SWITCHBLADE SISTERS (1975) Poster Art

I felt very lucky to get to meet Jack Hill this past weekend and have him sign my Blu-Ray of this film. I should have taken my SORCERESS (1982) Blu, but I chickened out!

 

Leon Klimovsky's I HATE MY BODY (1974) Comes to Blu-Ray!

I HATE MY BODY (1974)

Director Leon Klimovsky; Spain/Switzerland, 1974

100 minutes; 1.85:1, color

English/Spanish audio choice/optional English subtitles

Starring: Alexandra Bastedo, Narciso Ibáñez Menta, Gemma Cuervo, Manuel Zarzo, Eva León, Manuel de Blas, Blanca Estrada, Byron Mabe

Lecherous businessmen Ernest and Peter go out for an evening of fun with two girls from work. There’s a lot of drinking and dancing and more than a little suggestion of frolics to follow, particularly when Ernest has the idea they swap partners. The two men set off in their cars with their respective dates. Ernest, in no fit state to be behind the wheel, roars with laughter as they speed off into the dark night. Momentarily distracted as he glances at his attractive passenger, he loses control of the car. They crash into the side of a bridge and the vehicle bursts into flames.

The bodies are rushed to the nearest hospital where both Ernest and his passenger are certified dead on arrival. However, the hospital’s surgeon, Dr. Adolf Berger - a former medic in a Nazi death camp - discovers that Ernest’s brain is still intact. Encouraged by his female assistant, Lydia, Berger decides to try out his long-cherished experiment- transplanting a brain from one body to another. However, the only body available is that of a young woman, Leda Schmidt, also technically dead in the hospital morgue. Casting aside all scruples, Berger begins the operation...

This outrageous film, which now has much contemporary relevance, was directed by horror specialist Leon Klimovsky the man behind Paul Naschy’s Werewolf and the Vampire Woman and numerous other Spanish “fantaterror” classics. The disc includes many exclusive extras and the feature has been fully restored.

DISC FEATURES

Region Free

Brand new 4K restoration from the original negative

Interview with actor Manuel de Blas

Interview with Spanish film expert Ángel Sala about the film

Victor Matellano on actor Narciso Ibanez Menta

Audio commentary by Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn of the Naschycast

Trailer

LIMITED EDITION FEATURES

Reversible sleeve with original ad art on both sides; 24 page booklet by Spanish genre film expert Ismael Fernandez; 1000 numbered copies in the usual red case.

Link to Mondo Macabro's order page
 

Wild, Wild Podcast Season 4: Episode 1 - THE KILLER MUST KILL AGAIN (1975)

We're back with a new season and new Euro-Cult topic! This time we celebrate the work of science fiction enthusiast, film director and shopkeeper Luigi Cozzi. In this episode we focus on his first commercial film THE KILLER MUST KILL AGAIN (L'assassino è costretto ad uccidere ancora) and ask, just who is The Spider? Are those cheekbones real? Is George Hilton the coolest guy on the planet? What kind of lunatic leaves his keys in the ignition of his Mercedes? Join us as we steal a car and head for the coast, only unlike our hapless protagonists, we have murder on our minds.

We would love to hear from you if you have any favorite Luigi Cozzi films. You can contact us on Twitter and Instagram or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com. Please remember to rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice!

Wild, Wild Podcast - Ranking the Poliziotteschi!

In this final episode of Season 3 Adrian and I rank the ten films covered over the last few months. Although we both enjoyed each movie this is where we dig into how differently we view them in relation to the others. What elements make one film preferred over another? How much does personal taste factor into assessing the qualities of the various films? Will we agree or disagree about which one was the best overall? Will we celebrate the completion of another season by raising glasses of J&B or end this madness by pointing magnums at each other? Listen to find out!

We would love to hear from you if you have any favorite Poliziotteschi films or if you think our rankings are way off. You can contact us on Twitter and Instagram or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com. Please remember to rate and review the show on your podcast platform of choice!

