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Firstly everyone expecting gory bloodbath will be sorely disappointed,because this film is almost completely bloodless(however there's some mild violence like quick decapitation,but not too much).Secondly,if you like Euro-horror you'll certainly appreciate "The Hanging Woman".Why?Because it's well-made and there are some lovely atmospheric bits.The acting is surprisingly good and Paul Naschy as a necrophiliac servant Igor simply steals the show!The film reminds me early Hammer horror movies,mostly because it features some elements typical for English horror like tunnels,secret passages,tombs etc.There's also a little bit of sleaze(both ladies have a nude scenes),so fans of nudity will not be disappointed.Of course "The Hanging Woman" has its faults:it's overlong,quite boring and some scenes are rather stupid,but if you like Spanish horror give this one a look.

This film is an example of a zombie movie which has zombies that are created rather than transformed by a virus as generally depicted today. The usual differences between the two are that those created (by voodoo, black magic or science) generally follow instructions from their creator, don't eat flesh and don't infect others. Produced in 1973 in Europe it had a good Gothic feel to it. Likewise, although it was originally filmed in Spanish and dubbed in English the overall effect wasn't too bad either. However, one clear fault was that the lead actor, Stelvio Rosi (as "Serge Chekov") sported a haircut from the early 1970's even though the film was supposed to have taken place sometime in the 19th Century. Not only that but I thought his performance was slightly below that of the rest of the cast as well. On the other hand, some bright spots involved two gorgeous actresses, Maria Pia Conte ("Nadia Mihaly") and Dyanik Zurakowska ("Doris Droila") along with excellent makeup for the zombies. In short, other than the slight miscasting of the lead actor, this was a competent zombie film which fans of this genre might find interesting.

I saw this dubbed Spanish film as The Hanging Woman, on Gorgon Video. The box promised scenes of brutality, rape, and humiliation beyond Last House on the Left. Just to clear the record, this is not true. There is no rape, and the closest thing to humiliation is when an innocent virgin bares her breasts. There is violence and graphic gore, but it really doesn't kick in until the climax. And what a climax! Bloody zombies rampaging in the best Night of the Living Dead fashion, with the luridness increased in typical European style. The final shot is chilling and almost Bergman-esque. However, the rest of the movie is pretty uneventful. Despite a strong beginning and creepy atmosphere--with the dirtiness of the period perfectly captured by grainy, washed-out color photography--most of the film is like an overlong episode of Dark Shadows. Sexy Dyanik Zurakowska has some powerful nude scenes, and her sex scene with Stelvio Rosi helps spice things up...but not much else happens. Paul Naschy, the reason many people seek this out, has a small role as a red-herring necrophile. On the whole, I think The Hanging Woman is worth seeing--but you should know what you're getting into. If you want your Naschy fix, see one of his werewolf movies.

Trivia: La Orgia de los muertos originally hit the States in 1974 as The Hanging Woman. International Artists promoted the film with a Last House-inspired campaign: "For the squeamish, keep repeating: It can't be true, can't be true, can't be true, can't be true, can't be true." Stelvio Rosi was billed as Stanley Cooper.

I'm always suspicious of films with many titles. I invariably find myself musing as to why the film can be found under so many guises. Could it be that the film is absolutely awful, so its makers and distributors have re-named it and re-marketed it again and again in the hope of eventually finding an appreciative audience? This is such a film - a Euro horror zombie flick which has more alternative titles than cast members! The version I saw was entitled "Beyond The Living Dead", and most of the cast members were given nondescript pseudonyms on the credits. For instance, hero Stelvio Rosi was billed as Stanley Cooper, and principle female player Dyanik Zurakowska was billed as Vickie Nesbitt. It's not a particularly good film, but to whole-heartedly savage it would be a touch harsh as there are just a few interesting elements which drag it up above "awful" to somewhere in the "slightly-below-average" category.

Serge Checkhov (Stelvio Rosi) arrives in an East European town (Skopje in Macedonia is hinted at) for the reading of his uncle's will. He soon discovers that he is to inherit his uncle's mansion, much to the annoyance of his cruel and ambitious aunt Nadia (Maria Pia Conte). Something creepy seems to be going on in town at the same time - his cousin is found hanged from a tree in the cemetery; necrophiliac grave-digger Igor (Paul Naschy) starts to act more outlandishly than usual; Aunt Nadia seduces and copulates with young Serge; a doctor residing in the house starts to show off his experiments to reanimate dead animals; and uncle's corpse occasionally goes missing as if it's got up and begun walking of its own accord. Gradually, Serge investigates and uncovers a plot that Baron Frankenstein himself would've been mighty proud of.

