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GLASS HOUSE PRESENTS
Jan's Angle
OCTOBER 15, 2007VAMPIRA: THE MOVIE
By Jan Alan Anderson
Read Article OnlineVAMPIRA: THE MOVIE
From Alpha New Cinema
Oldies.com
ALp1033D
Starring: Maila "Vampira" Nurmi, Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Forrest J. Ackerman, David J. Skal, Jerry Only, Debbie Rochon, Lloyd Kaufman, Cassandra Peterson, Penny Dreadful, The Double D's, Jami Deadly, Svengoolie, Kevin Eastman, Julie Strain, and Zacherle. Young Vampira played by Jezabelle X.
Maila Nurmi has often been interviewed about her famous (or infamous) friends James Dean, Ed Wood, and Marlon Brando. But until now, no one had dared to chronicle her fascinating story. Producer/Director Kevin Sean Michaels has compiled the ultimate documentary on "Vampira" the Glamour Ghoul. Culled from interviews from friends, musicians, writers, film historians, and TV horror movie hosts, this is the definitive telling of the First Lady of Horror's journey through life in Tinseltown.
The focus is on Vampira, who tells her story with candor and honesty that is like a fresh breeze from the Hollywood Cemetery. There are stories that are totally priceless (which this writer won't give away) that paint a picture of how fame and fortune are such easily fleeting phantoms, in anyone's life who attempts to embrace them.
There are times where you can see the deep sadness in Vampira's eyes, only to be replaced by a million dollar twinkle that only she possesses. While such icons as Forrest J. Ackerman, Sid Haig, Zacherley, and Cassandra Peterson weigh in on Vampiras early days and cultural impact, this is clearly Vampira's story as told by her. This is not to demean the contributions of the other interviewees who are all effective and highly informative.
Jezabelle X's interpretation of Vampira's formative years is uncanny, and Ari Lehman's haunting musical score lends credibility to the overall ambience of the show. Other atmospheric musical contributions come from the Merry Widows, and Count Smokula's tune kicks off the film. The Count also has a music video in the Special Features section of this DVD, which has a director's commentary, comments from cinema legend Ted V. Mikels, and interview segments with Joe Flynn, Eva Von Slut, and Jonny Coffin.
The editing is artfully handled by Alexia Anastasio, with animation by Mike Gaiss, and title logo by Daniel Reeve. With dynamic artwork and packaging, this long overdue tribute to the First Lady of Horror should be a big hit with all the ghouls and guys.
September 2007