I saw the uncut version, and I must confirm that it is a sad experience. The movie I saw contains the rated scenes, including the successful sexual treatment that the witch gives to the protagonist, and that's where the movie abruptly ends. There's definitely more than kissing and licking to it than in the "clean" one. The lack of plot, the ridiculous soundtrack and the awful direction of the cast are the unmistakable Ed Wood's signature for this disaster. The difference from the past is due to the use of colours and the explicit sex scenes, but above all what's totally missing here is at least that genuine cinematic effort, that could be observed in the old movies like Bride of the Monster or Plan 9. See it only if you must, it is far from being entertaining under any point of view.
10 Reviews
Not one of Ed Wood's finest moments!
tlnman8836 June 2009
This film was considered lost for many years, but eventually turned up in an abridged, 43-minute version (minus the hardcore scenes). The "plot" involves a young couple who try to persuade a female necromancer to help them resolve their sexual problems with witchcraft. Apparently the male partner is unable to get an erection (ironic in a film written by a guy named Wood). Porn star Rene Bond's false eyelashes are so thick, she goes through most of the film with her eyes actually closed. The film abounds with close-up shots of erect nipples and hairy crotches, but the sex scenes consist mostly of naked people licking each other's bellies and thighs, and moaning in ecstasy. There's quite a bit of lesbian action as well, as the unsatisfied females in the film resort to getting it on with each other. But I don't think anyone actually gets LAID in this film! The witch performs a ritual that involves rubbing a skull against her naughty bits, and at the end of the film, the impotent hero is stripped naked and forced to have sex with her in a coffin! The coffin was the same one Criswell used in Ed Wood's "NIGHT OF THE GHOULS" (1958). Ed Wood allegedly asked the famed 1950's horror host Vampira to play the part of the nude witch in the coffin scene, but she turned him down since at the time, she was wheelchair-bound, recovering from a stroke! The storyline in this film is so thin, it's hard to believe Ed Wood would even want to take credit for writing a piece of trash like this. While you might find the squirming crotch shots mesmerizing, this film is certainly NOT a good example of Ed Wood's scriptwriting ability. In fact, it might have been better if it had stayed lost.
Very sad.
godmonster15 October 2000
I like bad movies. Some of my favorite films are really awful. This film is way beyond that. If you are an Ed Wood fan like myself this final chapter in the man's life is truly heartbreaking. "Necromania" was intended to be a dirty movie, it is certainly the most anti-erotic thing I have ever seen. Like most "erotic" films the plot seems like an afterthought. Something about a necromancer curing a guy of impotence?! The video released by SWV also includes footage from another Ed Wood nudie picture called "Flesh Feast". This one, starring Ed himself, is even worse; nothing but shameless exhibitionism. (Although Ed never takes off his boxers, thank God.) Apparently shot over the course of one day, we see Ed becoming increasingly drunk as the day goes on. Most telling line: "I can't make it! How much longer can this go on?" A very sad document. See it if you must, but don't even plan on getting any laughs, it's too pathetic.
Decent
Michael_Elliott14 March 2008
Necromania (1971)
** (out of 4)
Danny and Shirley, a young couple suffering sexual problems, shows up at the house of Madame Heles (pronounced "Heals") in hopes that the witchdoctor can cure them. The problem is a rather hard on in the fact that Danny is having a problem rising to the occasion, which has left Shirley unsatisfied and gives her thoughts of ending the relationship. The Madame won't show up until midnight but thankfully there's a few other guests on hand who will try and tackle the hard job of saving the young couple.
Necromania was shot in the matter of days (if not one day) with the budget of $7,000. The film was shot in two versions, one hardcore version (54-minutes) as well as a softcore version (51-minutes), which is the one most people has seen thanks to various bootleg markets. The three minutes difference in running times is that of hardcore sex. We get a few money shots but there really isn't that much of a difference in the two. The soft version features mostly kissing and while I'm sure it would get an NC-17 rating today, it really isn't too graphic. This new uncut version does feature an extended ending as well as some more graphic sex.