Mainly the film is underwhelming. The solution to the mystery is revealed in a phony, heavy-handed scene which resembles the unmasking of the villain in a Scooby Doo cartoon. Sometimes the characters say and do such dumb things that you want to scream in despair. The performances are generally amateurish, and the film is thin on real terror. However, as I've indicated already, it escapes total damnation for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Naschy as the necrophiliac grave digger is hilarious and disturbing (at the same time) in all his scenes. Secondly, the location work is quite impressive. And thirdly, for some reason that I've never been able to figure out, the preposterous story is actually engrossing in a totally inexplicable way. Beyond The Living Dead - or whatever title you know it by - is undoubtedly a bad film, but at least it's ENTERTAININGLY bad.

There's plenty of skullduggery in store for Serge Chekov when he travels to a gloomy estate to collect an inheritance bequeathed him by his late uncle. Not only does he have to contend with witchcraft, sexual seduction, and a séance upon his arrival, the guy also stumbles upon gratuitous necrophilia and just when you think the plot can't get any sillier, he's shown a laboratory where the dead are secretly reanimated...

Resembling an Italian horror film from the '60s (like the ones with Barbara Steele, only in color), TERROR OF THE LIVING DEAD is all about atmosphere even though there's an actual mystery (later explained through flashbacks) going on right under the nose of a none-too-bright police inspector puffing a Sherlock Holmes pipe. Like Amando de Ossorio's trilogy, the dead are blind here, too, and there's also bare breasts and a woman's heart removed but I don't know what (if anything) can be inferred about audience tastes at the time. Filmmaking in Franco-era Spain obviously didn't shrink from explicit gore (there's an autopsy and a nice beheading here) but they were rather squeamish about nudity, it seems. There's a spinning montage as our hero gets drugged and seduced by the femme fatale and they're in bed together but he's got his pants on while she's completely nude. That's not the only thing weird; the film is set in nineteenth-century Scotland but I'm not sure the filmmakers knew where that was since the characters all have names like Chekov and Nadia and the fine-looking locations resemble Eastern Europe. Genre icon Paul Naschy plays a gravedigger who likes his ladies ice cold and he looked a lot like John Belushi in some scenes. A WTF? film, for sure.

Set in 19th-century in Scotland, when a count dies, his nephew named Chekov : Stelvio Rossi comes to the mansion located at a village in a mountain location. But then the daughter of the recently deceased count appears hanged. At his house a group of people reunite to know the inheritance to be supervised by a notary. There join the following ones : the disgraced widow : Maria Pia Conte , a Doctor : Gerard Tichy who worked with the dead man, his beautiful daughter : Dyanik Zurawoska and assisting them a suspicious butler : Charles Quiney . Along the way here also shows up a Police Inspector : Paquale Basile to investigate the strange death of the hanged woman . Scariest than you worst nightmare! . We dare you take one step beyond the grave!

A horrific and terrfying Zombie movie that at the time had a certain success and being nowadays well considered. Spanish Gothic with chills, horrifying set pieces, thrills, ghastly scenes, beheading and nudism in charge of two Eurotrash beauties : Maria Pia Conte, Dyanik Zurawoska . This is a mixed bag in which there are all kinds of elements and characters of terror genre as living dead, voodoo, psych people, creepy undertakers , sinister caves and anything else. The film is full of familar faces of the B-Spanish/Italian genres from Spaghetti, Sex comedy, Macarroni Combat, Horror to Giallo such as : Stelvio Rosi, Gerard Tichy, Charles Quiney , Maria Pia Conte, Dyanik Zurawoska. Special mention for the great Paul Naschy or Jacinto Molina who in a brief role gives one of his best interpretations as a really deranged gravedigger.

