As a long-time fan of the Spanish Horror legend Paul Naschy (aka. Jacinto Molina), I am always looking forward to seeing another gem from the man's impressive repertoire. Naschy is probably best known for his role of the Werewolf Waldemar Daninsky, whom he played in 14 films. While the majority of these movies can hardly be described as masterpieces, they all have a very specific, inimitable charm to them that can only be found in Naschy films. "Dr. Jeckyll Y El Hombre Lobo" ("Dr. Jeckyll VS. the Werewolf") of 1972 is one of the most ludicrous of these "Hombre Lobo" film, and simultaneously an incredibly entertaining one. As most of the other Waldemar Daninsky films, this one unites a variety of monsters. Directed by Leon Klimovsky, who is best known for directing the most famous Daninsky-flick, "La Noche De Walpurgis" (aka. "The Werewolf Vs. Vampire Woman") of 1971, this is fantastic entertainment for my fellow fans of the cheesier kind of Eurohorror.
The rich Imre Kosta (José Marco) and his hot young wife Justine (Shirley Costigan) go on their honeymoon to his native Transylvania. When visiting his parents' grave, Imre is murdered by bandits who then attempt to rape Justine. However, she is saved by Waldemar Daninsky (Paul Naschy)... The good-natured Daninsky turns out to be a Werewolf. However, Justine nonetheless falls in love with him. She takes him to her native London, where she plans to cure his lycanthropy with the help of her friend Dr. Jeckyll (Jack Taylor). The Doctor's attempt to cast out the devil by Beelzebub bears its risks, however...
The plot line is incredibly cheesy and often plain ridiculous. However, that only adds to the charm of the film. As the other Daninsky-flicks, this one is full of cheap but very cool gore. By the second half of the film I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of sleaze; however the film suddenly becomes a sleazier when Mr. Hyde shows up and lives out his sadistic sexual perversions. Apart from Naschy, who is awesome as always, the film's cast includes Jack Taylor, who also is one of the best-known actors in Spanish Exploitation cinema. The female cast members are beautiful, especially Shirley Corrigan and Mirta Miller, who plays Jeckyll's sinister female assistant. In spite of its cheesiness, the film has atmosphere. While it is highly doubtable that anybody is going to be scared by this film, it is an incredibly entertaining slice of cheese. Though not one of the most essential Naschy flicks, "Dr. Jeckyll Y El Hombre Lobo" should definitely not be missed by my fellow fans of the man. 6.5/10
The rich Imre Kosta (José Marco) and his hot young wife Justine (Shirley Costigan) go on their honeymoon to his native Transylvania. When visiting his parents' grave, Imre is murdered by bandits who then attempt to rape Justine. However, she is saved by Waldemar Daninsky (Paul Naschy)... The good-natured Daninsky turns out to be a Werewolf. However, Justine nonetheless falls in love with him. She takes him to her native London, where she plans to cure his lycanthropy with the help of her friend Dr. Jeckyll (Jack Taylor). The Doctor's attempt to cast out the devil by Beelzebub bears its risks, however...
The plot line is incredibly cheesy and often plain ridiculous. However, that only adds to the charm of the film. As the other Daninsky-flicks, this one is full of cheap but very cool gore. By the second half of the film I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of sleaze; however the film suddenly becomes a sleazier when Mr. Hyde shows up and lives out his sadistic sexual perversions. Apart from Naschy, who is awesome as always, the film's cast includes Jack Taylor, who also is one of the best-known actors in Spanish Exploitation cinema. The female cast members are beautiful, especially Shirley Corrigan and Mirta Miller, who plays Jeckyll's sinister female assistant. In spite of its cheesiness, the film has atmosphere. While it is highly doubtable that anybody is going to be scared by this film, it is an incredibly entertaining slice of cheese. Though not one of the most essential Naschy flicks, "Dr. Jeckyll Y El Hombre Lobo" should definitely not be missed by my fellow fans of the man. 6.5/10