I was fairly shocked to see how well this movie was directed. Yes, it doesn't take too much talent to film sex scenes but Wood actually keeps the film at a nice pace as well as keeps the so-called story going. We don't get any of the typical Wood craziness and the cast isn't nearly as bad as those in previous Wood films. For the most part this is just a sex film but thankfully we get some tasty Wood dialogue, which is a real hoot and again, the dialogue is actually good instead of the bad stuff that usually just makes us laugh at its dumbness. The girl has some wonderfully funny insult lines thrown at her boyfriend, which are quite clever in their own way.
Other interesting moments to Wood fans will be a short cameo by Criswell's coffin, which was previous used in Night of the Ghouls. Another charming moment is a small dedication from the director to his favorite star Bela Lugosi who has his name mentioned at the start of the film. Wood, being a huge fan of Lugosi makes a nice little turn to throw his name out there, which is nice to see. The sex scenes are not erotic but we do get some very funny dubbing, which never matches up to the lip movement. I won't get into graphic detail but while one woman has her mouth full, the words coming out is rather funny. Other funny moments include various sound effects used for laughs as well as a nice music score, which helps things move along.
Necromania isn't a classic Ed Wood film but I'm sure fans of the director will want to check it out. There's enough zany moments to keep Wood fans entertained and it's also interesting to note that the film is pretty well made considering this was probably the smallest budget Wood ever worked with and that's saying a lot.
** (out of 4)
Danny and Shirley, a young couple suffering sexual problems, shows up at the house of Madame Heles (pronounced "Heals") in hopes that the witchdoctor can cure them. The problem is a rather hard on in the fact that Danny is having a problem rising to the occasion, which has left Shirley unsatisfied and gives her thoughts of ending the relationship. The Madame won't show up until midnight but thankfully there's a few other guests on hand who will try and tackle the hard job of saving the young couple.
Necromania was shot in the matter of days (if not one day) with the budget of $7,000. The film was shot in two versions, one hardcore version (54-minutes) as well as a softcore version (51-minutes), which is the one most people has seen thanks to various bootleg markets. The three minutes difference in running times is that of hardcore sex. We get a few money shots but there really isn't that much of a difference in the two. The soft version features mostly kissing and while I'm sure it would get an NC-17 rating today, it really isn't too graphic. This new uncut version does feature an extended ending as well as some more graphic sex.
I was fairly shocked to see how well this movie was directed. Yes, it doesn't take too much talent to film sex scenes but Wood actually keeps the film at a nice pace as well as keeps the so-called story going. We don't get any of the typical Wood craziness and the cast isn't nearly as bad as those in previous Wood films. For the most part this is just a sex film but thankfully we get some tasty Wood dialogue, which is a real hoot and again, the dialogue is actually good instead of the bad stuff that usually just makes us laugh at its dumbness. The girl has some wonderfully funny insult lines thrown at her boyfriend, which are quite clever in their own way.
Other interesting moments to Wood fans will be a short cameo by Criswell's coffin, which was previous used in Night of the Ghouls. Another charming moment is a small dedication from the director to his favorite star Bela Lugosi who has his name mentioned at the start of the film. Wood, being a huge fan of Lugosi makes a nice little turn to throw his name out there, which is nice to see. The sex scenes are not erotic but we do get some very funny dubbing, which never matches up to the lip movement. I won't get into graphic detail but while one woman has her mouth full, the words coming out is rather funny. Other funny moments include various sound effects used for laughs as well as a nice music score, which helps things move along.
Necromania isn't a classic Ed Wood film but I'm sure fans of the director will want to check it out. There's enough zany moments to keep Wood fans entertained and it's also interesting to note that the film is pretty well made considering this was probably the smallest budget Wood ever worked with and that's saying a lot.
It was fun!
Boba_Fett11386 March 2005
Difference with other Ed Wood movies is that Eddy didn't took this project very serious. He puts in some jokes and some of the dialog even manages to be funny at times. A big accomplishment for the worst screen writer of movie history.
The acting was really laughable and the story makes absolutely no sense. "Necromania" mixes porn with horror and the end result actually is pretty fun to watch. Most certainly not Wood his worst. The music really is something that made me laugh. It sounds like it was directly taken from an old Wood movie from the 50's and was just plain odd to listen to, especially with the images with it.