It contains a thrilling and suspenseful musical score that fits perfectly to the frightening scenes. As well as an atmospheric and dark cinematography with strong shades by Rizzolo. Being shot on location in the Pyrenees mountains, Huesca. The picture was professionally directed by Jose Luis Merino who recently passed away. This Spanish craftsman had a long career making all kinds of genres : adventures, comedy, Musical, action, Paella Western and Horror. Outstanding his films about Robin Hood, El Zorro, Tiger of Kyber and his Terror movies as Ivanna and La Orgia de los muertos 1973. Rating 6/10. Acceptable and passable but not for squeamish.

Watching this one I came beware that it was made a bit the style of the Hammer movies but this one has his slow start. There is a lot of chatting and for almost an hour nothing happens. But the end makes it a better movie. The zombies look convincing although how they became zombies is rather stupid. My copy on VHS was very dark so sometimes you see almost nothing especially the night and dungeon scenes. It isn't bloody at all, just one heart in a hand that's all. Never released on DVD this one, a shame, well it's watchable and if your in Paul Naschy you should search for this one. For the other actors, they convinced me, Get it while you can...

I recently watched the Spanish film 🇪🇸 The Hanging Woman, aka Beyond the Living Dead (1973) on Tubi. The storyline follows a man who arrives at an estate to claim his inheritance after his long-lost relative was found dead hanging in a tree. He encounters cults, curses, and zombies while attempting to gain his riches. The question arises: Can the inheritance be worth the mayhem he'll have to overcome?

Directed by José Luis Merino (Crime Story), the film stars Stelvio Rosi (Anaconda), Maria Pia Conte (The Arena), Dyanik Zurakowska (The Destructors), Gérard Tichy (Doctor Zhivago), and Carla Mancini (The Bird with the Crystal Plumage).

This is a somewhat uneven addition to the zombie genre that takes a while to build momentum, but the payoff at the end makes it worthwhile. The main character's resemblance to Chuck Norris adds a layer of unintentional humor to the action scenes. An infamous skeleton shooting scene had me laughing off my chair. The film's settings, backdrops, and props create a perfect atmosphere. While kills are scarce initially, the well-crafted corpses and eerie atmosphere compensate. The zombies feature solid makeup and an authentic feel. The storyline, though somewhat cliche, remains enjoyable, and the action-packed, worthwhile ending makes the journey fulfilling.

In conclusion, The Hanging Woman is a somewhat uneven addition to the zombie genre, but its worthwhile elements make it a must-see. I'd score it a 6/10 and strongly recommend it.

"La Orgía de los Muertos" aka. "The Hanging Woman" of 1973 is an underrated and greatly atmospheric Spanish/Italian co-production that should be appreciated by my fellow fans of Gothic Horror. Originally, my main reason to watch "The Hanging Woman" was Spanish Horror/Exploitation icon Paul Naschy, who plays a another really, REALLY demented role here, and the film turned out to be one of the best I've ever seen him in. I've been a great Naschy fan for years, and while most of his films are not necessarily 'good' movies, they are all highly entertaining. Many of the films this prolific Spanish Horror virtuoso (Actor/Writer/Director) was involved in in the 70s successfully merged the Gothic- and the Zombie-sub-genre (most prominently in Carlos Aured's "Horror Rises From The Tomb"). And this moody and delightfully creepy film does so in a great manner (the Gothic part is predominant). Spanish director José Luis Merino, who is also known in the Eurohorror fan community for directing "Altar of Blood" obviously didn't dispose of a huge budget for this film, but he nevertheless managed to create a wonderful Gothic atmosphere and give the film an elegantly eerie look.

