The European exploitation film industry of Italy, Spain and France during the height of its popularity from 1960 to 1980 is the focus of this entertaining history. With subject matter running the gamut from Italian zombies (Zombi 2) to Spanish werewolves (La Marca del Hombre Lobo) to French lesbian vampires (Blood and Roses), the shocking and profoundly entertaining motion pictures of the "Eurocult" genre are discussed from the standpoint of both the films and the filmmakers, including such internationally celebrated auteurs as Mario Bava, Jess Franco, Jean Rollin and Paul Naschy.

Danny Shipka is an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University in the School of Strategic Communication & Media.