Jesús Franco

Jesús Franco

At the 2008 Fantastic'Arts festival, Gérardmer, France
Born Jesús Franco Manera
(1930-05-12)12 May 1930
Málaga, Spain
Died 2 April 2013(2013-04-02) (aged 82)
Málaga, Spain
Cause of death Stroke
Other names Jess Franco
Occupation Director, screenwriter, cinematographer, musician, actor
Years active 19592013
Spouse(s) Nicole Guettard (married from circa 1962 – 1980); Lina Romay (m. 25 April 2008 15 February 2012, her death)

Jesús "Jess" Franco (born Jesús Franco Manera; 12 May 1930 2 April 2013) was a Spanish film director, writer, composer, cinematographer and actor.

Biography

Franco started out in 1954 (at age 24) as an assistant director in the Spanish film industry, performing many tasks including composing music for some of the films as well as co-writing a number of the screenplays. He assisted a number of well-known directors such as Joaquin Romero Marchent, Leon Klimovsky and Juan Antonio Bardem. After working on more than 20 films, he decided to get into directing films in 1959, making a few musicals and a crime drama called Red Lips.

In 1960, Franco took Marius Lesoeur, a producer friend, to a cinema to see the newly released Hammer horror film The Brides of Dracula and the two decided to get into the horror film business. His career took off in 1961 with his cult classic The Awful Dr. Orloff (aka Gritos en la noche), which received wide distribution in the United States and the UK. Franco wrote and directed Orloff, and even supplied some of the music for the film. In the mid-1960s, he went on to direct two other horror films, then proceeded to turn out a number of James Bond-like spy thrillers and softcore sex films based on the works of the Marquis de Sade (which remained one of his major influences throughout his career). Though he had some American box office success with Necronomicon (1967), 99 Women (1968) and two 1969 Christopher Lee films — The Bloody Judge and Count Dracula — he never achieved wide commercial success.

After discovering the beautiful Soledad Miranda (he first used her in his Count Dracula), Franco moved from Spain to France in 1969 so that he could make more violent and erotic films free of the strict Spanish censorship, and it was at this point that his career began to go downhill commercially as he turned to low-budget filmmaking with an accent on adult material.

Soledad starred in a series of 6 sexy thrillers for Franco, all made within a one-year period (including his cult classic Vampyros Lesbos), after which she was killed in a tragic automobile accident in Portugal in 1970, just as her career was taking off. A year or two later, a grieving Franco discovered a new leading lady in the person of Lina Romay, and the two went on to live and work together for the next 40 years, churning out literally dozens of often sleazy, very low-budget movies.

Although he produced a number of relatively successful horror films in the early 70's (Dracula vs. Frankenstein, The Bare-Breasted Countess, A Virgin Among the Living Dead), many people in the industry considered him a porn director due to the huge number of X-rated adult films he began turning out (even his 70's horror films featured abundant nudity). Franco returned to low-budget horror in a brief comeback period from 1980-1983 (Mondo Cannibale, Bloody Moon, Oasis of the Zombies, Revenge in the House of Usher), but after 1983, his career took a second downturn as he returned to making mostly pornographic films, most of which left nothing to the imagination.

In his later years, he did however get the opportunity to turn out two rather big-budget horror films — Faceless (1988) and Killer Barbys (1996) — both of which showed what great work he could still do when his projects were adequately funded. The entirety of his work after 1996 was direct-to-video films of very low quality, none of which were distributed theatrically. Sadly, Lina Romay died of cancer in 2012, after which Franco died in April, 2013 of natural causes at the age of 82.[1]

Franco sometimes worked under various pseudonyms, including David Khune and Frank Hollmann. A big fan of jazz music (and a musician himself), many of his pseudonyms were taken from famous jazz musicians, such as Clifford Brown and James P. Johnson.

Franco's themes often revolved around lesbian vampires, women in prison, surgical horror, sadomasochism, zombies and sexploitation (including several films based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade). He also worked in other exploitation film genres, such as cannibal films, spy films, giallo, crime films, science fiction, jungle adventure, Oriental menace, exorcist films, war movies, historical dramas and nunsploitation. His sex movies often contained long, uninterrupted shots of nude women writhing around on beds. Most of his hardcore films starred his lifelong companion Lina Romay, who admitted in interviews to being an exhibitionist.

Franco was famous for his use of hand-held camera and zoom shots, which he felt lent realism to his films. He also was not averse to filming several movies at the same time, knocking together a second feature on the unsuspecting producer's dime. Many of his actors only found out years after the fact that Franco had starred them in films for which they had never been paid.

His main claim to fame, however, is that he managed to write and direct around 160 motion pictures in his lifetime, encompassing a wide swath of different genres, with practically no financial backing available to him. (Note* - Some sources which list as many as 200 titles in Franco's filmography are relisting the same films several times under different variant titles; the filmography on this page is completely accurate.)

In many ways, Franco was the European Ed Wood, in that he churned out an endless array of mostly bad movies filmed on shoestring budgets (using all kinds of schemes to obtain financing) and attracted a circle of bizarre but loyal actors and technicians who moved with him over the years from project to project (while receiving very little money for their efforts). Many of his actors were over the hill performers in the twilight of their careers, his actresses shameless exhibitionists. He frequently worked with genre actors Howard Vernon, Antonio Mayans, Paul Müller, Christopher Lee, Jack Taylor, Ewa Stromberg, Luis Barboo, Alberto Dalbes, Soledad Miranda, Maria Rohm, Anne Libert, Monica Swinn, Britt Nichols, Olivier Mathot, Daniel J. White (who also scored most of his films), William Berger, Montserrat Prous, Dennis Price, Vicky Adams, Analia Ivars, Kali Hansa, Pamela Stanford, Amber Newman, Rachel Sheppard, Alice Arno and Klaus Kinski; all of whom are well-known figures to cult film collectors.

Franco lost many of his colleagues in rapid succession in the 1990s: Klaus Kinski & composer Bruno Nicolai died in 1991; William Berger in 1993; Howard Vernon, Nicole Guettard (Franco's first wife) & producer Karl Heinz Mannchen all in 1996; his composer Daniel J. White followed in 1997, and the producer Marius Lesoeur died in 2003.

Relationship with Lina Romay

In 1969-70, Franco made a half-dozen films starring the Spanish beauty Soledad Miranda, and when she was killed in a tragic automobile accident in 1970, he took a 17-year-old actress named Lina Romay under his wing and made her his new star. At the time, Lina was married to a young actor/ photographer named Ramon Ardid, but as she and Franco became more involved in their film projects over the years, her marriage to Ramon fell apart, ending in divorce. Franco was married once before to a Nicole Guettard (their marriage apparently running approximately from 1962 through 1980)....Ms. Guettard being gradually replaced in Franco's life by Lina Romay. (Nicole worked as a script consultant on some of Franco's films while they were married, and even acted in a few of his films. Her daughter from an earlier marriage, Caroline Riviere, also acted in a few Franco films in the early 1970s (including Exorcisme and The Perverse Countess).

Franco and Romay were partners for 4 decades, and most likely lived together from 1980 on, although they were only officially married on 25 April 2008. Until her death in 2012 (taken by cancer at age 57), Lina Romay was his most often utilized actress, as well as his life companion, soulmate and muse.

Zombie Lake vs Oasis of the Zombies

Franco was supposed to direct a film for Eurocine Productions in 1980 called Lake of the Living Dead (a horror film about revived Nazi zombies) but after submitting the script, he had a falling out with the producers, Marius and Daniel Lesouer, who immediately hired French horror film director Jean Rollin to direct it (later retitling it Zombie Lake). Many fans regard this as a Franco film, although Franco only contributed to the script. Rollin later said in interviews he only did the film as a favor for the Lesoeurs, and that if he knew "how bad" the script was, he wouldn't have done it.

The Lesoeurs later had Rollin direct some newly filmed zombie footage in 1981 to be added to Franco's A Virgin Among the Living Dead (1971) for its 1981 re-release. Recently, Franco purists insisted that "Virgin" be released in its former unadulterated form on DVD, as the added Jean Rollin footage greatly slowed down the pace of the film and was really only filler material.

Franco later directed another film for Lesouer called Oasis of the Zombies (aka Bloodsucking Nazi Zombies on VHS) in 1981, which had a plot very similar to Zombie Lake (also involving revived Nazi zombies). Franco simultaneously shot a variant version of Oasis of the Zombies (on the producers' dime) starring Lina Romay and his "regulars" which was apparently released only in Spain, under the title La Tumba de los Muertos Vivientes.

