Tuesday, December 01, 2009

RIP Paul Naschy

I always hate when I log on to Twitter or Facebook and get smacked in the face by sad news. Especially when you know the news was inevitable even if you wish it wasn't.

This morning's cold dishrag of reality came via the news that Spanish horror icon Paul Naschy (aka Jacinto Molina) had died at the age of 75. (Here's a link to a Spanish-language report of his death.)

Naschy, who starred in some of the most entertaining and original horror films I've ever seen, was instrumental in the rise of the Spanish horror film and a standout force in Eurotrash cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. A prolific writer, director and star, Naschy is probably best known for his frequent appearances as the cursed werewolf Waldemar Daninsky, but is also appreciated by this fan for roles like Alaric de Marnac in HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB and Gotho in the amazing HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE (whose DVD release was recently pushed by Mya from late November to January).

Do yourself a favor and discover some of Naschy's lengthy and entertaining filmography for yourself. No Eurotrash actor other than Klaus Kinski has brought me as much cinematic joy as Senor Naschy and that is high praise, indeed.

Check out our reviews of:
PANIC BEATS
NIGHT OF THE HOWLING BEAST
WEREWOLF SHADOW
HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB
NIGHT OF THE WEREWOLF
HUMAN BEASTS
EXORCISM
THE HANGING WOMAN
BLUE EYES OF THE BROKEN DOLL
HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE

1 comment:

K H Brown said...

Sad to hear this. His films could always be relied upon to deliver a fun time.