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Women in Horror Films, 1930s
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They had more in common than just a scream, whether they faced Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Mummy, Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, King Kong, the Wolf Man, or any of the other legendary Hollywood monsters. Some were even monsters themselves, such as Elsa Lanchester as the Bride, and Gloria Holden as Dracula’s Daughter. And while evading the Strangler of the Swamp, former Miss America Rosemary La Planche is allowed to rescue her leading man. This book provides details about the lives and careers of 21 of these cinematic leading ladies, femmes fatales, monsters, and misfits, putting into perspective their contributions to the films and folklore of Hollywood terror—and also the sexual harassment, exploitation, and genuine danger they faced on the job.
In a previously unpublished account, Bride of Frankenstein’s Anne Darling remembers when, at age 17, she was humiliated on-set by director James Whale over the color of her underwear. Filled with anecdotes and recollections, many of the entries are based on original interviews, and there are numerous old photographs and movie stills.
About the Author:
Gregory William Mank has written and recorded many DVD and Blu-Ray audio commentaries, has won four Rondo Awards, and has written numerous books on classic horror films. He and lives in Delta, Pennsylvania.
Press Reviews:
"recommended"—Booklist; "Mank scripts a charming and poetic series of thumbnail sketches. [He] doubles the reader’s pleasure with a stunning set of publicity photographs and film stills illustrating his labor of unabashed gallant love for these neglected ‘scream queens’"—Choice; "richly detailed…first-rate additions"—Library Journal; "highly entertaining and informative…capsule biographies of the damsels in distress are complete, definitive, immensely readable…fun to read and would make a welcome addition to all film library collections as well as large public libraries"—ARBA; "most valuable…a well-done book"—The Idaho Librarian; "an important, richly crafted contribution to genre history…superb introduction…offers richly detailed essays and biographies on every actress involved in the Golden Age of Horror…meticulous research…exquisitely written, profusely illustrated…beautiful"—Monsters from the Vault; "instant classics"—Little Shoppe of Horrors; "careers are recalled in full, with extra emphasis paid to their days belting out the screams opposite a gallery of classic monsters. Packed with behind-the-scenes anecdotes…a welcome addition"—Film Review; "exceptional…a superb work by a marvelous writer"—VideoScope; "recommended"—Starlog; "what makes [this volume] so intriguing is the wealth of anecdotal material…a necessary investment for any fan of the horror genre. Mank has accomplished his goal of identifying these women"—Film & History; "an engaging read, generously illsutrated with many wonderful photos…essential"—Horror-Wood.
See the publisher website: McFarland & Co
> From the same author:
Angels and Ministers of Grace Defend Us! (2022)
More Dark Alleys of Classic Horror Cinema
Karloff and Lugosi (2017)
The Story of a Haunting Collaboration, with a Complete Filmography of Their Films Together
Subject: Actor > Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff
The Very Witching Time of Night (2014)
Dark Alleys of Classic Horror Cinema
Hollywood Cauldron (2001)
Thirteen Horror Films from the Genre's Golden Age
> On a related topic:
House of Psychotic Women (2024)
Expanded Edition: An Autobiographical Topography of Female Neurosis in Horror and Exploitation Films
New Blood in Contemporary Cinema (2020)
Women Directors and the Poetics of Horror
Attack of the Leading Ladies (2018)
Gender, Sexuality, and Spectatorship in Classic Horror Cinema
Men, Women, and Chain Saws (2015)
Gender in the Modern Horror Film
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