Death

Franco suffered a severe stroke on 27 March 2013, and was taken to a hospital in Malaga, Spain, where he died early on the morning of 2 April. He was 82 years old. [2] Smoking probably contributed greatly to the stroke, as Franco smoked about 3 cartons of cigarettes a week. Fans think he may have died of a broken heart, since he died only a year after losing his wife Lina Romay to cancer. Franco had been working on Revenge of the Alligator Women at the time, which was released posthumously.

Filmography

Films
Year Title Alternative title(s) Notes
1959 We're Eighteen Tenemos 18 Años written by Franco; starred Isana Medel & Antonio Escribano
1960 Red LipsLabios Rojos · Operation Levres Rouge / Operation Red Lips co-written by Franco; starred Isana Medel, Ana Castor & Antonio Escribano
The Queen of the TabarinLa Reina del Tabarin · La Belle du Tabarin · Mariquita la Fille de Tabarin produced by Marius Lesoeur & Sergio Newman; starred Mikaela Wood, Yves Massard (& Soledad Miranda in a very small role)
1961 Vampiresas 1930Volando Hacia la Fama / Flying To Fame . Certains l'Aiment Noire produced by Sergio Newman; starred Mikaela Wood & Yves Massard
The Awful Dr. Orloff Gritos en la Noche / Screams in the Night · El doctor demonio / The Demon Doctor · L'Horrible Dr. Orlof . Il Diabolico Dottor Satana . Der Schreckliche Dr. Orlof produced by Marius Lesoeur & Sergio Newman; written by Jesus Franco; starred Howard Vernon, Diana Lorys, Conrado San Martin, Perla Cristal & Ricardo Valle
1962 Death Whistles the BluesLa Muerte Silba Un Blues · 077 Operation Sexy · Agent 077 Operation Jamaique co-written by Franco; starred Conrado San Martin, Gerard Tichy, Danick Patisson, Georges Rollin & Perla Cristal
The Sadistic Baron Von Klaus La Mano de un Hombre Muerto/ Hand of a Dead Man · Le Sadique/ The Sadist · Hysterical Sadique · La Bestia del Castello Maldetto / Beast of the Cursed Castle · Sinfonia Per Un Sadico / Symphony for a Sadist starred Howard Vernon, Hugo Blanco, Georges Rollin & Ana Castor; featured Daniel J. White's 1st music score for Franco
1963 Rififi in the CityChasse a la Maffia / Hunt for the Mafia · Una Spia Sulla Cita/ A Spy in the City based on the 1958 Charles Exbrayat novel "Do You Remember Paco?"; starred Jean Servais, Fernando Fernan Gomez, Antonio Escribano & Laura Granados; music by Daniel White
The JaguarLe Jaguar · Sfida Selvaggio / Savage Challenge · El Llanero Zorro-type western written by Nicole Guettard (Franco's then-wife); starred José Suárez, Silvia Sorrente & Georges Rollin; music by Daniel White
1964 El Extrano ViajeThe Strange Journey (translation) directed by Fernando Fernan Gomez; (Franco didn't direct this film, but he had a major acting role in it)
The Secret of Dr. Orloff El Secreto del Dr. Orloff · Dr. Orloff's Monster (U.S. TV title)· Les Maitresses du Dr. Jekyll / The Mistresses of Dr. Jekyll · Le Amanti del Dottor Jekyll / The Lovers of Dr. Jekyll / Die Geliebten des Dr. Jekyll co-written by Franco & his then-wife Nicole Guettard; starred Hugo Blanco, Agnes Spaak, Perla Cristal & Marcelo Arroita Jauregui; music by Daniel White
1965 Treasure Island La Isla del Tesorounfinished; film was supposed to star Orson Welles & Fernando Rey; Welles wrote the screenplay and wanted Franco to direct it after viewing Rififi in the City
Chimes at Midnight Campanadas a Medianoche · Falstaff unfinished; film was supposed to star Orson Welles, Jeanne Moreau, John Gielgud & Fernando Rey; Franco was supposed to co-direct it with Orson Welles (who wrote the screenplay)
The Diabolical Dr. Z Miss Muerte · Miss Death and Dr. Z · Dans les Griffes du Maniaque / In the Grip of the Maniac · Das Geheimnis des Dr. Z / The Secret of Dr. Z co-written by Jean-Claude Carriere & Franco; produced by Serge Silberman; starred Estella Blain, Mabel Karr, Howard Vernon, Marcelo Arroita Jauregui, Jesus Franco, Antonio Escribano, Daniel White; music by Daniel White
077 Intrigue in LisbonEspionage in Lisbon . Mision Lisboadirected by Tulio Demicheli; Franco co-wrote this film, but did not direct it; starred Brett Halsey & Fernando Rey; music by Daniel White
1966 Attack of the RobotsCartas Sur Table / Cards Under the Table · Cartas Boca Arriba / Cards Face Up · James Clint Challenges Interpol Franco's last B&W film starred Eddie Constantine, Marcelo Arroita Jauregui, Antonio Escribano & Fernando Rey; Franco co-wrote this film with Jean-Claude Carriere
Residence for SpiesResidencia Para Espias · Les Mignonnes / The Darlings · Golden Horn (working title) produced by Karl Heinz Mannchen; starred Eddie Constantine, Diana Lorys, Marcelo Arroita Jauregui & Antonio Escribano; based on a Michael Logan novel "Leyton et les Chatelaines"; Howard Vernon was inserted into one scene without his knowledge & he almost sued Franco
Lucky, the InscrutableLucky el Intrepido · Agente Speciale L.K. · Operation Re Mida / Operation King Midas · Corrida Pour un Espion / Race For a Spy co-produced by Artur Brauner; starred Ray Danton, Marcela Arroita Jauregui, Rosalba Neri, Patty Shepard & Jesus Franco (2 cameo roles); music by Bruno Nicolai
1967 Necronomicon Necronomicon Getraumte Sunden / Necronomicon Dreamt Sin · Delirium · Succubus co-produced by Karl Heinz Mannchen, Adrian Hoven & Pier Caminecci; written by Franco & Caminecci; starred Janine Reynaud, Jack Taylor, Adrian Hoven, Michel Lemoine (Janine's husband) & Howard Vernon; music by Jerry Van Rooyen; shot in Portugal & West Germany
Red Lips SadisteroticaRote Lippen Sadisterotica · El Caso de las Dos Bellezas / The Case of the Two Beauties · Two Avenging Angels . Two Undercover Angels (recent DVD title) co-produced by Pier Caminecci, Adrian Hoven & Karl Heinz Mannchen; starred Janine Reynaud, Rossana Yanni, Adrian Hoven, Marcel Arroita Jauregui & Michel Lemoine
Kiss Me, MonsterBesame Monstruo · Das Schloss der Gehenkten / Castle of the Hanged Men · Castle of the Doomed co-produced by Pier Caminecci, Adrian Hoven & Karl Heinz Mannchen; starred Janine Reynaud, Rossana Yanni, Adrian Hoven & Michel Lemoine
Eva en la Selva Eve in the Jungle · The Face of Eve · La Femmina della Giungla . Diana, Daughter of the Wilderness produced & written by Harry Alan Towers; starred Christopher Lee, Maria Rohm (Towers' wife) & Herbert Lom; (according to some sources Franco was an uncredited co-director brought in to finish the film in Brazil, but this is questionable)
In the Castle of Bloody LustIm Schloss der Blutigen Begierde . Castle of the Creeping Flesh · Castle of Lust Franco allegedly provided the original plot and should have directed this film, but he instead took the assignment of producer Harry Alan Towers to direct The Blood of Fu Manchu in Brazil; so producer Adrian Hoven directed the film himself; starred Howard Vernon, Janine Reynaud & Michel Lemoine
1968 The Blood of Fu Manchu Der Todeskuss des Dr. Fu Manchu / The Death Kiss of Fu Manchu · Kiss and Kill · Fu Manchu y el Beso de la Muerte / Fu Manchu and the Kiss of Death · Against All Odds produced & written by Harry Alan Towers; starred Christopher Lee, Richard Greene, Shirley Eaton & Maria Rohm (Towers' wife); music by Daniel White; filmed in Spain & Rio de Janeiro; Shirley Eaton said in interviews she wasn't aware Franco had inserted her into this film until years later
The Girl from Rio Sumuru Regina di Femina / Sumuru, Queen of Femina · La Ciudad sin Hombres / City Without Men · Die Sieben Männer der Su-Muru / The Seven Men of Su-Muru · Future Women (U.S. TV title) produced & written by Harry Alan Towers, based on a novel by Sax Rohmer; starred Shirley Eaton, George Sanders & Maria Rohm; music by Daniel White; filmed in Spain & Rio de Janeiro
99 Women 99 Mujeres / 99 Donne · Love in the Women's Prison · Les Brulantes · Der Heisse Tod / The Hot Death · Prostitutes in Prison · Island of Despair (heavily edited U.S. TV version) · 99 Femmes Perverses co-produced by Harry Alan Towers; starred Herbert Lom, Maria Schell, Maria Rohm, Rosalba Neri, Luciana Paluzzi & Mercedes McCambridge; music by Bruno Nicolai; filmed in Spain & Brazil, back-to-back with The Girl from Rio
The Castle of Fu ManchuEl Castillo de Fu Manchu · Assignment Istanbul · The Torture Chamber of Dr. Fu Manchu produced by Harry Alan Towers; starred Christopher Lee, Richard Greene, Maria Perschy, Herbert Fux & Rosalba Neri; shot in Spain & Istanbul, cheaply made with lots of stock footage
