Have a happy and safe Halloween!

1977 – Jessica Harper – Suspiria

Still considered one of the 10 best horror movies of all time and director Dario Argento’s best work ever, Suspiria doesn’t seem to age one bit. The contribution of American cult actress Jessica Harper is part of its appeal, as she played wide-eyed ballet student Suzy Bannion, poor soul trapped in an intimidating and foreign place. Suzy comes from the United States to enroll in a famous dancing academy in Germany, the Tanz Akademie. Upon her arrival, murder and mystery is afoot and the reception is quite cold, from her fellow students as from the officials. Suzy’s suspicions of strange going-ons will soon found reality, as this prestigious house of learning is probably a coven of witches, led by one of the Three Mothers, cruel and powerful diabolical entities! Everyone on your knees and beg forgiveness!

Argento first offered the main lead to Tina Aumont, who couldn’t do it. Then he saw Phantom of the Paradise and the rest is history. Born in 1949 in Chicago, Jessica Harper had only just an handful of previous movie credits before this project, including Phantom of the Paradise and Love and Death. From Brian De Palma to Woody Allen to Dario Argento… quite a spectacular run. But oddly after 1982’s My Favorite Year, Jessica gradually disappeared from high-profile projects to guest-star here and there in quieter roles, mainly on television. Maybe directors didn’t quite know what to do with her, as she was not a sex-symbol but a more modest presence. So on her way to stardom, it seemed she got derailed by her own personality, her own projected aura. But Jessica found a second wind in writing children’s book and music (sometimes performing with her two daughters). She even have an official site, more geared towards her creations towards the young.

Her big round eyes and innocent looks couldn’t be more adequate for this character, who will eventually display inner steel. Looking quite fragile and almost melancholy, Jessica Harper seemed to pop out of a fairy tale, and what better way to play an endangered waif than in the home country of the world’s best known Fairy Tales, Germany? We effortlessly share her feeling of alienation in a strange place, with danger all around. That was the natural acting gift of Jessica at work, creating a sympathetic young character amongst all these annoying, self-possessed or hysterical female dance students.

Suzy Bannion’s last shot in the movie finds her apparently laughing in the rain, finally relieved to escape this insane inferno (wait… isn’t Inferno the more or less sequel/companion to Suspiria? sure is). This is quite a refreshing image after being assaulted by terrifying scenes in the previous 95 minutes. When was the last time that a horror film heroine has come out smiling at the end of her ordeal?

Next: An horror icon who was then-companion of another horror icon, being directed by a legendary horror icon (as she was a new mother of a future horror icon)… in her best performance ever.

I’ve just met the delicious Ellen Ewusie while watching Dario Argento’s second Masters of Horrors contribution, Pelts. I was pleasantly disgusted by the episode, but this is nowhere near Argento’s best work. In fact, I would’ve never even guessed the Maestro’s involvement if I had not seen his name beforehand. Pelts tells the tale of a fur trader played by Meat Loaf who’s obsessed by a beautiful stripper. He soon gets his hands on a precious load of raccoon furs and… well, let’s just say that after an Asian movie dealing with an haunted wig, why not a fur coat becoming haunting material itself?

The episode is actually quite amusing with this unlikely premise but once again with Masters of Horror, the ending falls completely flat and is just an excuse for over-the-top gory effects, without any deep emotional vibes. I expected a more dramatic final contribution from that mystical raccoon tribe, whose presence would’ve have been beneficial for an even eerier atmosphere. A waste of effective material, but extremely well-acted, with a short and appreciated contribution by veteran John Saxon as a crusty hunter.

The highlight of the show remains Ellen Ewusie’s part of manipulative stripper Shana. Not only is she extremely good-looking, but is a very credible actress, playing a cliché role but making it her own nevertheless. I remember seeing her as a devilish temptress (in every sense of the word) in Bones, a couple of years back, only leaving me disappointed that this part was too short. She had a couple of small cameos in 2005 for Devour and Fantastic Four, but Pelts is without a doubt her strongest work to date. Sadly, not much is known about her for now; I deduced that she’s Canadian, based in Vancouver, that she talks Russian (part of her mixed heritage?) and was trained as a dancer. So she was seen in some music videos, commercials (mostly for beer, yes she’s Canadian) and some TV series parts (remember that Masters of Horror is filmed in British-Colombia). I’d like to know more and see more of Ellen Ewusie, don’t you agree?

The Bride of Frankenstein would’ve turned 105 today! Let’s all drink to Gods and Monsters!

As you maybe know, I’ve been a comic book fan since more than 30 years. I even more or less got the time to manage an Avengers website, which I shamefully admit to have neglected to take care of this sweet blog. All this to inform you that, from time to time, I’ll highlight a comic book heroine deserving Cult Siren status. Of course, I’ll start with one of my favorites, the Sensational (or is it Savage?) She-Hulk.

