This is a difficult little number for me to write up. Most Naschyflicks are impossible to "spoil" since they're essentially a hodgepodge of easily recognizable horror cliches, but "Panic Beats" is a different animal. I had the good fortune to come to this movie as a blank slate and I'll do you that same favor, my darling internet friends. Suffice to say, it's a twisty little thriller that balances flesh-and-blood intrigue with the supernatural and works its way through to a satisfying ending. Also--bonus points for reviving my beloved uber-baddie Alaric de Marnac from "Horror Rises from the Tomb." Naschy brings his expected degree of bravado to the proceedings, and there's some priceless dialogue relating to how the at-the-time fifty-year-old is incredibly handsome and well-preserved. His co-starlet Paquita Ondiviela is extremely easy on the eyes and brings a vixenish menace to her role as reform school refugee Julie.If you're still not convinced, just check out the DVD box art from the Mondo Macabro release. What is there not to love? Enjoy ninety minutes of creepy, gothic-flavored escapism and queue up a copy of "Panic Beats." I doubt you'll be disappointed.
7 comments:
Ah, my dear Empress, it warms the cockles of my cold black heart so see another appreciation of Naschy greatness from the Tenebrous Empire! This is indeed an interesting follow-up to Horror Rises from the Tomb, taking a completely different tack to approach the Alaric de Marnac legend. It's clear that Naschy perhaps hoped to start another "tapestry franchise," as I characterize the Daninsky saga, where using the same character and several basic tropes he could tell different related but not interconnected stories. Too bad Alaric didn't take off quite a strongly as Waldemar, but at least we have these two great films!
Incidentally, you should really, really get hold of a copy of Rojo Sangre for heaps and heaps of elderly Naschy goodness. I reviewed it over at MMMMMovies, and had a great time with it. If you think they were making much of his confidence and attractiveness here, just wait till you get an eyeful of the Old Man in action!
I'll admit, I didn't fancy the de Marnac backstory nearly as much in this movie (no supervillainous love story *sigh*), but my disappointment was tempered by the overall nifty new take on the story. Good stuff! I continue to be delighted that you gave me a much-needed push towards Mr. Naschy's films.
From your "Rojo Sangre" review:
>>Definitely worth adding to your Netflix queue, if only to hear Paul give instructions on the best way to put a mouse into a condom.
D-:
Yes, the royal We shall be seeing this film posthaste.
Panic Beats is good, really good... and also agree with the Vic (welcome back!) Rojo Sangre is definitely worth a top slot in your queue.
It's a cryin' shame that Mondo Macabro hasn't released any Naschy films to DVD since this one. I'd love to see THE BEAST AND THE MAGIC SWORD finally get a release.
And yes, ROJO SANGRE is excellent.
This is actually one of his films that I haven't seen. Great write-up. I'll have to be sure to check it out. I've tried to see all of Naschy's work that I can.
I'm with the King of Cool on this one. I don't know how I missed this since I thought the late, lamented Horror/Sci Fi Emporium on West 3rd Street seemed to carry every Naschy film ever made on video (this was before DVD), and those that were missing from Joel's shop could probably be found at Kim's. The lack of a gallery on this one only increases my interest in seeing it. Looks like I'll have to hunt down a copy of Panic Beats, tuck the wife and kiddies into bed and break out a bottle of Armangac de Marnac.
Karswell and Headless--looks like I know what's going to the top of my Netflix queue. "Rojo Sangre" it is. Thank you, kind friends!
King and Fred--as if my recommendation wasn't enough to convince you, it looks like several of my Esteemed Colleagues think highly of this film :) So, either I've got good taste, or I'm in great company with my bad taste! Enjoy the film when you get to see it.
Fred--still totally glee-ing over Armangac de Marnac. That never gets old to me.
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