Friday, August 13, 2010

The Wolf-Monster!

It may seem odd that the 1971 American trailer for FRANKENSTEIN'S BLOODY TERROR (LA MARCA DEL HOMBRE LOBO) did not mention a wolfman or werewolf, but rather a "wolf-monster." Paul Naschy's werewolf was presented this way in the trailer because it was fitted to agree with the unique American introduction to the oddly-named film. (No Frankenstein shows up, after all). Distributor Sam Sherman had to invent a rationale for calling the Naschy werewolf film FRANKENSTEIN'S BLOODY TERROR, a title compelled upon him when he needed to contractually offer up a Frankenstein film to theaters. So an introduction "explained" the Frankenstein connection: "Now! The most frightening Frankenstein story of all, as the ancient werewolf curse brands the family of monster makers as Wolfstein! Wolfstein! The inhuman clan of blood-hungry wolf-monsters!"

So, a new monster name was invented--"The Wolf-Monster." For the trailer, other "new frightening fiends" were "The Vampire-Doctor" and "The Ghoul-Woman." Those names and the trailer have a certain Eerie Publication vibe.

I love the way the voice-over artist stretches out "Ghoul" in "Ghoul-Woman."

1 comment:

  1. Great blog, friends!!! I like you enjoy with our Spanish horrors. Seek, seek... the way is long with many, many greats and bads movies, but all incredibles!!! Thanks for the add!! (And sorry for my poor inglish)

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