The Diabolical Dr Z (1966) – Film Review

Director: Jesús Franco
Cast: Estella Blain, Mabel Karr, Howard Vernon  
Certificate: 15

By Sarah Morgan

Life is full of odd coincidences, including, it seems, in the world of Blu-ray releases.

On the same day that the BFI is launching a 4K UHD restoration of Eyes Without a Face, Eureka! is offering up a 2K version of Jess Franco’s similarly themed The Diabolical Dr Z, which was launched in cinemas in 1966, six years after Georges Franju’s much-admired chiller.

The Spanish-French co-production is an impressive entry in the Euro gothic boom that was sweeping the continent at the time, inspired by the success of Hammer’s horror movies as well as those made by Roger Corman in the US.

“Reign of terror”

They often had mad scientists at their core, and Franco opts for the same – in this case, Dr Zimmer, who has created a device that allows him to control human minds, giving him the opportunity to influence people in a supposedly positive manner.

While trying to announce the news at an important conference, Zimmer is criticised by other scientists, and the resulting stress brings on his death. His daughter Irma vows to continue his work – and avenge her father’s premature demise by killing those who pooh-poohed his invention.

To do so, she takes control of a nightclub performer, a black widow-style figure who seductively entices her victims into her web, then kills them with her poisoned nails. But, obviously, Irma’s reign of terror cannot last forever…

Shot in atmospheric black and white, The Diabolical Dr Z ranks as one of the most restrained films from Franco, a director who usually embraced as much nudity, blood and gore as possible, splattering it across the screen in glorious Technicolor.

“Wonderful visuals”

It’s believed the plot was inspired by Cornell Woolrich’s classic pulp novel The Bride Wore Black (which was later turned into a movie by French auteur Francois Truffaut), and Franco clearly loved it so much he reused certain elements in his works The Blood of Fu Manchu (1968) and She Killed in Ecstasy (1971).

Mabel Karr is icy cool as Irma, gaining able support from Estella Blain as the slinky nightclub performer unwittingly working for her; her act has to be seen to be believed.

And while it may not be as famed as Eyes Without a Face, it deserves to be as well known thanks to some wonderful visuals and a storyline as compelling as anything from the era.

The film can be watched with subtitles or an English soundtrack, while the special features include a discussion about Euro gothic cinema and a video essay focusing on mad scientists on the big screen.

Sarah Morgan( Writer )

Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

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FAQs – The Diabolical Dr Z (1966) Blu-ray

What is The Diabolical Dr Z about?

After scientist Dr Zimmer dies, his daughter Irma uses his mind-control device to avenge him – manipulating a nightclub performer who lures victims before killing them with poisoned nails.

Who directed and stars?

Director – Jesús “Jess” Franco. Cast – Estella Blain as the performer, Mabel Karr as Irma Zimmer, Howard Vernon in a key supporting role.

When was it released originally?

1966 – a Spanish-French Euro-gothic chiller made in striking black and white.

How does it relate to other films of the era?

It shares thematic DNA with Georges Franju’s Eyes Without a Face and draws on pulp influences such as Cornell Woolrich’s The Bride Wore Black – later echoed in Franco’s own She Killed in Ecstasy.

What are the key disc specs?

1080p presentation from a 2K restoration by Gaumont – original aspect ratio 1.66:1 – Region B – language French with optional newly revised English subtitles – English audio option also included.

What is the certificate and runtime?

Certificate 15 – runtime 87 minutes.

What special features are included?

Audio commentary by Tim Lucas – new featurettes on 1960s Euro-gothic and mad-science tropes – archival interviews – trailer – image gallery – reversible sleeve – collector’s booklet. (Extras may be subject to change.)

Is this the same as “Miss Muerte”?

Yes – The Diabolical Dr Z is also known by its original Spanish title Miss Muerte.

How does this title fit into Jess Franco’s career?

It is one of his more restrained early horrors – a bridge between his gothic cycle (The Awful Dr Orloff, etc.) and the wilder exploitation films that followed.

What makes this release notable for collectors?

Limited print run – fresh 2K restoration – substantial extras – O-card slipcase with new artwork – a booklet featuring new writing on the film and Franco.