The Awful Dr Orlof - Jess Franco

Seen for the first time in November 2012.

“The Awful Dr. Orlof” is early Jess Franco, when he was making are by today’s standards respectable b movies, and before he became one of the pioneers of euro-sleaze or developed a reputation as an effort-free hack in some circles and an surrealist, experimental film-maker in others. This is a traditional, old-school, b-movie horror, competently done. It’s kind of boring by today’s standards, assuming one doesn’t have an enthusiasm for 50’s black and white horror. Franco’s later, “The Diabolical Dr. Z” is better, and is evidence for the idea that Franco is a talented director. This is merely evidence that Franco is a capable director who could do more mainstream fare if given the opportunity and inclination. Grade B-.