Angel Of Death is a 1987 France action thriller by Jesús Franco and then Andrea Bianchi (as A. Frank Drew White). Starring Christopher Mitchum and Suzanne Andrews and Fernando Rey.
There are no censorship issues with this release. The film was 18 rated in the UK and MPAA R rated in the US.
Summary Notes
A Jewish commando unit hunting Nazi war
criminals tracks down the infamous Dr. Mengele in the jungle, and find that he is torturing nubile young virgins and performing horrible medical experiments on the locals. They prepare to battle their way past Mengele's hordes of fanatic Nazi bodyguards
in order to get to him.
Written by (under the name D. Khunn) and co-directed by Jess Franco and completed by Italian trash movie maverick Andrea Bianchi , the pair signed off on the film as 'Frank Drew White', apparently too
nervous to take credit for making this truly daft piece of unsavory exploitation.
Around the World in 80 Beds is a 1976 Switzerland horror thriller by Erwin C. Dietrich, (credit only), Jesús Franco, (uncredited) Starring Esther Moser, Esther Studer and Vera Chollet
There are no censorship issues with this release.
Summary Review
This German pseudo-documentary (mondo) movie has a TV host (Esther Moser) narrating and introducing
various sexual acts from around the world. This includes S&M acts, a class teaching masturbation, a man who likes to pretend to be a baby and getting spanked by his mother and various other naughty tales.
The episodes are mostly played for comedy
but they're not very amusing and not very erotic. This was shot in 1976-1977, a very busy year for Jess Franco in which he made several of his better films. It appears he just helped out producer Dietrich with a few scenes in this one.
Attack of the Robots is a 1966 France / Spain comedy Sci-Fi film by Jesús Franco (as J Franco and Jesus Franco). Starring Eddie Constantine, Françoise Brion and Fernando Rey.
There are no censorship issues with this film.
Summary Notes
A mad scientist uses his army of mechanical monsters to control people who have Type O blood.
The Awful Dr Orlof is a 1962 Spain/France horror thriller by Jesús Franco. With Conrado San Martín, Diana Lorys, Howard Vernon.
Widely distributed in a shortened French Version. The BBFC further cut this by 37s. The BBFC later waived these cut for 2017 video. The Spanish Version turned up on German DVD in 2013, it is a longer but clothed version.
Summary Notes:
Classic
Dr. Orlof, a former prison doctor, abducts beautiful women from nightclubs and tries to use their skin to repair his daughter's fire-scarred face. He is assisted by Morpho, a deformed monstrosity who
delights in biting his victims. However a young police inspector and his ballerina girlfriend are onto his sadistic practices.
In the European version, there's a few [breast] shots here and there. Hysterically awful at times but
so lovable as a relic of a bygone genre. The music is a cacophonus clanging that just adds to the lurid aura of Morpho stalking the women as his master waits nearby. Delicious b&w photography is preserved wonderfully on DVD.
This movie is a CLASSIC of its genre and a must have for collectors.
Spanish Version
cut Spanish version
cut:
run:
93m
pal:
89m
Germany: The longer Spanish Version is uncut for:
2013 ELEA-Media Limited Edition [Spanish + French Versions] R2 DVD via UK Amazon
Note that this version has an English soundtrack where it coincides with the European Version. The extra 11 minutes of material has the original Spanish soundtrack. It is not clear about subtitles for this extra material. Maybe none or maybe German.
Although the Spanish Version has more plot details, its is a clothed version missing the bare breasts of one of Orlof's victims
Barbed Wire Dolls is a 1976 Switzerland crime horror thriller by Jesús Franco. With Lina Romay, Paul Muller and Monica Swinn.
Originally banned by the BBFC for cinema release in 1976, but unbanned a year later after significant cuts. Less cut for 2004 DVD. Uncut in Switzerland. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.
Summary Review: Comical,
disorienting and depressing
Women in Prison movies come in several styles, ranging from tongue-in-cheek camp to disturbingly sadistic shockfests. Barbed Wire Dolls is a Jess Franco flick, so, as expected, it
doesn't really fit into any pigeonhole.
Watching Frauengefangnis is like performing an experiment on yourself. The painfully slow pace, downbeat soundtrack, eternal scenes of pointless verbal abuse, mock torture, and
idiotic dialog gradually turn your brain into glue. The movie is so sleazy, depressing, and confusing, that it's almost unwatchable in one sitting.
Cuts required to remove explicit sight of sexual activity (digital penetration) in order to achieve an 18 classification. An R18 uncut was not available for this non-sex work.
The explicit
imagery was not deemed to have a sufficient narrative justification in the Jess Franco work Barbed Wire Dolls, which blurred the line between erotic drama and sex work.
The BBFC kindly provided a further clarification:
According to our Guidelines, you cannot show unsimulated sex at '18' if it is a 'sex work' (ie a work whose main purpose is to sexually arouse). Real sex in a 'sex
work' makes it 'R18'. However, this Jess Franco film is not a 'sex work'.
According to our Guidelines, explicit real sex may only be shown at '18' if (i) it is not a sex work (see above) and (ii) the sex is exceptionally justified by context.
In this case the Board did not feel that the explicit sex was exceptionally justified by context so it was not judged acceptable at '18'. Of course, the explicit sex could have been permitted at 'R18' on its own. However, an 'R18' without cuts was
not a realistic option in this case, not so much because it wasn't a sex work but because the violence and sexual violence that we permitted at '18' would not be permissible at 'R18'. So, if we had permitted the explicit sex at 'R18' (which we could
have) we would have had to make additional cuts for 'R18' (to violence and sexual violence) that would not have been required at '18'.
Black Boots, Leather Whip is a 1983 Spain adult drama by Jesús Franco Starring Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans and Asunción Calero
There are no censorship issues with this release.
Promotional Material
During one of the most insanely productive periods of his career, writer/director Jess Franco resurrected the character of seedy private eye Al Pereira --
portrayed here by key collaborator Antonio Mayans -- for this 1983 Golden Films International hard-boiled erotic thriller: When down-on-his-luck Pereira is hired by a sultry client (blonde wigged Lina Romay under her pseudonym 'Candy Coster') for a
fast-buck job, he'll find himself caught in a web of seduction, murder, blackmail, polyamorous mayhem that is jaw-droppingly extreme even by Uncle Jess standards.
Versions
uncut
run:
89m
pal:
85m
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2021 Severin (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 7th December 2021
WHEN A DOWN-ON-HIS-LUCK PRIVATE EYE IS HIRED BY A SULTRY CLIENT, HE'LL FIND HIMSELF CAUGHT IN A WEB OF SEDUCTION, BLACKMAIL AND MURDER.
During one of the most insanely productive periods of his career, writer/director Jess Franco resurrected the character of seedy private eye Al Pereira -- portrayed here by key collaborator
Antonio Mayans -- for this 1983 Golden Films International hard-boiled erotic thriller: When down-on-his-luck Pereira is hired by a sultry client (blonde wigged Lina Romay under her pseudonym 'Candy Coster') for a fast-buck job, he'll find himself caught
in a web of seduction, murder, blackmail, polyamorous mayhem that is jaw-droppingly extreme even by Uncle Jess standards. Asunción Calero (HOUSE OF LOST WOMEN) and Rocío Freixas (THE SINISTER DR. ORLOFF) co-star in this postmodern neo-noir Franco-style,
now scanned uncut from the original negative for the first time ever.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
In The Land Of Franco: Part 5
Murderous Passions Author Stephen Thrower On BLACK BOOTS, LEATHER WHIP
Audio Commentary with I'm In A Jess Franco State Of Mind Writer Robert Monell and NaschyCast's Rodney Barnett
v The Blood of Fu Manchu
- 1968 Spain / West Germany / UK / USA crime adventure by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco).
The Blood of Fu Manchu is a 1968 Spain / West Germany / UK / USA crime adventure by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco). Starring Christopher Lee, Richard Greene and Howard Marion-Crawford.
Suffered BBFC category cuts from its 1996 cinema release until 2007 when it was passed 15 uncut for 15 rated DVD.
Summary Notes
Fu Manchu is hidden with his evil daughter Lin Tang in
a lost city he has found in the jungles of South America. He discovers a poison deadly for men through kiss and he abducts ten women to infect them with the poison to destroy his enemies. Then he sends one woman to London to kiss his greatest enemy, the
Scotland Yard agent Nayland Smith. Nayland is blinded by the poison and his friend Dr. Petrie travels with him to the jungles in South America to seek out Fu Manchu expecting to find an antidote. They team up with agent Carl Jansen and soon they learn
the scheme of Fu Manchu for world domination.
Versions
uncut
run:
93:50s
pal:
90:05s
UK: Passed 15 uncut for
moderate nudity and violence for:
2022 Powerhouse Films Standard Edition (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad
UK: Passed 15 after 1:46s of BBFC category cuts for:
1994 Lumiere VHS
Thanks to Vincenzo. The BBFC cuts were:
At 29 mins - The scene showing a woman screaming, followed by shots of semi-naked woman in chains in cells, was reduced.
At 57 mins - The scene where a woman is led to a cell, chained to the
bars, has her breasts forcibly exposed and is then menaced by a snake was reduced.
At 88 mins - A shot showing a snake being killed [crushed by falling rubble] was removed.
category cuts
UK: Passed A (PG) after BBFC category cuts for:
1998 cinema release
Thanks to Vincenzo. The BBFC cuts were:
Reel 2 - Remove all shots and sounds of tortured girls including the naked girl before Lin Tang enters.
Reel 3 - Considerably shorten the whole episode in which Sancho's men attack a village
and assault the women or make love to them.
Reel 3 - Remove the shot of Uma when her breasts are partly visible.
Reel 4 - Remove "Doubtless he is proud of being a man."
v The Bloody Judge
- 1970 Liechtenstein/Italy/Spain/West Germany horror by Jesus Franco.
The Bloody Judge is a 1970 Liechtenstein/Italy/Spain/West Germany horror by Jesus Franco. With Christopher Lee, Maria Schell and Leo Genn.
Exists in several cut versions, some with violence cut, some cut for
nudity. A composite of these versions was created which is uncut. The BBFC has never cut the film itself though.
Summary Review: Educational
This is an amazing movie. It's basically an exploitation
movie with the production values of an historical drama. The acting is outstanding, particularly Christopher Lee and Maria Rohm.
Blue Underground have put together a magnificent print, taking elements from the various
released and unreleased versions of the movie to produced an excellent film that's never existed in this form before.
Given the patchwork history it seems like the movie should be a mess, but it all hangs together very
well.
