Inspired by the Universal horror films of the 30's and early 40's,
former comedy actor Abel Salazar created his own production company,
Cinematografica ABSA. From 1957 to 1964 he produced eight atmospheric
horror films ranging from the highly acclaimed El Vampiro to the
Mexi-schlock masterpiece, El Baron del Terror
(a.k.a., The Brainiac).
Although the films reflect the craftsmanship of their respective
directors, all bear the stamp of Salazar's neuevo-Gothic sensibilities.
Eerily lit and shot in glorious black & white, settings usually were
limited to several locations, and showcased palsied rubber bats,
Spock-eared vampires, and other delectably camp sfx.
Not content with merely producing, Salazar also appeared in many of
his films, taking the lead role in Brainiac. In 1965 he was admitted to
Mexico's director's union, ending his career as an independent horror
film producer and closing the doors of ABSA forever. For the next 20 years he
directed popular dramas for
other studios.
In 1995, Salazar succumbed to Alzheimer's Disease.
Salazar's horrific eight:
El Vampiro
(The Vampire)
El Ataud del Vampiro
(The Vampire's Coffin)
El Hombre y el Monstruo
(The Man and the Monster)
El Mundo de los Vampiros
(The World of the Vampires)
El Espejo de la Bruja
(The Witch's Mirror)
El Baron del Terror
(The Baron of Terror)
La Cabeza Viviente
(The Living Head)
La Maldicion de la Llorona
(The Curse of the Crying Woman)
Abel Salazar Poster Gallery
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