The Bloody Pit #155 - THE CANDY SNATCHERS (1973)

John Hudson and Bobby Hazzard return for a roundtable discussion of THE CANDY SNATCHERS (1973).

 

Typical of exploitation cinema of the 1970’s this is a grimy, mean-spirited tale of crime and consequences. The story follows a trio of not-quite-as-smart-as-they-think low lives as they kidnap a jewelry store manger’s daughter. Expecting an easily scored diamond ransom their scheme goes sour and, when they start trying to turn their busted plan into a success, things get quickly worse. The sweat, fear and desperation combine to make for a tense, uncomfortable film experience with an ending that stamps this as one of the darkest American films of the period. I once thought of this as a one-time watch but my opinion has changed.

 

We briefly discuss the terrible crime that inspired the film and how the long-term details point out the folly of most criminal activity. We talk about the cast and crew with some fantastic information from the two main female actors. Writer/director Guerdon Trueblood is also on the record about the entire history of the production and we share a few of his amusing tales as we go along. Bobby expresses his dislike of the reoccurring theme tune and neither John or I can really disagree with his assessment. Of course, that means you get to hear it as part of the show. Sorry.

 

If you have any comments or suggestions or comments thebloodypit@gmail.com is the place to write. We’ll be back to cover STUNT ROCK eventually. We end the show with a new song from Chagall Guevara. Thank you for listening! 

Trailers From Hell - THE CANDY SNATCHERS (1973)

I first caught this on DVD about 15 years ago and it still packs a punch. Podcast on the way! 

Wild, Wild Podcast Season 3: Episode 11 - HEROIN BUSTERS (1977)

In this episode Adrian and I go deep undercover to bust open an international drug-smuggling ring. Thankfully Fabio Testi is on hand to all the heavy lifting and the ‘being handsome’. Yes, it's our penultimate film in this action-packed poliziotteschi season! With a Goblin-heavy soundtrack and more stunts than the entire James Bond back-catalogue, The Heroin Busters is not to be missed. Of course, because Sherry Buchanan is featured Adrian takes the opportunity to bring up ESCAPE FROM GALAXY 3 again. Are these the first steps in the making of a stalker? And, how did it take us this long to finally cover an Enzo Castellari film? We must cover more of his movies. Maybe all of them!

We would love to hear from you if you have any favorite Poliziotteschi or Enzo Castellari films. You can contact us on Twitter and Instagram or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com. Please remember to rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice!

Wild, Wild Podcast Season 3: Episode 10 - FREE HAND FOR A TOUGH COP (1976)

 

In this episode Adrian breaks me out of prison and together we pursue Umberto Lenzi in his debut appearance on the podcast. With Tomas Milian and Claudio Casinelli along for the ride, just about anything could happen. Yes, it's Free Hand for a Tough Cop, although what he's going to do with that free hand is anyone's guess. Grab a J&B?

 

We have a lot to say about this fast and entertaining thriller even as we try to not give too many details away. The conversation ranges across Lenzi’s long career and star Milian’s choice of footwear to the natural villainy of Henry Silva.

 

We would love to hear from you if you have any favorite Poliziotteschi or Umberto Lenzi films. You can contact us on Twitter and Instagram or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com. Please remember to rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice!

Wild, Wild Podcast Season 3: Episode 9 - Young, Violent, Dangerous (1976)

Join Adrian and I on a wild ride as we try to escape Milan for Switzerland with a depressed Tomas Milian on our tails, with only a shotgun and a bottle of J&B for company. Will we make it to the border?

Yes, we're finally back to talking about some films, and this time it's the underappreciated YOUNG, VIOLENT AND DANGEROUS (1976), a fantastic police thriller where there is so much to discuss that we completely failed to mention the Fernando di Leo script, or the fact that it is based on another short story from the same collection that inspired Milano, Calibro 9. What were we thinking?

We would love to hear from you if you have any favorite Poliziotteschi or Tomas Milian films. You can contact us on Twitter and Instagram, or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com. Please remember to rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice!

