Night of the Zombies
A low-budget Italian zombie war film with several alternate titles.
Night of the Zombies (also known as Battalion of the Living Dead) is a 1980 Italian film blending zombie horror and war genres, directed by Claudio Fragasso. The plot follows a German SS unit and a U.S. Army unit that clash during World War II, with both groups going missing. Thirty years later, investigators searching for the soldiers’ remains hear reports that the troops have become zombies. After several investigators turn up dead, the CIA dispatches Special Agent Nick Monroe to look into the disappearances. He discovers a top-secret nerve gas that has preserved a battalion of flesh-eating World War II soldiers for decades. Monroe uncovers a plot aimed at world domination.
Production faced budget and permit issues. The film was shot in Italy and possibly New York, with no connection to Shaun Costello's property. The low-budget film first appeared in 1980 and circulated under titles including *Battalion of the Living Dead*, *Die Nacht der Zombies*, *Zombie War Games*, and *The Chilling*. The UK video release as *The Chilling* has led to confusion with the 1989 film of the same name (directed by Jack A. Sunseri and Deland Nuse).
The film premiered in theaters in 1980.
- Director
- Claudio Fragasso
- Producer
- Lorin E. Price
- Release Year
- 1980
- Country
- Italy
- Genre
- Zombie horror war film
- Alternate Titles
- Battalion of the Living Dead, Die Nacht der Zombies, Zombie War Games, The Chilling
Lore & Background
The film's plot involves a World War II German SS unit and a U.S. Army unit that clash, with both units going missing. Thirty years later, investigators searching for the soldiers' bodies discover rumors of zombies. The Central Intelligence Agency sends Special Agent Nick Monroe to investigate, and he uncovers a top-secret nerve gas that has turned the soldiers into flesh-eating zombies. A plot for world domination is revealed.
Reader's Guide
Night of the Zombies is significant primarily for its convoluted release history and multiple title changes. Originally filmed as Gamma 693 in 1979, it was later released as Night of the Wehrmacht Zombies in 1981 and Night of the Zombies in 1983. The film was shot under budget and permit constraints, with scenes filmed at the home of porn director Shaun Costello, in Munich, Bavaria, West Germany, and in New York. Its VHS release in the UK as The Chilling led to confusion with a 1989 film of the same name. The film's legacy lies in its status as a low-budget zombie Nazi film that gained a cult following through repeated re-releases.
Did You Know?
- The film was directed by Claudio Fragasso, not Joel M. Reed.
- The film was released in 1980, not 1981.
- The plot involves a German SS unit and a U.S. Army unit, not a chemical warfare battalion or nerve gas called Gamma 693.
- The film was shot in Italy and possibly New York, not in Munich or on Shaun Costello's property.
- Alternate titles like 'Gamma 693' and 'Sister of Death' are not real or are misattributed.
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