Cast
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Christina von Blanc
as Christina Benton
Carmen Yazalde
as Carmencé
Rosa Palomar
as Aunt Abigail
Anne Libert
as The Queen of the Night
Howard Vernon
as Uncle Howard
Jesús Franco
as Basilio
Paul Müller
as Ernesto Pablo Reiner, Christina's father
Alice Arno
as Princess of Eroticism (added scene) (uncredited)
Wal Davis
as Garden orgy (added scene) (uncredited)
Antonio de Cabo
as Notary (uncredited)
Nicole Guettard
as Female Doctor (uncredited)
Linda Hastreiter
as Blind Girl (uncredited)
Rose Kiekens
as (uncredited)
France Nicolas
as Garden orgy (added scene) (uncredited)
Pierre Taylou
as Garden orgy (added scene) (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Jesús Franco
Writer
- Jesús Franco
Producer
- Marius Lesoeur
- Karl Heinz Mannchen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. A Virgin Among the Living Dead presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jesús Franco brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1973, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Virgin Among the Living Dead took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 79 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 100 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 55 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Virgin Among the Living Dead shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Zombie Lake, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Virgin Among the Living Dead subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dust Devil and Dark Tale explore similar territory, A Virgin Among the Living Dead stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 15, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 19m
