The exploitation film industry of Italy, Spain and France during the height of its popularity from 1960 to 1980 is the focus of this entertaining history. With subject matter running the gamut from Italian zombies to Spanish werewolves to French lesbian vampires, the shocking and profoundly entertaining motion pictures of the “Eurocult” genre are discussed from the standpoint of the films and the filmmakers, including such internationally celebrated auteurs as Mario Bava, Jess Franco, Jean Rollin and Paul Naschy.
The Eurocult phenomenon is also examined in relation to the influences that European culture and environment have had on the world of exploitation cinema. The author’s insight and expertise contribute to a greater understanding of what made these films special—and why they have remained so popular to later generations.

Danny Shipka is an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University in the School of Strategic Communication & Media.

Danny Shipka
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 346
Bibliographic Info: 100 illustrations, notes, filmographies, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2011
pISBN: 978-0-7864-4888-3
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8609-0
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents





Acknowledgments  vi


Preface  1


Introduction: The Eurocult Phenomenon  5


1. Italy  19


2. Spain  171


3. France  261


A Euro­Conclusion  310


Chapter Notes  315


Bibliography  325


Index  331

“a fantastic read…an excellent, big-picture look”—Bookgasm; “invaluable guide…is an indispensable purchase”—Crime Time.