Jess Franco's USHER: Part 2

There are now at least three versions of Jess Franco's 1983 adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER. The one that is the most doggedly unavailable, which was loudly ridiculed by the audience when it was shown in Spain almost 40 years ago, is the long lost first director's cut. This is the one the dedicated Jess Franco scholar most wants to discover. Since it's never been theatrically released anywhere, has no video or digital presentation and has virtually disappeard for four decades, hopes are slim for a reevalutation. The most well-known version, with additional scenes and produced by Eurocine, has had numerous titles and home video releases over the last 40 years. The original 1983 title:El hundimiento de la casa Usher, followed by, Alternative titles: La chute de la maison Usher (FR) Los crímenes de Usher

La Chute De La Maison Usher (French: 1993 Century VHS)

Revenge in the House of Usher (GBR) Zombie 5 (USA) Revolt of the House of Usher (grey market version) The Fall of the House of Usher Névrose Neurosis (Blu-ray) The trouble started with the 1983 screening of the director's original cut of EL HUNDIMIENTO DE LA USHER at Imagfic in Madrid, but the project's difficulties continued. Given that was a non-starter Franco attempted to save this vision by directing a re-edited and re-shot follow up, THE CRIMES OF USHER. This iteration seems to have had a very limited Spanish release. Before going into that version it is necessary to consider the film which Franco himself has stated was the inspiration for filming the story. That would be Jean Epstein's 1928 LA CHUTE DE LA MAISON USHER. Lastly little over an hour this silent version is heavily influence by Expressionist/Romantic Art, as were the previous silent films of Fritz Lang (DIE NIEBELUNGEN) and F.W. Murnau (NOSFERATU, FAUST). Some versions have color tinted sequences which are very atmospheric and evoke the toxic mists of Poe's original story. There are numerous superimpositions and painterly tableau throughout. Two sequences often noted by critiques include the death and final interment of Lady Usher, during which time seems to stop as the dead swamp is explored.