,
will appear from Scream. Also appearing now on Blu-Ray is INQUISITION
from Mondo Macabro. Pretty soon EL CAMINANTE will appear from
them, too. It looks like the Naschy films from Code Red will be
released next year.

A true champion
of cinema

BORN SEPTEMBER 6,
1934

Born September 6, 1934:
Spain's legendary man of horror, actor, writer, producer, director--Paul
Naschy. Once in a while, Naschy would send me copies of photos,
writing on the side or on the back what the photo was about. This
one he tagged as his first publicity photograph from 1967. He
is always missed.
---------------
New Reviews
11/7/2017

Quartet
Records. At times reminding one of the haunting minimalist
score of Gene Moore from CARNIVAL OF SOULS, EL ESPANTO SURGE DE
LA TUMBA (HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB) by Carmelo Bernaola is a
fascinating oral experience that can and should be listened to
separate from the film. Comprising 13 cues, the scoring relies
on an organ, drums, piano and a few wooden instruments that tell
the story of a 15th-century evil wizard Alaric de Marnac (Naschy)
and his love Mabille de Lancre (Helga Line) who are revived into
modern times and seek vengeance on the progenitors of those who
have killed them. But it is the organ one hears mainly and which
underscores the film’s eerie mood, which proves that one
doesn’t need a symphonic or pseudo-symphonic score to provide
the appropriate atmosphere.
The 24-page booklet is bit
of cheat, as the text by film music historian and bloggist Gergely
Hubai is hardly that length, taken up with mostly photos from
the film, usually from the film’s pressbook or lobby cards.
The CD also includes Alfonso Santisteban’s four compositions
from another Naschy film, EL ASESINO ESTA ENTRE LOS TRECE (THE
KILLER IS ONE OF THIRTEEN), a Carlos Aured-directed film in which
Naschy only has a brief co-starring role.
Previous News
October 2013
Major Classic
Spanish Horror Film Festival in New York City to feature three
Naschy films in 35mm!!!
Anthology Film Archives
will be presenting The Golden Age of Spanish Horror Cinema, from
October 30 to November 10. On the schedule are showings of:
THE WEREWOLF VS.
THE VAMPIRE WOMAN (LA NOCHE DE WALPURGIS)
COUNT DRACULA'S
GREAT LOVE (EL GRAN AMOR DEL CONDE DRACULA)
THE CRAVING (EL
RETORNO DEL HOMBRE LOBO)
ALL IN 35mm!!!
This is an opportunity
of a lifetime for Naschy fans in the area (and even beyond) to
see these classic Naschy films on the big screen in 35mm.
Go
here for a complete schedule.
---------------
2/9/13

BMW (BoPaul Media
Worldwide) is now the representative of the Victory Films catalog
of high-definition Naschy films. The list includes those films
which were released by BCI several years ago (NIGHT OF THE WEREWOLF,
HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB, HUMAN BEASTS, etc), as well as holdings
that didn't get to see any hi-def or blu-ray U.S. release: A DRAGONFLY
FOR EACH CORPSE, COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE, THE WEREWOLF AND
THE YETI, HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE, THE DEVIL'S POSSESSED. BMW
also has secured several films in the Jose Frade Productions catalog,
one of which is Naschy's DR. JEKYLL AND THE WOLFMAN. Contact info
can be found on the BMW
website. Obviously, it would be fantastic to see these Naschy
films released in blu-ray editions (only NIGHT OF THE WEREWOLF
and VENGEANCE OF THE ZOMBIES attained that honor when BCI was
releasing the Victory catalog), as well as high definition DVD
versions of releases either out of print or never released in
authoritative versions from original elements. According to a
BMW press release, HUMAN BEASTS and HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE have
already been sold to Medallion Media in Japan for hi-def releases
in that country.
__________
12/8/12

O APOSTOLO
was released, finally, in Spain in November. The stop-motion animated
feature marks the last movie work of Naschy, who supplied the
voice for the "archpriest" before he passed away in
2009. The poster above contains the image of Naschy's character.
Below, Paul's son
Sergio holds a figurine of the character at the premiere of the
film.

Foreign animated
features have difficulty in getting distribution in the United
States, but should the film receive awards (and, in particular,
an Academy Award or nomination), we may very well see it on our
shores, at least in art houses. |