Jesus "Jess" Franco, pioneer of the sexploitation industry and director of over 200 films, died early this morning at the age of 82.
After the success of his cult classic The Awful Dr. Orloff in 1962, Franco pumped out a steady stream of blood-and-boobies skinema often featuring lesbian vampires,women in prison, zombies, cannibals, naughty nuns, and works of the Marquis de Sade. He defied the odds at times when no financial backing was available by continuing to produce supremely sexy films with his signature hand-held camera and zoom shots.
Franco passed away of unknown causes at the age of 82 on 2 April 2013 in Malaga, Spain. His longtime companion and muse Lina Romay shuffled off this mortal coil last year, and with any luck, they’re producing a lesbian vampire flick together in heaven.
Mr. Skin was lucky enough to speak to Jess Franco in 2004; you can read the skinterview here. Then give a one-handed salute to the career of Jess Franco with a look at his greatest work, right here at MrSkin.com!