Venus in FursVenus im Pelz · Black Angel (Franco's original working title) · Paroxismus: Can a Dead Girl Live Again Through Love? produced by Harry Alan Towers; starred Klaus Kinski, James Darren, Dennis Price, Margaret Lee, Maria Rohm & Paul Muller; music by Manfred Mann, who appears in the film jamming with Franco; shot in Spain & Istanbul; Franco hated the way his screenplay was mangled by the many co-writers he was forced to work with
Marquis de Sade: Justine Justine and Juliet · Justine les Infortunes de la Vertu / Justine, the Misfortunes of Virtue · Las Dos Bellezas / The Two Beauties · Dulce Justine / Sweet Justine · Deadly Sanctuary (video title) co-produced by Harry Alan Towers; starred Jack Palance, Klaus Kinski, Howard Vernon, Romina Power, Akim Tamiroff, Rosalba Neri, Sylva Koscina, Maria Rohm, Gerard Tichy & Jesus Franco; music by Bruno Nicolai; (Franco was furious the producers forced him to use Romina Power in the lead role instead of his choice, Rosemarie Dexter)
1969 Eugenie, The Story of Her Journey into Perversion Die Jungfrau und die Peitsche / The Young Girl and the Whip · De Sade 70 · Les Inassouvies / The Insatiables · Philosophy in the Boudoir produced & written by Harry Alan Towers, based on the works of the Marquis de Sade; starred Christopher Lee, Jack Taylor, Marie Liljedahl, Maria Rohm, Herbert Fux & Paul Muller; music by Bruno Nicolai; Christopher Lee claimed he didn't know this was to be an X-rated film when he appeared in it (in spite of the title); Marie Liljedahl later said she regretted appearing in adult films; later remade as Cocktail Special in 1975
The Bloody Judge El Juez Sangriento · El Proceso de las Brujas / The Trial of the Witches · Il Truono di Fuoco / Throne of Fire · Der Hexentöter von Blackmoor / The Witch-Killer of Blackmoor · Night of the Blood Monster (U.S. drive-in title) co-produced & plotted by Harry Alan Towers, based on the life of Judge George Jeffreys; starred Christopher Lee, Howard Vernon, Maria Schell, Maria Rohm, Diana Lorys, Margaret Lee & Leo Genn; music by Bruno Nicolai; three different endings were filmed, as well as both "clothed" & "unclothed" edits to be used in different countries
Count DraculaEl Conde Dracula · Nachts Wenn Dracula Erwacht / Nights When Dracula Wakes · Le Nuits de Dracula / The Nights of Dracula · Bram Stoker's Count Dracula co-produced & co-written by Harry Alan Towers; starred Christopher Lee, Klaus Kinski, Herbert Lom, Soledad Miranda, Fred Williams, Emma Cohen, Jack Taylor & Paul Muller; music by Bruno Nicolai; Franco's first film with Soledad Miranda; this was the only Dracula film Christopher Lee said he enjoyed starring in; Kinski said he was tricked by Franco into appearing in this film
1970 Nightmares Come at Night Les Cauchemars Naissent la Nuit · Les Yeux de la Nuit / The Eyes of the Night · Die Nackten Augen der Nacht produced by Karl Heinz Mannchen; written by Jesus Franco; starred Diana Lorys, Maria Rohm, Paul Muller, Collette Jack, Jack Taylor & Soledad Miranda (in a small role); music by Bruno Nicolai; this film was only theatrically released in Belgium; later remade by Franco as The Sinister Eyes of Dr. Orloff
Sex CharadeLe Labyrinthe de Sexe · The Labyrinth produced by Karl Heinz Mannchen; written by Jesus Franco; starred Soledad Miranda, Paul Muller, Jack Taylor, Maria Rohm, Diana Lorys & Howard Vernon; music by Bruno Nicolai; film was finished but apparently was never released (a lost film?)
Eugenie de SadeEugenie (De Sade) · Eugenia . De Sade 2000 · Eugenie de Franval · Eugenie Sex Happening produced by Karl Heinz Mannchen; written by Jesus Franco, based on the works of the Marquis de Sade; starred Soledad Miranda, Paul Muller, Alice Arno, Jesus Franco, Karl Heinz Mannchen (cameo); music by Bruno Nicolai; Franco's first film with Alice Arno
Vampyros Lesbos Die Erbin des Dracula / The Heiress of Dracula · Sexualite Speciale . Las Vampiras (a censored Spanish release) · El Signo del Vampiro produced by Artur Brauner & Karl Heinz Mannchen; starred Soledad Miranda (as Susann Korda), Ewa Stromberg, Dennis Price, Paul Muller & Jesus Franco; music by Manfred Hubler; shot in Spain, West Germany & Istanbul
She Killed in EcstasySie Tötete in Ekstase · Mrs. Hyde · Crimes dans L'Extase / Crimes of Ecstasy produced by Artur Brauner & Karl Heinz Mannchen; written by Jesus Franco; starred Soledad Miranda, Fred Williams, Ewa Stromberg, Paul Muller, Howard Vernon, Jesus Franco & Karl Heinz Mannchen
The Devil Came from AkasavaEl Diablo que Vino de Akasava · Der Teufel kam aus Akasava . Una Venere Senza Nome per L'ispettore Forrester / A Nameless Love for Inspector Forrester produced by Artur Brauner & Karl Heinz Mannchen; starred Soledad Miranda, Fred Williams, Ewa Stromberg, Howard Vernon, Paul Muller, Horst Tappert, Siegfried Schurenberg, Walter Rilla & Alberto Dalbes; based on the Bryan Edgar Wallace novel "Akasava"; (Soledad Miranda was killed in a car accident soon after finishing this film)
X-312 Flight to HellX-312 Flug zur Hölle · Vuelo al Infierno · Die Grüne Hölle des Amazonas / The Green Hell of the Amazon produced by Artur Brauner & Karl Heinz Mannchen; written by Franco & Brauner; starred Howard Vernon, Paul Muller, Esperanza Roy, Siegfried Schurenberg & Ewa Stromberg; music by Bruno Nicolai
1971 The Revenge of Dr. MabuseLa Venganza del Dr. Mabuse · Mabuse '70 · El Dr. Mabuse . Dr. M schlägt zu produced by Artur Brauner & Karl Heinz Mannchen; written by Franco & Brauner; starred Fred Williams, Ewa Stromberg & Jack Taylor; music by Daniel White & Franco
The Death Avenger of Soho Der Todesrächer von Soho · El Muerto Hace las Maletas / The Corpse Packs his Suitcase · The Avenger . Allarme a Scotland Yard: 6 Omicidi Senza Assassino produced by Artur Brauner & Karl Heinz Mannchen, based on a novel by Bryan Edgar Wallace; written by Franco & Brauner; starred Fred Williams, Horst Tappert, Siegfried Schurenberg, Elisa Montes & Jesus Franco
Virgin ReportJungfrauen Report · Le Vierges et l'Amour / Virgins and Love · Defloration sex documentary produced by Artur Brauner & Karl Heinz Mannchen; starred Britt Nichols & Howard Vernon; music by Daniel White; Franco's 1st film with Britt Nichols
Three Naked Women on Robinson Island Trois Filles Nues dans L'Ile de Robinson . Robinson und seine Wilden Sklavinnen · The Sexy Darlings . The Island of Forbidden Pleasures sexy comedy produced by Artur Brauner, Karl Heinz Mannchen & Robert de Nesle; written by Franco & Brauner; starred Anne Libert, Paul Muller, Andrea Rau & Howard Vernon; music by Daniel White & Bruno Nicolai; this was Franco's 1st film with both Robert de Nesle and Anne Libert
Dracula vs. Frankenstein Dracula Contra Frankenstein · Dracula, Prisoner of Frankenstein · Die Nacht der Offenen Särge / Night of the Open Coffins · The Screaming Dead (U.S. video title) produced by Robert de Nesle, written by Franco; starred Howard Vernon, Alberto Dalbes, Anne Libert (in a small role), Fernando Bilbao, Luis Barboo, Daniel White, Dennis Price & Britt Nichols; music by both Daniel White & Bruno Nicolai
A Virgin Among the Living Dead (released in 1973) Une Vierge chez les Morts Vivant · Una Vergine tra gli Zombi · Christina, Princess of Eroticism · I desideri erotici di Christine · The Erotic Dreams of Christine · A Young Girl Among the Living Dead · Exorcismo per una Vergine · La Nuit des Etoiles Filantes / The Night of the Shooting Stars (Franco's original script title) produced by Karl Heinz Mannchen & Robert de Nesle; written by Jesus Franco; starred Howard Vernon, Christina Von Blanc, Anne Libert, Jesus Franco, Paul Muller, Luis Barboo, Nicole Guettard, Rosa Palomares & Britt Nichols; music by Bruno Nicolai & Jesus Franco; re-released with added zombie footage (filmed by Jean Rollin) in 1981; several different versions of this film exist, some with more adult material than others; an X-rated version reportedly features Alice Arno inserts
Blood on the Shoes Sangre en los zapatos unfinished; film would reportedly have starred Anne Libert & Howard Vernon
1972 Daughter of DraculaLa Fille de Dracula produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Jesus Franco; starred Anne Libert, Britt Nichols, Alberto Dalbes, Daniel White, Jesus Franco, Fernando Bilbao, Yelena Samarina & Howard Vernon; music by Daniel White & J. Franco; this film was poorly distributed & almost became a lost film
