About a month ago I reviewed Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine. In no way is that film a horror movie but I justified covering it here because it stars Vincent Price and because of that reason I think horror fans would have an interest in it. A year after that film was released a sequel was made called Dr. Goldfoot and Girl Bombs. Much like that first film this is in no way a horror film. It does, however, still star Price and was directed by the great Mario Bava.
When you first hear the names Price and Bava you likely imagine some kind of twisted horror tale that is amusing in some morbid way. At least that’s what I imagine. The fact that these two horror icons teamed up to do something that wasn’t horror at all greatly fascinates me. And because of that I am very happy to talk to you about Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs.
The movie starts off the same way all great sequels do – with a pretty detailed recap of the previous movie. The important thing to know is that Dr. Goldfoot is still alive and he’s still creating women to help him take over the world. The main difference this time around is that the women Dr. Goldfoot creates these days are actually bombs designed to seduce and then blow up important world leaders. Fortunately for Dr. Goldfoot a NATO war-games is scheduled bringing a lot of world leaders into one place.
Much like the first film, Security Intelligence Command, referred throughout most of the film as SIC, is still out to stop Dr. Goldfoot before he can put his fiendish plan into action. Frankie Avalon was unable to return to play the role of the SIC agent so he was replaced by Fabian. Makes sense right? Can’t get one teen idol, just call the next one in!
I enjoyed the first film quite a bit. It was a campy parody of James Bond mixed with AIP’s beach party movies. It was very silly but plenty enjoyable. The sequel takes the level of camp up a few levels and relies a lot more on the slapstick comedy elements, this being specifically done with the Italian comedy duo of Franco Franchi and Ciccio Ingrassia. This slapstick comedy works at times but a lot of it feels forced. The first film had the right balance of silliness whereas this one seems to go a tad bit too far.
Price still seems to be having fun, which is nice and especially noticeable when he breaks the fourth wall and talks to the audience. There’s also some really nice set pieces and vivid colors like one would expect in a Mario Bava film, although this isn’t really something one would call a Bava film. I imagine the budget for this was on the small side but you wouldn’t know it. I think it’s safe to say we can credit Bava for that. He made a career out of turning nothing into something.
Like the first Dr. Goldfoot movie, this sequel is now out on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. It’s another quality release and one with a few special features, which are starting to become more of a regular thing for Kino Lorber. There’s a Trailers from Hell on Black Sabbath with Mick Garris, some trailers of Vincent Price movies and a commentary on the film. If you liked the first movie you’re likely to enjoy this one too, even if I personally didn’t find it to be as good. Or maybe you’re a Vincent Price and/or a Mario Bava completist? If that’s the case this will surely make a fine entry to your collection.
Rating: 2.5/5
Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs is now out on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.
