Eurotika! “European Exploitation & Sexploitation Movies”

Eurotika is a Channel 4 documentary film on European exploitation cinema. During the 1960s and 1970s, European low-budget films went kinky, emerging as a new type of cinema that blended eroticism, surrealism, horror, and over-the-top atmospherics. This series covers European exploitation cinema and sexploitation before the introduction of home video.

1- Virgins and Vampires: The Films of Jean Rollin

Virgins and Vampires takes a look at the life of Jean Rollin, a director best known for his sexy vampire flicks. Through interviews with Rollin, the film reveals a sensitive artist whose work, while reviled in his native France, was acclaimed throughout the United States and Britain.

2- The Diabolical Mr. Franco: The Films of Jess Franco

The Diablical Mr. Franco explores the life and times of Jess Franco, the creator of the first Spanish porn films. His more than 200 films include Vampyros Lesbos, about a mysterious countess who lures young women back to her castle, and Necronomicon, adapted from a medieval book on the occult. The film includes interviews with Monica Swinn, Jess Franco, Michel Lemoine, Daniel Lesoeur, and Nigel Wingrove.

3- Blood and Black Lace: A Short History of the Italian Horror Film

Blood and Black Lace focuses on Italian horror filmmakers Mario Bava, Dario Argento, and Lucio Fulci, whose baroque and bloody horror thrillers were also slick and stylish. The program features interviews with Erika Blanc, Orchidea de Santis, Daniela Giordano, Luigi Cozzi and Al Festa.

4- From Barcelona to Tunbridge Wells: The Films of Jose Larraz

From Barcelona to Tunbridge Wells looks at Spain’s sex and horror film master, Jose Larraz, who caused a sensation at the Cannes Film Festival with Symptoms. The film features interviews with Larraz, producer Brian Smedly-Aston, and former Benny Hill star Marianne Morris.

5- French Blue: Erotic Films of France

This episode focuses on the evolution of french “art” films. Between 1976 and 1983 ALPHA FRANCE Studios produced more than 150 French hardcore 35mm movies. Largely unavailable outside of France many of these movies have achieved cult classic status.

6- A Life In Four Chapters: The Films of Jose Benazeraf

A Life In Four Chapters is about the controversial French erotic filmmaker Jose Benazeraf, who, now in his 70s, continues to make erotica.

7- So Sweet, So Perverse: Women Of European Sexploitation

Profiling the films of Dagmar Lassander-Daniela Giordano-Karin Schubert-Ajita Wilson-Brigitte Lahaie-Orchidea de Santis-Lina Romay-Erika Blanc. Movies include: Pussy Talk, Femina Ridens, The Devil’s Nightmare, Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion, Werewolf Woman, The Nude Princess etc.

8- Strange Behavior: Cult Films Of Eurocine Studios

Strange Behavior profiles a Paris-based, family-run production company named Eurocine. For nearly 50 years, Eurocine has been producing some of the most recognized low budget European flicks, including striptease movies and erotic crime thrillers.

9- Is There a Doctor in the House?: Medicine Gone Bad

Mad medics, sick surgeons & psychotic scientists are the theme of this episode. Film excepts from: Dr.Jekyll & The Werewolf, Murder In A Blue World, Female Vampire[Jess Franco], Night Of The Doomed, Devil’s Kiss, The Awful Dr.Orloff, Vampyros Lesbos, Faceless, I Am Frigid…Why? etc.

10- I am a Nymphomaniac: The Erotic Films of Max Pecas

I am a Nymphomaniac explores the classy erotic films of Max Pecas, a pioneering force in French sexploitation films who discovered the talents of Elke Sommer, Anne Libert, and Sandra Julien.

11- Blood and Sand: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Spanish Horror Films

Blood and Sand focuses on classic Spanish horror, which distinguished itself as gorier, grittier, and more down-to-earth than works being produced elsewhere in Europe. The film features interviews with horror star Paul Naschy as well as some of his female co-stars.

12- The Blood Beast: The Films of Michael Reeves

The Blood Beast looks at the films of British director Michael Reeves (Witchfinder General/The Conqueror Worm), who died under mysterious circumstances at age 26. Interviews include TV star Ian Ogilvy, who starred in all three of Reeves’s features; award winning author Iain Sinclair; and Paul Maslansky, who produced Reeves’s first film.