Enrique López Eguiluz’s Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror (La marca del Hombre Lobo) might seem like a misstep of marketing rather than a monumental moment in horror, but it marked the start of one of Spain’s most enduring contributions to the genre. Starring the legendary Paul Naschy, this film introduced audiences to the character of Waldemar Daninsky, a tormented werewolf who would go on to become a staple of Spanish horror cinema. Despite its narrative shortcomings and modest budget, the film’s legacy lies in its role as a launchpad for Naschy’s prolific career and his significant impact on the genre.

The story follows Waldemar Daninsky, a man cursed with lycanthropy who seeks aid from a seemingly kind doctor and his wife. Unbeknownst to him, they are vampires, leading to an inevitable showdown between werewolf and vampire in a battle of supernatural forces. While the plot is more convoluted than compelling, the film is more about the atmosphere, performances, and sheer enthusiasm for the genre than a tightly crafted narrative.

Paul Naschy (born Jacinto Molina) was the driving force behind Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror and Spanish horror at large. Inspired by Lon Chaney Jr.’s The Wolf Man and Universal’s classic monsters, Naschy not only played the titular werewolf but also penned the script under his real name. His dedication to the genre and his character, Waldemar Daninsky, would lead to a series of werewolf films that spanned decades, solidifying him as an icon of Spanish horror cinema.

What sets Naschy apart is his unabashed love for horror and his commitment to his craft, even when working with limited resources. His portrayal of Daninsky blends physicality, melancholy, and pathos, echoing the tragic monsters of Universal’s golden age. While Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror might not showcase his best work, it laid the foundation for a career that brought Spain’s horror scene to international prominence.

Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror became the first in the Hombre Lobo series, which would see Naschy reprise his role as Daninsky in films like Werewolf Shadow (1971) and The Beast and the Magic Sword (1983). Each entry brought new layers to the character and often leaned into gothic horror tropes, with crumbling castles, fog-drenched landscapes, and a revolving door of supernatural foes, from witches to zombies.

While not every film in the series is a classic, the Hombre Lobo saga became a defining feature of Spanish horror, rivaling the works of Italy’s giallo masters and Britain’s Hammer Films. Naschy’s dedication to the genre and his character ensured that Spain had a unique voice in the horror landscape of the 20th century.

Though Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror is notable for its place in history, the film itself is far from flawless. The story often feels like a patchwork of horror clichés, with minimal cohesion. The addition of “Frankenstein” to the English title was a purely marketing-driven decision, as no such character exists in the film. The low-budget effects and some uneven performances don’t help, though they do add a certain charm for fans of campy horror.

What saves the film is its gothic atmosphere, a strong sense of visual style, and Naschy’s earnest performance. The battle between werewolf and vampire, though somewhat clunky, is a highlight and hints at the potential that would be better realised in later films.

While Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror may not rank among the greats of 1960s horror, it deserves recognition for what it represents. It’s the birth of a legend—Paul Naschy’s Waldemar Daninsky—and a pivotal moment for Spanish horror cinema. The film’s flaws are undeniable, but its ambition and Naschy’s passion shine through, making it a must-watch for fans of cult horror history.

With Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror, the seeds of an enduring legacy were sown. Though not the best in the Hombre Lobo series, it is an important first step in Paul Naschy’s journey as the face of Spanish horror—a journey that would cement his place among the genre’s most iconic figures.

• Saul Muerte