Stuff To Blow Your Mind

Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Hunchback of the Morgue

Jan 5, 2026
Dive into the chilling world of Spanish horror with a focus on Paul Naschy’s iconic film. The discussion highlights Naschy’s tragic monster roles and the hunchback trope, tracing its cinematic roots. Delve into casting choices, sympathy for characters, and the film’s notorious gore effects. Explore the moral dilemmas faced by its mad scientists and the unpredictable plot twists, including grave-robbing and a final showdown. A blend of nostalgia and critique makes for an engaging look at this cult classic's legacy.
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INSIGHT

Naschy's Tragic Monster Motif

  • Paul Naschy favored tragic, doomed-love monsters across his career, blending Universal horror tropes with personal melodrama.
  • This recurring emotional core shapes roles like Waldemar Daninsky and Gotho, making sympathy central despite monstrous acts.
INSIGHT

Not A Notre Dame Retelling

  • Hunchback of the Morgue is not a Notre Dame retelling but an original mash of grave-robbing, mad science, and Lovecraftian elements.
  • The film borrows Fritz/Igor DNA and Universal-monster aesthetics more than Victor Hugo's plot.
ANECDOTE

Dubbed Audio Glitch During Viewing

  • Joe McCormick struggled with a streaming version that played English and Spanish dubs simultaneously, which made viewing maddening.
  • He ultimately watched the Spanish track with English subtitles and preferred that experience.
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