Versions
Uncut Composite Verions
run:
102m
pal:
98m
UK: The Fully Restored European
Composite Version is uncut but there's no sign of a BBFC database entry yet for:
This is
a composite of the English dubbed export version and the edit of the film prepared for the German market. This version does not have the scene of Maria Rohm attempting drowning and being rescued within the film (scene now a DVD extra). It does have a
scene in which Maria Rohm is forced by prison guards to lick the blood of a naked female prisoner hanging down from a ceiling. It also has the unclothed version of the barn sex scene.
pre-cut Export Version
cut:
run:
93:02s
pal:
89:19s
UK: The cut English Dubbed Export Version was passed 18 without BBFC cuts for:
2000 Cinema Club R2 DVD
1999 Salvation R2 DVD
See version details from dvdcompare.net . This is a cut 'clothed' version
with nudity replaced by clothed scenes and violence missing or obscured
pre-cut German Version
cut:
run:
81:34s
pal:
78:18s
UK: The heavily cut German Version was passed AA without BBFC cuts for:
1974 cinema release
v Blue Rita
- 1977 Switzerland/France action thriller by Jesús Franco
Blue Rita is a 1977 Switzerland/France action thriller by Jesús Franco Starring Martine Fléty, Sarah Strasberg and Dagmar Bürger
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
Nightclub owner and erotic dancer Rita Blue uses her place as a front for working undercover as a spy. Motivated by her vehement hatred of men that stems from having been sexually abused as a child , Rita and her seductive female cohorts
not only gleefully torture guys as a means to obtain vital information, but also manhandle wealthy men in order to make them hand over their fortunes to them.
Versions
uncut
run:
78:25s
pal:
75:17s
UK: Uncut and BBFC
18 rated for strong sex and nudity:
2004 Anchor Bay Entertainment UK DVD (rated 22/03/2004)
Cannibals is a 1980 Spain / Italy / France horror by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) and Franco Prosperi. Starring Al Cliver, Sabrina Siani and Jérôme Foulon.
Released on a pre-cert video that was seized by police. Uncut on DVD. Uncut in the US
Summary Notes
A man who lost an arm and his family to a tribe of cannibals returns ten years
later to bring back his teenager daughter, only to find that she grew up into a beautiful blonde woman who became the cannibals' queen.
Versions
uncut
86:14s
UK: Passed 18
uncut for strong bloody violence and cannibalism horror for:
2004 International Trading/Hardgore R0 DVD at UK Amazon
UK: Released on pre-cert video for
1981 Cinehollywood VHS
1981 ECV VHS
The video was seized subject to an Obscene Publications Act Section 3 Seizure Order. This is a legal gambit whereby victims admitted that the videos were 'obscene', and therefore
subject to seizure, in return for that being the end of the matter and so avoiding an obscenity trial with the possibility of jail time.
The Castle Of Fu Manchu is a 1969 UK / West Germany / Italy / Spain / Liechtenstein / Turkey crime horror adventure by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) Starring Christopher Lee,Richard Greene,Howard Marion-Crawford
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
The evil mastermind Fu Manchu plots his latest scheme to basically freeze over the Earth's oceans
with his diabolical new device. Opposing him is his arch-nemesis, Interpol's very British Dr. Nayland Smith.
Versions
uncut
run:
91:29s
pal:
87:49s
UK: Passed PG uncut for mild violence and threat:
2022 Powerhouse/Indicator Standard Edition (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad
2020
Powerhouse Films [The Fu Manchu Cycle] (RB) Blu-ray at UK Amazon #ad
2007 Optimum Releasing video
UK: Passed PG uncut:
2004 Warner [The Blood + the Castle of Fu Manchu] R2 DVD at UK Amazon #ad
Celestine, Maid at Your Service is a 1974 France comedy by jesús franco (as clifford brown) Starring Lina Romay, Howard Vernon and Olivier Mathot
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
The police raid a brothel and a prostitute (Lina Romay) escapes into the countryside. The woman,
Celestine, ends up at a rich folks house where she ends up sleeping with two of the servants who then get her a job as a maid.
v Count Dracula
- 1970 Spain / West Germany / Italy / Liechtenstein horror by Jesús Franco (as Jesse Franco).
Count Dracula is a 1970 Spain / West Germany / Italy / Liechtenstein horror by Jesús Franco (as Jesse Franco). Starring Christopher Lee, Herbert Lom and Klaus Kinski.
The US PG rated version is cut. Other versions are uncut except a gypsy scene that is missing from some variants.
Summary Notes
Jess Franco's version of the Bram Stoker classic has
Count Dracula as an old man who grows younger whenever he dines on the blood of young maidens.
2015 Severin Films
(RA) Blu-ray/R1 DVD Combo at US Amazon
Note the scene with the gypsy woman begging for the return of her baby seems to be missing from some versions.
cut
cut:
run:
90m
pal:
86m
US: There is US version cut for a PG rating. From IMDB:
A 90-minute US version
has the church-choir music removed from the climactic scenes, and tighter editing of those scenes. German DVD includes the scene of a gypsy woman begging for the return of her baby, deleted from the US version.
Countess Perverse is a 1974 France horror thriller by Jesús Franco. With Alice Arno, Howard Vernon, Kali Hansa.
The Director's Cut is the original version before Franco tried various
edits to try and sell it. An Italian version include hardcore inserts with Alice Arno and Lina Romay whilst a French hardcore version featured Monica Swinn and Pierre Taylou. Franco later remade this film in 1997 as Tender Flesh.
It is reported that
the cannibal elements restricted distribution, perhaps this was an issue for British distributors and censors. There has been no attempt to release the film in the UK.
Summary Review: Sordid flesh festivities
Two wealthy aristocrats lure a virginal girl to a Spanish island for a night of sex, death and cannibalism.
Half the film is devoted to Sapphic sessions and sordid flesh festivities just shy of pornography.
Franco is the ultimate cinematic voyeur and his films appeal to those with voyeuristic tendencies, and what they always lack in plot development offer prurient interest and degenerate lust as compensation.
Franco stable mate
Howard Vernon's back as his usual creepy self, the baron chef with unusual culinary skills and a smile that would make your skin crawl.
All in all, I found this to be a really enjoyable watch
The tag Director's Cut means that it is the original film before Franco started to splice in hardcore inserts. Normally these are a bit of a negative, but when they involve Lina Romay I think I would prefer the version with the inserts.
Sexy Nature
run:
99:02s
pal:
95:04s
Italy : The Italian version titled Sexy Nature includes hardcore inserts featuring
Alice Arno and Lina Romay. One scene is included at a more logical point in the film than the French version
Les croqueuses
run:
98:44s
pal:
94:47s
France : The French version titled Les croqueuses features illogically order
hardcore inserts and an extra plot element that turned the whole film into a dream.
Curse of Frankenstein is a 1972 Spain/France horror by Jesus Franco. With Alberto Dalbés, Dennis Price and Howard Vernon.
A clothed version was passed 15 uncut for 2006 DVD. The Unclothed Version
was passed 18 uncut for 2017 DVD and Blu-ray. Previously the film was seized by the police during the video nasties panic.
Summary Notes
Dr. Frankenstein and his assistant Morpho are killed just as they
bring their creation to life. The monster is taken by Cagliostro and he now controls the monster and plans to have it mate and create the perfect master race.
Franco's obsessions with S&M and naked women provide a spice to a
very tired tale.
Unclothed Version
Unclothed Version
run:
73:46s
pal:
70:49s
UK: The Unclothed Version was passed 18 uncut for sexualised violence, nudity for:
2017 Nucleus Films [Nude + Clothed Versions] (RB) Blu-ray/(R2) DVD Combo at
UK Amazon
France: The French Unclothed or Hot Version has nude scenes mostly filmed as alternative takes from the Clothed Version
banned
run:
73:44s
pal:
70:47s
UK: The Unclothed Version was released on pre-cert VHS for:
1981 Go VHS titled The Erotic Rites of Frankenstein
The video was seized subject to an Obscene Publications Act Section 3 Seizure Order. This is a legal gambit whereby victims admitted that the videos were
'obscene', and therefore subject to seizure, in return for that being the end of the matter and so avoiding an obscenity trial with the possibility of jail time.
Clothed Version
Clothed Version
pre-cut
cut:
run:
85:14s
pal:
81:49s
UK: The Clothed Version BBFC was passed 15 without cuts for:
2017 Nucleus Films [Nude + Clothed Versions] (RB) Blu-ray/(R2) DVD Combo at UK Amazon
2006 Tartan R2 DVD titled Curse of Frankenstein
2014 VoD at YouTube titled La maldición de
Frankenstein
The Death Avenger of Soho is a 1972 West Germany / Spain / UK crime horror mystery by Jesús Franco (as Jess Frank) Starring Horst Tappert,Fred Williams,Barbara Rütting
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
A London slasher pack the suitcases of his victims before stabbing them to death in this
adaptation of Edgar Wallace's 'Secret of the Black Suitcases.'
Death Whistles the Blues is a 1964 Spain crime drama by Jesús Franco. Starring Conrado San Martín, Danik Patisson and Perla Cristal.
There are no censorship issues with this film. The film was distributed only in Spain and France. Franco remade this film in 1973 as Kiss Me, Killer
Summary Notes
Vogel, an important trafficker, betrayed two of his accomplices, Castro and Smith. The first was shot by police, while the latter was imprisoned. Fifteen years later Smith comes back for revenge.
Versions
uncut
US:
Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2021 Severin [Death Whistles The Blues + Rififi in the City] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad
2021 Severin [Death Whistles The Blues + Rififi in the City] R1 DVD at US Amazon #ad
v Demoniac
- 1979 Spanish/French horror by Jess Franco.
Demoniac is a 1979 Spanish/French horror by Jess Franco. With Lina Romay, Catherine Lafferière and Jesus Franco.
Banned by the BBFC from 1985 until 2003 when it was passed 18 after 2:25s of cuts. The BBFC cuts were waived for 2017 DVD. The film started out as Sexorcism/Exorcism and was significantly reworked reworked with new material to become
El Sadico de Notre-Dame. The legacy is that there are now multiple versions with different mixes of sex and violence including a hardcore version.
Summary Review : Good but Not Great
Exorcism is a good but not great film. Like so many of Franco's films EXORCISM is at once brilliant and amateurish.
Franco stars as a kinky priest who serves GOD by ridding the
world of sinners with his Sword of the Lord. His best moments are shared with his lover/partner Lina Romay. It's always interesting to watch the couple interact together especially during sadistic scenes.
Despite
it's strong scenes of violence EXORCISM is not a gory film. The bloodiest scenes involve the beheading of a pigeon and the removal of a woman's entrails. Franco claims (on the commentary track) that the pigeon is a special effect. I seriously doubt that
what Franco says is true.
