Blue Eyes of the Broken Doll (1973)

In another unique entry in Paul Naschy's expansive body of work, this film explores the black gloved killer motif of the Italian Giallo with a strictly Spanish flair. Naschy plays a drifter that is taken in by three sultry sisters when the lifeless bodies of several beautiful women begin turning up minus one defining characteristic: their blue eyes. As in most other 70s Spanish horror entries, there is nudity of the most gratuitous nature and some sweet blood and gore. On top of several slit throats and axes to the neck, there are easily four or five pairs of eyeballs that are generously donated to the killer. There is also a surprising series of twists played out in the final third that cant be commented on without major spoilage. Now, I had previously commented on how I felt that Naschys most proficient films were the ones he directed, and to some extent this still holds. Aured (who also directed Horror Rises From the Tomb and Curse of the Devil) does an ok job here, but lacks the conceptual design and visual flair that Naschy instills through his superior atmosphere and camera work. The film would have benefited from a more personal touch that didnt feel as dry and craftsmanly. With decent acting and Naschy at his manliest, Blue Eyes makes for an entertaining watch that comes recommended to Giallo and Naschy fans alike.

Rating: 7/10.
Gore: 7/10.