Saturday, November 19, 2011

Killer Plants: Film & TV List

Body of the Prey (1970 a.k.a. Venus Flytrap)

As evident in the numerous films and television programs that they have appeared in, homicidal and carnivorous vegetation has always been a strange fascination for many fantasy, horror, and sci-fi fans. Interest in these wondrous and deadly creatures continues to stay strong and blogs dedicated to them are sprouting like weeds all over the Internet. As part of SP's cryptozoological film & TV listing series, yours gruelly has not only included giant carnivorous plants, but also killer fruits, dangerous fungi, and humanoid plant creatures, which should satisfy the web-exploring masses looking for a good SPew... or simply, unique ideas for backyard landscaping? So, without further adieu, grab your popcorn and green candy vines and check out these botanical nightmares.... 


ABC Weekend Specials: "The Bunjee Venture" (1984) -- animated TV episode
The Addams Family (1964-1966) -- TV series, Motricia's carnivorous pet Cleopatra
The Addams Family (1973-1975) -- animated TV series
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2002-2006) -- animated TV series
Aladdin: "Garden of Evil" (1994) -- animated TV episode
At the Earth's Core (1976)
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978)
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (1990-1992) -- animated TV series
Attack of the Mushroom People (1963; a.k.a. Matango)
The Avengers: "Man-Eater of Surrey Green" (1965) -- TV episode
Batman & Robin (1997)
Batman: The Animated Series: "Pretty Poison" (1992) -- animated TV episode
Batman: The Brave and the Bold: "Sidekicks Assemble!" (2010) -- animated TV episode
Batman: The Brave and the Bold: "The Mask of Matches Malone!" (2010) -- animated TV episode
Blood (1974) -- starring Hope Stansbury
Body of the Prey (1970; a.k.a. Venus Flytrap)
Body Snatchers (1993)
Creepshow (1982)
Creepshow 2 (1987)
Darkwing Duck (1991) -- animated TV series, recurring villain Bushroot
The Day of the Triffids (1962)
The Day of the Triffids (1981)
The Day of the Triffids (2009)
Die, Monster, Die! (1965)
Dinner for Adela (1978; a.k.a. Adéla Jeste Nevecerela)
Doctor Who: "The Seeds of Doom, Parts 1-6" (1976) -- TV episodes
Doctor Who: "The Trial of a Time Lord, Part 9" (1986; a.k.a. "Terror of the Vervoids") -- TV episode
The Double Garden (1970; a.k.a. The Venus Flytrap)
Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965)
Emperor's New Grove (2000)
Flash Gordon (1979-1982) -- animated TV series
Friday the 13th the Series: "A Cup of Time" (1987) -- TV episode
Garfield and Friends: "One Good Fern Deserves Another" (1989) -- animated TV episode
Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)
George of the Jungle (1967-1970) -- animated TV series, closing credits
The Green Slime (1968)
Hank Danger and the Space Mummy's Tomb! (2009) -- animation
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
The Headless Terror (1967; a.k.a. Penanggalan)
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: "title unknown" (2002-2004) -- animated TV episode
The Hilarious House of Frightenstein (1971) -- TV series
Holocausto Porno (1981) -- porno
H.R. Pufnstuf (1969-1970) -- TV series with poison mushrooms that turn any living creature they touch into fungus
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
It Conquered the World (1956)
Jimmy Two-Shoes (2009-) -- animated TV series
Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
Jumanji (1995)
Kaiba: "title unknown" (2008) -- animated TV episode
Killer Tomatoes Eat France (1991)
Killer Tomatoes Strike Back (1990)
Kim Possible: "title unknown" (2002-2007) -- animated TV episode
Konga (1961)
The Land Unknown (1957)
Lexx (1997-2002) -- TV series
Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Loonatics Unleashed: "Apocalypso" (2007) -- animated TV episode
The Lost Continent (1968)
Lost Girl: "(Dis)Members Only" (2010) -- TV episode
Lost in Space: "Attack of the Monster Plants" (1965) -- TV episode
The Lost World (1960)
The Lost World: "The Guardians" (2001) -- TV episode
Luana (1968)
Man Eater of Hydra (1967; a.k.a. Island of the Doomed/La Isla de la Muerte) -- also features a bloodsucking tree!
Milton the Monster: "The Goofy Doctor Goo Fee/From Riches to Rags/The Pot Thickens" (1965) -- animated TV episode
Milton the Monster: "Throne for a Loss/Missin' Masters/Monster Mutiny" (1965) -- animated TV episode
Milton the Monster: "Boo to You/Under Waterloo/Kid Stuff" (1965-1967) -- animated TV series episode
Minority Report (2000)
Mortuary (2005)
Mothra (1961)
The Mutations (1973; a.k.a. The Freakmaker)
Mutiny in Outer Space (1965)
Naruto (2002-2007) -- animated TV series
Naruto: Shippûden (2007-) -- animated TV series
The New Addams Family (1998-1999) -- TV series
The New Scooby-Doo Movies: "Wednesday Is Missing" (1972) -- animated TV episode
Ninja Nonsense: "title unknown" (2004; a.k.a. Ninin ga shinobuden) -- animated TV episode
The Outer Limits: "Flower Child" (2001) -- TV episode
Please Don't Eat My Mother! (1973)
Poltergeist Report: Yuu Yuu Hakusho (1992-1995) -- animated TV series
The Quartermass Xperiment (1955; a.k.a. The Creeping Unknown)
The Red Skelton Show "Episode #20.7" (1970) -- TV episode
Return of the Killer Tomatoes! (1988)
The Revenge of Doctor X (1970)
Rocky and His Friends: "The Pottsylvania Permanent or I've Grown Accustomed to the Place" (1960) -- TV episode
Rosario to Vampire (2008-2009) -- animated TV series
Rosario to Vampire Capu2 (2008) -- animated TV series
The Ruins (2008)
Sabrina and the Groovie Goolies (1970-1971; a.k.a. The Groovie Goolies and Friends) -- animated TV series
Scary Movie 2 (2001)
Seedpeople (1992)
Seeds of Evil (1974)
The Seven Vampires (1987; a.k.a. As Sete Vampiras)
The Simpsons: "Simpson Safari" (2001) -- animated TV episode
The Simpsons: "Moe Baby Blues" (2003) -- animated TV episode
Star Trek - Voyager "Bliss" (1999) -- TV episode
Swamp Devil (2008)
Tarzan's Desert Mystery (1943)
The Tender Trap (1974) -- documentary about carnivorous plants; with Vincent Price
The Thing from Another World (1951)
Toyota ECHO commercial (20??) --- might have premiered in 2003, a woman feeds a grocery boy to a giant Venus flytrap in the back of her vehicle
Transformers: Cybertron (2005) -- animated TV series
Transformers: The Headmasters: "title unknown" (1987-1988) -- animated TV episode
Tremors: "Flora or Fauna?" (2003) -- TV episode
Ultraman: "Miroganda no Himitsu" (1966) -- TV episode
The Unknown Terror (1957)
Untamed Women (1952)
Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (1987) -- animated TV series
Voodoo Island (1957)
Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet (1965)
Werewolf of London (1935)
When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth (1970)
The Woman Eater (1958)
The X-Files: "El Mundo Gira" (1997) -- TV episode
Yog, Monster from Space (1971)
Yû yû Hakusho (1993-2006) -- animated TV series

