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**