Paul Naschy stars as a jewel thief who is shot in the head while evading the police. While on the run, his criminal confederates take him to a shady doctor for medical treatment. When he is unable to help, he suggests his mad scientist pal can save Naschy’s life. The only way to do so is an emergency brain transplant and the only person with the same blood type just so happens to be Naschy’s mortal enemy, an unsavory character called “The Sadist”. The operation is a success, but it does leave Naschy with one pesky side effect: It gives him the compulsive urge to strangle women.
Although he has top billing, Naschy spends more than half the movie unconscious and/or offscreen. Because of that, fans of the man will probably feel shortchanged. Adding to the disappointment is the fact that despite the film’s Sci-Fi trappings, this is much more of a crime flick than the horror shows he’s known for. Even when Naschy is up and running around, Crimson never really makes the best use of his talents. With his blue turtleneck and white bandaged head, he kind of resembles Dengar from The Empire Strikes Back.
While Crimson suffers from a noticeable lack of Naschy, it still has its share of rewards. There’s a completely random striptease involving two guys in yellow face ripping clothes off a woman against a ridiculously elaborate China themed backdrop. We also get a humorous stretch where the criminals have a difficult time decapitating a body, as well as a great bit when the dirty crooks receive the head hidden inside of a birthday present. We also get a gnarly scene where Naschy’s rivals put out their cigarette butts on a hot blonde, and the surprise reveal of a dead body is rather effective.
So, it’s a toss-up. If you want to see a crime caper with a pinch of horror and a dabble of Sci-Fi, then Crimson will be for you. If on the other hand, you’re looking for a top notch Naschy flick, stick with his werewolf pictures instead.
AKA: Crimson, the Color of Terror. AKA: The Man with the Severed Head. AKA: Crimson, the Color of Blood.
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