Let’s go back to the late seventies. Marvel Comics guru Stan Lee came up with a female version of one his most popular creations, the Incredible Hulk. In Savage She-Hulk #1, with a cover date of February 1980, we learned that attorney Jennifer Walters was Bruce Banner’s cousin (Bruce being of course, the Hulk). After becoming victim of a mob hit, Jennifer benefited from a blood transfusion from her cousin, which eventually led her to transform under stress in a tall, strong and angry green woman. This series lasted until #25, and even with this intriguing lead heroine, was a bit on the lackluster side, remaining more or less a pale imitation of the original. But Marvel didn’t gave up on her: she soon became a member of the Avengers (where she briefly began to wear hideous aerobic costumes) and eventually replaced the Thing in the Fantastic Four, where her personality softened a bit, becoming more sympathetic. Her great intelligence and inner warmth also shone through.

As written by John Byrne in her second solo series (Sensational She-Hulk, starting in 1989), She-Hulk frequently broke the fourth wall, meaning that she directly addressed the reader, commenting on the absurdity of her adventures and the characters she encountered. This second try lasted 60 issues. At the height of her popularity in the late 80s, a live-action movie was considered, with Brigitte Nielsen in the imposing role. The actress even posed in full costume for a concept that was never produced (for which many of us remain thankful).

The Jade Giantess, as she was frequently called, could next be seen again in the pages of the Avengers and diverse guest-spots in other Marvel publications. Not as destructive as Cousin Hulk, She-Hulk still was prone to sometimes hitting first and ask questions later, more often than not with humorous results. At 6′7″ and 650 lbs at full fighting mode, you better have a sense of humor yourself when facing her! She had relationships of various lengths with many men, including Starfox, Wyatt Wingfoot, Hercules, John Jameson, Clay Quartermain, Tony Stark… and maybe the Juggernaut! Her main pain in the ass as an adversary remains the treacherous Titania, bride of the Absorbing Man.

In 2004, a third series scripted by Dan Slott was launched, lasting 12 issues. After some months, a fourth series is still going strong, with great critical success. She-Hulk has been a member of the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Fantastic Force, Heroes for Hire and S.H.I.E.L.D. She’s currently working as a bounty hunter, as of this month She-Hulk #22, now written by Peter David.

Quite a colorful character, She-Hulk has now become one of the most recognizable and well-loved female creations coming from Marvel Comics.

Some Sirens had short but unforgettable careers. For me, they’re as important for their contribution than any so-called screen legend. Of course, my goal is to spotlight one of these artists from time to time in these humble pages.

Born on February 5, 1954 in New York City, Jamaican-American actress Rosanne Katon was a very bright spot in some American low-budget films during a 10-year period. As a youth, she enrolled in the High School of the Performing Arts and eventually got a lead role on Broadway for Godspell. This led to some interesting parts in exploitation films.

In 1974 she got a starring role in The Swinging Cheerleaders, alongside Colleen Camp, Cheryl Smith and Jo Johnston. She held her own with great energy, baring her breasts and being effortlessly gorgeous. For the Philippino production Ebony, Ivory and Jade, Rosanne was not as present as the ads promised but this picture remains a popular choice for 70s action lovers, being directed by the legendary Cirio Santiago. 1976’s The Muthers is also an amazing experience, uniting Rosanne, Jeannie Bell, Trina Parks and Jayne Kennedy. Sweet Momma! The majority of these gals took great delight in kicking many white slaver asses, again in the Philippines. Another not-to-be missed experience.

In 1978, Rosanne became one of the few African-America Playmates for the September 1978 Playboy issue, a memorable pictorial that became essential viewing in my youth. This resulted in being more involved in television shows, one of these being the immortal Jason of Star Command! Let’s note that her measurements were 36-23-34, pure marvel on a 5’2″ in frame.

In 1984, Rosanne married Richard Walden, president and chief executive officer of Operation USA, an relief organization that comes to the aid of Third World countries in need. This was pretty much the event that ended her movie career (she had even tried her luck at stand-up comedy). The couple has two children and one son is an expert cellist, being featured in the recent documentary Autism: The Musical, about talented autistic people.

Here’s her list of film credits from 1974 to 1985: The Swinging Cheerleaders, Let’s Do It Again, Ebony, Ivory and Jade, Chesty Anderson, USN, The Muthers, American Raspberry, Coach, Motel Hell, Lunch Wagon, Body and Soul, Zapped!, City Girl, Bachelor Party and Harem. Have you seen them all? And if not, why?

1971 – Virginia North – The Abominable Dr. Phibes

A most unique role in the history of cinema, Dr. Anton Phibes’s sidekick remains to me a pure delight each time that I revisit this amazing movie, a masterpiece of black humor. You see, the good doctor (disfigured and brilliantly played by Vincent Price) wants revenge on a bunch of doctors who failed to save his beloved wife after an accident. Now, using the nine Biblical plagues as a theme, he finally puts his horrible revenge in motion. He’s assisted by a gorgeous and mute young woman, named Vulnavia. It’s never explained how she got this job, what’s her relationship with the doc and why her morals are not shaken by what will be going on in terms of bloodshed. Is she a clone, a fabricated creature, an artificial human being? Maybe the idea of wearing such fabulous clothing (the story is set in the 1920s) is her real motivation? Actually, in an early draft of the script, she was supposed to be an automaton, like the enthusiastic band players in Phibes’s hideaway (the unforgettable Clockwork Wizards).

