Women in Horror Films, 1930s - by Gregory William Mank (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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In a previously unpublished account, Bride of Frankenstein's Anne Darling remembers when, at age 17, she was humiliated on-set by director James Whale over the color of her underwear.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.

Review Quotes

"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; "With his hyper-dramatic style and flawless research, Mank has become one of the finest classic film writers/historians working today, and he has been raising the bar of film scholarship for decades"-Midnight Marquee; "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.

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 lives in Delta, Pennsylvania.