The Frenchman's Garden

"The Frenchman" was what locals called the man who ran the bar and restaurant in the small town of Peñaflor in rural Spain in the early part of the 20th century. But Juan Andrés Aldije Monmeja was not your usual jolly innkeeper. He ran an illegal gambling den and pimped out the waitresses who worked for him. Deciding there were easier and quicker ways to exploit his customers, The Frenchman started slaughtering them, stealing their money and burying their corpses in the garden at the back of his inn. It was not long before people started asking questions...

Directed by Paul Naschy, The Frenchman's Garden leans on a strong ensemble — María José Cantudo, Ágata Lys, Paul Naschy — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about horror titles of 1978.