Without speaking a single word, Vulnavia’s impact on the whole story is quite important. She gets the work done, without any hesitation. Not a mere zombie, she’s quite aware of everything that’s going on, and doesn’t hesitate at all to obey her master. In a way, she can be seen as a precursor to Edward Lionheart’s daughter in Theatre of Blood, another Vincent Price triumph. Plus, once again, her colorful wardrobe! Prepare to be dazzled by these funky head wears!

Born in England in 1945, Virginia North had a very short movie career: she appeared in exactly five movie projects between 1967 and 1971, these being The Long Duel, Deadlier Than the Male, Some Girls Do and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (so she’s a minor Bond Girl), plus The Abominable Dr. Phibes, the subject of her movie immortality. She probably retired to concentrate on her family.

Of course, The Abominable Dr. Phibes’s original tagline was Love Means Never Having to Say You’re Ugly, a clever play on words concerning the recent box-office and emotional hit Love Story!

For the sequel Dr. Phibes Rises Again the following year, Virginia North could not reprise the role because of a pregnancy; actress Valli Kemp became Vulnavia (and how was she revived? or is she another person/creation with the same name? a complete and fascinating mystery). Some sequels had been planned, with a different actress for each Vulnavia parts. But Virginia North was the first, so I’m honored to welcome her on this list.

Next: This horror masterpiece didn’t make this actress the superstar she was supposed to be, even with a great performance. **Sigh**

The Rome Film Festival has given Sophia Loren a well-deserved lifetime achievement award; oddly, it’s the first time that the legendary actress has been so honored by her native country! This is the second edition for this festival, who had also the great idea to invite another national beauty, Monica Bellucci. Sophia was also recently named the world’s most naturally beautiful person and it’s very difficult to disagree. Her secret?: love of life and spaghetti. Oh, and sometimes bathing in olive oil.

Last weekend, Loren actually was in tears when receiving a standing ovation and got more emotional when recalling her humble beginnings in Naples. Now 73, she will next appear in the musical Nine, to be shot in New York City and based on Fellini’s 8½. Let’s note that Sophia won an Oscar in 1962 for La ciociara (or Two Women), a rare feat for a foreign actress. She was one of the most beloved international star in the sixties and seventies, an elegant and talented movie icon.

1970 – Soledad Miranda – She Kills in Ecstacy

If Vampyros Lesbos remains for many the ultimate Soledad Miranda flick, I much prefer this disturbing portrait of revenge and madness. Many consider that the main movie in the new-bride-gets-revenge-on-the-scum-who-killed-her-hubby must be François Truffaut’s La mariée était en noir, based on the Cornell Woolrich novel. Here, busy Jess Franco proposed his own take on this kind of story, where a young woman must live through the shock of her doctor husband’s suicide, following the termination of his research on human embryos by a medical committee. While this is not the most elaborate script (remember, this is a Franco movie!), it’s just enough material to witness an amazing performance by Soledad Miranda.

She doesn’t say much but vengeful is she, as her character decides to seduce this quartet of experts and kill them. An obligatory lesbian scene is included, as one of the potential victims is a woman (played by another Franco regular, Eva Strömberg). Here sexy, disturbed and purposeful, Soledad Miranda was on her way to become a major player on the international scene. She sadly died in a car accident some months after filming this project, on her way to sign a star-making contract.

This was filmed during a very busy period in the director’s career, as he seems quite inspired by his acting muse, beautiful Spanish/Portuguese Soledad. These years saw the creation of his most classical work, the films that are still talked about today and will be for a long time. In She Kills in Ecstacy, Franco himself has a role as a doctor, rubbing shoulders with another frequent collaborator, Howard Vernon (of whom we can “enjoy” a glimpse of his manhood at some point in the proceedings). This motion picture could be an opportunity to begin exploring Franco’s world and of course being acquainted with a great actress, without whom this film would probably remain a footnote in an obscure encyclopedia.

Next in line: a key mute role in a film where ugliness was the main publicity point (sorry).

Yes, the English Rose herself has passed away on October 16, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She has been nominated six times for an Academy Award as Best Actress, to finally receive an Honorary Oscar in 1993. Her glory mostly came from her ’50s work in Hollywood, being part of first-class productions like The King and I, An Affair to Remember and Separate Tables. A Grande Dame of the movies, for sure, but I never really connected with her characters, finding them a little on the boring side, I’m afraid. Still, my favorite performance from her remains Miss Giddens in The Innocents (they don’t make that kind of film anymore, whoever “they” are). I’ve been wanting for years to see Black Narcissus, though, which is considered by many to be her best work. Most memorable moment? What else but the love scene on the beach for From Here to Eternity, with then-current paramour Burt Lancaster? Deborah Kerr was also a Bond Girl (well, kind of) in the 1967 spoof Casino Royale.