Versions
Exorcism Version uncut
run:
93:42s
pal:
89:57s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong sexualised violence, sex, nudity, with all previous BBFC cuts waived for:
2017 Screenbound/Black House Films R2 DVD at UK Amazon
Thanks to Mark. The budget DVD label Boulevard Entertainment accidentally released the full uncut version. The release was a port of the Synapse R1 DVD including alternate footage and a commentary. The UK DVD is actually supposed to be a
release of another film under the same title on a double bill with 976-Evil 2
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2018 Severin [The Sadist of Notre Dame] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon released on 3rd April
2018
2018 Severin [The Sadist of Notre Dame] R1 DVD at US Amazon released on 3rd April
2018
Exorcism (Synapse's
version) is entirely new 94 min transfer from available materials from Eurocine of Paris . It's considered the most coherent of all possible versions. It contains none of the hardcore footage and does not use any of the footage added in 1979-80
for the reworked El Sadico de Notre-Dame -version. However, there are gore scenes and explanatory scenes that are missing from all other versions. So this is the complete gore version, with some softcore.
cut
cut:
2:25s
run:
89:58s
pal:
86:22s
UK: Passed 18 after BBFC cuts of 2:25s for:
2003 Arrow R2 DVD titled Demoniac
The cuts were for sexual violence:
2 mins: cuts to shot of naked woman stabbed and having a knife run over her body
29 mins: cuts to shot of naked woman who has been stabbed
39 mins: cuts to the evisceration of one of Vogel's victims
48 mins: cut to shot of
naked woman being slapped by Vogel
80 mins: cut to woman being bitten and threatened with a knife.
banned
run:
89:58s
pal:
86:22s
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1994 Redemption VHS titled Demoniac
The BBFC commented :
This was another shocker from the 70s, from a film-maker most of whose cinematic work appeared to revel in the tying up and abusing of naked women. Here their bodies
were liberally splashed with blood, stage blood, in rituals acted out as a turn-on for audiences in search of sexual arousal. Later each evening, we see the rituals re-enacted sadistically and homicidally by a criminal psychopath (played by the
film-maker himself), whose deeds perform the same function as the video viewer. The Board considered whether cuts could make such a work acceptable, but given its multifarious images of women stripped, inverted, bound, gagged, manacled at ankles and
wrists, with blood smeared on bodies, especially breasts, and with blades driven into flesh, we concluded that cuts would have been so extensive as to leave little of the misogynistic framework intact. This might have been no loss on artistic or social
grounds, but it would have left an unviable video commercially.
Twenty years ago Redemption Films
released Succubus and I received a written warning from the British Board of Film Classification, that Jess Franco was a director whose films the BBFC regarded as bordering on criminal. I was told that were I to attempt to release other films by him or
to bring them into the country there would be consequences... A year later I submitted Demoniacs and Sadomania and both were categorically banned with the implicit threat that by pushing the work of Jess Franco I was, indirectly, championing criminal
sexual material and that if I continued I too would face not civil, but criminal proceedings.
The BBFC said of DEMONIAC:
... The Board has never granted a BBFC certificate to any film or video which
seeks to encourage sexual sadism, and this film is clearly sadistic in that it seems 'to have no purpose or justification other than to reinforce or sell the idea that it can be highly pleasurable to inflict injury, pain or humiliation (often in a sexual
context) on others' (Home Office Report on Obscenity and Film Censorship, Williams, HMSO, 1979)....|
...The work of this particular film maker has often fallen well outside the parameters of BBFC standards because of the
manner in which it presents scenes of vicious sexual violence or of violence to women in a sexually arousing context, offering little pleasure to the viewer other than a conscious vicarious gratification of misogyny. Where such emotions focus on the
harming of others, the Board must always consider drawing a line, as we have in refusing a video certificate to DEMONIAC .
Redemption Films challenged the banning of these films, along with Bare Behind Bars legally, and lost.
We then sought and won leave to judicially review the BBFC's entire operation, a massive undertaking and one which would, had we pursued it, opened up all the machinations of the BBFC's internal workings to public scrutiny, however, we ran out of money
and had to wait until our battle over pornography several years later to finally oust the BBFC chairman James Ferman which in turn heralded in a period of more liberal censorship.
The Demons is a 1972 France/Portugal horror by Jess Franco. With Anne Libert, Britt Nichols and Doris Thomas.
Banned by the BBFC for 1972 but the GLC awarded a local X rating for
screenings in London. The video was seized by the police during the video nasties moral panic in the early 80s. The Director's Cut was passed 18 uncut by the BBFC for 2008 DVD. The longer French Version was passed 18 uncut for 2017 Blu-ray. There is also
a short US Version.
Summary Review : A decent effort
The UK DVD of the Demons by Redemption is 103 minute directors cut restored by Franco in 2003 and is longer than the previous
UK VHS release (which ran for less than 80 minutes). It is a decent effort not as good as some of Franco's earlier work but definitely better than the stuff he directed in the early 80's for Eurocine. Some scenes are in French without English subtitles!
French Version
Extended French Version
run:
118:00s
pal:
113:17s
UK: The Extended French Version was passed 18 uncut for strong sex, nudity, violence for:
2017 Nucleus Films [Extended French Version + English Version] R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon
This version makes extensive improvements especially in audio synchronisation and restoring missing dialogie
Thanks to Richard and @NucleusFilms. The UK Blu-ray release includes a short 8 seconds long scene (originally in German) where Kathleen is
begging with Judge Jeffries just before being asked to undress. The scene is NOT in the US Blu-ray, which is also missing an optical effect of the woman's face dissolving into the skull.
UK: A shortened English
language version was released on pre-cert video for:
1981 Go VHS
The video was seized subject to an Obscene Publications Act Section 3 Seizure Order. This is a legal gambit whereby victims admitted that the videos were 'obscene', and therefore
subject to seizure, in return for that being the end of the matter and so avoiding an obscenity trial with the possibility of jail time.
The Devil Came From Akasava is a 1971 West Germany / Spain / Portugal adventure thriller by Jesús Franco (as Jess Frank) Starring Fred Williams,Soledad Miranda,Horst Tappert
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
A mineral is discovered which can turn metal to gold or humans into zombies. When the mineral is
stolen, secret agents are sent in to get the mineral back!
Versions
uncut
run:
83:44s
pal:
80:23s
UK: Passed 15 uncut for Contains moderate sex and violence:
The Devil's Island Lovers is a 1973 France / Spain women in prison drama by Jesús Franco (as Jesus Franco) Starring Andrés Resino, Genevičve Robert and Dennis Price
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
A lawyer finds out that a young couple convicted of murder was in fact framed for the crime and goes
to the prison with the hope of freeing them and learns the events that happened to the two from a fellow prisoner who helped them escape.
Versions
French Version
run:
80:23s
pal:
77:10s
France
France: There is also a more erotic French Version
The French Version includes some additional (also explicit) footage and extended
versions of selected scenes, but is actually slightly shorter in running time. This is mainly because the opening scenes (Governor Mendoza confessing to lawyer Linsday from his deathbed) are not included.
Spanish Version
run:
80:18s
pal:
77:05s
UK: The Spanish Version was passed 15 uncut for moderate violence and threat:
Diamonds of Kilimandjaro is a 1983 France / Spain action horror romance by jesús franco (as c. plaut), olivier mathot (uncredited)... Starring Katja Bienert, Antonio Mayans and Aline Mess
There is an Original Version and an extended Export Version. The US MVD release of the Extended Version has reported issues with how it works round print damage.
Summary Notes
A group of adventurers head to a primitive tribe in Africa to find a treasure of diamonds and a beautiful white girl who was lost years ago and was made the tribe's goddess.
Versions
Export Version
US: The Export Version is uncut and MPAA Unrated:
2006 Shriek Show [Jungle Girls triple bill] (R1) DVD at US Amazon
The US Blu-ray by Mvd Classics is based on the Extended Version, but the transfer
apparently had a few flaws, which were concealed by recycling senseless footage from other parts of the film.
v Downtown
- 1975 Switzerland comedy crime by Jesús Franco
Downtown is a 1975 Switzerland comedy crime by Jesús Franco Starring Jesús Franco, Lina Romay and Paul Muller
There are no censorship issues with this film.
Summary Notes
Somewhere in sunny Puerto Rico: private detective Al Pereira has seen far better days in his professional life. He would need more jobs, because his cash is almost empty. One day he
meets the obscure, mysterious Cynthia, who promises a lucrative job. Pereira is supposed to oversee a notorious businessman and politician named Ramos, as Cynthia assumes that he is cheating on her, and Pereira is said to shoot proof-footage of
strangers. An easy job, as Pereira seems, and he gets to work. But the lady who gave him the job seems to play a double game and pulls him into a murderous affair.
Dr Jekyll's Mistresses is a 1964 Spain / Austria / France Sci-Fi horror by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franck) Starring Hugo Blanco,Agnčs Spaak,Perla Cristal
Exists as an extended Spanish Version, the Original French Version and an erotic French Version with added nudity. It looks likely that it was the Erotic Version that was passed 15 by the the BBFC and the Original French Version that
was passed 12 by the BBFC.
Summary Notes
A mad scientist creates a hideous monster to carry out his murderous plans.
Versions
Erotic French Version
run:
88:27s
pal:
84:55s
UK: The Erotic French Version was passed 15 uncut:
French erotic version has a nude insert during the first murder, a version of
the striptease with topless footage, and an arbitrarily inserted sequence of another victim getting out of a bath before being murdered
Original French Version
run:
87:38s
pal:
84:08s
UK: The Original Frech Version was passed 12 uncut for moderate violence, scene of drug misuse:
Dracula: Prisoner Of Frankenstein is a 1972 Spain / France / Liechtenstein / Portugal horror by Jesús Franco Starring Dennis Price, Howard Vernon and Paca Gabaldón
A long version was passed X for 1971 cinema release. A clothed Spanish Version has been released on home video and is 15 rated in the UK. An uncut and MPAA Unrated composite version was released in the US in 2024.
Summary Notes
Dracula kills another innocent victim and Dr. Seward decides it's time to wipe him off the face of the earth. Armed with a hammer and a wooden stake, he arrives at Castle Dracula and
duly dispatches the vampire Count. Next day, however, Dr. Frankenstein arrives with his assistant, Morpho, and a large crate containing the monster. Using the blood of a pub singer who has been abducted by his creation, the doctor brings Dracula back to
life and uses him for his own ends.
Versions
composite version
run:
83m
pal:
80m
US: A composite Version is uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2024 Severin Films (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad released on 26th March 2024
2024
Severin Films R1 DVD at US Amazon #ad released on 26th March 2024
clothed version
run:
81:56s
pal:
78:39s
UK: The Spanish Clothed Version was passed 15 for moderate sexualised horror:
2006 Tartan [Dracula: Prisoner of Frankenstein + The Curse of Frankenstein] R2 DVD
at UK Amazon
This is a clothed version. IMDb notes that there are stills featuring nudity but no version with nudity has been released on home video
uncut
run:
86:49s
pal:
83:21s
UK: An unknown long version was passed X (18) uncut:
1971 dubbed cinema release titled Dracula V Frankenstein
v Dracula's Daughter
- 1972 France / Portugal horror mystery by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco).
