One of the most astonishingly beautiful starlet of the seventies was Barbara Leigh. Oh yes. With barely 10 motion pictures in her credits and some TV appearances, it’s a real shame that she didn’t became a more bigger star. Still, she’s remembered to this day as a near perfect female beauty, and many fans recall that she was a top Vampirella model (and the first), hence her inclusion right here in this tribute.

Barbara posed for now classic Vampirella magazine covers, sought-out collector’s items. In fact, it was announced in 1975 that she was cast as the heroine for a major movie produced by celebrated Hammer Films. But the studio was on the verge of collapse in the mid-seventies, and that project was never meant to be, even if big cheese Michael Carreras has promised a many pictures deal. This deception resulted in Barbara more and more distancing herself from the acting business. A real shame, because things were well on their way, as veteran Peter Cushing has already been cast and director John Hough was a strong possibility. Difficulties regarding who owned the rights of the characters were also a factor.

Even then, she’s still seen as the “Original Vampirella” and probably one of the best person to portray the role “live”. Cult Sirens will pay a more definitive homage to Barbara very soon.

In all his mind-blowing body of film credits, the legendary Santo could still say today (if he was still kicking butt amongst us) that Santo vs. The Vampire Women is the most well-known. This is the one of his movie which was dubbed in the most different languages, even sometimes giving him the name “Samson” in some markets. It’s still a fun watch on any giving night when you feel in high spirits.

Actress Lorena Velazaquez is a big part of the enjoyment, with big hair, big makeup and a big bust. Born on December 15, 1937, she has played in more than 100 films during her career, and still pops up on television. She’s considered a top sex symbol of the ‘50s and ‘60s of Mexican cinema. Here, she relishes being the Queen of the Vampires, lording it over some male wrestlers of the bloodsucking kind (and of course some hot girls). Even considering the camp factor, this actually remains quite enjoyable in its directing choices.

For some obscure reason, I can’t find any worthwhile picture from the movie, so here’s a Lorena V. publicity still:

The elegant Gloria Holden elegantly plays Countess Marya Zaleska in 1936’s Dracula Daughter, the title role to be exact. This role has been saluted for its subtle hints of lesbianism and seen today, the whole product still contains many themes that have aged very well. Don’t expect to see fangs, blood or big fight scenes here: this movie is all about atmosphere, and it succeeds very well at it, suggesting a sensual languor that clings automatically to the brain. Interestingly, the plot starts just after the conclusion of 1931’s Dracula. Bela Lugosi was supposed to be in it, even took part in some publicity stills, but it was not meant to be after original director James Whale’s departure. Ironically, Bela received one of his most lucrative salaries, for a film in didn’t even appear in!

This is Gloria Holden’s most famous role, in a movie career that started in 1934 and finished in 1958. She was Universal’s second female movie “monster”, after the much-celebrated Elsa Lanchester in Bride of Frankenstein the year before. It has been reported that Ms. Holden only blinks once in the whole 71 minutes production! Highly recommended.

Was the much anticipated movie version of the Vampirella comic book a piece of crap? I’m afraid it is, with Roger Daltrey as some sort of Dracula (?) slicing the ham a bit too thick. There’s also a scene that I still consider the worst special effect that I ever had the misfortune to witness in a motion picture: an amazing shot of a vampire bat. You’ll understand when seeing it.

But still, there was Talisa Soto in that costume. Was Talisa a good choice to portray the vampire heroine? I have no clue, as the script leaves her a bit too passive to my taste. Anyway, the sight of her remains awesome and there’s a perverse pleasure in watching Vampirella these days.

Of course, there was no franchise created after this movie’s dismal reviews and straight to video release. But who knows in these times of comic book adaptations craze if there’s still hope? Executed properly, being faithful to the core of the Vampirella mythos would make an amazing project.

She’s not your typical long-fanged vampire, that’s for sure. In fact, there’s nothing classical about this pale stranger. But indeed she likes blood and can’t really seem to survive without it. This creature is found by a cameraman who is obsessed with capturing fear and death on his camera. Let’s just say that an interesting relationship will develop between the two.

2004’s Marebito is one hell of an original movie, with a premise that fits well in these modern and technological times. Tomomi Miyashita plays a new kind of bloodsucker and she gives the creeps every time she’s on screen. No romantic or gothic vampire here, just an uncannily beautiful leech-like little monster.

(If you have time to waste, go compare the Asian DVD jackets with their North American counterparts! Aren’t we prude or what?)

Not a great film by any stretch of the imagination, Tales from the Crypt Presents: Bordello of Blood at least suggested Angie Everhart as a vampire queen. Angie had recently started an acting career after being a sought-after supermodel. Her fiery red hair in this role was a welcome change from the usual morbid and dark vampiress of the movies. So we now had an interesting looking character in a sometimes amusing plot based on a successful horror television show. I remember seeing this in a theatre where I was the only patron.

In my mind more than any bloodsucker role, the fact that Angie dated Joe Pesci remains quite a more fantastic situation…

Isn’t she something? And isn’t this one of the most suggestive photo I ever published on this blog? Aren’t you glad to know me? In my humble opinion, Gianna Lynn is one of the most beautiful adult film star enjoying great popularity these days. Born in the Philippines on December 3, 1984, she moved to California at the age of four. Legend tells that she was working for a mortgage company before changing career for more sexy behavior. Her fetish/BDSM work is something to see… at least, that’s what my dutiful studies tell me. Keep your eyes open because Gianna could be a prime candidate fortunate enough to cross into more mainstream projects soon!