The Italian Giallo is doubtlessly one of the intriguing sub-genres in Horror/Suspense cinema. As it was the case with many cult-cinema sub-genres that became popular in Italy, the Spanish also contributed some films. While the only somewhat Giallo-esque Spanish masterpiece remains Narcisco Ibanez Serrador's brilliant Gothic-gem LA RESIDENCIA (THE HOUSE THAT SCREAMED, 1969), several other grands in Spanish Exploitation/Cult cinema have delivered Gialli that were, at least, highly entertaining. Spain's great late Horror icon Paul Naschy starred in, wrote and directed a vast variety of films, being most famous for his role as the Werewolf Waldemar Daninsky in 14 'HOMBRE LOBO' movies. Being a great fan of Paul Naschy, I have to see everything he is in, any Giallo that he starred in in particular.
In the particular case of JACK EL DESTRIPADOR DE LONDRES aka. SEVEN MURDERS FOR Scotland YARD, which is a modern version of Jack the Ripper set in the 1970s, Naschy plays a Spaniard in London who becomes a suspect in the murder of his girlfriend. More women are found dead and missing body-parts. A very corny-looking Scotland Yard commissioner investigates...
As a Giallo, one might say that José Luis Madrid's movie fails, since the identity of the murderer is not exactly the biggest of mysteries. Then again, the movie is suspenseful enough, and the murders are gruesome and gory (even if cheaply made). Naschy plays a somewhat naive character (which he often did). As in many of the films he starred in, he also co-authored the script to this one. Some may disagree, but for me personally a movie starring Naschy is always worth the while. The man simply was an icon and any fellow Eurocult lover should watch any of his films that they get the chance to. This being a Spanish/Italian co-production, chances are good that there are different versions. The version I saw must be the Spanish one, as there was no nudity in spite of many beautiful actresses (the reason for which is no nudity being permitted in Spain under Franco). Even though I haven't seen it, I have no doubt that the Italian version is a lot sleazier. Overall, this is a worthwhile film for fans of European cult-cinema. As far as Gialli starring Paul Naschy go, however, I would recommend LOS OJOS AZULES DE LA MUNECA ROTA (aka. BLUE EYES OF A BROKEN DOLL/HOUSE OF THE PSYCHOTIC WOMEN) of 1976 over this one.
In the particular case of JACK EL DESTRIPADOR DE LONDRES aka. SEVEN MURDERS FOR Scotland YARD, which is a modern version of Jack the Ripper set in the 1970s, Naschy plays a Spaniard in London who becomes a suspect in the murder of his girlfriend. More women are found dead and missing body-parts. A very corny-looking Scotland Yard commissioner investigates...
As a Giallo, one might say that José Luis Madrid's movie fails, since the identity of the murderer is not exactly the biggest of mysteries. Then again, the movie is suspenseful enough, and the murders are gruesome and gory (even if cheaply made). Naschy plays a somewhat naive character (which he often did). As in many of the films he starred in, he also co-authored the script to this one. Some may disagree, but for me personally a movie starring Naschy is always worth the while. The man simply was an icon and any fellow Eurocult lover should watch any of his films that they get the chance to. This being a Spanish/Italian co-production, chances are good that there are different versions. The version I saw must be the Spanish one, as there was no nudity in spite of many beautiful actresses (the reason for which is no nudity being permitted in Spain under Franco). Even though I haven't seen it, I have no doubt that the Italian version is a lot sleazier. Overall, this is a worthwhile film for fans of European cult-cinema. As far as Gialli starring Paul Naschy go, however, I would recommend LOS OJOS AZULES DE LA MUNECA ROTA (aka. BLUE EYES OF A BROKEN DOLL/HOUSE OF THE PSYCHOTIC WOMEN) of 1976 over this one.