see also film & TV lists of... EVIL TREES!


Killer Plants Film Movies TV Television List
The Addams Family (1964-1966)

Killer Plants Film Movies TV Television List
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978)

Killer Plants Film Movies TV Television List
The Day of the Triffids (1962)

Killer Plants Film Movies TV Television List
H.R. Pufnstuf (1969-1070)

Killer Plants Film Movies TV Television List
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Killer Plants Film Movies TV Television List
Batman: The Animated Series: "Pretty Poison" (1992)

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Evil Trees: Film & TV List

Bloodoak, Ya-te-veo, Madagascar tree

Bloodoak, Ya-te-veo, and the man-eating Madagascar tree -- these and other malicious trees have haunted us throughout the ages in folklore and in the pages of literature. Tales and images of evil trees are especially effective in disturbing the imagination and terrifying many... especially at campfires and on Halloween night. Despite popular interest in them, it is odd that very few films and television programs have placed these nightmare-inducing monsters in the spotlight where they deserve to be. Most often, cinematic evil trees have been displayed as secondary antagonists or reduced to simply being minions of other villains. However, whenever the sentient creatures DO appear, they make quite an impact on audiences. Only a handful of films have dared to make these characters the stars of the horror picture, but SP feels there ought to be more and, therefore, dedicates this post to our tree fiends who continue to fascinate and frighten us shitless!!!!


