| Whereas nudity was not uncommon in Continental Horror of the early 1960s, in such films as ‘L’Ultima Preda del Vampiro,’ ‘La Danza Macabra,’ some of the German Krimi Horrors, and the early Gothics of Jesus Franco, it wasn’t until the later 60s and the 70s that it became allmost an indispensible ingredient. Still, as it was, these fleeting bits of nudity were often only seen in French, Belgian or occassionally German releases, and this often in versions that were specifically created for these more liberal markets, as Catholic Italy and Spain under dictator Franco were considerably less open-minded on these matters. Now these elements could simply be scenes featuring nudity that could be cut, or even ‘unclothed’ scenes that were specifically shot with more liberal markets in mind. Yet, when one considers the Eurowestern and particularly Peplum, Continental 1960s subgenres that were often considered Sunday matinee material, and thus attracted a younger public, glimpses of bared anatomy were considerably more rare. Of course, these sword and sandal films were filled with gorgeous women in revealing costumes, and they were often seen bathing or found taking nude swims in the fabulous Cascate di Monte Gelato, but the nudity here was rather suggested then it was shown, obscured by the water or well-positioned branches. But, as we will see in the following article, there were occaccional surprises to be found. |