Dracula's Daughter is a 1972 France / Portugal horror mystery by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco). Starring Britt Nichols, Anne Libert and Alberto Dalbés.
Never cut by the BBFC or MPAA but disk extras reveal that there is less sexy alternative footage available. It is not clear if this footage has been used in any releases.
Summary Notes
A young woman visits her gravely ill grandmother at the family estate. On her death bed, the old woman reveals to her granddaughter the family curse: they're all vampires. The young woman decides to move into the estate
with her uncle and her cousin, and soon finds herself falling victim to the curse.
El lago de las vírgenes is a 1982 Spain adventure by Jesús Franco Starring Katja Bienert, Antônio do Cabo and Eduardo Fajardo
Not released in the UK, and presumably never will be as there would be issues with
the now underage scenes with Katja Bienert.
Summary Notes
Jess Franco's (loose) adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, a story about a guy who looks for treasure on
an island and gets seduced by the sirens.
v Eugenie
- 1970 West Germany / Spain / Liechtenstein horror drama by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco)
Eugenie is a 1970 West Germany / Spain / Liechtenstein horror drama by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) Starring Maria Rohm,Marie Liljedahl,Jack Taylor
There are no censorship issues with this release. 18 rated in the UK, X
rated in the US.
Summary Notes
An innocent girl goes to spend the weekend on an island with a woman and her brother, but soon she finds herself entangled in a web of dream-like sexual
experiments.
The film was later remade as Cocktail Special in 1978
Versions
uncut
run:
86:49s
pal:
83:21s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong sexualised violence:
2017 Screenbound [Dubbed] video titled Eugenie De Sade
Eugenie De Sade is a 1973 Liechtenstein / France thriller by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) Starring Soledad Miranda,Paul Muller,Andrea Montchal
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
Eugenie, a beautiful but shy young girl, has been living with her stepfather, Albert since her mother
died when she was a baby. He is a famous writer specializing in stories of erotica. One day she happens to read one of his "erotic" books and its power so affects her that begins to find herself sexually attracted to him. He notices this, and
eventually brings her into his dark world of sexual perversion and murder.
Versions
uncut
run:
86:49s
pal:
83:21s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong sexualised violence:
2017 Screenbound Pictures Ltd [Dubbed] video titled Eugenie De Sade
Faceless is a 1987 France/Spain horror thriller by Jesús Franco Starring Helmut Berger, Brigitte Lahaie and Telly Savalas
Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US. The film was cut in the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia.
Summary Notes
A model named Barbara Hallen has disappeared and her father gets private detective Sam Morgan to go to Paris to find his daughter. Barbara's trail leads Morgan to a plastic surgery clinic owned by Dr. Flamand. Morgan's investigation
reveals the horrifying secret behind the Doctor's miracle cures which is blood and organs taken from kidnapped young women. As Morgan's investigation closes witnesses are eliminated one by one, each in a more horrible way.
Versions
uncut
run:
98:11s
pal:
94:15s
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2022 Severin R0 4k/(RA) Blu-ray Combo at US Amazon 2
Female Vampire is a 1973 French/Belgian erotic horror by Jess Franco. With Lina Romay, Jack Taylor and Alice Arno.
Cut by the BBFC for VHS and DVD until 2002. Passed 18 uncut for 2017 DVD. There's a non-sex Erotikill Version, a softcore version, and a hardcore inserts version titles Les Avaleuses.
Versions
hardcore
run:
109:18s
pal:
104:56s
Germany: The hardcore version is available on X Rated Kult Video
softcore
run:
100:29s
pal:
96:28s
UK: The Softcore Version was passed 18
uncut for strong sex, nudity, sexual violence with all previous BBFC cuts waived for:
2017 Screenbound/Maison Rouge Films R2 DVD at UK Amazon
2012 Redemption [softcore + Erotikill] R1 DVD
at US Amazon
US Image R0 DVD
cut
cut:
run:
72m
pal:
69m
US: The Erotikill horror version is MPAA Unrated for:
2012 Redemption [softcore + Erotikill] R0 Blu-ray at US Amazon
2012 Redemption
[softcore + Erotikill] R1 DVD at US Amazon
This version is missing the erotic elements
cut
cut:
1:51s
run:
98:20s
pal:
94:24s
UK: The softcore version was passed 18 after 1:51s of BBFC cuts for:
2002 Arrow R2 DVD
The BBFC commented:
Cut required to remove sight of non-consenting woman being stripped and forced to engage in sex with two other women
cut
cut:
6:12s
run:
95:43s
pal:
91:53s
UK: The Softcore Version was passed 18 after 6:12s of BBFC cuts for:
1994 Redemption VHS
The softcore version has been well hacked by the BBFC but the film is notable because they missed a bit. One of the sex scenes retains about 1s of unsnipped fellatio.
Fifteen Year Old Captain is a 1974 France / Spain action adventure by Jesús Franco Starring José Manuel Marcos, Edmund Purdom and Marc Cassot
There are no censorship issues with this film.
Summary Notes
Dick Sand travels aboard the "Pilgrim" when, following dramatic events, the ship becomes without a captain. Fate has it so that, to keep all sailors in peace, he shall
command the ship. All accept this arrangement, even Negoro - whose resentment will add treachery to circumstances already difficult to take the ship to safe harbour. To a point the task may prove impossible...
v The Girl From
Rio - 1969 West Germany / Spain / USA / UK action adventure by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco)
The Girl From Rio is a 1969 West Germany / Spain / USA / UK action adventure by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) Starring Shirley Eaton,Richard Wyler,George Sanders
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
Sumuru, the beautiful leader of the all-female kingdom of Femina, plans to use her women to take over
the world.
Versions
uncut
run:
93:50s
pal:
90:05s
UK: Passed 15 uncut for Contains strong
violence, threat and nudity:
Golden Jail is a 1976 France / Belgium crime film by jesús franco (as adolf m. frank), marius lesoeur Starring Roger Darton, Evelyne Scott and Alice Arno
There are no censorship issues with this release. Franco directed only a few striptease scenes just to pad out the film
Hot Nights of Linda is a 1975 France/Italy drama by Jesús Franco. With Alice Arno, Lina Romay and Pierre Taylou.
The baseline version is softcore but there is an extended hardcore version
with the main stars going a bit further. Franco remade the film as Sexy Sisters in 1977.
Summary Notes
A young woman is hired to care for an elderly man who lives on an island off the Greek coast. When
she arrives there the man warns her that his daughters are evil and dangerous. The woman discovers that one of the daughters is a crazed nymphomaniac who pursues, and seduces, everyone in the house, including her crippled sister.
Versions
Hard Banana Version
run:
81m
pal:
78m
US: The hardcore version/Hard Banana Version is uncut and MPAA Unrated rated for:
2013 Severin Films [hardcore + softcore] R0 Blu-ray/R0 DVD Combo at US Amazon
Note that the hardcore version is limited to the first 2500 copies.
Hardcore sex inserts were filmed by Jess Franco himself. It's definitely something of a curiosity
with extended masturbation and sex sequences featuring the stars, not stand-ins.
Softcore Version
run:
76m
pal:
73m
US: The softcore version is uncut and MPAA Unrated rated for:
2013 Severin Films [hardcore + softcore] R0 Blu-ray/R0 DVD Combo at US Amazon
The House Of Lost
Women is a 1983 Spain drama by Jesús Franco Starring Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans and Carmen Carrión
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
Desdemona lives on an isolated island with her strange family: her father Mario, her stepmother Dulcinea and her mentally challenged sister Paulova. As the only inhabitants on the
island loneliness and desolation engulf all members of her family. Desdemona tries to ward off her boredom by taking long walks along the beach or engaging in acts of self-gratification. She often tries to seduce her own father Mario to engage in acts of
a sexual nature. Their daily routine is interrupted by the arrival (by boat) of a robust male stranger who brings friction into Desdemona's family.
A WOMAN'S LIFE ON A REMOTE ISLAND WITH HER FATHER, STEPMOTHER AND MENTALLY-CHALLENGED SISTER SEETHES WITH VIOLENCE AND DEGENERACY.
In 1982 - a year in which he reportedly shot 13 films - writer/director Jess Franco created this blithely twisted drama that is equal parts Buńuelian black comedy and over-the-top very sexy soap
opera: Lina Romay - here in her blonde 'Candy Coster' guise - stars as a pensive young nymph whose life on a remote island with her father, stepmother and mentally-challenged sister seethes with violence and degeneracy. Antonio Mayans (NIGHT OF OPEN
SEX), Carmen Carrión (THE INCONFESSABLE ORGIES OF EMMANUELLE), Asunción Calero (BLACK BOOTS, LEATHER WHIP) and Antonio Rebollo (BAHÍA BLANCA) co-star in "the best of Franco's '80s Spanish soft-core period" (Bizarre Cinema), now scanned uncut
from the original negative for the first time ever in America.
SPECIAL FEATURES: /
In The Land Of Franco Part 6
Murderous Passions Author Stephen Thrower On HOUSE OF LOST WOMEN
Audio Essay with I'm In A Jess Franco State Of Mind Writer Robert Monell
BONUS CD -- Daniel J. White In The Land Of Franco Vol.
2
How to Seduce a Virgin is a 1974 France erotic drama by Jesús Franco. With Alice Arno, Robert Woods and Howard Vernon.
Banned by the BBFC for cinema in 1974 and not released since. Released
uncut in the US 2013. The film was remade as Erotic Symphony in 1979.
Promotional Material
The beautiful Countess Martine de Bressac is released from the expensive asylum where she was incarcerated
after castrating her former lover. She returns to her luxurious villa on the coast and goes at once down into her private underground dungeon. It's here that she indulges herself in the perverse sexual practices that give her life meaning, surrounded by
the bizarre human statues of her previous victims. Her husband, Charles, feeds his wife's sick fantasies, aware that she is his meal ticket to a life of luxury. He announces that he has a new game for her - they will befriend and seduce the young and
virginal daughter of a rich neighbor. But things do not go exactly as planned... Games of decadence and debauchery lead to mayhem and murder.
From cult director Jess Franco. His most outrageous film.
Ilsa the Wicked Warden is a 1977 US/Germany/Switzerland women in prison film by Jesus Franco. With Dyanne Thorne & Tania Busselier.
Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated DVD. In the US there is an Unrated Director's Cut and a cut R rated version.
Summary Review: Sleaze Maintained
Ilsa, now a
vicious warden, runs a mental-hospital for young women. A girl deliberately checks in to the hospital to find out what has happened to her sister who stayed there.