The Bloody Pit #152 - THE MECHANIC (1972)

Author Paul Talbot has published two important books about Charles Bronson and his career. Both ‘Bronson’s Loose: The Making of the Death Wish Films’ and ‘Bronson’s Loose Again: On the Set with Charles Bronson’ are packed with information about the production of some of the most interesting action thrillers movies of the 1970’s and 80’s.

 

I was honored that Mr. Talbot agreed to join me on the show to talk about one of my favorite 1970’s Bronson movies. I’ve long been a fan of Bronson’s string of crime movies and THE MECHANIC (1972) is easily one of the best of the lot. We discuss the lengthy gestation period of the script, the major changes that it went through over time and the various actors that passed on playing the titular character. We also look at the location shooting on skid row in Los Angeles and how it offers modern viewers a window to another time and place. Director Michael Winner’s multiple collaborations with his star are touched upon and Mr. Talbot’s insights are backed up with his interviews with the sometimes controversial filmmaker. Of course, when you get two movie nuts talking it is difficult to stay on a single topic so a number of Bronson’s other vehicles are dragged into the conversation with both of us naming our three favorite Bronson films for comparison. These slightly off-topic sideroads are frequent but we do usually circle back to THE MECHANIC – I promise.

  

If you have any comments or questions thebloodypit@gmail.com is the place to send them. Thank you for listening to the show and I’ll be back soon with more. 

Apple Podcast LINK 

Spotify LINK 

Direct Download LINK

Wild, Wild Podcast Season 3: Episode 6 - REVOLVER (1973)

Revenge, kidnappings, political assassinations and Oliver Reed doing all his best acting - this film has it all! Grab yourself a shot (or an entire bottle) of J&B and join Adrian and I as we once again head back to the dangerous streets of 1970's Italy (and Paris this time) for another piece of poliziotteschi perfection. This film is a slice of pure awesome and its recent Blu-Ray release in Britain is cause for celebration. 

You can contact us on Twitter, Instagram, or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com so let us know what you think. Also, please remember to rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice!

Trailer - 99 AND 44/100% DEAD (1974)

I rewatched this odd film tonight and on second view I think I can say that I like it. It is off-balance to say the least but Richard Harris sells every scene and the satiric elements struck me as funnier this time than last. It is not for everyone but there is something about it that I find endearing.

Wild, Wild Podcast Season 3:Episode 5 - SAVAGE THREE (1975)

What happens if you put Joe Dallesandro and his pals in a cage? They turn savage, that's what! What happens if you put Rod and Adrian near a microphone? They start making podcasts! It's almost the same. In this episode we get to explore Turin with three bored friends hellbent on causing chaos and destruction. Is there nothing they won't do? Eurovision also gets a mention, and Adrian keeps banging on about his holiday. Sorry about that.

We would love to hear from you if you have any favorite Poliziotteschi films. You can contact us on Twitter, Instagram, or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com. Please remember to rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. 

Podcast LINK

Wild, Wild Podcast Season 3: Episode 4 - WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS? (1974)

One of the most entertaining and nauseating films we've covered so far, What Have they Done to your Daughters? is a classic of the genre and one that every Poliziotteschi/ Giallo fan needs to check out. Join Rod and Adrian for their first anniversary episode as they delve in to the sleazy, blood-splattered world of meat cleaver-wielding bikers, peeping toms and teenage prostitutes. Yes, it's an episode the whole family can enjoy!

Adrian also wisely offers a form of apology for his dissing of Stelvio Cipriani in the last episode. He knows good music when he hears it!

We would love to hear from you if you have any favorite Poliziotteschi films. You can contact us on Twitter, Instagram, or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com. Please remember to rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice!

Wild Wild Podcast Season 3: Episode 3 - RABID DOGS (1974)

This time Adrian and I take a deep dive into the formerly lost Mario Bava crime film Rabid Dogs, aka 'Cani arrabbiati', aka 'Kidnapped', aka 'Semaforo rosso', aka 'L'uomo e il bambino'. We try to unpick the tricky post-production history, and Adrian posits the controversial opinion that all Stelvio Cipriani themes sound the same. Direct all gasps of anger and disbelief at him!

