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.

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Join the Naschy talk!
THE PAUL NASCHY FORUM
at the Latarnia Message Boards

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IMAGES OF NASCHY

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

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

LATEST NEWS

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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OLDER NEWS

Thorsten Benzel's updated MUCHAS GRACIAS SENOR LOBO, greatly expanded with many new graphics and in FULL COLOR is available now! This stunning book is a must have for all Naschy fans, Spanish horror fans and horror film fans in general! Order here.