The Curse of Frankenstein La Maldicion de Frankenstein (Franco's original title) · The Erotic Rites of Frankenstein (de Nesle's retitled version)· Les Exploits Erotiques de Frankenstein / The Erotic Experiences of Frankenstein produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Jesus Franco; starred Howard Vernon, Dennis Price, Alberto Dalbes, Anne Libert, Jesus Franco, Daniel White, Fernando Bilbao, Luis Barboo & Britt Nichols; music by Daniel White; some extra scenes with Lina Romay as a gypsy were later added (to the Spanish release version only) in 1973
The DemonsLes Demons · The She-Demons · Die Nonnen von Clichy / The Nuns of Clichy · Les Demons du Sexe / The Demons of Sex . Les Infants du Demon / Children of the Demon · Os Demonios produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Jesus Franco, based loosely on the life of Judge George Jeffreys; starred Anne Libert, Alberto Dalbes, Doris Thomas, Howard Vernon, Karin Field, Luis Barboo & Britt Nichols; music by Jean-Bernard Raiteux
The Lovers of Devil's Island Los Amantes de la Isla del Diablo (tamer Spanish version) · Quartier de Femmes: Erotic Violence in a Women's Prison (raunchier French version) · Devil's Island Lovers produced by Robert de Nesle; co-written by Franco & de Nesle; starred Dennis Price, Britt Nichols, Rosa Palomares, Luis Barboo, Anne Libert, Daniel White & Howard Vernon; music by Daniel White & Bruno Nicolai; filmed in Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands; two different versions of the film exist
A Captain of Fifteen YearsUn Capitan de Quince Anos produced by Robert de Nesle; co-written by Franco & de Nesle's wife Elizabeth, based on a Jules Verne story; starred William Berger, Howard Vernon, Alberto Dalbes, Edmund Purdom, Doris Thomas, Luis Barboo & Fernando Bilbao; music by Bruno Nicolai & Franco; extremely low-budget even for Franco
Relax, BabyUn Tiro en la Sien / A Bullet in the Head unreleased; this film was supposed to be produced & directed by Franco's own company Manacoa Films, and was supposed to star Lina Romay, Kali Hansa, Montserrat Prous & Alberto Dalbes; apparently unfinished
Mystery of the Red Castle Misterio del Castillo Rojo unreleased; it was supposed to be produced & directed by Franco's own company Manacoa Films, and was supposed to star Jesus Franco, Alberto Dalbes, Yelena Samarina, Lina Romay, Montserrat Prous & Antonio Mayans; apparently unfinished
A Silence of the Grave Un silencio de tumba . A Silence of the Tomb produced, written & directed by Franco for his own company Manacoa Films; starred Montserrat Prous, Kali Hansa, Alberto Dalbes, Caroline Reviere & Yelena Samarina; this was the 1st time Franco starred Montserrat Prous in a film
The Sinister Eyes of Dr. OrloffLos Ojos Siniestros del Dr. Orloff . Los Ojos del Dr. Orloff produced & directed by Franco for his own company Manacoa Films; starred Montserrat Prous, William Berger, Edmund Purdom, Kali Hansa, Yelena Samarina, Lina Romay & Robert Woods; shot in the Canary Islands; Lina Romay's 1st film appearance for Franco (a very small role as Prous's neighbor)
Intimate Diary of a Nymphomaniac Le Journal Intime d'une Nymphomane · Sinner · Diary of a Nymphomaniac · Les Inassouvies 77 / The Insatiables '77 produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Franco & Elizabeth de Nesle; starred Montserrat Prous, Anne Libert, Doris Thomas, Yelena Samarina, Caroline Riviere, Kali Hansa, Howard Vernon & Luis Barboo; a French hardcore version exists
The House of Vice La Maison du Vice . Dolls For Sale . Les Ebranlees / The Vibrating Girls · Des Filles Pour L'Amour / Women for Love produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Franco & Elizabeth de Nesle; starred Montserrat Prous, Kali Hansa, Howard Vernon, Luis Barboo, Doris Thomas & Anne Libert
1973 Pleasure For Three Plaisir a Trois . How To Seduce a Virgin · Les Innasouvies II / The Insatiables Part 2 produced by Robert de Nesle; co-written by Franco & Alain Petit, based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade; starred Alice Arno, Lina Romay (in her first major role), Howard Vernon & Robert Woods
The Other Side of the Mirror Al Otro Lado del Espejo · Le Miroir Cochon · Outre-Tombe / Ultra Tumba · Lo Specchio del Piacere / The Mirror of Pleasure . Le Miroir Obscene / The Obscene Mirror (re-cut 1975 French version with added porn scenes) produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Jesus Franco & his wife Nicole Guettard; starred Emma Cohen, Howard Vernon, Alice Arno, Robert Woods, Wal Davis; added porn scenes involved Lina Romay and her husband Ramon Ardid (inserted years later into the 1975 French version only)
The Perverse Countess Le Comtesse Perverse · Un Caldo Corpo di Femina / The Warm Body of a Woman . The Countess Zaroff . Sexy Nature . Les Croqueuses / The Munchers (x-rated 1974 French version with added porn scenes) produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Franco & Elizabeth de Nesle, inspired by the 1932 film The Most Dangerous Game; starred Alice Arno, Howard Vernon, Lina Romay (playing the lead heroine), Kali Hansa, Robert Woods & Caroline Riviere; the added porn scenes for The Munchers involved Monica Swinn and Pierre Taylou; the producer reportedly hated this film when he saw it was about cannibalism
Maciste vs. the Amazon Queen Maciste Contre la Reine des Amazones . The Lustful Amazons · Les Amazones de la Luxure · Maciste aux Mains des Amazones Nues . Karzan Contro le Donne dal Seno Nudo / Karzan vs. the Bare-Breasted Women · Yuka produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Jesus Franco; starred Wal Davis, Montserrat Prous, Kali Hansa, Alice Arno, Robert Woods & Lina Romay
The Erotic Exploits of Maciste in Atlantis Les Exploits Erotiques de Macist dans L'Atlantide . Les Gloutonnes / The Gobblers · Sexes au Soleil produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Jesus Franco; starred Wal Davis, Montserrat Prous, Kali Hansa, Alice Arno, Howard Vernon, Robert Woods, Caroline Riviere, Lina Romay & Pamela Stanford; Franco knocked together this film in his spare moments while he was shooting Amazon Queen (extremely low budget)
Night of the Killers Sospiri · La Noche de los Asesinos / Night of the Assassins · Night of the Skull (DVD title) · Im Schatten des Mörders / In the Shadow of Murder written by Jesus Franco, based on the novel "The Cat and the Canary", but credits strangely refer to the film as an Edgar Allan Poe adaptation (!); starred Alberto Dalbes, William Berger, Lina Romay (& her husband Ramon Ardid), Yelena Samarina, Luis Barboo & Antonio Mayans; music by Carlo Savina
La Casa del AhorcadoThe House of the Hanged Man . Le Manoir du Penduunfinished; this film was supposed to be produced & directed by Franco for his own company Manacoa Films, and was supposed to star Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans & Alberto Dalbes
Kiss Me, Killer Sexy Blues · Tango au Clair de Lune / Tango by Moonlight · Emanuelle Blonde . Come With Me My Blonde Emmanuelle . Embrasse-Moi . Dolce Porno Baby produced by Marius Lesouer; written by Jesus Franco, reworking his earlier film Death Whistles the Blues; features Lina Romay's "Rape of Apollo" dance number; starred Alberto Dalbes, Alice Arno, Lina Romay, Paul Muller, Antonio Mayans & Olivier Mathot; music by Daniel White
Tender and Perverse Emanuelle Tender et Perverse Emmanuelle . Des Frissons sur la Peau / Shivers of the Flesh · Le Chemin Solitaire / The Solitary Path · El Ultimo Escalofrio / The Last Thrill . Dernier Frisson produced by Marius Lesouer; written by Jesus Franco; starred Alberto Dalbes, Jack Taylor, Lina Romay, Ramon Ardid, Alice Arno & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
Linda's Hot Nights Les Nuits Brulantes de Linda · La Felicita nel Peccato / The Felicity of Sin · Le Plaisir Solitaire / Solitary Pleasure · Mais Que Donc a Viole Linda? / Who Raped Linda? produced by Marius & Daniel Lesouer; starred Lina Romay, Alice Arno, Paul Muller & Monica Swinn; music by Daniel White; later remade as Sexy Sisters in 1977
