EL VAMPIRO Y EL SEXO - Close But No Cigar... Yet!

Who's that masked man? El Santo or a double?

It was supposed to have been screened. EL VAMPIRO Y EL SEXO. The mythical "nude version" of SANTO IN THE TREASURE OF DRACULA (SANTO EN EL TESORO DE DRACULA). At a film festival in Guadalajara. Then El Hijo del Santo (Santo's son) stepped in, made legal threats, and a public showing of one of the most sought after Mexican films was cancelled.

The history of EL VAMPIRO Y EL SEXO is as follows:

When SANTO IN THE TREASURE OF DRACULA was being filmed, producer Guillermo Calderon Stell suggested to El Santo, who also was producing, that a few nude scenes be filmed for European exhibition. According to El Hijo:

"Guillermo Calderon proposed to El Santo to make--as his first film as a partner--an adult version where they might show naked actresses who participated in the film, including Noelia Noel, with the intention of exhibiting it in Europe, which my father, at that time, strongly objected to, arguing that his films should not have sex or extreme violence, because his films were for the whole family, not for adults....

"My father told his then partner, he had every right to film what he wanted, and even make another movie, but that the name of El Santo and his performance and image could not be used under any circumstances. It was then that, respecting the arguments of my father, Calderon shot some scenes with Aldo Monti (Dracula) and actresses Gina Moret, Jessica Rivano, Sonia Aguilar, among others, who played the female vampires in transparent gauze, exposing the upper part of their bodies, and that was titled EL VAMPIRO Y EL SEXO...."

Guillermo Calderon Stell shelved the nude version (though it had showings in other parts of the world), and it became if not a "lost film," certainly impossible see in its adult version. Recently, while researching the Calderon filmography for a documentary, Viviana Garcia Besne (Calderon's niece) discovered the film in a warehouse and saw the obvious potential of releasing it.

The current wish from Team Calderon is to reactivate the Calderon Stell film library for international sales, to include this coveted version of SANTO IN THE TREASURE OF DRACULA. We can only hope that this will happen, as surely enough years have gone by to diminish, if not invalidate, the wish to keep El Santo's image squeaky clean among kids who are not that into El Santo these days, as were earlier generations, and who are much more familiar with nudity and sex than those generations ever were. Just the knowledge that such a version exists, including other El Santo films in nude versions (!), is enough to make this wish rather realistically flimsy. Then, too, the publicity behind a release of this nude variant would do much to put the entire El Santo film catalog front and center on the market.

Let's go for it.

Will Laughlin Joins Vampiros and Monstruos

Carlos Enrique Taboada, Mexico's master of subtle horror.

As the book VAMPIROS AND MONSTRUOS was finally nearing completion, I realized that one significant hole remained, despite my intention of doing a second volume dedicated toward Mexican horror and fantasy cinema that could have taken up that missing element. Upon continual review, I realized that it would be a mistake not to have in the first book an article on one of Mexico's great masters of the macabre and supernatural--Carlos Enrique Taboada.

Enrique Taboada started in the horror and fantasy field as a scriptwriter, working on such films as ORLAK, THE HELL OF FRANKENSTEIN, and the Nostradamus series starring German Robles. As a director he is known for a quartet of films that still impress to this day (two of which were redone for contemporary audiences): HASTA EL VIENTO TIENE MIEDO/EVEN THE WIND IS AFRAID (1968), EL LIBRO DE PIEDRA/THE BOOK OF STONE (1969), MAS NEGRO QUE LA NOCHE/BLACKER THAN THE NIGHT (1975), and VENENO PARA LAS HADAS/POISON FOR THE FAIRIES (1984).

I also realized that the assignment was a difficult one (having dabbled in attempting it myself), as not much is known about Taboada, something that could soon change with the publication of a Mexican book on Enrique Taboada this month. But, if not filled with factual information, an article that addressed his directorial work in the genre was still necessary. I'm delighted to have found an author who is most capable of writing about Enrique Taboada and his quartet of chillers (to include also a fifth film, typically not included in a review of Enrique Taboada's genre work--the 1968 EL VAGABUNDO EN LA LLUVIA/THE DRIFTER IN THE RAIN). And so I welcome Will Laughlin (of Braineater.com) to the Vampiros and Monstruos project.