Set in a remote 19th century Scottish village, "The Hanging Woman" begins eerily with a funeral. Shortly thereafter, Serge Chekov (Stelvio Rossi), the nephew of the deceased, comes to the village in order to accept his inheritance. Before even reaching his uncle's house, however, he finds the man's daughter, his cousin, hanged in the graveyard... The film was obviously inspired by other European Gothic Horror films, most distinctively by Mario Bava's masterpiece "Operazione Paura" ("Kill Baby Kill", 1966). "The Hanging Woman" is, of course, nowhere near en par with "Kill Baby Kill" (in my humble opinion one of the greatest Gothic Horror film ever made; by Mario Bava, who is arguably THE greatest Horror director of all-time). However, it is an amazingly atmospheric, creepy and intelligent piece of low-budget European Gothic Horror that no true genre lover should miss. The village is elegantly uncanny, with graveyards, tombs, eerie old houses, and tombstones like one would see them in films by Bava or the Hammer Studios. The storyline is clever and quite original and combines great elements such as Black Magic, Mad Science and Resurrection. There are several great gory moments, as well as some sleaze. Paul Naschy, who plays a truly deranged undertaker, is great as always, and I've never seen a role that suits him better than this one. Naschy is, of course, the highlight here, but the cast members all fit well in their roles and deliver good performances. Stelvio Rossi is good in the lead and so is Gérard Tichy ("Hatchet for the Honeymoon"). I liked sexy Maria Pia Conte, who plays the seductive widow, especially. For early 70s Spanish Horror, the film isn't particularly sleazy, but it features a bunch of deranged perversions and both Miss Conte and Dyanik Zurakowska, who plays the part of the innocent Doris, show off some goods. The film mainly profits from a great Gothic atmosphere, genuine creepiness, some really deranged weirdness and, not least, Paul Naschy. Naschy only has a supporting role here, but he is nonetheless the most memorable character in this film which ranks among the best he has ever been in. Highly recommended to Eurohorror fans.

One of the movies in which Paul Naschy doesn't play werewolf Waldemar Daninsky casts him in a supporting role, as a guy with a weird fetish. The movie focuses on a man who arrives at an estate where a professor is carrying out bizarre experiments. Among the other things that I noticed in "La orgia de los muertos" ("The Hanging Woman" in English):

*Although I couldn't tell that any of the character identified where the movie is set, I noticed a sign that said Skopje, which is the capital of Macedonia. Immediately after that, there was a man who had a rural American accent (although it was obviously dubbed). Whodathunk that Macedonia - if that's the setting - had that?!

*The main character is named Chekhov, and at one point, it sounded as though someone tried to say his name and made it sound like a sexual act.

Anyway, it's an OK movie. Not great, but entertaining.

Paul Naschy died last year. I wonder what the result would have been had he collaborated with Pedro Almodovar.

"The Hanging Woman" is a rather curious early 70's Euro-exploitation effort, but there are nevertheless many aspects that will appeal to horror fanatics. The plot seems incomprehensible and aimless for quite a long time, but the ambiance is irresistibly macabre and there are plentiful of genuinely unsettling and grisly images. Then all of a sudden, although admittedly quite a bit too late, the story begins to makes sense and even boosts a couple of original twists and "The Hanging Woman" unexpectedly becomes a modest exploitation sleeper hit. Clearly inspired by Italian Gothic horror and Hammer movies from the sixties, the film mostly benefices from its ultra-creepy set pieces and scenery, like abandoned cemeteries, sinister vaults and secret passageways in old Victorian houses. These traditional Euro-horror trademarks in combination with a couple of provocatively depraved undertones, like necrophilia and autopsies on beautiful women, make "The Hanging Woman" a peculiarly fascinating little gem. Serge Chekov, a slightly pompous young man with a weird haircut, arrives in a remote Scottish highland town to listen to the testament reading of his deceased uncle. He walks passed the cemetery and literally stumbles upon the body of a lifeless woman hanging from a tree. It's quite funny how only at this point the title appears on screen even though the film's already running for a good twelve minutes. The woman turns out to be murdered, which isn't too surprising as there are numerous of morbid occurrences and deranged inhabitants in this little town. Chekov meets with a black magic practicing aunt, an amateur scientist reviving dead frogs, blackmailing servants and a necrophiliac grave digger. Even more disturbing is the fact that the dead in this town regularly emerge from their tombs to scare the hell out of the living. "The Hanging Woman" has a fantastic atmosphere and multiple of terrific "weirdo" moments, like a surreal sex sequence and Paul Naschy fondling female cadavers in a severe state of decomposition. There also are some flashes of nail-biting suspense, most notably the séance and the exhumation of the deceased uncle. The finale is excellent and good old-fashioned horrific, with petrifying zombies and bloodshed. The make-up effects on the zombies are effectively nasty and vile, like they did it best in contemporary European horror flicks. Weirdness, sleaze, filth and a perverted Paul Naschy … What more could you wish for?

