(306) THE WHIP [El Latigo] (1978) Juan Miranda | 1st in series
4890DVD
original Mexican/Spanish title EL LATIGO [The
Whip]
director: Alfredo B Crevenna
starring: Juan Miranda · Mario Almada · Gustavo Rojo ·
Yolanda Ochoa · Agelica Chain · Manuel Resendess
For this
first entry into the Latigo(Whip) series [followed
by THE
WHIP VS SATAN and THE
WHIP vs THE KILLER MUMMIES], Artemo investigates a series of 'locked-room'
murders that appear to be committed by the legendary Ghost of the Tiger
from Indian lore. Specifically, Artemo has been summoned by an old friend,
Dr Secin, to discuss a matter of 'grave importance.' But before Artemo's
arrival, the professor is brutally killed... inside his locked bedroom.
Daughter Rebecca insists the murder has something to do with the ancient
jawbone [from a tiger] that her archeologist father considered his prized
possession. The local Etiu Indian tribe believes the Night Tiger
has resurrected to taken vengeance anyone who violates their sacred ground.
They organize to kidnap Rebecca for a blood sacrifice. Meanwhile, the
racist Sheriff Robles is more interested in provoking and bullying the
Indians, with hopes of raping the beautiful squaw Lucero. Artemo [disguised
as superhero Latigo] tries to calm the insanity as tensions and murders
mount.
The breakout
film for actor Juan Miranda was Meche Carreno's controversial movie BLOOD
ENEMY [he played Sergio, the retarded brother seduced by his sister].
He later became a popular matinee idol, starring in numerous genre actioners,
many with 'whip' themes [ie., each of the aforementioned Latigo
films]. Mr Miranda retired from motion pictures in 1989 and died 20 years
later from a a heart attack at age 68, July 2009.
Director
Alfredo B. Crevenna (a genre veteran responsible for 150 films including
the NEUTRON
series, PLANET
OF THE FEMALE INVADERS, and Santo's final film FURY
OF THE FIGHTING GODDESS) uses some unusual techniques in this
series. Besides the quirky Whip hero in the center of the story, the narrative
shifts abruptly from Horror to the Western genre, emphasized by wildly
disorientating camera angles and striking locations. This is especially
true of the opening sequence [used in all three films] where Aztec ruins
and brewing thunderstorms serve as an effective backdrop to Latigo's whip-cracking.
German-born Alfredo B. Crevenna became a director who enjoyed a prolific
50 year career in Mexico. He died in August 1996 from cancer, at age 82.
A
Mexican/Spanish film with optional ON/OFF English subtitles, 82 minutes,
widescreen, encoded for ALL REGION, playable on any American DVD machine
Extras include selected trailers.
Violence/Sexual Brutality
intended for Mature Audiences
![(306) THE WHIP [El Latigo] (1978) Juan Miranda | 1st in series](Images/vd4890_1.jpg "(306) THE WHIP [El Latigo] (1978) Juan Miranda | 1st in series")