The Adventures of Sinbad: "title unknown" (1996-1998) -- TV series episode
Angkerbatu (2007)
Babes in Toyland (1961)
Ben 10: Alien Force: "title unknown" (2008-2010) -- animated TV series
Ben 10: Ultimate Alien: "title unknown" (2010-) -- animated TV series episode
The Big O: "title unknown" (1999-2003) -- animated TV series episode
Brides of Blood (1968; a.k.a. Brides of the Beast/The Island of Living Horror)
Ching nu yu Hun (1960; a.k.a. The Enchanting Shadow)
Cthulhu (2007)
Doctor Who: "The Keys of Marinus" (1964) -- TV series episode
DuckTales: "Much Ado About Scrooge" (1987) -- animated TV series
Eden Log (2007)
The Evil Dead (1981)
Evil Dead II (1987)
Family Guy: "Petergeist" (2006) -- animated TV series episode
Felix in Fairyland (1923)
Friday the 13th - The Series: "Doorway to Hell" (1988) -- TV series episode featuring attacking tree vines.
Friday the 13th the Series: "The Tree of Life" (1990) -- TV series episode
From Hell It Came (1957)
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy: "The Taking Tree" (2005) -- animated TV series episode
The Guardian (1990)
The Happening (2008)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) -- the vicious Whomping Willow first appears in this film
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
H.R. Pufnstuf (1969-1970) -- TV series featuring Evil Trees in haunted forest alongside Poison Mushrooms!
InuYasha: "title unknown" (2000-2005) -- animated TV series episode
Jack Frost (1965; a.k.a. Morozko)
Jimmy Two-Shoes: "title unknown" (2009-) -- animated TV series episode
Kuntilanak (2006)
The Last Unicorn (1982) -- animation
Lidsville: "Show Me the Way to Go Home" (1971) -- TV series episode
The Little Prince (1974) -- opera featuring evil Baobab Trees
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) -- not evil, but impressive
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) -- more heroic trees, but creepy-looking
Lost Girl: "(Dis)Members Only" (2010) -- TV series episode
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha: "title unknown" (2004) -- animated TV series episode
The Mighty Boosh: "Fountain of Youth" (2005) -- TV series episode
My Little Pony: The Movie (1986) -- animation
The Navy vs. the Night Monsters (1966)
Negima!: "title unknown" (????) -- animated TV series episode
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) -- animation
Origin: Spirits of the Past (2006; a.k.a. Gin-iro no Kami no Agito) -- animation
Poltergeist (1982)
Pufnstuf (1970) -- film based on live animation TV series
Robot Chicken: "title unknown" (2005-) -- animated TV series episode
Sailor Moon: "title unknown" (????) -- animated TV series episode
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970) -- animation
Saturday Night Live: "The Killer Christmas Tree" (1975) -- TV series episode
Sealab 2021: "Isla de las Chupacabras" (2004) -- animated TV series episode
Shrek 2 (2004)
Shrek the Third (2007)
Sien nui Yau Wan (1987; a.k.a. A Chinese Ghost Story)
Sien lui Yau Wan III: Do Do Do (1991; a.k.a. A Chinese Ghost Story III)
The Simpsons Movie (2007) -- animation
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
The Thief of Bagdad (1924) -- although not evil, it features a creepy living tree that walks
Trees (2000)
The Root of All Evil (2004)
Treevenge (2008) -- short film, evil Christmas trees
Trollz (2005-2006) -- animated TV series
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Womaneater (1958)
The X-Files: "title unknown" (1993-2002) -- TV series episode
Yû yû Hakusho: "title unknown" (????) -- animated TV series episode

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
Treevenge (2008)

