Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
More than just a great set of ...., September 14, 2005
The lovely Cassandra Peterson dons her famous black dress and wig for the big screen in this hilarious 1988 cult-camp-comedy-classic, and the result is a good time for all! Well, maybe not ALL. Naturally, the humor can get a bit racy, though it's a far cry from today's downright shameless standards! In "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark," Cassandra reprises her legendary TV horror hostess role as the character comes to a turning point in her career. Frustrated with an unsatisfying job and blatant sexual harassment from her new boss, the always intrepid Elvira drops everything to pursue her dream of doing her own show in Las Vegas. She THINKS her agent has arranged everything, but gets a rude awakening when she discovers that SHE must come up with fifty thousand dollars to secure the theater. With perfect timing, a message arrives with news of Elvira's mysterious great aunt's sudden passing and requesting her presence at the reading of the will. Elvira's hope is restored, and she packs her bags and hits the road to Massachusetts!
Unfortunately, once Elvira arrives in the small Rockwellian town to which she has been summoned, she discovers that she has only inherited a house, a book, and a dog, none of which she has any use for. Things are only made worse by the fact that the local townsfolk do not want her around; that is, all except for the teenagers who admire her and the men who desire her. In-between fending off unwanted advances and worrying about how she can make worthless lemons into profitable lemonade, Elvira somehow finds the time to take the local kids under her wing and pursue the naive town beefcake as well. In fact, she develops one ingenious solution to bring all of her pet projects together: Putting on a late-night movie show for the kids at her beau's downtown movie theater! The forces seem to be against our heroine, however, in the form of the unfriendly locals. But, the danger of them ruining her show is the least of her worries! Little does Elvira know that her newly discovered Uncle Vincent is a villainous warlock with designs on acquiring her new spell-book, which Elvira thinks is nothing more than a book of exotic cooking recipes! If she's going to save the world, her dreams of stardom, and herself, Elvira will have to discover her true birthright as "Mistress of the Dark!"
"Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" is great campy fun in the true spirit of Cassandra Peterson's beloved television icon! The beautiful prima donna with gothic good-looks and a sharp, wicked, yet well-intentioned and sometimes surprisingly bubbly personality transfers successfully to the big screen thanks to the overflowing talent and charm of the stunning Miss Peterson, who effortlessly carries the film from beginning to end. No question about it, this film is ALL about Elvira, and that's a good thing! Familiar faces dot the cast, and the acting skills vary, but in a goofy, goodtime comedy like this, it all works well together! So, if you are a fond fan like me, or if you are just plain curious, pick up a copy to see this cult-classic for yourself! Great for viewing around Halloween or pretty much anytime! Personally, I recommend (and own) the double-sided DVD with "Transylvania 6-5000" on the flipside; Two great Monster comedies, practically for the price of one! That one includes trailers and a thorough, readable bio on Cassandra Peterson. Most likely, this version includes the same extras, though Amazon does not mention the trailers. Sadly, nowhere to be found is the short behind the scenes segment I seem to remember at the end of my old VHS version (which I no longer have). Nevertheless, this widescreen DVD is fantastic fun and you should pick it up right away! I can't think of anyone who would be more fun to party with on Halloween than Elvira, Mistress of the Dark!
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elvira, mistress of MY heart!, December 11, 2000
Cassandra Peterson stars as everyone's favourite campy horror hostess Elvira, in her debut starring film ELVIRA MISTRESS OF THE DARK. Filled with the kind of cornball fun that only she can provide, the movie is a laugh-a-minute campfest.
Fired from her late-night Public Access television show, Elvira gets another chance at fame and fortune when her long-lost Great Aunt Morgana dies and leaves her as the sole heir of the will. It's off to the small G-rated town of Falwell (get it?!), where Elvira soon finds herself a duck out of water in a community full of dim-witted yokels, led by Chastity Pariah (Edie McClurg).
Can Elvira manage to save her skin--before the town morality leaders decide to burn her as a witch? And what the heck was the "secret ingrediant" in Elvira's casserole?!
ELVIRA, MISTRESS OF THE DARK is full of the same fun and campy good humour that marked her appearances hosting "Elvira's Movie Macabre" on television. She has an instantly appealing comedy style and holds the entire film together with her zany character. The cast also includes William Morgan Shepperd, Susan Kellerman, Jeff Conaway, Daniel Greene and Pat Crawford-Brown.
The DVD from Anchor Bay includes a great new anamorphic print (with 5.1 Chace Digital sound mix); plus bonus Cassandra Peterson bio pages and trailers.
(Single-sided, single-layer disc).
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elvira Proves She Is Queen of Scream and Just Plain Fun, July 13, 2001
Dispite what Leonard Maltin has to say about this film, Elvira's huge, uh, ratings proves that she is definately no slouch when it comes to making a great comedy. Weither you are young or old, Elvira is one person you just gotta love. A great send-up to old horror movies, and a few recent pop-culture favorites, this movie doesn't miss a beat. From Elvira's failed attempt at cooking to her standing ovulation Flashdance number, you just have to laugh. Starring as a bored Horror Hostess on a local syndicated network, Elvira soon discovers that she has an inheritance from a long lost aunt. She leaves her crummy job and sets out to find her fortune. Little does she know she's inherited more than she's bargained for. Like the knowledge that she's decended from a major mata-physical celebrity! From then on she must contend with an evil sorcerous uncle, a shy hunky local, a jealous girl named Patty and a nosey gossip who's catty, all while trying to keep up that gorgeous do! (Try saying THAT three times fast.) Watch this movie and you'll agree, Elvira is just too funny for words.
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