It's a typical 70 porn movie meaning that it features lot's of hair and sideburns. Judging by all the other comments here, most people have seen the R-rated version, I've actually seen the X-rated version but seriously the X-rated version also isn't exactly something that will make you warm.
The movie is just more fun than anything to watch and absolutely most certainly not Wood's worst.
5/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
The acting was really laughable and the story makes absolutely no sense. "Necromania" mixes porn with horror and the end result actually is pretty fun to watch. Most certainly not Wood his worst. The music really is something that made me laugh. It sounds like it was directly taken from an old Wood movie from the 50's and was just plain odd to listen to, especially with the images with it.
It's a typical 70 porn movie meaning that it features lot's of hair and sideburns. Judging by all the other comments here, most people have seen the R-rated version, I've actually seen the X-rated version but seriously the X-rated version also isn't exactly something that will make you warm.
The movie is just more fun than anything to watch and absolutely most certainly not Wood's worst.
5/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
Very Disappointing
jerm19772 November 2000
I am a lover of "Trash Cinema", including some other Wood movies (i.e. Plan 9, Glen or Glenda...) but this one disappointed me. I bought the copy of the film offered by Something Weird Video with high hopes. As another review posted here said, this was supposed to be an erotic movie, but it is almost anti-erotic. The soft core sex scenes go on for way too long and not too much goes on in between them either unfortunately. It is not a complete waste of time for true trash movie fans or die hard Ed Wood fans but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it either... My rating is 5 out of 10
The worst film by a great filmmaker
penelopedanger21 December 2004
It is my sincere personal opinion that Ed Wood made some of the greatest, most imaginative, heartfelt and memorable films ever made. Ed was the original DIY filmmaker, and while he lacked technical skill, he more than made up for it with enthusiasm, plots, and especially dialog phoned in directly from Alpha Centauri.
Having said that, "Necromania" will only interest the already-converted Wood fan trying to fill in the gaps between the end of Ed's "official" filmography and the unfortunate end of his life. The casual or first-time Wood viewer should stay away from this one like the plague. For Wood fans, there are items of interest here, not least of which is Ed's (apparent) final appearance in a feature-length film. There are plot elements (and here I use the word "plot" in the most generous of senses) reminiscent of Ed's 50s classics, set pieces that recall (and may indeed have been used in) "Bride of the Monster" and "Plan 9", a way-out score, and echoes of the trademark Ed Wood dialog that to this day puts Hal Hartley and David Lynch to shame. There's also more than a little tragedy on display here; the truly sincere fan of Ed Wood (and there are about five of us) has to watch this hugely creative and tremendously life-loving soul in near total decay, ravaged by the wasting effects of too much alcohol and too little self-respect. One can't help but wish he had lived long enough to revel in the anti-hero status that was just a few years off. He would have taken the derision gleefully, knowing that somewhere out there, one viewer in a million would see his films and "get it." That's the one he was making movies for. Who knows, maybe it's you.
(Disclaimer: despite what is presented in "Necromania," there is no established scientific or medical evidence linking necromancy to increased male potency.)
Having said that, "Necromania" will only interest the already-converted Wood fan trying to fill in the gaps between the end of Ed's "official" filmography and the unfortunate end of his life. The casual or first-time Wood viewer should stay away from this one like the plague. For Wood fans, there are items of interest here, not least of which is Ed's (apparent) final appearance in a feature-length film. There are plot elements (and here I use the word "plot" in the most generous of senses) reminiscent of Ed's 50s classics, set pieces that recall (and may indeed have been used in) "Bride of the Monster" and "Plan 9", a way-out score, and echoes of the trademark Ed Wood dialog that to this day puts Hal Hartley and David Lynch to shame. There's also more than a little tragedy on display here; the truly sincere fan of Ed Wood (and there are about five of us) has to watch this hugely creative and tremendously life-loving soul in near total decay, ravaged by the wasting effects of too much alcohol and too little self-respect. One can't help but wish he had lived long enough to revel in the anti-hero status that was just a few years off. He would have taken the derision gleefully, knowing that somewhere out there, one viewer in a million would see his films and "get it." That's the one he was making movies for. Who knows, maybe it's you.