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
Family Guy

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
From Hell It Came (1957)

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949)

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
The Evil Dead (1981)

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
H.R. Pufnstuf 

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
The Guardian (1990)

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
The Whomping Willow

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Evil Trees Film Movies TV Television List
Poltergeist (1982)


SEE ALSO... Killer Plants!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Vampira (a.k.a. Maila Nurmi)

Maila Nurmi

Glamour ghoul Vampira exhibited a sexy and dangerous persona of which the likes had never been seen before 1954, when she made her television debut hosting horror and suspense thrillers on KABC-TV's Lady of Horrors. Her public appeal immediately grabbed the attention of the press and launched Vampira fan clubs all over the world. Since then, Vampira has continued to resurrect herself in the public's conscience with films like Plan 9 from Outer Space, Ed Wood, Vampira: The Movie; with Halloween novelty songs; and interviews in numerous periodicals and documentaries as Maila Nurmi -- the actress who portrayed the vampire vixen. Listed below are films, songs, articles, and other references that cover the career of Maila Nurmi and her sinfully delicious Vampira persona.


Spook Scandals (1944: theatrical spook show) as Maila Nurmi
Catherine Was Great (1944; Broadway play) as Maila Nurmi
Maila Nurmi worked as a dancer at the Florentine Gardens (mid-1940s)
Blackouts (1947; live adult show for the Earl Carroll Theatre; Nurmi was a showgirl) as Maila Nurmi
If Winter Comes (1947) as Maila Nurmi
Romance on the High Seas (1948) as Maila Nurmi
Maila Nurmi modeled for Glamorous Models magazine (1950)
Maila Nurmi was a pin-up model for Famous Models and Gala magazines (early-1950s)
Lady of Horrors (1954; TV series) as Vampira
The Vampira Show (1954-1955; TV series) as Vampira
Newsweek magazine article: "Vampire" (May 24, 1954)
LIFE magazine article: "Good Evening, I Am Vampira" (June 14, 1954)
The Saturday Night Revue (August 7, 1954; TV series) as Vampira
On the Air with Don May (October 28, 1954; KFOX radio interview) as Vampira
Vampira makes guest appearance at the Orpheum Theatre for a Halloween stage show (October 29-30, 1954)
Place the Face (November 6, 1954; TV series) as Vampira
Al Janis' Hi-Jinx (March 12, 1955; TV series) as Vampira and introduces the "Vampira Vamp" dance
The George Gobel Show: "Season 1, Episode 21" (1955; TV series) as Vampira
The Red Skelton Show: "Episode #4.18" (1955; TV series) Mary Beth Hughes plays a Vampira-like character named Malice, with Peter Lorre
TV Guide magazine article: "V is for Voluptua - and for Vampira Too" (February 5-11, 1955)
Maila Nurmi appeared as Vampira on the Liberace show at the Riviera in Las Vegas during the months of April & May, 1956
Vampira (1956; TV series) as Vampira
Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957) as Vampira
Playhouse 90: "The Jet-Propelled Couch" (1957; TV series-movie) as Vampira, with Peter Lorre
The Beat Generation (1958) as Maila Nurmi
Too Much, Too Soon (1958) as Maila Nurmi
"Vampira" 1958 song by Bobby Bare
The Big Operator (1959) as Maila Nurmi
I Passed for White (1960) as Maila Nurmi
Sex Kittens Go to College (1960) as Maila Nurmi
"Drac's Back" 1962 song by Billy DeMarco & Count Dracula
"Let's Fly Away" 1962 song by Bobby "Boris" Pickett and The Crypt Kickers
The Magic Sword (1962) as Maila Nurmi
"Spooky Movies" 1962 song by Roy Clark
"Plan 9, Channel 7" 1975 song by The Damned
James Dean: The First American Teenager (1976; documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Drak Pack (1980-1982; animated TV series) Julie McWhirter as voice of Vampira
"Vampira" 1982 song by Misfits
Fangoria #30 magazine article: "The One - The Only Vampira" (October, 1983)
Population: 1 (1986) as Maila Nurmi
The Incredibly Strange Film Show: "Ed Wood Jr." (1989; TV series-documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Naked Hollywood (1991; mini-series, documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The 'Plan 9' Companion (1992; documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Ed Wood (1994) Lisa Marie as Vampira/Maila Nurmi
Chiller Theater #1 magazine article: "The First Lady of the Silver Screem: a Conversation with the Un-dead Vampira a.k.a. Maila Nurmi" (Winter, 1994-1995)
The Haunted World of Edward D. Wood Jr. (1995; documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Vampira: About Sex, Death and Taxes (1995; documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Dry (1996; short) as Maila Nurmi
I Woke Up Early the Day I Died (1998) as Maila Nurmi
Scary Monsters #26 magazine article: "Scary Monsters Honors Vampira" (March, 1998)
The Final Day (2000; mini-series, documentary) as Maila Nurmi
No Way In (2000) as Maila Nurmi
Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies (2001; documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Biography: "James Dean: Outside the Lines" (2002; TV series-documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Horror Incorporated (2002-2004; TV series; horror hosts) played by Jessica Mallon
"Blues for Vampira" 2004 song by The Moon-Rays
Monsterama: A Tribute to Horror Hosts (2004; documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Night of the Fools (2004) played by Yahuba Daly
Dead Famous: "James Dean" (2005; TV series-documentary) as Maila Nurmi
American Scary (2006) as Maila Nurmi
Vampira: The Movie (2006) as Maila Nurmi
"Vampira" 2006 song by The Devin Townsend Band
HorrorHound #4 magazine article (Winter, 2006/2007)
The Vampira Show: "The 13th Guest" (2007; DVD) as Vampira
Screem #14 magazine article: "Vampira the Movie" (February, 2007)
VideoScope #64 magazine article: "Vampira Verite!" (Fall, 2007)
DeathRock #2 magazine article: "Vampira: The Legacy" (Winter, 2008)
Sirens of Cinema #Vol. 2, No. 11 magazine articles: "Vampira Immortal: Remembering Maila Nurmi" & "Less Hairspray: Maila Nurmi Remembered" (2008)
Rue Morgue #77 magazine articles: "Note from Underground"; "The Last Interview with Vampira"; "Portrait of a Dark Diva"; & "In the Shadows of Vampira" (April, 2008)
Vampira - The Movie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2008, Collectables Records, COL-CD-1245) featuring various artists
Pretty Bloody: The Women of Horror (2009; documentary) as Vampira
Vampira and Me (2010; KPCC 89.3 FM radio documentary) as Maila Nurmi
Vampira Unauthorized (2010; Michael Enoches) by John Skerchock
Creatures of the Night That We Loved So Well (2011; Sabre Enterprises, LLC) by James M. Fetters
Plan 9 from Outer Space: The Prequel (2011; Virtual Everything Press) by JJ McMoon
Plan 9 from Outer Space: The Novel (2011; Virtual Everything Press) by JJ McMoon