This is likable enough without being particularly striking in any way. There are silly slips, that render the film more laughable than it should be but overall it is perfectly watchable because it keeps going at a decent pace. Because something is always happening and our interest is retained the odd slip up is forgiven. Also the zombies are surprisingly effective, there is a little gore and a decent spread of nudity throughout. Paul Naschy does his usual thing as well as ever, just short of going right over the top and the denouement is just about acceptable if a little far fetched. Some very good moments and never a dull one, would be a fair assessment, I reckon.

Entertaining little Spanish supernatural thriller that features Paul Nashcy in a pivotal supporting role. Serge Chekov (Stelvio Rosi) rushes to the country after his Uncle's untimely death. Immediately upon arrival, Serge stumbles upon the hanging body of his cousin by the graveyard. This makes the local police doubly suspicious of his appearance because, with his cousin's death, Serge is now the sole beneficiary of his Uncle's estate. This mystery in this one won't blow your mind open, but the film has enough mood to compensate. Director José Luis Merino gets a lot of use out of the atmospheric village he shoots in and some cool underground tunnels. There is also some great make-up for the dead in this film. On the DVD, Naschy is interviewed and states how he did an uncredited rewrite on the film, making his grave digger character more interesting. Anyone spoiled by the BCI Naschy discs will be disappointed in Troma's fullscreen transfer with only an English dub track option. On the plus side, this is apparently the longest cut of the film available.

Paul Naschy (born Jacinto Molina Alvarez) was a fixture in Spanish Horror-as far as actor's go, he was that countries Karloff. So when he died in late 2009, he left behind a vast array of work that has maintained a cult following-"Night of the Werewolf", "Blue Eyes of a Broken Doll", "Count Dracula's Great Love"-to name a few. While I mentioned his passing in my review of "Premutos", looking back, I should have written a review of one of his movies instead of that movie. So without further ado, here's a look at the Italian-Spanish production "The Hanging Woman", in which he played a hunchback.

Serge Chekov (Stelvio Riso) is a swinging 70's kinda guy whose come to Scotland to gain an inheritance. In between sexing up the ladies, he runs into the hanging corpse of a lady. Soon, events revolving around a satanic coven, mad science, murder, zombies roaming the graveyard, and Igor (Naschy), who also happens to be a necrophiliac.

Though Naschy only has a supporting role, "The Hanging Woman" is still quite a treat of 70's style Gothic Horror. In fact, much of the film is quite reminiscent of the 70's era Hammer output, with its emphasis on fog drenched atmosphere, Gothic locales and low key exploitation elements such as nudity and some minor gore. The movie itself is quite capably directed by capably directed by José Luis Merino, who offers a nice mix of eerie moments with ones that range from tasteless (Chekov's treatment of women, Igor's um...kinks) with ones that just outright daffy (the reason the dead are walking could have come from one of those old 1940's quickies.) That's part of what makes the whole thing so much fun-sure, it feels a bit familiar at times, but the familiarity helps the movie instead of hindering it. Also worthy of mention is the undertone of black humor that permeates the proceedings. While the movie would never be mistaken for a comedy, scenes involving characters such as a horny witch are clearly done with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

Which brings me back to Naschy. While I mentioned he doesn't have a huge role, fans of his should still love this. Here, he manages to bring all kids of baggage with Igor-insecurity at one moment, to moments that bring forth revulsion the next-with ease. It's easy to see why folks such as myself hold him to such esteem, as he was able to take such characters and make them his own. Such a role and performance is a testament to his talents as an actor.

If there are any problems, it would be that apart from the more eccentric characters (particularly Igor), nobody here is all that interesting. Chekov is just your typical chauvinistic jerk who doesn't have many redeeming qualities, whilst Doris (Dianik Zurakowska) is yet another damsel in distress character. A bit more thought into some of the characters would have helped.

That out of the way, fans of Paul Naschy and European Horror fare will certainly find a lot to enjoy here. If that's your cup of tea, then check it out.

Paul Naschy is your typical disgusting pervert per usual - in this feature, he's downright intellectually disabled and in one scene he actually has drool in his beard it's super gross - and this time he's a necrophiliac who can be called to the bedside of a living witch if she wraps herself in a funeral sheet and burns incense. Of course the point isn't her own thrill (good lord let's hope not) but manipulating the slow, deranged Igor to do her evil bidding.