TCM Showing of THE WONDER WORLD OF K. GORDON MURRAY Canceled

I was very much looking forward to this documentary about K. Gordon Murray, the man who, with his dubbing factory, brought Mexican horror into the consciousness of American "monster kids" in the 1960s. Unfortunately, the scheduled premiere of this documentary on TCM this Friday has been canceled.

Here the official press release from Daniel Griffith, the filmmaker who has been working on this project for years:

After several weeks of frantic editorial adjustments based on a few emerging rights issues with some of the clips used within the body of the K. Gordon Murray documentary, I have regretfully decided to postpone the films official premiere. There's not enough time to negotiate the rights, nor find a suitable replacement for these clips.

This news may disappoint film fans who have been eagerly anticipating this documentary since I began production on it three years ago. For those of you who have stuck by the project, I am indebted to your patience. The K. Gordon Murray documentary is, and has always been, a fully independent venture. It is a passion project that has taken more time and detective work than I will ever admit. It has been a long journey and I assure all of you, I did not come to this decision lightly.

I have given Turner Classic Movies the option of airing the revised documentary in the near future, but as of now, the TCM network premiere is officially canceled. The staff at TCM has been very helpful and understanding regarding this decision. This will not effect the network airing of K. Gordon Murray's SANTA CLAUS, which is now slated for December 10th at 2:00 a.m.

But I assure all of you, the complete, unedited documentary will be released this spring, as intended. Look for news in the upcoming months regarding special 'ROADSHOW' screenings of the film in select theaters, as well as official news on its DVD release. Again, thank you for your patience and support. And have a very Murray christmas!

THE BLOODY VAMPIRE TV ad

John Charles posted this rare ad on his Facebook page. I know of only one "The Bloody Vampire" film, so I'm assuming that it's an ad for the Miguel Morayta film, EL VAMPIRO SANGRIENTO (1962), titled in English, THE BLOODY VAMPIRE.

Apparently not having any graphics connected to the Mexican horror film, WKBW crafted its own representation.

Nostradamus Trailers

Above are TV trailers for two of the four Nostradamus films starring El Vampiro himself--German Robles--and directed by Frederico Curiel. Robles made these series of films in 1959 for Mexico's America Studios, which according to union rules mandated that films be shot serial-like, in episodes. K. Gordon Murray bought up these films for the United States, as well as the horror films from Abel Salazar, dubbed them, and then released them primarily to television, though a few saw limited theatrical release, sometimes after their television debut!

From the above trailers, it appears that trailers were made for at least two Nostradamus films. Note the lengthy silence that comes at the end, while the scenes still play out visually. This would be the place were a voice-over would announce where and when the film would be shown, if theatrically, or the time it would be shown on television.

David Wilt's Mexican Film Bulletin

David Wilt is The Man when it comes to Mexican films, the supreme authority on all genres in Mexico's filmography. Since 1994 he has been publishing, either in hardcopy or online, THE MEXICAN FILM BULLETIN, which reviews all types of films produced by Mexico, including, obviously, horror and fantasy films. Wilt, known on the Latarnia boards and elsewhere under the name of Dr. Ling, is also the author of the mammoth and indispensable THE MEXICAN FILMOGRAPHY, 1916-2001 (McFarland and Company, 2004) and has written for numerous publications on Mexican films. He was also responsible for the informative liner notes for the Mexican horror DVD series released by CasaNegra.

His newest issue, which could be called a Halloween special with its horror film reviews, is available online as a PDF, and you can download back issues from this page.

El vampiro/El ataud del vampiro Soundtrack

From Klimt Records comes this LP soundtrack of EL VAMPIRO and its sequel EL ATAUD DEL VAMPIRO. Music by the legendary Gustavo Cesar Carrion, who composed the musical scores to many Mexican horror films.





I have my suspicions as to how official this release is, as the cues are taken directly from the Spanish audio of the films (though they sound very good). Also, why on LP and not on CD?

Anyway, this record seems to be available in the United States, despite Klimt Records being, supposedly, a French label. Yeah, sure.

You can listen to samples here, which includes a cue from another movie, LA MALDICION DE LA LLORONA (CURSE OF THE CRYING WOMAN), also an Abel Salazar-produced horror film.