1974 The Bare-Breasted Countess (released in 1975) La Comtesse Aux Seins Nus · La Comtesse Noire / The Black Countess · The Loves of Irina · Erotikill · Les Avaleuses / The Swallowers (hardcore French version) . Entfesselte Begierde / Unbridled Lust (softcore German version) · Female Vampire (DVD title) produced by Marius Lesouer; written by Jesus Franco; starred Jack Taylor, Lina Romay, Ramon Ardid, Jesus Franco, Luis Barboo, Alice Arno & Monica Swinn; music by Daniel White; shot in Portugal
Nuns in Madness Les Nonnes en Folie · Les Chatouilleuses / The Ticklish Ones produced by Robert de Nesle; co-written by Franco, Nicole Guettard & Alain Petit; starred Lina Romay, Olivier Mathot, Ramon Ardid, Caroline Riviere, Pamela Stanford, Monica Swinn & Fred Williams; music by Daniel White; shot in Portugal
The Sexiest Man in the WorldSexy Erotic Job · Le Jouisseur / The Hedonist · Roland, L'Homme le Plus Sexy du Monde · Der Sex Playboy produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Nicole Guettard (Franco's then-wife); starred Fred Williams, Lina Romay, Olivier Mathot, Ramon Ardid, Caroline Riviere, Pamela Stanford & Monica Swinn; shot in Portugal & France
Les EmmerdeusesThe Troublemakers (translation) · Les Grandes Emmerdeuses / The Big Pains in the Ass · Sexy-a-Go-Go produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Jesus Franco; starred Lina Romay, Ramon Ardid, Pamela Stanford, Monica Swinn & Fred Williams
Celestine, Maid at Your Service Celestine, Bonne a Tout Faire / Celestine, Good for Anything . Celestine, an All-Around Maid sex comedy set in 17th century France, produced by Robert de Nesle; co-written by Franco & Nicole Guettard; starred Lina Romay, Howard Vernon, Pamela Stanford, Ramon Ardid, Olivier Mathot & Monica Swinn
Lorna, the Exorcist Lorna, l'Exorciste . Les Possedees du Diable / The Devil's Possessed · Sexy Diabolic Story Franco's take on "The Exorcist", later remade in 2002 as Jess Franco's Incubus; produced by Robert de Nesle; co-written by Franco, de Nesle & Nicole Guettard; starred Lina Romay, Pamela Stanford, Jesus Franco & Howard Vernon
Exorcisme Exorcisme et Messes Noires / Exorcism and Black Masses · Le Viziose · Sexorcismes (a 1975 X-Rated version with added sex scenes) produced by Marius & Daniel Lesouer; starred Jesus Franco (in a major role), Lina Romay, Ramon Ardid, Caroline Riviere, Nadine Pascal, Daniel White, Olivier Mathot & Monica Swinn; music by Andre Benichou; footage from this film was later re-edited into Franco's 1979 Sadist of Notre Dame
1975 Midnight Party Le Partouze de Minuit · Heisse Berührungen · Lady Porno · La Coccolona · Sexy Blues · Porno Pop · Porno Dama produced by Marius & Daniel Lesouer; starred Lina Romay, Olivier Mathot, Jesus Franco, Alain Petit, Ramon Ardid & Monica Swinn; music by Daniel White; several different versions of this film exist
Shining Sex Le Sexe Brillant · La Fille au Sexe Brillant / The Girl With the Shining Sex · Erotic Pleasures of a Good Lady a very slow-paced sci-fi/ porn film produced by Marius & Daniel Lesouer; written by Franco & Pierre-Claude Garnier; starred Lina Romay, Olivier Mathot, Ramon Ardid, Alain Petit, Jesus Franco & Monica Swinn; music by Daniel White
De Sade's JulietteJustine Lady Lujuria · Julietta 69 · Justine (a variant Italian hardcore version edited later in 1979 by Joe D'Amato) written by Franco, based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade; starred Lina Romay, Ramon Ardid, Alain Petit, Monica Swinn & Jesus Franco
Women in a Golden Cage Des Filles dans une Cage Doree . Razzia Sur le Plaisir · Vizio in Bocca . Carcel Dorada produced & written by Marius Lesoeur, based on a novel called Greetings from Hong Kong; co-directed by Lesoeur & Franco (Franco directed only a few striptease scenes to pad out the film); starred Monica Swinn, Alice Arno, Jesus Franco & Daniel White; music by Daniel White; incredibly low budget with lots of meaningless stock footage
Mandinga unfinished; film was supposed to star William Berger
Barbed Wire DollsFrauengefängnis / Women's Prison · Caged Women . Penitenziario Femminile per Reali Sessuali produced by Erwin Dietrich; written by Jesus Franco; starred Lina Romay, Monica Swinn, Martine Stedil, Ramon Ardid, Jesus Franco & Paul Muller; music by Daniel White; some footage from this film later wound up in a Eurocine film called Femmes de SS
Women Behind Bars Diamants Pour L'Enfer / Diamonds for Hell · Visa Pour Mourir / Visa To Die · Prison Sado Pour Femmes / Sadistic Women's Prison . Punition Cell distributed by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; starred Lina Romay, Martine Stedil, Ramon Ardid & Jesus Franco; music by Daniel White; Erwin Dietrich claimed Franco shot this film on his dime, while Franco was supposed to be filming Barbed Wire Dolls for him
The Man From GuyaneL'Homme de la Guyaneunfinished; this film was to have been based on "Cheri Bibi" by Gaston Leroux, and was supposed to have starred Orson Welles, Klaus Kinski & Howard Vernon, but it never got completed because Erwin Dietrich couldn't get the financing for it
Downtown: The Naked Dolls of the UnderworldDowntown Die Nackten Puppen der Unterwelt · Les putains de la ville basse/ The Whores of the Underworld · Levres Rouge et Bottes Noires · Schwarze Nylons, Wilde Engel produced by Erwin Dietrich; written by Franco; starred Jess Franco (in a major role), Lina Romay, Monica Swinn, Martine Stedil, Ramon Ardid & Paul Muller; music by Walter Baumgartner
1976 Jack the RipperJack l'Eventreur . Erotico Profondo · Jack the Ripper, der Dirnenmörder von London gruesome horror film produced by Erwin Dietrich & Max Dora; written by Franco & Nicolas Weisse; starred Klaus Kinski, Lina Romay, Josephine Chaplin, Esther Studer & Herbert Fux; music by Walter Baumgartner; photographed by Peter Baumgartner
The Portrait of Doriana Gray Das Bildnis der Doriana Gray · Die Marquise de Sade · Dirty Dracula . Ejaculations . La Porno Storia della Marchesa De Sade produced by Erwin Dietrich; written by Jesus Franco; starred Lina Romay (in a dual role), Ramon Ardid, Martine Stedil & Monica Swinn; music by Walter Baumgartner; both a hardcore & a softcore version exist
Girls of the Night ShiftMädchen im Nachtverkehr · Wilde Lust / Wild Lust (hardcore x-rated version) · Heiber Sex in Nachtverkehr (shorter soft-core version) produced by Erwin Dietrich; starred Kali Hansa & Esther Moser; music by Walter Baumgartner; both a hardcore and a softcore version exist
White Skin, Black ThighWeisse Haut auf Schwarzen Schenkeln sex film produced, written & directed by Erwin Dietrich; starred Esther Moser & Jesus Franco (Franco didn't direct this film, he just acted in it); both a hardcore and a softcore version were made
Around the World in 80 BedsIn 80 Betten um die Welt produced by Erwin Dietrich; Franco allegedly co-directed this film; starred Esther Moser & Esther Studer
Love Letters of a Portuguese NunDie Liebesbriefe einer Portugesischen Nonne · Forbidden Confessions of an Adolescent Nun . Cartas de Amor a Una Monja Portuguesa produced by Erwin Dietrich & Max Dora; co-written by Franco & Dietrich, based on the novel of the same name; starred William Berger, Lina Romay, Herbert Fux (as Satan), Esther Studer & Susan Hemingway; music by Walter Baumgartner
1977 Greta, the Mad Butcher Greta Haus Ohne Männer / Greta, House Without Men · Ilsa, Ultimate Power · Ilsa, the Wicked Warden · Greta la Tortionnaire de Wrede / Greta The Torturer · Wanda the Wicked Warden . Greta la Donna Bestia brutal prison film produced by Erwin Dietrich & Max Dora; written by Franco & Dietrich; starred Dyanne Thorne, Esther Studer, Jesus Franco, Esther Moser, Tania Busselier & Lina Romay; music by Walter Baumgartner; released in both an edited & unedited version
Das Frauenhaus The Women's House (translation) · House of Women · Blue Rita (the hardcore x-rated version) produced by Erwin Dietrich & Robert de Nesle; written by Franco & Robert de Nesle; starred Pamela Stanford, Esther Moser & Olivier Mathot; music by Walter Baumgartner
Women Without Innocence Frauen Ohne Unschuld · Wicked Women · The Insatiable Nights of a Nymphomaniac · Femmes Sans Pudeur / Women Without Modesty produced & written by Erwin Dietrich, based on a novel "Das Haus der Mannstollen Frauen"; starred Lina Romay, Vicky Adams, Esther Studer & Monica Swinn; music by Walter Baumgartner
Women in Cellblock 9Frauen für Zellenblock 9 · Esclaves de l'Amour/ Love Slaves · Flucht von der Todesinsel produced by Erwin Dietrich; written by Jesus Franco; starred Susan Hemingway, Karine Gambier, Esther Studer & Howard Vernon: music by Walter Baumgartner
