Víctor Israel, born Josep Maria Soler Vilanova in 1934, carved a niche in the realm of cult cinema with his memorable appearances in films like The House That Screamed (1969) and Murders in the Rue Morgue (1971). Often cast in uncredited roles, Israel's presence in the gritty landscapes of Spanish horror and spaghetti Westerns adds a distinctive flavor to the genre. His work in Alive or Preferably Dead (1969) and Exorcism's Daughter (1971) further solidifies his status as a veteran character actor, embodying the essence of exploitation cinema.
Devil's Kiss
When the Countess de Moncourt is left destitute by the suicide of her husband, she resumes her former identity as Claire Grandier—comely Goth and medium! Teaming up with Dr. Gruber, a down-on-his-luck telepath, they accept an invitation from an eccentric duke to stage a séance at his candle-lit castle, as a follow-up to a funky fashion show of hilarious “avant garde” wear. Impressed by Claire’s command of the supernatural, the duke invites her and Gruber to room at his chateau. Working from a dank cellar with the help of a lascivious dwarf, Claire—aided by Gruber’s telepathic powers—succeeds in reanimating a pauper’s mutilated corpse and sending it on a mission of revenge…but how will she control this doddering zombie should Gruber succumb to his weak heart?