Hat tip: Ben Gart

El Vampiro - Image of Inspiration 2

I've no idea what this artwork was intended for, but it's a stunning piece by Sanjulian, the famous Spanish artist who used to do work for James Warren publications like CREEPY and VAMPIRELLA. Dated 1994. Oh, Sanjulian's brother is Maren, the artist responsible for the artwork in my previous post that was sourced from the same photo.

El Vampiro - Image of Inspiration

Images of German Robles in his "el vampiro" role have been employed by artists around the world. Here is the cover by Maren of DOSSIER NERGO, no. 162, which borrows Robles' image. DOSSIER NEGRO was the longest running adult horror comic magazine in Spain, first premiering in 1968.

The original image:

Atmosphere, Atmosphere, Atmosphere!

One of the most delightful films in Mexican fantastique is the 1962 SANTO CONTRA LAS MUJERES VAMPIRO (SANTO VS. THE VAMPIRE WOMEN). This seventh film in the Santo series stands out because it's drenched in atmosphere, as the above rare still shows. Atmosphere is one of the key components of a classic horror film. Cobwebs, mists, dank cellars, ancient walls slimy with musty dew--the horror film fan breathes in such atmosphere and knows he or she is home.

Club de los Vampiros i Monstruos Presents Tongolele

You may know her from LA MUERTE VIVIENTE (American title: ISLE OF THE SNAKE PEOPLE), one of the four Mexican films starring Boris Karloff. Tongolele (birth name: Yolanda Ivonne Montes Farrington). She did some fine dancing with snakes in that film. Tongolele was a renowned performer and star in Mexico for many years before working on LA MUERTE VIVIENTE, so her appearance in it was a major plus to Mexican and Latin audiences. Surprisingly, not born anywhere in or near Mexico, but in Spokane, Washington.

Tonight, Club de los Vampiros i Monstruos presents ... Tongolele, whose hips have a dangerous language of their own.

Early Gore Grue

Whenever I watch EL ESPEJO DE LA BRUJA (THE WITCH'S MIRROR, 1960), I'm struck by the allowance of gruesome flesh and blood in the film. The effect of severed hands is simply done, yet the outcome is no less shocking.









These screen captures are taken from the very commendable DVD release from CasaNegra, a company that's not around anymore, unfortunately. Used and mint copies available from Amazon.com.

Meet Harry

"Meet Harry. Occupation: grave robber. He digs people the most."

The classic FAMOUS MONSTERS magazine would frequently have photos from Mexican horror films in its pages. And once in a while an article on Mexican horror.

The above page appeared in the first issue of FAMOUS MONSTERS, February 1958. The photo is from the 1956 classic lucha-libre monster film, LADRON DE CADAVERES (THE GRAVE ROBBER). And that's Wolf Ruvinskis under the make-up.

El Vampiro Y El Sexo Really Found -- Really!

Over at the Latarnia Forums, Mexican film authority David Wilt (Dr. Ling) confirmed that EL VAMPIRO Y EL SEXO, the coveted nude version of SANTO Y EL TESORO DE DRACULA, has been found, this based on information (and clips) from the documentary PERDIDA. The documentary deals with the film producers from the Calderon family. In it, the director, Viviana Garcia Besne, discovers the film in a locked warehouse fault, and copies with French and also English subtitles.

A couple of years ago rumors abounded that the now defunct BCI was going to bring out this film on DVD in the United States, but it was never clear what exactly the company hoped to get its hands on, as other rumors suggested the film was lost or the print destroyed in a fire.

Unfortunately, as of now, there doesn't seem to be any impetus to release this film on DVD, so it sits there in a Mexican vault, possibly waiting until some company with big pockets will make an offer that can't be refused.

Mexican Horror Movies - Mondo Macabro Featurette

Mondo Macabro's special featurette that appeared on the company's releases of EL VAMPIRO (Pal DVD) and ALUCARDA.