horror host Vampirahorror host Vampira

horror host Vampirahorror host Vampira

Maila NurmiMaila Nurmi

horror host Vampirahorror host Vampira

horror host VampiraMaila Nurmi

Friday, September 30, 2011

Vampira: The Movie (2006)

Maila Nurmi

VAMPIRA: THE MOVIE

VAMP Productions, documentary, 2006
Producer/Director: Kevin Sean Michaels
Cast: Maila Nurmi, Forrest J. Ackerman, Count Smokula, Debbie D, Deborah Dutch,
Kevin Eastman, Sid Haig, Jami Deadly, Lloyd Kaufman, Bill Moseley, Jerry Only,
Penny Dreadful, Cassandra Peterson, Debbie Rochon, David J. Skal, Julie Strain,
Svengoolie, Zacherley, Zack Beseda (Tom Mason), Jezabelle X (Vampira),
Bryan Mathew Kelly (The Amazing Criswell), Matthew Muhl (Ed Wood), Bruce Campbell


Horror Host VampiraVampira. She was the original queen of horror movie hosting and television's very first goth chick, terrifying and titillating TV viewers every Saturday night on her spook program Lady of Horrors -- later renamed The Vampira Show -- in 1954! The wonderfully crafted documentary places actress Maila Nurmi, who created and portrayed the ghoulish character, in the spotlight where she deserves to be. Ever fascinating and controversial, Nurmi gives her adoring fans an in-depth interview and a revealing look into her professional and personal life, providing sordid tales of a Hollywood era past. Also on hand are numerous celebrities who pay tribute to this legendary and iconic figure that planted the seed to the horror hosting craze that would eventually sprout all over the country. Indeed, Vampira's legacy continues to live on for new and future generations of horror fans... and a documentary of such quality and care, as given to Vampira: The Movie, has long been overdue.