It's not like the plot is all that important; it serves
merely as the most tenuous of threads with which Franco can tie together his usual penchant for nudity, depraved violence, and ham fisted dialogue. One thing is for certain: Ilsa, the Wicked Warden easily maintains the sleaze factor established in
the first two films.
UK: The Director's Cut was passed 18 for very strong language, sex and violence after 2:31s of BBFC cuts for:
2004 Anchor Bay R2 DVD
The BBFC commented:
Cuts required to remove scenes of sadistic and sexualised violence
From IMDb:
Heavy edits to an extensive scene where male guards rape some of the prisoners in the clinic supposedly in the name of prisoner therapy.
Cuts to Ilsa whipping a chained naked woman
Cut scene of a naked woman being suffocated by Ilsa
with a plastic bag.
R Rated Version
extensive cuts
cut:
run:
84:17s
pal:
80:55s
US: Extensively cut and MPAA R Rated for:
2012 Cheezy Flicks R0 DVD
Fom sexgoremutants.co.uk. All scenes including frontal nudity have been roughly excised, even where essential dialogue has fallen victim too. Non-nude sexual violence has been retained though.
v Jack the Ripper
- 1976 Switzerland/West Germany/Spain crime horror thriller by Jesús Franco
Jack the Ripper is a 1976 Switzerland/West Germany/Spain crime horror thriller by Jesús Franco Starring Klaus Kinski, Josephine Chaplin and Herbert Fux
Uncut and 18 rated in the UK. The US Theatrical Version is cut and MPAA R rated, with the uncut version also available as MPAA Unrated. The film was cut in Finland.
Summary Notes
A Swiss-German horror film with Klaus Kinski as the notorious Jack the Ripper. A respected doctor by day, Kinski dismembers London prostitutes by night, until the local Inspector's girlfriend (Josephine Chaplin) goes undercover to
catch him.
Versions
uncut
run:
91:56s
pal:
88:15s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong sex, nudity and
violence:
2003 Anchor Bay Jess Franco Collection R2 DVD at UK Amazon
The Jaguar is a 1963 Spain western by Jesús Franco Starring José Suárez,Sylvia Sorrente,Todd Martin
There are no censorship issues with this film. The film was
distributed only in Spain and France.
Summary Notes
Saltierra storms the hacienda of ruling Colonel Mendoza and kills everyone inside except for Mendoza's son Jose, who escapes.
Several years later, Saltierra controls of the area, but he's constantly sabotaged by a band of revolutionaries led by a man known as "The Jaguar."
v Jailhouse Wardress
- 1979 France drama by Alain Deruelle (as Allan W Steeve) and Jesús Franco (uncredited).
Jailhouse Wardress is a 1979 France drama by Alain Deruelle (as Allan W Steeve) and Jesús Franco (uncredited). Starring Didier Aubriot and Eugénie Laborde and Michael Bates.
There are no censorship issues with this release.
Summary Notes
After the fall of the Third Reich, all Nazi SS officers ran away in Latin American countries. There they
created special laboratories to crate beautiful women for satisfaction of their guards' sexual desires. The main warden in this prison is a cruel woman. Their main plan is to revenge for defeat of Nazi's Germany.
Versions
uncut
run:
83:42s
pal:
80:21s
UK: Uncut and BBFC
18 rated for strong sex, nudity:
Kiss Me Killer is a 1977 France crime film by jesús franco (as roland marceignac)... Starring Alice Arno, Lina Romay and Olivier Mathot
There are no censorship issues with this film.
Summary Notes
A deadly look into the savage world of gangsters. The aftermath of a holdup turns into a game of deceit and doublecross. A vengeful woman brings about the destruction of the entire
gang of ruthless killers. The film was a remake of Franco's 1962 film Death Whistles the Blues
v Kiss Me Monster
- 1969 Spain / West Germany horror mystery adventure by Jesús Franco
Kiss Me Monster is a 1969 Spain / West Germany horror mystery adventure by Jesús Franco Starring Janine Reynaud,Rosanna Yanni,Adrian Hoven
Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated VHS in 1994. Uncut for 15 rated DVD in 2005. Uncut and MPAA R rated in the US.
Summary Notes
Blue Underground proudly presents
these psychedelic spy spoofs featuring the bold and beautiful detective duo The Red Lips! KISS ME, MONSTER finds the girls moonlighting on a striptease world tour - but no sooner do they hit the stage than the girls are up to their pasties in stiffs,
Satanists and Sapphic sadists, all after a secret formula for human clones! But if The Red Lips can get to it first, will they still be able to survive the dangers lurking around every corner?
Versions
run:
76:15s
pal:
73:12s
UK: Passed 15 uncut for moderate violence and nudity
with previous cuts waived:
Les chatouilleuses is a 1975 France comedy western by Jesús Franco (as Clifford Brown) Starring Lina Romay, Fred Williams and Olivier Mathot
There is a sexier edit called Le sexy goditrici
Summary Review
Silly but entertaining sex comedy from Jess Franco set in Central America. The story revolves around four prostitutes (including Lina Romay, Pamela Stanford) who are on the run from
a group of bandits and hide in a convent pretending to be nuns. The film runs a very short 63-minutes, which is just about right since we mainly get comedic sex scenes involving the four girls trying to sleep their way out of trouble. There are also
countless lesbian scenes and Franco certainly knows how to shoot these and make them very erotic.
v Les ebranlées
- 1972 France crime drama by Jesús Franco (as Clifford Brown)
Les emmerdeuses is a 1976 France action crime comedy by Jesús
Franco (as Clifford Brown) Starring Lina Romay, Pamela Stanford and Willy Braque
There are no censorship issues with this film.
Summary Notes
Pina and Tina, two cabaret artists with a passion for espionage and theft, discover that a carpet seller named Kashfi has some extraordinary diamonds stolen from the millionaire
Radeck.
v Les gloutonnes
- 1975 France fantasy adventure drama by Jesús Franco (as Clifford Brown)
Les gloutonnes is a 1975 France fantasy adventure drama by Jesús Franco (as Clifford Brown) Starring Wal Davis, Alice Arno and Robert Woods
Summary Notes
According to legend, a group of women escaped from Atlantis just before the destruction of the continent. They took refuge on a mysterious island, and founded a kingdom. Men who dared approach the island, were devoured by these
sexually voracious Atlanteans, and thus they were called "gobblers".
v Linda
- 1981 Spain / West Germany crime adventure by Jesús Franco (as Jack Griffin).
Linda is a 1981 Spain / West Germany crime adventure by Jesús Franco (as Jack Griffin). Starring Katja Bienert, Ursula Buchfellner and Raquel Evans.
BBFC cuts were required for an 18 rated cinema release in 1984. Uncut
and MPAA Unrated in the US. The will never be an uncut UK release as there would be issues with the now underage scenes with Katja Bienert.
Summary Notes
Betsy Norman is a happy assistant at a luxurious
Spanish hotel. Shiela, the hotel owner, caters for all wishes of her clientele with another lucrative business, the brothel "Rio Amore" where clients from all over the world come to relax with the girls and watch the sado-masochistic shows.
Linda, Betsy's sister, is drugged and forced to work as a prostitute there.
The short running time suggest that this is the version that has been shortened by removing the entire uncontentious opening sequence showing Linda being chased along a beach by a jeep.
compulsory cuts
cut:
3:57s
run:
80:27s
pal:
77:14s
UK: Passed 18 after 3:57s of BBFC compulsory cuts for:
1984 cinema release
From IMDb. The BBFC cuts were:
Cut to remove footage of whipping and rape from the brothel scene
cut to edit scenes of semi-naked bound women being threatened with a lighted cigarette and cactus leaves.
Lorna the Exorcist is a 1974 France horror by Jesús Franco (as Clifford Brown). Starring Pamela Stanford and Guy Delorme and Lina Romay.
There are several French language versions of various lengths, and
also an Italian hardcore version that includes additional (and not director approved) material by an Italian director.
Summary Notes
The businessman Patrick takes his wife
Marianne and daughter Linda on a vacation. Patrick's old friend Lorna shows up just in time for Linda's 18th birthday and takes demonic, sexual possession of the girl's body and soul.
Love Camp is a 1977 Switzerland adventure thriller by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco). Starring Muriel Montossé and Ada Tauler and Monica Swinn.
Banned by the BBFC for 1978 cinema release. A short version was released
on pre-cert VHS. Later cut by the BBFC for 18 rated DVD in 2004. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.
Summary Notes
A group of women are kidnapped by guerrillas and forced to serve
as prostitutes for them in a jungle brothel. The sadistic female warden decapitates uncooperative girls.
A cut was required to remove a scene of graphic sexual violence . It in fact showed a naked virgin being held down and her hymen being broken using a riding crop.
cut
cut:
run:
72:27s
pal:
69:33s
UK: A short version was released on pre-cert VHS:
1981 IFS VHS titled Love Camp
1979 IFS VHS titled Sex in a Woman's Love Camp
banned
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1978 cinema release titled Sex in a Woman's Love Camp
Love Letters of a Portuguese Nun is a 1977 West Germany / Switzerland horror adventure drama by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco). Starring Susan Hemingway, William Berger and Herbert Fux.
Banned by the BBFC from 1979 cinema release. Heavily cut on 2004 18 rated
DVD to remove sexualised torture and nudity of an under 18 year old actress.
Summary Notes
16-year-old Maria is forced into Serra D'Aires convent, secretly run by Satanists. Her confessor is in
collusion with the Mother Superior. Maria is tortured, forced into sex with men, women, and the horned Devil, and told that it's all a bad dream. She writes a letter to God, and a Knight rescues her, only to fall into the hands of the Inquisition, put on
the rack, and condemned to death like Joan of Arc.
Versions
uncut
run:
89m
pal:
85m
US: Uncut and MPAA Unrated
cut
cut:
6:15s
run:
82:58s
pal:
79:39s
UK: Passed 18 for strong violence and sex after 6:15s of BBFC cuts:
2004 Anchor Bay R2 DVD
The BBFC commented:
The cuts were Compulsory. Distributor was required to cut indecent images of a child under the terms of the Protection of Children Act 1978, and images of sexualised torture.
Resubmissions of old works highlighted the impact of the change in the definition of a child. Love Letters Of A Portuguese Nun featured sexualised nudity involving an actress who was under 18 at the time of filming. The BBFC judged
some of the images to be indecent and cuts were therefore made.
In summary:
All reference to Susan Hemingway's nakedness have been removed in their entirety, this includes the actual torture scenes.
