The “One Name” Wonder Nadiuska!
I come across a wide variety of “Cult Movie Queens” as part of my “2022 Sex Kitten Countdown” research – and while I always hope that they all have happy endings, some of the stories are shocking…and that’s the case here.
The European Actress known as “Nadiuska” was born in 1952 in Germany as Roswicha Bertasha Smid Honczar. When her family moved to Barcelona, she found fame as an Actress.
This German Actress, who looked a lot like Sophia Loren, had more than 40 film credits – and many were provocative European Erotic films.
Nadiuska was a huge star in her home country, and also had many international hits as well…a “one word” Cult Movie Queen who was mesmerizing on camera.
However, there is a dark side to this story as well, as you will see…let’s start by taking a close look at some of her films:
“Tarzan in King Solomon’s Mines”
This 1973 film got bad reviews, and for Spanish horror buffs also starred the legendary Director Paul Naschy in an acting role…however, he didn’t direct the film, which could have helped a lot.
“Spanish Fly”
This 1976 film takes place on the beautiful island of Minorca, where Sir Percy de Courcy finds himself once again penniless – leading to a comic series of misadventures…and plenty of nudity:
Nadiuska became one of the most popular pinup Models in Europe, and more hit films, with provocative names, kept her in the spotlight.
“Rape”
This provocatively titled 1976 film told the story of a Psychiatrist and Reporter who travel to a small Spanish village in an attempt to uncover the mystery of a friend’s illness.
There were more provocative films to follow:
“La Muerte Ronda a Mónica”
In this 1976 film, a wealthy woman is implicated in a series of murders, when a company appears to be in trouble and former associates of the board reappear.
In 1979, she starred in this erotic comedy:
“Seven Dangerous Girls”
Seven female friends decide to play an erotic game. They try to seduce as many aristocrats and middle-class men as possible by their charming personalities.
One of my other “Sex Kitten Countdown” subjects, Janet Agran starred in this film as well.
Agran had a great career in cult film and you can see her most provocative work by clicking on my story here:
In 1982, Nadiuska starred in one of the most well known cult films of that time:
“Othello – The Black Commando”
The star of this film was Tony Curtis!
The Moorish general Othello is manipulated into thinking that his new wife Desdemona has been carrying on an affair with his lieutenant Michael Cassio when in reality it is all part of the scheme of a bitter ensign named Iago.
Finally, Nadiuska appeared in the Arnold Schwarzenegger film “Conan the Barbarian” in 1982 – as Conan’s mother!
Nadiuska showed an empowered felinity in most of her work.
I mean, I’m certain Conan would have wanted a Mom who looked like this!
After continuing to work steadily until 1984, she only made 4 additional films through 1998…when she retired from acting.
At this point, things get murky…
Online bios simply say this:
“After being homeless for some time and being diagnosed with schizophrenia, nowadays she lives on a mental institution on Ciempozuelos, Madrid (Spain).”
I can’t find any updated information, except that she ended up homeless and apparently suffers from mental illness.
A shocking end to one of Europe’s most popular Actresses of her time…
Being in the spotlight is certainly difficult, and leaving the spotlight is also hard for many stars.
Italian Actress Cicciolina had a wild life – click here to see it all!
Here’s another Italian Sex Kitten who had a wild career:
Talk about a revealing publicity photo! Sylva Koscina was very popular in Europe as well.
See all of her greatest hits by clicking on my story here:
Here’s another Actress I profiled who also had a provocative career:
Lara Wendel made many controversial films in her short career…click here to see her story:
And what about Germany’s most iconic Movie Star export Elke Sommer?
Her mainstream career in the 60’s led her to star in a few of the most popular cult films of the 70’s, and you can see them all by clicking on my story here:
If you like these stories, and don’t want to miss any of my “2021 Sex Kitten Countdown” as well, then go to my website’s front page and sign on to follow me – there are NO ads at all, just lots of stories to come about the wild world of exploitation and cult films!
Click here and see the “follow” button on the upper right!
Make sure to subscribe for more of my “2022 Sex Kitten Countdown”! And let me know what you think of this story!
Categories: 70's Films, Artsploitation, Camp Cult Classics, Euro-Sleaze, Exploitation Films, Extreme Cinema, Grindhouse, JRsploitation, Nudity, sex kittens, Sexploitation Films, Talent / Celebrites
JR-Sploitation! 
You forgot her attempt into the USA film market. She was in Guyana Cult of the Damned (1979). And one of my faves People Who Own the Dark.
LikeLike
She certainly looked very much like Sophia Loren, and could have easily passed for her in some photos. I have actually seen ‘Spanish Fly’. It was awful! 🙂 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike