By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3 cats
Director: Sam Irvin
Starring: Cassandra Peterson | Gabi Andronache | Heather Hopper | Lucia Maier | Mary Jo Smith | Mary Scheer | Richard O'Brien | Scott Atkinson
Country: united_states
Year: 2002
Running time: 89
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0264616
Hilary says: “Last night, 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. I’m not a horror afficianado, so I can’t speak intelligently in terms of homage, but I certainly recognized all the major signifiers of such a film. 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.
“I look 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.”
Michael says: “Who knew Elvira was coming out with a second feature film? And who could have guessed that I would get to exchange words with Cassandra Peterson, Elvira herself? ELVIRA’S HAUNTED HILLS is a true independent film, with Cassandra and her husband Mark Pierson handling all the distribution tasks themselves. And Elvira film is an Elvira film, filled with sight gags, bad jokes and innuendo… but this one is pretty clever as well. Spoofing the Vincent Price/Edgar Allen Poe films of the ’60’s, as well as the British Hammer Horror films, we are treated to lush atmospherics, cheesy effects, and a good dose of fun as Elvira and her maid ZouZou travel through 1851 Carpathia, on the way to perform her act in Paris. Co-starring ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW creator/actor Richard O’Brien. This film won P-Town’s Best Feature Audience Award!” 3 cats