The new book on Bava mentioned in the show is Mario Bava:The Artisan as Italian Horror Auteur by Leon Hunt.

We would love to hear from you if you have any favourite Poliziotteschi films. You can contact us on Twitter, Instagram, or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com. Please remember to rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice!

Wild, Wild Podcast Season 3 Ep. 2 - BLUE MOVIE BLACKMAIL (1973)

This time Adrian and I travel the globe in search of illicit drugs and the perfect J&B, whilst Ivan Rassimov and Stephanie Beacham get stuck into crossing, double-crossing, triple and even quadruple-crossing pretty much everyone along the way. The big question is, could you be more bastard than Inspector Cliff? Probably not possible! 

Podcast LINK

Wild, Wild Podcast - Season 3 Ep 1 - MILANO CALIBRO 9 (1972)

We're back with a full ten film season, and this time we are getting violent and gritty on the streets of Italy. First up is a stone cold classic of the filone: Milan Caliber 9. So join us as we talk girls, guns and guts! Prog rock and Bruce Campbell also get more air time than they probably should.

We would love to hear from you if you have any favorite Poliziotteschi films. You can contact us on Twitter, Instagram, or by email at wildwildpodcast@gmail.com

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe, tell your friends and leave us a review!

Episode LINK

Trailers From Hell - GET CARTER (1971)

Acclaimed crime novelist Dennis Lehane briefly discusses the excellent, bleak British crime film starring Michael Caine. 

Then Is Now Podcast #52 - LIVE LIKE A COP, DIE LIKE A MAN (1976)

I am the special guest on this episode of the Then Is Now podcast!  We actually recorded this in January, and due to a technical issue with one of the files, it took until this week to finally get rid of most of the static in my voice to make it fine for listening. I should confess that the tech issue was cause by me doing something stupid when recording myself for the show so any detriments attributable to the audio quality of the show are my fault. But some expert fiddling by the podcast’s fine host did save the track and I am very happy to finally have this available for your ears! Live and learn - I hope. 

In the episode we dig into the Poliziotteschi film LIVE LIKE A COP, DIE LIKE A MAN (1976) which is an action filled piece of ultra-violence that plays like it was answering the question “What if Starsky & Hutch were sociopaths?” (Hat-tip to Jeff Clark!) The film follows two Italian cops using every trick they can think of to take down a mob of vicious criminals with little regard for the consequences. It’s breathlessly entertaining and never dull! 

The show can be found here - LINK! 

Apple Podcasts LINK

THE WIFE KILLER (1976)

This Greek thriller is very much in the vein of the giallo in some ways while veering from those films in significant ways. There is no black-gloved mystery murderer in THE WIFE KILLER (1976) so that trope is absent. Outside of one early sequence on a yacht the movie doesn’t seem very interested in showing off stylish clothing or homes in near fetishistic fashion either. The missing ‘lifestyles of the rich’ element seems a choice born of budgetary restrictions but the film plays into that absence well by ramping up the sleaze. In fact, the nastier sections of the film’s story are pretty rough as evidenced by the alternate title THE RAPE KILLER. That isn’t as accurate a descriptor as the one Mondo Macabro has chosen to release this under but it can serve as a warning (or enticement) to potential viewers.

I quite enjoyed this filthy little crime tale. It moves at a pretty good pace most of the time and plays its cards close to the vest on several occasions allowing some of the surprises to keep curiosity high. The violence is fairly bloody with the slapping and sexual assaulting of women making for some tough viewing. The plot has some well-done twists with its central idea seemingly pulled from STRANGERS ON A TRAIN (1951). It looks to be a smart, devious plan to get a lot of money without the problem of living with the person who actually owns it. But such secret plans have many trust points that criminals rarely seem willing to honestly negotiate so trouble is inevitable. THE WIFE KILLER is an entertaining 90 minutes and the film’s satisfying finale pushes this into the category of a solid, recommendable effort. Glad I finally pulled this disc off the shelf!