Enter a leering blond man. He leers more than any leading man should in a 19th century period horror-drama. I think it was the 1970s mustache that bothered me most of all. Every time a woman entered the room I expected disco porn music to play. Speaking of women, there are three main women who are supposed to be significantly diverse in age (a young virgin, a wicked step-mother, and a murdered/suicidal step-daughter) but they all look exactly the same age which makes me wonder if I got a badly dubbed copy.

The Hanging Woman (or literally, The Orgy of the Dead) looks a lot like a Hammer or Amicus film from the same period, except I'd argue that it's even better looking - the film quality is on par with an Italian giallo, however the story is definitely not.

Passable atmospheric late night entertainment but nothing special.

An Italian and Spanish production of cult Bernard Woolner (you must remember him in `Swamp Women' of Roger Corman) which is directed by Jose Luis Merino (`Altar Of Blood') , who also written the script with Enrico Colombo (`Altar Of Blood') . As you can understand from the title , the film has a lot to do with zombies , who directly are similar to zombies of Amando De Ossorio (Tombs Of The Blind Dead) . You shouldn't think of a gothic atmosphere , because our living dead are very slow , which is a negative point . Although this movie is not considered as a great movie , it stills remains cult , because of her almost – all star cast , which can be taken as a remain of 60's . In this b-movie you can meet Auro De Alba & Dyanik Zurakowska (`Frankenstein's Bloody Terror') , Maria Pia Conte (`The Death Dealer') , Girard Tichy (Mario Bava's `Hatchet For A Honeymoon') , Stelvio Rosi (`Shadows In The Dark') , Carlos Quiney (`Altar Of Blood') , the most classic of all in this cast is Paul Naschy (who has a role – model for many later generations) , as Igor! If this column was marking each movie for its cult worth , then `Beyond The Living Dead' would be marked at least with 9/10 , but this column is marking the whole movie … so , what we got here is … 7/10

This is way above-average for a Paul Naschy film – the best I have watched so far, in fact – though his own part is secondary, even brief (albeit undeniably interesting). For the record, the English title has little bearing on the main narrative; the original actually translates to ORGY OF THE DEAD (nothing to do with the 1965 Ed Wood-scripted film). Incidentally, the Spanish dialogue makes all the difference in this case and though the print, culled from a TV broadcast, was far from optimal – especially glaring were the day-for-night scenes – the striking color scheme was effectively rendered nonetheless. As often happens with Euro-Cult fare, there are several alternate versions of this one out there, often sporting ludicrous monikers…none more so than the howlingly {sic} inane BRACULA: THE TERROR OF THE LIVING DEATH!!

The premise (for once, not supplied by Naschy himself) is hardly novel, what with the zombie outbreak at its center; however, given the period setting, the fact that the monsters are (refreshingly) of the slave rather than flesh-eating variety, and numerous subplots that include a family inheritance, a mad doctor, the practice of black magic and necrophilia, the result is most enjoyable and reasonably accomplished of its type. The (modern-looking) hero is something of a stud who becomes romantically involved with the nymphomaniac/occultist head of the household (to which he has been invited as a beneficiary of her late husband's will) and her virtuous maid (whose father, played by THE BLANCHEVILLE MONSTER [1963]'s Gerard Tichy, is a live-in scientist and the deceased's ex-partner); of course, the two women (both lovely) cannot stand one another.

The film actually starts with the old man's funeral which, however, is immediately followed by the murder of his daughter and heir (the titular victim)! After some typical scared villagers antics, the leading man (one Stan Cooper!) falls foul first of the majordomo and, then, gravedigger Naschy (who is himself seduced by the medium). Soon to appear on the scene are the flustered Mayor and a no-nonsense Police Inspector (investigating the mysterious death, his prime suspects are weirdo Naschy and newcomer Cooper). Both Naschy and the lusty wife end up dead along the way, she during a séance while he is eventually revived as one of the living dead!; though the identity of the real villain is ingeniously revealed, I arrived at that conclusion long before – and there is even a nice twist ending.