Part One:



Part Two:



Part Three (Closing-very brief):

Lionsgate Continues Non-Subtitled Santo Films

For a while now, Lionsgate has been issuing a 2-film series of DVDs--Nuestro Cine Clasico--specifically to the Latin market in the United States with, unfortunately, no English subtitles for Anglos who do not understand Spanish. For American Santo fans, this is particularly annoying, as the company has released some noteworthy Santo titles in this series that remain inaccessible language-wise. Nevertheless, many fans may want to pick up these titles, as some of the prints used are of very good quality, the best we have seen.

Recently, I bought the double-bill of SANTO VS. LAS LOBAS and SANTO VS. EL ESPECTRO DEL EXTRANGULADOR. While the color in the first film has lost its impact, the second film is transferred from a glorious and wonderful looking black and white print, as these screen captures show:









LAS LOBAS doesn't measure up print-wise, but the film is one of Santo's best, a genuine horror film.







Other Santo films in the Nuestro Cine Clasico series:


(Note: Lionsgate released a b/w version of LOS MONSTRUOS, though the film is in color.)





Amazon.com sells all of the above films:

Santo contra Blue Demon en la Atlantida/Santo y Blue Demon contra los monstruos

Santo en el museo de cera/Santo y Blue Demon en el mundo de los muertos

Santo en anonimo mortal/Santo y el aguila real

Santo vs. las lobas/Santo vs. el espectro del estrangulador

Santa Claus 50th Anniversary Gift Set!

From our friend Daniel Griffith of Ballyhoo Motion Pictures and the Wonder World of K. Gordon Murray:

Just in time for the holidays!!! Introducing the "SANTA CLAUS 50th ANNIVERSARY GIFT SET", a great holiday companion for the MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 VOLUME XVI dvd box set (which includes the infamous SANTA CLAUS episode and the companion documentary short... "SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE DEVIL", which I produced and directed)... or any cult film fan!

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the K. Gordon Murray matinee classic, "SANTA CLAUS", with this unique set... available exclusively at BALLYHOO MOTION PICTURES EBAY STORE!!! The GIFT SET includes one (1) 11x17 inch "SANTA CLAUS: 50th Anniversary Poster" printed on medium/glossy paper stock, three (3) 4x6 inch "SANTA CLAUS" postcards (three separate artworks), one (1) "SANTA CLAUS" button set (two 1.5 inch buttons) with packaging, one (1) collectable "YOUNG AMERICA HORROR CLUB" 2.25 inch button, one (1) "WONDER WORLD OF K. GORDON MURRAY" 2.25 inch button, and a SURPRISE "RETRO" GIFT! It could be anything! Cult film DVD's, magic kits,... you name it! All this for only $16.99 (plus shipping and handling)! But hurry, this offer won't last long!

While you are at our BALLYHOO store, check out some of our other EXCLUSIVE items... including a "ROBOT vs. THE AZTEC MUMMY" T-shirt, a K. GORDON MURRAY POSTER SET, and MORE!!!

German Robles in the Hospital

Legendary actor German Robles, best known worldwide for his role as Count Lavud in EL VAMPIRO/THE VAMPIRE (1957) and EL ATAUD DEL VAMPIRO/THE VAMPIRE'S COFFIN (1958), is in intensive care at a Mexican hospital from internal hemorrhaging. He had been hospitalized this past summer from a ruptured ulcer, but recuperated. Our thoughts are with him.

Here's a clip from EL VAMPIRO in the original Spanish:

The Vampire's Coffin/The Robot vs. The Aztec Mummy

They just don't make trailers like this!!!



BTW, I've enabled comments on this blog for the first time.

The Robot in Person!

The Robot from ROBOT VS. THE AZTEC MUMMY will be highlighting the Wonder World of K. Gordon Murray website's table at the Monster Bash, this June 26-28th, held at the Days Inn Conference Center in Butler, PA (north of Pittsburgh). According to Daniel Griffith of Wonder World and Ballyhoo Motion Pictures: "There will be a 10-minute SNEAK PREVIEW of 'THE WONDER WORLD OF K. GORDON MURRAY in COLORSCOPE' on Friday. The WONDER WORLD will also have a booth at the convention... where we will be debuting a coffin load of promotional items... including WONDER WORLD t-shirts, SANTA CLAUS 50th Anniversary button sets, retro paper masks highlighting various characters from the WONDER WORLD, special edition resin model kits of THE AZTEC MUMMY and THE BRAINIAC, posters, and more!!!!"