(Disclaimer: despite what is presented in "Necromania," there is no established scientific or medical evidence linking necromancy to increased male potency.)
One of Ed Wood's rare "final" films
gonzoriffic15 August 1999
As most Ed Wood fans know, he made sex movies during his final days. It was the only way he could get work (he also wrote sex novels), which is truly sad. NECROMANIA is unlike TAKE IT OUT IN TRADE (another "lost" Wood sleazy) in that it actually resembles a completed feature. All that's missing from the videotape are the hardcore sex scenes that were originally in the movie. As with most movies of this type, I didn't catch the plot. Basically there's a couple who visit a weird old house for some kind of "sex therapy". They switch partners a couple times, and the sex scenes are pretty much a lot of licking and kissing (but nothing x-rated). I'm not certain what NECROMANIA has to do with the story, but a woman dances with a skull in one scene, and there's a part where they stuff a living man in a coffin. It never manages to be scary, funny, or sexy. It only serves as a document of the unfortunate last years of a mad genius's life.
My whole family loved it!
Folkiekay18 December 2004
I found this movie outside of a Walmart at a tent sale back in 1995 or 1996.
It was the funniest movie I had ever seen, so I went back and bought all the copies up - $3.00 each. I gave away all of them as gifts except for one copy. One of them was given as a white elephant gift at a family Xmas get together, simply because I knew it was a really low budget movie, but it made me laugh every time I watched it. It's in a clamshell box - very cool.......if you haven't seen it - you are missing out! I loved seeing him run around in his underpants......and the props used in the house were cheap and gaudy. When I first saw this movie, I had no idea who Ed Wood was - it wasn't until years later that I read more about him and saw other movies. I am going to hunt up my copy of this movie right now and watch it again. I only wish I had it on DVD instead of VHS.
It was the funniest movie I had ever seen, so I went back and bought all the copies up - $3.00 each. I gave away all of them as gifts except for one copy. One of them was given as a white elephant gift at a family Xmas get together, simply because I knew it was a really low budget movie, but it made me laugh every time I watched it. It's in a clamshell box - very cool.......if you haven't seen it - you are missing out! I loved seeing him run around in his underpants......and the props used in the house were cheap and gaudy. When I first saw this movie, I had no idea who Ed Wood was - it wasn't until years later that I read more about him and saw other movies. I am going to hunt up my copy of this movie right now and watch it again. I only wish I had it on DVD instead of VHS.
porn as only Ed Wood could do it.
altair4200213 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
A guy and his girlfriend go to Madame Heles in hopes that she can help with his "problem". What this guy needs instead is a different girlfriend. All she does for the whole film is complain about his problem and that he can't satisfy her. Even at the end, when he is supposed to be cured, she still keeps on insulting him and putting him down.
The version that I just watched is the so called "hot, hot, hot" and it really isn't all that "hot". The sex scenes are mostly licking and kissing until almost at the end when you get about 3 minutes of "something more". The scenes switch between the guy's girlfriend rolling around with another woman and him with another woman. All of this amounts to very little of interest and after a few minutes gets quite tiresome. one scene in particular is confusing, when you see one woman look into another room at a group of people having an orgy. the scene is shown as you would see it through a kaleidoscope with at least a dozen images of the same thing. At about this time I was really expecting Ed to throw in the buffalo stampede footage from Glen or Glenda.
Oh well, I guess we can't expect too much from any film by "Mr. Wood", especially with a budget of only $7000.
The version that I just watched is the so called "hot, hot, hot" and it really isn't all that "hot". The sex scenes are mostly licking and kissing until almost at the end when you get about 3 minutes of "something more". The scenes switch between the guy's girlfriend rolling around with another woman and him with another woman. All of this amounts to very little of interest and after a few minutes gets quite tiresome. one scene in particular is confusing, when you see one woman look into another room at a group of people having an orgy. the scene is shown as you would see it through a kaleidoscope with at least a dozen images of the same thing. At about this time I was really expecting Ed to throw in the buffalo stampede footage from Glen or Glenda.
Oh well, I guess we can't expect too much from any film by "Mr. Wood", especially with a budget of only $7000.
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