Presumably the actress was over the age of consent though, so this falls under legal acts that are illegal to film.
banned
UK: Banned by the BBFC for:
1979 cinema release
v
Lucky, the Inscrutable - 1967 Spain / Italy / West Germany action adventure thriller by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco)
Lucky, the Inscrutable is a 1967 Spain / Italy / West Germany action adventure thriller by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) Starring Ray Danton,Barbara Bold,Dante Posani
There are no censorship issues with this film. The film was distributed only in Spain, France, Italy and Germany.
Summary Notes
An American secret agent is
sent to Europe to track down a ring of counterfeiters. His investigation takes him from Rome to Albania, where he gets involved with a sexy Albanian police commissioner.
The Lustful Amazon is a 1974 France adventure by Jesús Franco (as Clifford Brown) Starring Wal Davis, Alice Arno and Robert Woods
There are no censorship issues with this film.
Summary Notes
In medieval France, traveler Pygar tells he-man Karzan (Maciste in the French version) of his recent
journey to a place called Antigua, and of its entire community of Amazons.
Versions
uncut
UK: Passed
X (18) uncut:
1974 cinema release
v
Mädchen im Nachtverkehr - 1976 Switzerland adult film by Erwin C. Dietrich, (credit only), Jesús Franco, (uncredited)
Mädchen im Nachtverkehr is a 1976 Switzerland adult film by Erwin C. Dietrich, (credit only), Jesús Franco, (uncredited) Starring Kali Hansa, Pilar Coll and Esther Moser
Exists as a hardcore version and a softcore version
Summary Notes
Three girls in search of love, happiness and money share the same apartment and the same
bed. Money is particularly scarce, and so they are freelance in horizontal business. They like to tell about their strange sex experiences and do not leave out any details. They work in the same nightclub and look for partners there for their erotic
adventures. Their joint midnight strip show is the highlight of the shed. One day, Mayte suddenly disappears. Did she finally find her millionaire, or was she kidnapped by girl traffickers and shipped to an oriental brothel ...?
v The Mark of
Zorro - 1975 France / Spain action western romance by marius lesoeur (as james gartner), jesús franco (uncredited)...
The Mark of Zorro is a 1975 France / Spain action western romance by marius lesoeur (as james gartner), jesús franco (uncredited)... Starring Clint Douglas, Monica Swinn and Jean-Pierre Bouyxou
There are no censorship issues with this film.
Summary Notes
In nineteenth-century California, two children listen to the adventures of a grandfather who fought
against the Yankee invaders. At that time a mysterious man, dressed in masked black, appeared.
Marquis de Sade's Justine is a 1969 Italian horror by Jesus Franco. With Klaus Kinski, Romina Power and Maria Rohm.
A short version was cut by the BBFC for an X rated cinema release. It is uncut on home vide and is uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US
Summary Review : Pretty Tame
Justine tells the tale of two beautiful sisters, Juliette, an amoral nymphomaniac, and Justine, who seeks a life of chastity and virtue. Unfortunately for Justine, while her depraved sister finds nothing but success and happiness, she suffers constant despair and abuse, being raped, tortured, whipped, and accused of theft amongst umpteen other disasters during her turbulent young life.
This tale isn't bad, and fairly explicit, for the late 60's, but is still pretty tame, by today's standards. It has a weird appearance by Jack Palance, as a mad monk. Also, a limited appearance by the late Klaus Kinski.
Midnight Party is a 1976 Belgium / Spain / France crime comedy drama by jesús franco (as james gardner), julio pérez tabernero (as tawer nero) Starring Lina Romay, Olivier Mathot and Claude Boisson
Exists in several versions.
Summary Review
Sylvia, a stripper attends a night party where the theme is a mock spy adventure. Unfortunately, she soon finds
herself involved in a real espionage adventure when she is chased by Radeck, Agent 008. She hooks two playboys and ends up with an invitation to their midnight orgy. Her communist rock star bearded lover shows up in her dressing room and starts shouting
slogans. Her husband pays her a visit. And then she talks directly to the camera, explaining to the viewer she has to get dressed for the party.
The are several fairly explicit softcore scenses featuring the lovely Lina Romay.
Night Of The Assassins is a 1974 Spain crime horror mystery by Jesús Franco Starring Alberto Dalbés, Evelyne Scott and William Berger
There are no censorship issues with this film.
Summary Notes
Horror mystery about the residents of a Louisiana castle who are being murdered by a masked killer.
When the family arrives for the reading of Marion's will, his wife is strapped to the face of a cliff and drowned by the tide. More murders follow, and as Inspector Bore (Vicente Roca) investigates, he discovers some dark secrets in the family's past.
Versions
uncut
run:
81:48s
pal:
78:32s
UK: Passed 15 uncut for moderate violence, threat and nudity:
2006 Tartan [Night of the Assassins + Devil's Island Lovers] R2 DVD at UK Amazon
Night Of The Eagles is a 1989 France / Belgium war drama by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) Starring Christopher Lee, Ramon Estevez and Mark Hamill
There are no censorship issues with this release.
Promotional Material
From the studio that brought you ZOMBIE LAKE and PANTHER SQUAD and the director of FEMALE VAMPIRE and BARBED WIRE DOLLS, comes Jess Franco's NIGHT OF THE EAGLES, a stark WWII drama starring iconic genre actors
Christopher Lee (HORROR OF DRACULA, THE BLOODY JUDGE) and Mark Hamill (STAR WARS). Lee plays Strauss, a wealthy German businessman whose comely, loving daughter Lillian (Alexandra Ehrlich) is torn between two lovers, Peter (Hamill) and Karl (Ramon
Estevez, brother of Charlie Sheen). Unable to choose between her paramours, Lillian's life changes forever when her beaus are shipped off to fight on the frontlines and she is forced to take a job as dancehall singer in a sordid nightclub. With her
country and its people torn to pieces by the ravages of war and her once prosperous father relegated to poverty and despair, Lillian must make unthinkable choices in the name of survival.
A sober, sophisticated and far less exploitative latter-day
offering from Franco, NIGHT OF THE EAGLES (also released as FALL OF THE EAGLES and WAR SONG) is one of Eurocine's most ambitious pictures, made shortly after the studio's perverse 1988 Franco masterpiece FACELESS, and boasts handsome production design,
authentic costumes, bloody battles and a magnetic supporting performance by Lee as a man who helplessly watches as his dreams unravel.
Nightmares Come at Night is a 1970 Liechtenstein crime horror drama by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) Starring Diana Lorys,Paul Muller,Jack Taylor
There are no censorship issues with this release.
Summary Notes
In Zagreb, the striper Anna de Istria works in a sleazy cabaret. She is seduced by the blonde
Cynthia Robins that invites her to move to her house. Ana is disturbed by nightmares, where she kills a man with a spear, and Cynthia calls Dr. Paul Lucas to treat Ana. Meanwhile, a couple that lives in the house next door spies the movement in Cynthia's
house.
The film was remade in 1972 as The Sinister Eyes of Dr. Orloff
99 Women is a Liechtenstein/Spain/Italy/West Germany/UK prison film by Jesus Franco. With Maria Schell, Luciana Paluzzi and Mercedes McCambridge.
Banned in the UK by the BBFC and later cut. Uncut elsewhere as the Director's Cut. There is also a French Version with hardcore inserts.
Summary Notes: A bit disappointing
The newest batch
of detainees arrives at a remote women's prison. The fortress-like prison is ruled with an iron hand by Thelma Diaz (Mercedes McCambridge), a woman who has no qualms against death or torture. But when a new state official takes notice of the body count
coming out of the prison, Diaz must prove her ability and hide the truth. As the powers that be turn up the pressure it sets up a daring escape by several of the ladies.
"Women in prison" flicks can be a mixed bag. Many offer the usual
softcore action (usually of the lesbian variety) and / or nasty torture sequences that often exploit. But 99 Women doesn't really offer too much of either. 99 is actually more artistic than most of the "W.I.P." films that I've
seen and as a result it comes off as a bit bland. The photography is fine but with most of the action taking place indoors the camera-work is not flashy. The acting is pretty decent but the script is a bit "talky" in an unnecessary way.
The softcore action is not awfully titillating since many of the scenes are shot in an "artistic" fashion the X-rated version does offer some hardcore inserts but you can easily tell they were added much latter since
they don't match. "99 Women" has some style but not a lot of substance. A bit disappointing.
Versions
Director's Cut
run:
86m
pal:
83m
US: The Director's Cut is uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2016 Blue Underground Limited Edition [Director's Cut + Hardcore Version] (RA) Blu-ray/(R1) DVD Combo
at US Amazon
2016 Blue Underground [Director's Cut only] (RA) Blu-ray/(R1) DVD Combo
at US Amazon
2013 Blue Underground Bad Girls Behind Bars Collection R0 DVD
at US Amazon
The Other Side of the Mirror is a 1973 Spain / France / Portugal horror drama by Jesús Franco Starring Emma Cohen, Robert Woods and Françoise Brion
Exists as the original Spanish Version and a more erotic version that was released in France in 1975 under the title Le Miroir Obscene. There is also a hardcore Italian hardcore version with added porn scenes featuring Lina Romay and
her then husband Ramon Ardid.
Summary Notes
Annette and Mary are sisters who are very close after their mother's death. Anetta suffers a tragedy on the eve of her wedding: her
sister commits suicide out of jealousy. This becomes a nightmare for her when she begins to see her in all the mirrors making signs. The father, Howard, incites him to an unprecedented massacre. In this way, Ana will kill all men who feel sexually
attracted to her by fulfilling the wishes of the late father. An emotional crisis that is torn between death and pain expressed in the reflection of the windows.
Pick Up Girls is a 1981 Spain action comedy by Jesús Franco. Starring Miguel Ángel Aristu, Albino Graziani and Lorna Green.
Cut by the BBFC for an 18 rated 1983 cinema release and again for 1987
VHS.
Summary Notes
Private eye Al Crosby is paid by millionaire Harry Feldman to take his place at a meeting with Emilio, a gangster. He is drugged and photographed in
compromising positions by two hookers, Suzy and Bijou, then he is nearly killed by Mrs. Feldman. Al tries to blackmail Mrs. Feldman, and he is beaten up by three women and forced to tell of Harry's whereabouts, leading to Harry's murder. Al enlists the
help of Harry's mistress, Coco, plus Suzy and Bijou whom Al gets out of prison, to expose Mrs Feldman as having inherited money by devious ways and being a brothel owner. The woman then offers them cash and tickets to Mexico in return for their help in
setting up a forth man.
