Recently, the Boston Chlotrudis contingent had
the opportunity to meet Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and see
her new movie ELVIRA’S
HAUNTED HILLS. Even without the full get-up (she doesn’t
appear in costume for charity events due to the cost of her
wig-wranglers, etc.) everyone was completely engaged. She,
Cassandra Peterson, is a real hoot and has a story for every
occasion.
The movie is very silly but fun. A real treat for the horror afficianado
of the films of Roger Corman, Vincent Price and Edgar Allan Poe, The
location: a haunted castle in Carpathia with hidden passages and a full
dungeon; the music: lots of dramatic strings and reeds helping to build
the mood (all performed by The Russian Symphony Orchestra), and the plot:
family curses and the life of the undead. The story is set in 1851, but
Elvira is gloriously anachronistic, keeping the viewer laughing with
her slang and bawdy comments as she winks knowingly to the audience.
The film was shot in Transylvania on a shoestring budget, so Cassandra
had stories of shooting in the freezing cold, running around in 6-inch
heels, huge wig and scanty gowns. Richard O’Brien, the man behind Rocky
Horror, is also in the movie. Supposedly they had a little diva head-butting
but ultimately both enjoyed the experience.
After the film, Cassandra Peterson met with fans behind the screen at
the Coolidge Corner Theatre, (wonderfully decorated in haunted castle
motif thanks to program director Clinton McClung) for a $20.00 donation
to the A.I.D.S.
Support Group of Cape Cod. She was gracious and energetic as the
long line slowly advanced to have her sign posters, paper dolls and arms.
Chlotrudis Awards looks forward to Cassandra’s next project, writing
her autobiography. Any woman whose husband has a Phil Hartman shrine
with a Magic 8-Ball containing some of Phil’s ashes has got some tales
to tell…
Pictured at right, Chlotrudis President Michael Colford,
Cassandra Peterson and Chlotrudis Technology Coordinator Scot Capehart.
Thanks to the Charlesmark
Hotel, Beacon
Cinema Group, the Coolidge
Corner Theatre and the A.I.D.S.
Support Group of Cape Cod