The Slaves Die Sklavinnen . Die Verschleppten / The Neglected Ones . Les Flagellees de la Cellule 69 produced by Erwin Dietrich; written by Franco & Dietrich; starred Lina Romay, Esther Moser, Ramon Ardid, Jesus Franco & Martine Stedil; music by Walter Baumgartner
Love CampCamp d'Amour · Frauen im Liebeslager / Women in the Love Camp · Camp Erotique . Die Unersattliche produced by Erwin Dietrich; co-written by Franco & Dietrich; starred Monica Swinn, Esther Studer & Wal Davis; music by Walter Baumgartner
Sexy Sisters Die Teuflischen Schwestern / The Devilish Sisters · Satanic Sisters · Two Vicious Sisters · Swedish Nympho Slaves · Aberraciones Sexuales de una Rubia Caliente / Sexual Aberrations of a Hot Blonde · Erotic Frenzy of a Nymphomaniac produced by Erwin Dietrich; written by Jesus Franco; starred Pamela Stanford, Jack Taylor (doing nude scenes!) & Karine Gambier; music by Walter Baumgartner (who also acts in the film)
The Call of the Blonde Goddess Ruf der Blonden Göttin · Las Diosas del Porno / The Goddesses of Porn · La Deesse Nue / The Naked Goddess · Porno Shock . Love Cry of the Blonde Goddess . Voodoo Passion produced by Erwin Dietrich; co-written by Franco & Dietrich; starred Vicky Adams, Pamela Stanford, Karine Gambier & Jack Taylor; music by Walter Baumgartner
1978 Cocktail Special produced & written by Robert de Nesle, based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade; starred Touxa Beni, Karine Gambier & Lina Romay; music by Daniel White
Elles Font Tout They Do It All (translation) . They Do Everything · Quel Certo Piacere produced by Robert de Nesle; written by Franco & de Nesle; this sexy comedy starred Susan Hemingway, Touxa Beni & Lina Romay (aka Candy Coster); music by Daniel White; later remade as El hotel de los ligues
I'm Burning Up All OverJe Brule de Partout · Dossier Mineures produced & co-written by Robert de Nesle; starred Brigitte Lahaie & Susan Hemingway; music by Daniel White; Lahaie later had very bad things to say about her experience working with Franco on this film, but she later reconciled with him
Two Female Spies with Flowered Panties Deux Espionnes Avec un Petit Slip a Fleur . Opalo de Fuego: Mercarderes del Sexo / Opal of Fire: The Sex Merchants . Lascivia (working title) produced by Marius Lesoeur; written by Jesus Franco; Nicole Guettard was assistant director on this film; starred Lina Romay, Olivier Mathot, Muriel Montossey & Nadine Pascal; music by Daniel White; two versions of this film exist
Convoy of Women East of Berlin . Convoy of Girls . SS Nazi Convoy produced by Marius Lesoeur; starred Monica Swinn & Pamela Stanford; music by Daniel White; Franco apparently co-directed this film (uncredited) with Pierre Chevalier
1979 Erotic SymphonySinfonia Erotica · Cuerpos y Almas / Bodies and Souls written by Franco, based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade; a reworking of Franco's earlier Pleasure for Three; starred Lina Romay & Susan Hemingway; music by Jesus Franco
The Girls of CopacabanaLas Chicas de Copacabana · Las Muchachas de Copacabana produced by Marius & Daniel Lesouer; written by Marius Lesoeur; starred Lina Romay, Nadine Pascal & Olivier Mathot; music by Daniel White; shot on 16mm film for some reason
The Sadist of Notre Dame El Sadico de Notre Dame · Le Sadique de Notre Dame . The Ripper of Notre Dame · Chains and Black Leather (Canadian release title) . Demoniac (censored U.S. video release) Franco re-used a lot of footage from his earlier Exorcism and Black Masses to make this film; produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; written by Franco & Marius Lesoeur; starred Jess Franco, Lina Romay, Nadine Pascale, Ramon Ardid, Daniel White, Olivier Mathot & Monica Swinn; music by Daniel White
The Gold BugEl escarabajo de orounfinished; based on the short story by Edgar Allan Poe, this film was supposed to have starred Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans
1980 Mondo Cannibale Cannibal World (translation) · Les Cannibales / The Cannibals · La Dea Cannibale / The Cannibal Goddess · White Cannibal Queen · Die Blonde Gottin /The Blonde Goddess · Barbarian Goddess · Une Fille Pour Les Cannibales / A Woman for the Cannibals · Rio Salvaje (working title) produced by Daniel Lesoeur; written by Franco; starred Al Cliver, Sabrina Siani, Lina Romay, Ramon Ardid, Pamela Stanford, Anouchka (the producer's daughter), Antonio Mayans & Olivier Mathot; Franco later said Sabrina Siani was the worst actress he ever worked with
Cannibal TerrorTerreur Cannibal produced by Daniel Lesoeur; Franco wrote this screenplay, but the film was directed by Olivier Mathot & Alain Deruille; starred Antonio Mayans, Sabrina Siani, Olivier Mathot & Pamela Stanford; incorporated footage from Franco's Mondo Cannibale (1980)
The Man Hunter Chasseurs d'Hommes (translation) · Devil Hunter (British video title) . Sexo Cannibal · Jungfrau unter Kannibalen / The Young Woman and the Cannibals · Mandingo Manhunter (USA video title) produced by Julian Gomez; written by Franco & Julian Gomez; co-directed by Lina Romay & Franco; edited by Nicole Guettard; art director was Pierre Chevalier; starred Al Cliver, Vicky Adams, Ursula Buchfellner, Werner Pochath, Antonio Mayans; music by Franco & Daniel White
Sex Is CrazyEl Sexo Esta Loco produced by Joaquin Dominguez; written by Franco; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans & Jesus Franco; music by Daniel White
Eugenie: The Story of a Perversion Eugenie Historia de una Perversion · The Wicked Memoirs of Eugenie . Erotismo . Lolita am Scheideweg produced by Julian Esteban; written by Franco, based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade; edited by Nicole Guettard; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans, Mabel Escano & Katja Bienert; music by Daniel White & Franco
The Girl in the Transparent Panties La Chica de las Bragas Transparentes . Pick-up Girls . Two Females Spies With Flowered Panties produced by Antonio Mayans; written by Franco, based on a Perry Mason novel; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White & Franco
Zombie LakeEl lago de los muertos vivientes / The Lake of the Living Dead . Le lac des morts-vivantproduced by Daniel Lesoeur; Franco wrote this screenplay, then left the project, so Jean Rollin was hired to direct; starred Howard Vernon, Antonio Mayans, Anouchka Leseour (the producer's daughter), Nadine Pascal & Jean Rollin; Rollin later said he thought this film was awful, he just did it as a favor for Lesouer
Sadomania: The Hell of PassionSadomania: El Infierno de la Pasion . Sadomania, Hölle der Lust · Hellhole Women · Prisoners of the Flesh prison film co-produced by Antonio Mayans & Julio Poura; written by Franco & Gunter Ebert; co-directed by Lina Romay & Franco; starred Ajita Wilson (a real-life transsexual), Antonio Mayans, Ursula Buchfellner, Nadine Pascal & Jesus Franco
Bloody Moon Lune de Sang · Die Säge des Todes/ The Saw of Death · Profonde Tenebre / Deep Darkness · Colegiadas Violadas / Raped College Girls slasher film produced by Wolf Hartwig & Erich Tomek; co-directed by Lina Romay & Franco; music by Gerhard Heinz
The Naked Superwitches of the Rio Amore Die Nackten Superhexen vom Rio Amore . Die Frauen vom Rio Amore . Orgia de Ninfomanas . Captive Women (video title) . The Story of Linda (British release title) produced by Erich Tomek & Antonio Mayans; co-directed by Franco & Lina Romay; stars Antonio Mayans, Ursula Buchfellner & Katja Bienert; music by Gerhard Heinz
1981 Sexual Aberrations of a Married WomanAberraciones Sexuales de una Mujer Casada . Diary of a Desperate Housewife . Sexual Aberrations of a Housewife . Cecilia (1983 French release version) co-produced by Marius Lesoeur & J. Franco; Olivier Mathot & Pierre Chevalier shot some extra scenes for the 1983 French release version; starred Vicky Adams, Lina Romay, Olivier Mathot & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
Lake of the VirginsEl Lago de los Virgenes · Island of the Virgins based on a story by Robert Louis Stevenson; starred Katja Bienert; music by Daniel White
The Night of the Open Sexes La noche de los sexos abiertos (Night of the Open Vaginas) starred Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
