Synopsis
The Frenchman’s Garden (1978) follows a ruthless man who establishes a gambling house and brothel in a small rural Spanish town at the start of the 20th century and uses it as a trap to lure rich strangers. Once they arrive, he and his accomplice murder their victims, steal their money and bury the bodies in the garden of the estate, leaving behind a trail of missing persons that sparks fear and suspicion in the community. As investigators close in on the secret of the orchard, the story reveals the dark psychology and escalating brutality of the killers in this crime thriller drawn from real Spanish history.
Criticism
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El huerto del Francés is arguably Naschy’s most impressive film up until this time. As a recreation of a real, horrific event, it can hardly be faulted. The entire cast rises to the occasion and delivers note-perfect performances. Naschy’s meticulous attention to detail results in an exacting recreation of the period, but most importantly the film has plenty of fire and intensity; it is not a boring still life.
Troy Howarth, Human Beasts: The Films of Paul Naschy (WK Books, 2018)
Selected disc options for The Frenchman’s Garden
| Extras | Mondo Macabro BD-A/US 2021 |
|---|---|
| Audio Commentary by Troy Howarth and Naschycast’s Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn | has extra |
| Interview Segment with Director/Writer/Actor Paul Naschy on “The Frenchman’s Garden” | has extra |
| Interview with Director/Writer/Actor Paul Naschy | has extra |
Notes
- Mondo Macabro’s “Limited Edition” Blu-ray includes a 16-page booklet with writing by Victor Matellano and Sergio Molina (“‘The Frenchman’s Garden’: Home Grown Horror”). Reissued as a standard edition without booklet (2021/08/10).
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Ultimate Edition
Combine the best digital presentation with a selection of choice extras for the ultimate edition.
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Interview Segment with Director/Writer/Actor Paul Naschy on “The Frenchman’s Garden” (2003, 3:05) -
Interview with Director/Writer/Actor Paul Naschy (2003, 27:52)
| Presentation | |
|---|---|
| Extras | Audio Commentary by Troy Howarth and Naschycast’s Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn Mondo Macabro BD |
| Interview Segment with Director/Writer/Actor Paul Naschy on “The Frenchman’s Garden” Mondo Macabro BD | |
| Interview with Director/Writer/Actor Paul Naschy Mondo Macabro BD |