Horror Host VampiraAs Maila Nurmi narrates her own story throughout the interview, her expressive and engaging demeanor flawlessly draws us into her world. Despite this mastery over her audience, Nurmi confides that she has always felt isolated from the rest of society and has never been able to relate to what would popularly be considered the norm. Often, Nurmi turned to unconventional people and characters of fiction for inspiration and admired those who dared to express themselves creatively and as individuals. The actress emphasizes this by not only divulging personal stories of James Dean, Marlon Brando, and others, but by also revealing her true feelings about the people who were a part of her life. Nurmi even goes so far as to be blatantly honest about her shortcomings and that her strong opinions of others, like that of Edward D. Wood Jr., were at times flawed.
 
Maila NurmiMaila NurmiAs for Maila Nurmi's VAMPIRA persona, the documentary covers a lot of ground and gives us much to savor and digest. From the conceptualization of the dangerous and sexy television vamp to the successful run of The Vampira Show, the information Vampira: The Movie provides is priceless. Not only does the film showcase vintage footage of a promotional kinescope of The Vampira Show, we are also taken on a journey of what went on behind the scenes during the program's run. Today's generation can now see for themselves how truly wonderful Vampira was on screen and learn how hard Nurmi worked at generating publicity for the television program that would reach beyond its local Los Angeles area to cover the entire country and other parts of the world. Such promotional coverage included special guest appearances by Vampira on nationally syndicated TV shows, as well as interviews and photo shoots for popular magazines like LIFE, Nurmi made Vampira's presence known and felt everywhere and worldwide Vampira fan clubs quickly followed.

Vampira: The Movie (2006)Nurmi's vibrant tone ultimately terns solemn as the topic changes to a period in her life when the ambitious actress found herself unemployed and blacklisted in Hollywood. However, Ed Wood, Jr. soon becomes the focus of the discussion and Nurmi resorts back to telling funny and quirky stories about her involvement with the grade-Z motion picture classic Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957). Footage of the cult movie is shown as Nurmi reminisces about her experience working on the film and how it affected her sex life! Moreover, horror host Svengoolie appears to provide informative commentary about the movie The Magic Sword (1962), which featured Nurmi as an evil witch in hideous makeup.


Visual goodies help chronicle the life of Maila Nurmi, including vintage photographs and article clippings of and about Vampira as well as Nurmi's early years as a cheesecake pin-up model. A short home movie clip of a very young Nurmi practicing her modeling also makes it into the documentary.

Vampira: The Movie (2006)Vampira: The Movie (2006)

Kevin Sean Michaels directed this highly acclaimed documentary that stands as a true monument to the golden days of television programming and the world of horror movie hosting. Vampira: The Movie has received a lot of positive attention as it toured the film festival circuits and has even won the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award for Best Independent Film of 2007. Michaels followed Vampira: The Movie with his second endeavor in documentary filmmaking -- The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels (2008), which I'm sure Sicko-Psychotic followers will want to check out... if they haven't already.


But what inspired Michaels to make Vampira his directorial debut? It seems that, like many of us, Michaels started off as a young horror and sci-fi junkie. He's been a longtime fan of Elvira, George Romero, Friday the 13th the Series, and read Fangoria magazines, which paid tribute to horror hosts in one of its early issues. As a child, Michaels had the rare privilege of being able to stay up late and watch horror and sci-fi programs, such as Chiller Theatre, where he first viewed Plan 9 from Outer Space. This began his fascination with the mysterious Vampira who glided across the crudely constructed cemetery of Ed Wood's cult classic. In later years, Michaels received much of his filmmaking know-how by working as Art Director for Troma Entertainment, Inc. before he decided to pursue his childhood obsession with Vampira and make a documentary about Maila Nurmi. In fact, Michaels couldn't resist filming and including a hilarious short parody about Nurmi on the set of Plan 9! Fetish model Jezabelle X played the Hollywood diva, Vampira, to perfection! Matthew Muhl (All for Melissa) took on the role of the infamous Ed Wood, while Bryan Mathew Kelly (Sugar Boxx) played The Amazing Criswell, and Zack Beseda (War of the Worlds 2: The Next Wave) portrayed Tom Mason.