Versions
cut
cut:
2:44s
run:
88:55s
pal:
85:22s
UK: Passed 18 after 2:44s of BBFC cuts:
1987 Atlas VHS
The running time suggests that these video cuts are in addition to the cinema cuts. Or maybe this is a shortened version for another reason
The Portrait of Doriana Gray is a 1976 Switzerland adult horror drama by Jesús Franco Starring Lina Romay, Monica Swinn and Raymond Hardy
Exists as a softcore version and a hardcore version where several lesbian
and straight sex scenes where breasts, butt, pubic hair, labia, and penetration are shown
Summary Notes
Lady Doriana Grey, who haunts her isolated castle, and her twin sister who
has been driven insane after being institutionalised at a young age. In the mental facility, the sister is under the care of Dr. Orloff. The two share a psychic connection, and along with their similar looks, they apparently have another common bond. It
would seem that Doriana is unable to experience sexual satisfaction. Her enigmatic presence brings her many lovers; mostly female who are unable to resist her charms. In succumbing to their lust for Doriana, they pay the ultimate price. As she brings
them to orgasm, they perish as a result. This curse is apparently what keeps her young and enchanting. The lunatic sister on the other hand experiences everything, including the orgasms her other half is unable to achieve. She revels in the feelings her
sister's lovers project when they are in their final throes of life and passion.
v Red Lips
- 1960 Spain crime comedy thriller by Jesús Franco.
Residence for Spies is a 1966 Spain / West Germany action adventure thriller by Jesús Franco Starring Eddie Constantine,Diana Lorys,Anita Höfer
There are no censorship issues with this film. The film was
distributed only in Spain and France. An English language version was created but never shown.
Summary Notes
Ms. Pendleton is the commander-in-chief of a women's training camp for
western spies, recently established in Turkey. CIA agent Leyton receives a mission, to discover and destroy an ennemy group operating in the vicinities of that residence. He will manage, with the help, and sometimes extra zeal, of a number of the young
women recruits.
Rififi in the City is a 1963 Spain / France crime thriller by Jesús Franco Starring Fernando Fernán Gómez, Jean Servais and Laura Granados
There are no censorship issues with this film. The film was distributed only in Spain, France and Italy.
Summary Notes
In an unnamed Central American state on the eve of a
crucial election, a young police informer working for police officer Miguel Mora bent on uncovering the shady works of popular politician Maurice Leprince is killed. However, thugs working for Leprince began to be killed one by one as well...
Versions
uncut
US:
Uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2021 Severin [Death Whistles The Blues + Rififi in the City] (RA) Blu-ray at US Amazon #ad
2021 Severin [Death Whistles The Blues + Rififi in the City] R1 DVD at US Amazon #ad
Robinson and His Tempestuous Slaves is a 1972 West Germany / France / Israel comedy adventure by Jesús Franco (as Frank Hollmann) Starring Yehuda Barkan, Andrea Rau and Anne Libert
Cut by the BBFC for an X rated cinema release in 1973.
Summary Notes
Meet Poor old Mr Robinson who is so bored at home with his terrible and an annoying house wife
and her Mother. At work One day, he decides to retire from urban life and spend the rest of his time with three very nice girls on an island. But beware! there's awful cannibals.
Versions
cut
UK: Passed X (18) after BBFC cuts:
1973 cinema release
v Sadisterotica
- 1969 West Germany / Spain comedy mystery thriller by Jesús Franco
Sadisterotica is a 1969 West Germany / Spain comedy mystery thriller by Jesús Franco Starring Janine Reynaud,Rosanna Yanni,Chris Howland
The International Version was 18 rated by the BBFC for VHS but was rated 15 for 2005 DVD. There is a longer Spanish Version with extended dialogue scenes.
Summary Notes
"Red Lips" are two female detectives trying to find missing models and dancers. A pop artist called Klaus Thriller and his werewolf-like assistant, Morpho, are the main suspects.
Versions
uncut
run:
78:55s
pal:
75:46s
UK: The International Cut was passed 15 uncut for Contains moderate nudity and violence:
Sadomania is a 1981 Spanish/W German women in prison film by Jess Franco. With Ajita Wilson, Andrea Guzon and Ursula Buchfellner.
Sadomania was massively cut by the BBFC for cinema release but later
banned from VHS. By 2005 the ban was lifted but still cut by 17s. The longest version is the Spanish Version available uncut in the US. There is also a shorter Export Version
Summary Review: Ridiculous Plot
Sadomania is the infamous Women in Prison flick by the king of ultra low budget exploitation films, Jesus Franco.
The ridiculous plot has a newly wed young couple, who are kidnapped during their journey as they drive their
wedding car somewhere in Spain. They are taken to the nearby women prison, led by sadistic lesbian warden (the late Ajita Wilson) and some sleazy governor and his wife, and despite the fact that the prison girls/women work hard there, their real reason
to be there is to satisfy these leaders' bottomless sexual desires and perversions. Poor women are raped and abused, in the guaranteed Franco style, but it all ends happily for the protagonists and evil and horny sadists meet their fate, again Franco
style.
This film is okay if one happens to like these kind of "guilty pleasures" with huge amount of nudity and love making. The sleaze-o-meter is taken as high as possibly.
Sadomania is noteworthy piece of Franco cinema, and
shot with his usual zooms and beautiful images of nature, stained only by the presence of the film's ugly and evil protagonists.
Versions
uncut
run:
102m
pal:
98m
US: The Spanish Version is uncut and MPAA Unrated for:
2013 Blue Underground Bad Girls Behind Bars Collection R0 DVD at US Amazon
UK: The Spanish Version was passed 18 after 17s of BBFC cuts for:
2005 Anchor Bay R2 DVD
The BBFC commented:
Cut required to a scene of sexual and sexualised violence (in this case, a pin being inserted into a woman's nipple)
banned
run:
88:03s
pal:
84:32s
UK: The Export Version was banned by the BBFC for:
1994 Redemption VHS titled Sadomania
The BBFC commented:
A Women's prison video in which the female prisoners were coerced, degraded and brutalised. The treatment in Sadomania was often vicious in the extreme, with gladiatorial combat to the death
between naked prisoners, the torture of a prisoner by sticking needles into and around her nipples, the hunting down of a naked woman with guns and dogs, and the rape of a bound and screaming naked prisoner by an Alsation dog, viewed by the governor and
his wife as a sexy turn-on.
Twenty years ago Redemption Films released Succubus and I received a
written warning from the British Board of Film Classification, that Jess Franco was a director whose films the BBFC regarded as bordering on criminal. I was told that were I to attempt to release other films by him or to bring them into the country there
would be consequences... A year later I submitted Demoniacs and Sadomania and both were categorically banned with the implicit threat that by pushing the work of Jess Franco I was, indirectly, championing criminal sexual material and that if I continued
I too would face not civil, but criminal proceedings.
The BBFC said of SADOMANIA:
... it is grossly unsuitable for viewing in the home. Few, if any, of the sex scenes are consenting,... women
that persistently refuse to succumb to the sadistic prison regime are systematically tortured, humiliated or degraded, often for the purpose of arousing the impotent male governor and through him the male viewer of the video work. ... There is no doubt
in our minds that the erotic presentation of such scenes would be found depraving and corrupting by a British jury .
Redemption Films challenged the banning of these films, along with Bare Behind Bars legally, and
lost. We then sought and won leave to judicially review the BBFC's entire operation, a massive undertaking and one which would, had we pursued it, opened up all the machinations of the BBFC's internal workings to public scrutiny, however, we ran out of
money and had to wait until our battle over pornography several years later to finally oust the BBFC chairman James Ferman which in turn heralded in a period of more liberal censorship.
cut
cut:
17m
run:
60:04s
pal:
57:40s
UK: Passed X (18) after about 17:00s of BBFC cuts for:
UK: BBFC 18 rated for frequent strong sex for frequent strong sex after BBFC cuts:
2004 Anchor Bay Entertainment UK DVD (rated 13/09/2004)
The BBFC commented:
A cut was required to remove an unambiguous rape scene where the principal character is raped by a man who raped her as a child, referring to her enjoyment of the previous rape and her enjoyment
of the on-going rape.
cut:
run:
75:52s
pal:
72:50s
UK: BBFC X (18) rated for frequent strong sex for frequent strong sex after BBFC cuts:
She Killed in Ecstasy is a 1971 West Germany / Spain horror by Jesús Franco (as Frank Hollmann) Starring Soledad Miranda,Fred Williams,Paul Muller
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
A young doctor kills himself after a medical committee terminates his research into human embryos,
considering it too inhumane. His wife then seeks revenge on those who drove her husband to his death by luring each member of the committee into compromising situations and then killing them one by one.
Shining Sex is a 1977 Italy / France / Belgium / Switzerland adult Sci-Fi thriller by Jesús Franco (as Dan L Simon). Starring Lina Romay, Evelyne Scott and Monica Swinn.
Uncut and MPAA Unrated for US DVD and Blu-ray in 2020. Previously only
released as a shortened French version. Uncut and 18 rated in the UK for 2021 home vide with the BBFC noting that it contains strong real sex.
Promotional Material
One of the most provocative
films of writer/director Jess Franco's career has been virtually impossible to experience in its complete and uncut form until now. Lina Romay is at her most explicitly seductive as an exotic dancer whose body is inhabited by a being from another
dimension to explore desire, depravity and death, while Uncle Jess himself portrays a wheelchair-bound psychic obsessed with the paranormal. Shot on location in the seaside resort of La Grande Motte, Evelyne Scott (DEVIL'S KISS), Monica Swinn (BARBED
WIRE DOLLS) and Olivier Mathot (THE SADIST OF NOTRE DAME) co-star in this 1975 Eurociné production.
Versions
uncut
run:
105m
pal:
101m
UK: Passed 18 uncut for
strong real sex, nudity, sexualised violence:
Previously available only in a shortened French version or as a censor-fogged Japanese bootleg. Now scanned from the original negative for the first time ever anywhere.
The Silence of the Tomb is a 1976 Spain horror mystery by Jesús Franco Starring Alberto Dalbés, Glenda Allen and Mario Álex
There are no censorship issues with this film.
Summary Notes
An actress and her entourage spend a weekend on an island in the Atlantic. First her child is abducted, then a killer starts to eliminate the rest of the group one by one.
The Sinister Dr. Orloff is a 1984 Spain horror by Jesús Franco Starring Howard Vernon, Antonio Mayans and Rocío Freixas
There are no censorship issues with this release
Promotional
Material
THE SINISTER DR. ORLOFF features the original doctor, played by Howard Vernon, with Antonio Mayans as his son, Alfred. The film is set amongst the bright neon lights and gaudy tourist attractions of
Alicante, on Spain's Costa Blanca. Alfred Orloff cruises the bustling night-time streets, seeking out women, whom he takes back to his empty apartment. There he drugs them and has his blind brother, Andros, carry them off to a secret laboratory where
Orloff has created a bizarre mind transference machine, hoping to transplant the consciousness of the captive women into the body of his comatose mother. Orloff's father becomes aware that his son is starting to enjoy these murderous night games and
decides that he must stop the deadly experiments that are being conducted in his name. But when Inspector Tanner's wife becomes the next victim, events take a tragic and unexpected turn.
