It is with a heavy horror heart that the To Watch Pile has to report the passing of a legend of Italian horror, Umberto Lenzi, today on the 19th October 2017.

Lenzi was a prolific writer and director who never seemed to reach the fame of Deodato, Argento or Fulci, but to Italian film fans, is important nevertheless.

Lenzi was responsible for some of the more sleazy and unusual end of the Euro-horror spectrum, delivering films like Spasmo, Eyeball, The Cynic, The Rat and The Fist, Nightmare City, Eaten Alive, The Man From Deep River but for most of us, and most importantly, Cannibal Ferox.

Many of his film can currently be enjoyed through 88 Films’ The Italian Collection, so keep an eye out for them (I am currently watching Spasmo whilst I type this).

The To Watch Pile would like to pass on our sympathy to Mr. Lenzi’s Family.