The Hanging Woman takes obvious influence from both the classic Hammer Horror films and Mario Bava's Gothic masterpiece Kill, Baby...Kill. The result is a slightly plodding, though undoubtedly interesting and very atmospheric little horror film. Like many European films from the seventies; this one has a whole slew of titles, which range from those that don't make sense - 'Dracula the Terror of the Living Dead', to cash-ins; 'Zombie 3: Return of the Living Dead', and innuendo; 'The Orgy of the Dead'...but The Hanging Woman is the best on the merit that it actually fits the story. The plot focuses on a man that travels to an old Scottish village in order to claim his inheritance; an old house, currently inhabited by his uncle's science partner. Upon his arrival; a woman is found hanged in a graveyard; though the circumstances are suspicious as she was already dead before the hanging. Things turn a little more awry when the nature of the experiments going on at the house are revealed, and the village may be harbouring a dark secret.

The plot features a number of different elements, which includes black magic, zombies and grave digging. It has to be said that it can be a little messy at times; though nowhere near as much as many films of this ilk and the plot really flows rather well and the various different elements are well used. Undoubtedly the best thing about the film is the atmosphere and director José Luis Merino succeeds admirably in this respect as the atmosphere is thick and foreboding and this helps to further the plot. The film is essentially a mystery with horror elements, and the director keeps our interest with lots of good ideas and some interesting characters. Paul Naschy is the only cast member likely to be recognised by anyone watching the film; but the unknown cast all do well with their roles; particularly Stelvio Rosi and Dyanik Zurakowska. There's not a great deal of blood in the film; but patience is rewarded towards the end with an excellent decapitation sequence. The film is not very well known and I can't say I'm surprised about that; but it's certainly well worth a look and fans of this stuff shouldn't be too disappointed with it.

I would imagine that many, as I, watched this film because of Paul Naschy. He has a supporting part as a gravedigger. For Naschy completists, it is essential. For others, it probably would deserve a pass as it it unremarkable.

It opens with a Gothic sound and tone, and the washed out color contributes to the feel. Just what is happening is not very clear.

There is plenty of nudity, but there is also some gory nudity, especially where Igor (Naschy) is concerned.

The ending features zombies, and a walking Naschy with a knife in his chest, and a mad doctor.

Naschy was great, as was Stelvio Rosi and Dyanik Zurakowska.

This one combines the old Gothic Horror with a bit of giallo, throws in necrophilia, black magic and weird science and tops it off with zombies. That's called knocking it right out the park, right there. We start off with a mysterious lady rooting around a cemetary, trying to find a certain tomb which contains an old man. Once she finds him, she pulls out a document from his corpse and is immediately set upon by a strange, unseen figure. Wha'gawan?

Shortly afterwards, our hero Serge turns up. He's a big jerk and it's his uncle that's just been buried. Serge can't understand why the locals won't get him a taxi up to the creepy village just because it happens to be on the 'cemetary road'. Serge gives it the old 'pish posh' routine and gets his gun out, stiffens his upper lip and promptly shits himself when he stumbles upon the hanging corpse of a young woman with a look of terror on his face.

Turns out that this woman was his cousin and now that she's dead he's the sole inheritor of the entire estate, which includes of course a huge creepy mansion full of secret passageways. This doesn't make him look too good in the eyes of the police however, who quickly establish that the girl was probably murdered, but then they also suspect that insane graveskeeper that everyone hates (Paul Naschy, doing a lovely loopy turn as Igor). They discover that Naschy is some sort of necrophile who loves taking pictures of dead women, but that's not tasteless enough for this film so hold your horses, because we haven't met the residents of the creepy mansion yet.

There's seemingly innocent maid Doris and her father Prof. Leon and his experiments with electricity. Then there Nadia, highly suspicious stepmother who dresses up as a corpse and tries to get Naschy to get it on with her, leading him to run off and apologise to his corpse collection. That's better. Nadia is an opportunist so it doesn't take long for her to run up Serge's trouser leg like a ferret in order to prevent him selling the mansion. Oh, and she also practices black magic into the bargain.

Long story short - someone's up to something regarding the house and is willing to kill for that undisclosed reason. If it were a straightforward gothic horror it would still work fine, what with the secret passageways and vanishing corpses, and as a giallo it would still work fine, but to throw some zombie action in the last half an hour, that's putting in overtime.

Yes, zombies rise up and we find out all that's going down. Paul Naschy may not be the star here but he still stands out as the (literally) drooling madman who is the key to everything that's happening. This one has been sitting on Youtube for years so it's easily obtainable, and recommended by me, if that means anything at all. Wait - this is meant to be set in Scotland? in toil we krimber