Sinner: The Secret Diary of a Nymphomaniac is a 1973 France drama by Jesús Franco (as Clifford Brown) Starring Montserrat Prous, Anne Libert and Francisco Acosta
There are no censorship issues with the standard version. There is also a French hardcore version.
Summary Notes
Linda Vargas picks up Ortiz in a bar where she
works in a lesbian show with Maria Toledano. She seduces him, phones the police and kills herself. Ortiz is held on suspicion of her murder.
Succubus is a 1968 West Germany / Spain / Portugal horror by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) Starring Janine Reynaud,Jack Taylor,Adrian Hoven
The original version was filmed in German. An English language version was
created and released in the US in 1971. This US Version was significantly edited and was X rated by the MPAA. The US Version was passed X uncut for 1973 cinema release and 18 uncut on home video. The film was once banned in Finland and was unreleased in
Spain after censorship troubles.
Summary Notes
Janine Reynaud stars as a nightclub stripper who free-floats through a spectral 60's landscape littered with dream-figures, dancing
midgets and bizarre S&M games.
Versions
US Version
run:
79:30s
pal:
76:19s
UK: The US Version was passed 18 uncut for Contains strong sex:
Swedish Nympho Slaves is a 1977 Switzerland crime drama by Jesús Franco Starring Lina Romay, Martine Stedil and Vítor Mendes
An unknown version was passed X for UK cinema release in 1980. It was later cut for 18 rated VHS in 1989. Uncut and MPAA Unrated in the US.
Summary Notes
When a
woman has been found by the police she tells of being kidnapped, drugged and tortured by Arminda, a brothel madame. For many years they have been trying to shut down her sex palace called The Pagoda, but can't get close enough as she has friends in high
places. But now the woman will help put Arminda away for years.
Tender and Perverse Emanuelle is a 1973 France mystery thriller by Jesús Franco (as J.P. Johnson) Starring Norma Kastel, Jack Taylor and Lina Romay
Cut by the BBFC for 18 rated VHS in 1994.
Summary Notes
A Whodunit from the great! The investigation into the suicide of a young woman found dead at the bottom
of a cliff uncovers many lovers of both sexes, including her Brother's sister and her psychiatrist, a weird tale of absolute power and love
Versions
cut
cut:
1:11s
run:
79:20s
pal:
76:10s
UK: Passed 18 after 1:11s of BBFC cuts for:
1994 Redemption VHS
Thanks to Peter. The BBFC cuts are:
At 67 mins - In sex scene, remove all sight of man's erection and woman masturbating him and of man's hand in woman's crotch.
Vampiresas 1930 is a 1962 Spain / France musical comedy by
Jesús Franco. Starring Mikaela, Antonio Ozores and Lina Morgan.
There are no censorship issues with this film. It was only distributed
in Spain, Portugal and France.
Summary Review: There are no vampires in this film
I quite enjoyed this early, non-horror outing from Franco until about half way through when it suddenly
lurched into a comedy-thriller narrative. Up to that point it had been a quite amusing romantic comedy based around the last days of silent cinema: the performances were engaging and the frequent musical numbers pretty.
v Vampiros Lesbos
- 1971 West Germany / Spain horror drama by Jesús Franco (as Franco Manera)
The Vengeance of Dr. Mabuse is a 1972 West Germany / Spain crime Sci-Fi horror by Jesús Franco (as Jess Frank) Starring Fred Williams,Jack Taylor,Ewa Strömberg
Never cut by film censors, but maybe this is because it has not been widely distributed.
Summary Notes
Dr. Mabuse and his accomplices steal all kinds of
attributes from a National Research Institute in order to complete his own evil mind-control ray.
v Venus In Furs - 1969 UK / Italy / West Germany thriller by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco)
Venus In Furs is a 1969 UK / Italy / West Germany thriller by Jesús Franco (as Jess Franco) Starring James Darren,Barbara McNair,Maria Rohm
Not to be confused with Massimo Dallamano's film from the same year with the same title. Passed 18 uncut for UK video release in 2007.
Summary Notes
In Istanbul, a
j musician pulls the body of a young woman from the surf. He remembers her from the night before, when he saw her at a party, and later watched as she was brutally attacked by the party's host and 2 of his friends. A woman walks into his apartment who
looks like, the murdered woman, who wants to take vengeance on those who killed her.
Versions
uncut
run:
86:04s
pal:
82:37s
UK: Passed 18 uncut for Contains strong sexualised nudity and one scene of sexualised violence:
A Virgin Among the Living Dead is a 1971 French/Italian film by Jess Franco. With Christina von Blanc, Britt Nichols and Rosa Palomar.
Exists as a Director's Cut and a Producer's Cut. The Director's Cut suffered BBFC cuts for 18 rated VHS and 2002 DVD but the 2017 DVD is uncut. The Director' Cut is MPAA Unrated in the US. There are also reports of a hardcore version
with additional footage featuring Alice Arno.
Summary Notes: Visually stunning
A girl arrives from London to visit her estranged relatives in a remote castle for the reading of her father's will. After
a while she discovers that they are all in fact dead and her decision to live with them turns into a nightmare. Unable to leave she's drawn into a macabre underworld through visions of nude satanic rituals and her own impending sacrifice.
The movie is very stylish as is typical with Franco's work, but also rather visually stunning, with the shots of the lush forest surrounding the chateau.
Versions
Director's Cut
run:
78:18s
pal:
75:10s
UK: The Director's Cut was passed 18 uncut
for strong sexualised violence for:
2017 Screenbound Pictures/Black House Films R2 DVD at UK Amazon
US: The Director's Cut is MPAA Unrated for:
2013 Redemption Re-mastered Edition [Directors + Producers Cuts] RA Blu-ray via UK Amazon
and at US Amazon titled Christina: Princess of Eroticism
2013 Redemption
Re-mastered Edition [Directors + Producers Cuts] R1 DVD at US Amazon titled Christina:
Princess of Eroticism
Producer's Cut
run:
91:47s
pal:
88:07s
UK: The Producers Cut was passed 18
without BBFC cuts for:
1985 Careyvision VHS
US: The Producer's Cut is MPAA Unrated for:
2013 Redemption Re-mastered Edition [Directors + Producers Cuts] RA Blu-ray at US Amazon titled
A Virgin Among the Living Dead
2013 Redemption Re-mastered Edition [Directors + Producers Cuts] R1 DVD
at US Amazon titled A Virgin Among the Living Dead
The Producer's Cut splices in zombie footage from Franco's Zombie Lake.
cut
cut:
1:19s
run:
78:41s
pal:
75:32s
UK: The Director's Cut was passed 18 after 1:19s of BBFC cuts for:
2002 Arrow R2 DVD
1994 Redemption VHS
The BBFC cuts were
The rape sequence preceding the satanic ritual has been partially deleted.
cut
US: The Zombie 4: A Virgin Among the Living Dead suffered cuts to the Satanic ritual and lost the Christina von Blanc's nude scenes
Maybe this is also the cut UK version
cut
Japan: The version has
found some extra sexy footage for a garden orgy. But then censors it by obscuring genitalia
v Virgin Report
- 1972 West Germany / Spain comedy horror drama by Jesús Franco (as Jess Frank)
Virgin Report is a 1972 West Germany / Spain comedy horror drama by Jesús Franco (as Jess Frank) Starring Hans Hass Jr., Eva Garden and Ingeborg Steinbach
Uncut
Promotional meterial
Take a tantalizing tour around the world through the bedrooms of history! Shot in exotic locales with a stunningly beautiful and sexy
international cast, Virgin Report is one of the finest and wildest of the successful "Sex Report" films made in Europe during the 1970s. Experience the expression of love from the age of gods and demons to our own modern era, with stops along
the way to peer at medieval convents, exotic wedding night rituals, adolescent experimentation, and much, much more! Featuring the luscious Britt Nichols (Tombs of the Blind Dead), Christina von Blanc (A Virgin among the Living Dead), Eva Garden
(Swinging Wives), and horror favorite Howard Vernon (The Awful Dr. Orlof), this delicious dish of delights rips away the chaste clothing of civilized society to expose the naked, unbridled truth of love and lust!
Voodoo Passion is a 1977 Switzerland crime adventure drama by Jesús Franco Starring Vicky Adams, Ada Tauler and Karine Gambier
There are no censorship issues with this release
Summary Notes
Susan comes to Haiti to be with her husband. His naked sister asks her, if she's ever made love to a woman.
Susan dreams vividly of nudity, Voodoo rituals and killing.
Versions
uncut
run:
86:03s
pal:
82:36s
UK: Uncut and BBFC 18 rated for strong sex and nudity:
2004 Anchor Bay Entertainment UK DVD (rated 29/06/2004)
Wicked Memoirs of Eugenie is a 1980 Spain drama by Jesús Franco Starring Katja Bienert, Mabel Escańo and Antonio Mayans
Not released in the UK, and presumably never will be as there would be issues with the
now underage scenes with Katja Bienert.
Summary Notes
Eugenie is the capricious daughter of a rich diplomat, living in a seaside resort in Spain. She exhibits her young and splendid
body in the beach and night-clubs. She feels an incredible adoration for her father who returns his daughter's passion. Franco impressively delivers themes of eroticism, violence, sadism and nihilism.
Women Behind Bars is a 1975 French/Belgian sexploitation film by Jess Franco With Lina Romay, Martine Stedil and Nathalie Chape.
Banned as a video nasty in 1984 but otherwise not released until uncut 18 rated DVD in 2017. Uncut and MPAA unrated n the US.
Summary Review: Naked Isn't a Problem
A small-time hood
attracts the attention of the law with an insurance scam and diamond theft, but things become even more interesting when his moll murders him and is slammed behind bars where she faces all manner of electric shock treatments to various parts of her
anatomy.
There's tons of nudity, a lesbian scene and a couple torture sequences but this is still fairly clear for a Franco WIP film.
Romay has never been accused of being a good actress but she fits her role
fine here and she's certainly cute so watching her naked isn't a problem.
X312 - Flight to Hell is a 1971 West Germany / Spain action crime thriller by Jesús Franco (as Jess Frank) Starring Thomas Hunter,Gila von Weitershausen,Hans Hass Jr.
Uncut and 18 rated for UK home video in 2004. There's a Spanish version that has deleted a nude lesbian scene featuring Annamaria Vidal.
Summary Notes
A plane
leaving the turmoil of a South American country in the midst of a revolution crash-lands in the Amazon jungle in Brazil. Among the passengers are a corrupt banker who is smuggling diamonds out of the country, a reporter, a mysterious beauty and a shady
flight attendant. The survivors find themselves up against not only the dangers of the jungle itself but a band of headhunters and a gang of revolutionaries who are looking for the smuggled diamonds.
