I've always had a love-hate relationship with director Fred Olen Ray, sometimes just screaming at him (inside of me, very quite and not especially aggressive) for just being too sloppy and careless and sometimes I just wanna buy him ten Whisky Sours and tell him I envy his life and who frakking awesome he is. The Unliving, formerly known as Tomb of the Werewolf, comes around in the middle of these two states of mind. First of all, I expected more than a few boobs - but instead what I got was a softcore movie! Cinemax would be proud!
Daninsky is one and for all killed and trapped with a silver cross and locked into a secure tomb in his old villa. In the present yet another shitty “documentary” show about the supernatural is in the works, and from Daninsky’s only living relative, Richard, they’re invited to search for the treasure that is said to be hidden there - and tell the story about the curse at the same time. What Richard doesn’t know is that Elisabeth Bathory, has made him his closest friend - and she wants to raise Daninsky from the dead and… hell, I don’t know what’s I’m writing about now.
The story isn’t the first priority in The Unliving (I wonder why they abandoned the far cooler title Tomb of the Werewolf?) and much of it goes on in the bedroom, where we’re treated to an array of softcore sex scenes, enough to make me blush! Thankfully Paul Naschy, once again playing his character Waldemar Daninsky - a polish werewolf who never seems to get any peace of mind! Naschy is also the best thing with The Unliving, even if he gets terribly little to do. It’s hardly his movie, even if he’s ruling the DVD cover and is billed first in the credits.
But you know, I dig watching Naschy. I can watch movies where he’s just have a minor supporting part, as long as he’s there. That sex appeal might have weakened with his age, but he was still close to his death a powerhouse of ego, seducer and kindness. A slightly bitter man who never, I think, realized what a superstar he really was. The only two competent actors involved are Jay Richardson (who only seem to star in Fred’s films, who is he? Is he a full time actor?? What do he dream of?) as Richard and Michelle Bauer as Bathory. They’ve done this a million times and makes it work.
I wonder what Naschy thought of the movie? Did he like it? Did he like it for real or only to be polite to those involved? I’m not saying it’s a bad movie, it delivers what it’s set out to deliver: boobs. But for us who really doesn’t care about boobs it’s Naschy that leads the dance. He’s old and somewhat frail, but makes the best of it even if the wigs are shoddy and the dialogue stiff.
Too much sex, not enough gore, too little Naschy is my judgement. BUT it’s important to understand it’s still a Waldemar Daninsky flick, which also make it a must own.
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