Vampira: The Movie (2006)Vampira: The Movie (2006)

A slew of celebrities were also rounded up to pay tribute and comment on Nurmi and her celebrated persona as Vampira. Scream Queens Debbie Rochon (Chainsaw Cheerleaders), Julie Strain (Zombiegeddon), Debbie D (Kill the Scream Queen) and Debbie Dutch (Sorority Girls and the Creature from Hell) provide eye candy as they shower Nurmi with compliments; Forrest J. Ackerman (creator and editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine) and Jerry Only (bass player for the Misfits) recollect personal encounters with Maila Nurmi; Count Smokula performs an original song about the glamour ghoul; and horror hosts Jami Deadly, Penny Dreadful, Svengoolie, and Zacherley make special appearances. Also featured are David J. Skal (film historian), Kevin Eastman (co-creator of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Lloyd Kaufman (producer-director for Troma Entertainment, Inc.), Sid Haig (House of 1000 Corpses), Bill Moseley (The Devil's Rejects), and a very brief cameo by Bruce Campbell (The Evil Dead)!


Of course, the highlight of the guest celebrity interviews is the controversial appearance of Cassandra Peterson (a.k.a. Elvira, Mistress of the Dark)! We've all heard many of the nasty rumors and slander from the press that Peterson has had to endure throughout the years, but rarely has she ever vocally defended herself, choosing instead to hold her head up high and brush off the negative publicity with class and silent integrity. It was a bold move on the part of director Kevin Sean Michaels to include her, and a relief for many of us fans who have always admired both Nurmi and Peterson respectively. "It is a touchy subject," Michaels confessed to HorrorHound magazine (issue #6, Winter 2006-2007), "but the speculation about the lawsuit should end with this movie. It's an interesting story and it's better that Cassandra tell it than having a cheesy voice-over. It's a matter of fairness to the people involved and the audience. Lawsuits happen in real life." During the interview, Peterson describes in great detail how the character of Elvira was conceived and of the lawsuit Nurmi brought down on her. Peterson also states that she acted responsibly throughout the ordeal and never attempted to infringe on Nurmi's creation. Although the court ruled in Peterson's favor, the Mistress of the Dark felt that "it was a no-win situation for everybody." Indeed, comparing Elvira to Vampira is like comparing H.R. Pufnstuf's Witchiepoo to The Wizard of Oz's Wicked Witch of the West -- they are completely different personalities. The only difference between these pair of women and our two favorite horror hostesses is that Billie Hayes and Margaret Hamilton admired one another and got along well together.

Vampira: The Movie (2006)Vampira: The Movie (2006)

The most entertaining aspect of the documentary is its soundtrack. Ari Lehman, who was the first actor to play Jason Voorhees in the original Friday the 13th (1980) film, actually wrote the score for Vampira: The Movie which very nicely complimented Maila Nurmi's scenes. Other contributing musicians include The Merry Widows performing the catchy song "Grave Robbers (from Outer Space)"; Mustang Lightning rockin' their "Haunted House" jam; and Curse doing the "Graveyard Shuffle" with special guests David Amram and Marc Ribot. Furthermore, one of the many special features on the DVD includes the full version of Count Smokula's "Vampira." Fans were obviously impressed by the music and the songs featured in the documentary that a Vampira: The Movie Soundtrack album was eventually released with the addition of 6 extra tracks that were not in the film!


Vampira: The Movie (2006)Vampira: The Movie (2006)

Vampira: The Movie (2006)Vampira: The Movie (2006)

Vampira: The Movie (2006)Vampira: The Movie (2006)

Vampira: The Movie (2006)