The Naschycast returns with our ninth anniversary episode!
We dive back into the films of beloved Spanish filmmaker Jess Franco with THE
DIABOLICAL DR. Z (1966). This is one of the director's final black & white
movies and is considered by many to be his most accomplished work. I'm not sure
where I would rank it on Franco's long list of credits but it is certainly a
fantastic and beautiful horror film that features several amazing performances.
It also has one of the best revenge seeking female mad scientist characters in
cinema history. The lovely and deadly Doctor Zimmer is not someone you want to
antagonize! Especially not when she can bend to her will the incredible
nightclub dancer Nadia (a.k.a. Miss Death) whose long fingernails are laced
with poison! And did I mention the murderous, mind-controlled escaped convict
willing to strangle anyone blocking the destructive path of this mad woman? Strap
in or, more likely, be held down by scary robotic arms for this amazing film!
Troy
and I ramble our way through a discussion of this Spanish Horror classic
marveling at the clarity and sharpness of the print available on the Kino
Blu-Ray. The black & white
cinematography of Alejandro Ulloa is remarkable to see in high
definition. As fans of his director of photography work for Naschy's lushly colorful
EL CAMINATE (1979) and NIGHT OF THE WEREWOLF (1981) we're amazed by his
ingenuity at presenting shades of light and darkness without losing detail. Even
if the film was only half as good as it is Ulloa's skill would make this a
must-see for curious cinema aficionados.
We pick apart the plot, question the need for certain evil
elements and gush about the intelligence of the script. Some time is spent on
co-writer Jean-Claude Carrière's amazing career with me delighting in talking
about his late 1950's Frankenstein sequel novels. The adult nature of the story
is discussed as we make note of possible censored spots in the narrative. The amusing
onscreen roles played by Franco and his longtime musical collaborator Daniel
White are pointed out so that we can praise their acting talent. And we can't
resist taking note of Franco's kitty co-star in one scene and his rather direct
directorial touch with this wandering performer. Meow!
Any comments or questions can be sent to
naschycast@gmail.com or dropped on the Naschycast Facebook page. We read out a
couple of missives in the final few minutes of this episode and they stir some
unexpected conversation, as always. Thank you for downloading and listening to
the show. We'll be back next month with more Spanish Horror!
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