El hotel de los ligues The Hotel of Rendezvous (translation) . The Hotel of Love Affairs a reworking of Franco's Elles Font Tout (1978); starred Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
Oasis of the ZombiesL'Abime des Morts Vivants / The Abyss of the Living Dead · Bloodsucking Nazi Zombies (video release title) · Le Tresor des Morts Vivants / Treasure of the Living Dead · (A variant Spanish release version w/ Lina Romay was made simultaneously as La tumba de los muertos vivientes, but appears to be a lost film) produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; starred Eric Viellard & Jeff Montgomery; music by Daniel White
Macumba SexualSexual Voodoo a reworking of Vampyros Lesbos (1970); starred Ajita Wilson, Antonio Mayans & Lina Romay; music by Daniel White
The Sexual Story of OLa Historia Sexual de O . Lola 2000 . Une petite femme pour hotel particulier starred Alicia Principe & Carmen Carrion; Lina Romay was on the poster, but was not in the film; music by Daniel White
Moans of PleasureGemidos de Placer a reworking of Franco's Pleasure For Three (1973), based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
1982 Treasure of the White Goddess El Tesoro de la Diosa Blanca . Diamonds of Kilimandjaro (DVD release title) produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; starred Katja Bienert, Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans, Daniel J. White & Olivier Mathot; music by Daniel White
Black Boots, Leather WhipBotas Negras, Latigo de Cuero starred Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
The Inconfessable Orgies of EmanuelleEmanuelle Exposed · Emanuelle's Secret Orgies starred Vicky Adams & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
The Sinister Dr. Orloff El Siniestro Dr. Orloff · Experimentos Macabros / Macabre Experiments produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; starred Howard Vernon & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
The Night Has a Thousand SexesMil Sexos Tiene La Noche starred Lina Romay; music by Daniel White
The House of the Lost WomenLa Casa de las Mujeres Perdidas · Perversion en la Isla Perdida / Perversion on the Lost Island starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
Intimate Confessions of an Exhibitionist Confesiones íntimas de una exhibicionista starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
A Buttcrack for TwoUna Rajita Para Dos / A Crack For Two Lina Romay's first solo directing job; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans & Jesus Franco
Mansion of the Living Dead La Mansion de los Muertos Vivientes Franco's homage to Amando de Ossorio's "Blind Dead" series; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
1983 The Shadow of Judoka vs. Dr. WongLa Sombra del Judoka contra el Dr. Wong starred Lina Romay & Jesus Franco; music by Daniel White
Camino Solitario Lonely Road (translation) starred Lina Romay (in a dual role), Antonio Mayans & Jesus Franco; music by Daniel White
Blood On My ShoesSangre en mis Zapatos based on an Edgar Wallace novel; starred Lina Romay, Howard Vernon & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
Alone Against TerrorSola Ante el Terror · Los Monstruos de Fiske Manor/ The Monsters of Fiske Manor starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans & Mabel Escano; music by Daniel White
The Blues of Pop StreetLos Blues de la Calle Pop · Las Aventuras de Felipe Marlboro Volumen Ocho / The Adventures of Phillip Marlboro, Volume 8 . The Pop Street Blues produced, written & directed by Franco; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans & Analia Ivars
Fury in the Tropics Furia en el Tropico · Orgasmo Perverso (re-edited hardcore version) · Mujeres Acorraladas / Cornered Women · Fury in Jamaica starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans & Analia Ivars; music by Daniel White
Barrio ChinoBarrio Pornounreleased; was supposed to star Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans
Lillian the Perverted VirginLilian la Virgen Pervertida starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans, Daniel White & Katja Bienert; music by Daniel White
The Tanga GirlsLas Chicas del Tanga starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans, Vicky Adams & Analia Ivars; supposedly directed by Lina Romay
Revenge in the House Of Usher Die Rache des Hauses Usher . El Hundimiento de la Casa Usher / The Fall of the House of Usher · Nevrosis / Neurosis · Los Crimenes de Usher / The Crimes of Usher · Zombie 5 based on a story by Edgar Allan Poe; French version incorporated footage from Franco's The Awful Dr. Orloff; produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans, Daniel White & Howard Vernon; music by Daniel White
1984 In Search of the Golden DragonEn Busca del Dragon Dorado based on "The Gold Bug" by Edgar Allan Poe; music by Daniel White
How Much Does a Spy Cost?Cuanto Cobra un Espia? produced & directed by Franco; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans, Luis Barboo & Analia Ivars
Dirty Game in CasablancaJuego Sucio en Casablanca produced & directed by Franco; starred William Berger, Analia Ivars, Vicky Adams, Luis Barboo & Antonio Mayans
Golden Temple AmazonsLes Amazones du Temple d'Or · Tundra and the Temple of the Sun produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; co-directed by Jesus Franco & Alain Payet; starred William Berger, Analia Ivars, Olivier Mathot & Antonio Mayans
The Killer Wore Black SocksEl asesino llevaba medias negrasunfinished; would have starred William Berger, Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans & Mabel Escano
Voices of DeathVoces de Muerte . Finestratunfinished; based on an Edgar Wallace novel; produced & directed by Franco; this film would have starred Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans
Scarlet The Grandfather, the Countess and Mischievous Scarlet · Escarlate la Traviesa / Naughty Scarlet a reworking of Franco's Celestine (1974), this film was apparently never released; starred Lina Romay, Vicky Adams, Analia Ivars & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
White BayBahia Blanca produced & directed by Franco; co-edited by Lina Romay; starred Lina Romay, Analia Ivars, Jesus Franco & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
1985 Last of the FilipinasLas Ultimas de Filipinas co-produced by Franco & Santigo Moncada; starred Lina Romay (who also co-directed)
Bangkok: Appointment with DeathBangkok, cita con la muerte co-edited by Lina Romay; starred Lina Romay, Eduardo Fajardo & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
Travel to Bangkok, Coffin IncludedViaje a Bangkok Ataud Incluido based on an Edgar Wallace character; produced, written, directed & scored by Franco; co-edited by Lina Romay; starred Howard Vernon
Commando MengeleAngel of Death . El Hombre que Mato a MengeleFranco co-wrote this film, but did not get to direct it; produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; starred Chris Mitchum, Fernando Rey, Howard Vernon, Jack Taylor & Antonio Mayans
The White SlaveLa Esclava Blanca co-produced by Franco (who directed) & Santiago Moncada (also writer); starred Lina Romay & Mabel Escano; music by Daniel White
Lulu's Talking AssEl Ojete de Lulu (Lulu's Buttonhole) · Lulu's Bunghole starred Lina Romay & Mabel Escano; music by Daniel White
Lulu's PacifierEl Chupete de Lulu . Lulu's Suck Toy starred Lina Romay & Mabel Escano; music by Jess Franco
A Penis for ThreeUn Pito Para Tres / A Whistle For Three starred Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans; Lina Romay co-directed, & helped write, this film
Entre pitos anda el juego The Play Moves Between Penises . The Game Walks Between Whistles (literal translation) starred Lina Romay & Mabel Escano; music by Daniel White
1986 Slaves of CrimeEsclavas del Crimen produced by Herminio Calvo; starred Lina Romay as the daughter of Fu Manchu; music by Daniel White
The Girl with the Red LipsLa Chica de los Labios Rojos produced by Gabriel Martin; starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans, Jesus Franco & Mabel Escano
The Suckers Las Chuponas starred Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White; Lina Romay co-directed & helped write this film
For The Babies, Warm CreamPara Las Nenas Leche Calentita starred Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White; Lina Romay co-directed & helped write this film
The Watcher and the ExhibitionistEl Miron y la Exhibicionista / The Voyeur and the Exhibitionist starred Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White; Lina Romay co-directed & helped write this film
Tribulations of a Cross-Eyed Buddha Tribulaciones de un Buda Bizcoa children's film, completed but never released; starred Lina Romay, Howard Vernon & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
AIDS: the 20th Century Plague Sida, la Peste del Siglo XX . Operation Sidacompleted but said to be a lost film; produced by Emilio Larraga; starred Lina Romay; music by Daniel White
Telepornounfinished; this hardcore film starred Lina Romay, Jesus Franco & Mabel Escano
The White RhinoEl rinoceronte blanco . Revenge of the White Rhinounfinished; would have starred Lina Romay, Antonio Mayans, Daniel Katz & Mabel Escano
Bragueta Story Zipper Story unreleased; Lina Romay directed this film direct-to-video; starred Lina Romay & Mabel Escano
1987 Falo CrestCaprices Sados Pour Salopes du Plaisir / Sadistic Whims for Whores of Pleasure · Phallo Crest starred Lina Romay; music by Daniel White; Lina Romay co-directed & helped write this extremely x-rated parody of Falconcrest
PhollastiaFellations Sauvages / Wild Fellatio starred Lina Romay; music by Daniel White; Lina Romay co-directed & helped write this extremely x-rated parody of Dynasty
Biba La Banda Franco produced this comedy film, but did not direct it; directed by Ricardo Palacios; starred Alfredo Landa
Dark Mission Fleurs du Mal / Flowers of Evil · The Columbian Connection · Operacion Cocaina . The Heroin Deal spy drama produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; starred Christopher Lee, Chris Mitchum, Richard Harrison, Antonio Mayans & Brigitte Lahaie; music by Daniel White
1988 Faceless Les Predateurs de la Nuit / Predators of the Night . I Predatori della Notte a reworking of Franco's The Awful Dr. Orloff (1961), with a nod to George Franju's Eyes Without A Face; produced by Rene Chateau; starred Telly Savalas, Helmut Berger, Caroline Munro, Chris Mitchum, Anton Diffring, Brigitte Lahaie (the producer's girlfriend), Howard Vernon & Lina Romay; music by Romano Musumarra
1989 Emerald BayLa Bahia Esmeralda . Esmeralda Bay produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; starred Robert Forster, Brett Halsey, George Kennedy, Fernando Rey, Craig Hill, Antonio Mayans, Jesus Franco & Lina Romay; music by Luis Bacalav; received poor distribution
1990 The Fall of Eagles La Chute des Aigles · Un Cancion Para Berlin / A Song for Berlin · War Song produced by Marius & Daniel Lesoeur; starred Christopher Lee, Mark Hamill, Craig Hill & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White
In Pursuit of Barbara À la Poursuite de Barbara Franco co-directed this French film with Jean Rollin; starred Francoise Blanchard, Jean Rollin, Antonio Mayans & Olivier Mathot
1992 Downtown Heat Ciudad Baja · Vipers . La punta de las viboras / Viper's Point starred Mike Connors, Craig Hill, Josephine Chaplin, Lina Romay & Antonio Mayans; music by Daniel White; failed to get wide distribution
Don Quijote In 1992, Franco completed this film started by Orson Welles back in 1957 as a projected TV series; adapted from Cervantes' novel by Orson Welles; starred Orson Welles, Akim Tamiroff & Francisco Reiguera as Don Quijote; it was finally theatrically released in 1995 to disappointing reviews
1994 Jungle of FearLa Jungla del Miedo . The Golden Beetleunfinished; based on The Gold Bug by Poe; co-produced by Franco; was to have starred Lina Romay, Chris Mitchum, Howard Vernon & William Berger; shot on video
1996 Killer BarbysVampire Killer Barbys · Killer Barbies Franco's last big-budget film managed to stir up much fan interest in his work; starred Maria Angela Giordano, Silvia Superstar & Aldo Sambrell (shot on film)
1997 Tender FleshCarne Fresca . Bocatto di Cardinale produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay, Amber Newman, Analia Ivars, Alain Petit, Monique Parent & Aldo Sambrell; remake of Franco's The Perverse Countess (1973); this was Franco's last "real movie" (shot on film)
1998 Lust for Frankenstein produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay, Michelle Bauer, Amber Newman, Rachel Sheppard & Analia Ivars; from this point on, Franco's films were all shot on video
Mari-Cookie and the Killer TarantulaMari Cookie y la tarantula asesina . Eight Legs To Love You produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay, Michelle Bauer, Linnea Quigley, Amber Newman, Rachel Sheppard & Analia Ivars; shot on video
1999 Dr. Wong's Virtual HellEl infierno virtual del Dr. Wong . Doctor Wong produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay, Jesus Franco, Howard Vernon (in stock footage from Franco's Curse of Frankenstein), Rachel Sheppard & Analia Ivars; shot on video
Vampire BluesLos blues del vampiro . Vampire Sex: Lady Dracula 3 . Vampyr Blues produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay, Jesus Franco, Rachel Sheppard & Analia Ivars; shot on video
Red SilkSeda Roja produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay & Christie Levin; shot on video
Broken DollsMunecas Rotas produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay & Christie Levin; shot on video
2000 Helter Skelter based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade; produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay, Rachel Sheppard & Analia Ivars; music by Daniel White; shot on video
Blind TargetObietivo a Ciegas produced by Kevin Collins; starred Rachel Sheppard, Linnea Quigley & Lina Romay; shot on video
2001 Vampire Junction produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay & Fata Morgana; shot on video
2002 Jess Franco's IncubusIncubus remake of Franco's Lorna the Exorcist (1974); produced by Kevin Collins; starred Carina Palmer, Carsten Frank & Lina Romay; music by Daniel White; shot on video
The Killer Barbys vs. DraculaKiller Barbys Contra Dracula produced by Kevin Collins; starred Lina Romay, Silvia Superstar, Katja Bienert, Aldo Sambrell, Carsten Frank & Fata Morgana; shot on video
Antenna Criminal: Making a Jess Franco Moviedocumentary on the making of Blind Target directed by Brian Horrorwitz; starred Lina Romay, Kevin Collins, Jess Franco, Rachel Sheppard & Linnea Quigley
2005 Flowers of PerversionJess Franco's Perversion . Flores de perversion produced by Franco; starred Lina Romay, Rachel Sheppard & Fata Morgana; shot on video
Flowers of PassionJess Franco's Passion . Flores de la Pasion produced & directed by Franco; starred Fata Morgana, Lina Romay & Rachel Sheppard; music by Daniel White; shot on video
Snakewoman produced by Kevin Collins; co-written by Jess Franco & Lina Romay; starred Lina Romay, Christie Levin, Antonio Mayans, Rachel Sheppard & Fata Morgana; shot on video
2008 A Bad Day at the Cemetery (Parts 1 & 2)La cripta de las mujeres malditas / Crypt of the Cursed Women filmed in two parts; produced by Franco; starred Fata Morgana (also co-writer/cinematographer) & Carmen Montes; music by Daniel White; shot on video
2009 Take-Away Spirit produced & co-written by Kevin Collins; starred Jess Franco, Brad Frikkers & Amy Brown; filmed in England, Brooklyn, Spain & China (shot on video)
2010 Paula-Paula: An Audiovisual ExperiencePaula-Paula starred Carmen Montes & Lina Romay (her last film); 66 minutes long, shot on video
2012 Al Pereira vs. the Alligator WomenCulitos in the Night . Al Pereira vs. the Alligator Ladies co-written by Franco & Antonio Mayans; starred Antonio Mayans, Irene Verdu, Paula Davis, Carmen Montes & Jesus Franco; shot on video
2013 Revenge of the Alligator WomenRevenge of the Alligator Ladies co-written & co-directed by Franco & Antonio Mayans; starred Antonio Mayans, Irene Verdu, Paula Davis & Carmen Montes; music by Jess Franco; shot on video; (Franco's last film, it would be released posthumously)

References

  1. http://www.sensacine.com/noticias/cine/noticia-18511350/ Muere Jess Franco, padre de la serie B española (in spanish)
  2. http://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/cult-horror-director-jess-franco-dead

Further reading

External links

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