How Elvira Busted Through Hollywood to Become the Queen of Halloween
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- I don’t have to tell you that Halloween is gay Christmas, and the Queen of Halloween is Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. For forty years, she’s made a name for herself with a plunging neckline, bawdy comedy, and a passion for scary films. With her seductive feminine figure and her flirtatious charm, Elvira seems scientifically engineered to attract heterosexual men. so why is she so beloved by gay men? And how did a shy farm girl from Kansas grow up to become the queen of Halloween?
Join me on Patreon for hours of bonus videos: / mattbaume
And follow me here:
/ mattbaume
/ mattbaume
/ mattbaume
Get Elvira's new book: amzn.to/3Ewr9SN
Watch Mistress of the Dark: amzn.to/3mupHKq
MUSIC:
Big Eyes by Rafael Krux
Link: filmmusic.io/s...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
On My Way by Kevin MacLeod
Link: filmmusic.io/s...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
Crinoline Dreams by Kevin MacLeod
Link: filmmusic.io/s...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
stealing this joke but the most surprising thing about elvira having a wife is that said wife managed to not tell anyone she was married to goddamn elvira
I’m pretty sure she told everyone she knew. There’s a difference between a regular person talking to acquaintances and a famous person revealing something to the media.
@@wellesradio Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) has maintained that Theresa wanted to remain private about it.
@@DarkWillUser Private in the sense that she didn’t want Cassandra to “come out” publicly. In private life anyone who knew the couple surely knew they were a couple and they surely knew Cassandra’s day job. Like I said, there’s a difference between telling people privately and blabbing to the magazines. So, yes, I’m sure she let people know who wanted to know.
@@wellesradio Okey dokey.
I want to like this comment but I also want to leave it at 666 xp
Elvira and Dolly Parton were my heros as a little girl. That kinda explains a lot lol
If that's accurate, my next question is are you single?😁
Love them both! When I was little I used to pray each night for boobs like dolly and Elvira. I also prayed for world peace.
Only one of those prayers were answered, and by the state of the world, I think you can tell which one! 🤣🤣
Throw in some buffy the vampire slayer and you had a well rounded childhood
@@littlehouseinthebigapple5716 That is too funny.
I GET IT.
You're fine.
And also, yes :)
I literally can't believe how amazing Elvira looks. She looks the same she looked in the 80s
Yessss! I noticed that about her, too. The other day when she made the announcement coming out about her relationship I saw her picture and literally did a double take. She looks EXACTLY the same. She's just amazing in every way. Brava!
She was just in an episode of The Goldbergs, which is set in the 80s, and it was funny because she really does look like she did back then. They can't do that with just anyone since we're all 30+ years older, but for Elvira they 100% could
@@footballfever70 Maybe she DID keep that spellbook after all...
It's called Cosmetic surgery guys, time and age simply doesn't work like that
@@kevindarkstar agreed , thankfully she’s been doing procedures that r more subtle , compared to other celebs her age
She’s an absolute QUEEN. She’s smart, sexy, funny, stylish, delightfully camp, and on top of that a genuinely great person.
Thank you for this loving tribute to a true Queen!
I went to the "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" movie premiere party in Central Park. She came across the lake on a gondola. It was a stat studded affair. It was a wonderful evening! 🎃🎃
Omg Jealous!
I am unspeakably envious
That's amazing!
How fun, i have a John Denver story, kinda like that, before he died.
How awesome!
i just burst out crying at the Robert's passing away part... RIP. That entire section had me crying. i didn't know Elvira was this lovable and caring, behind the iconic look. She may be Mistress of Dark, but she is actually Angel of Light.
The darkness is represented by people calling themselves Christian’s! 🤢🤮🥴🤡🤯
Elvira and the Addams family were such a huge part of my childhood, along with The Labyrinth starring David Bowie. While I'm not a huge fan of Elvis due to family drama from when my grandma went to go see him at a concert once since she was dragged along by a friend, I'm glad he encouraged Cassandra to go further with her career. I can't really imagine my childhood without her movies tbh, I should see if I can find her earlier works.
Is the family drama that Elvis may have allegedly slept with your grandmother? Bc that's a surprisingly common story, my family included lol
What happened to your grandma, tho?
The insanity of Cassandra is how she basically looks identical from when she started.
Virgo women like Ms. Peterson (09/17) seem to have that power (consider Raquel Welch [09/05] as well), very possibly because the sign also tends to gravitate toward healthy living. I'm sure that her manifesting the hardcore Virgonian work ethic hasn't hurt her as well.
@@semperfi818 Speaking to your healthy choices mention, she's been Vegan for over 32 years, well before it was as easy as ut is today. She has always had the most compassionate heart, towards all.
@@semperfi818 Wow I've never seen a zodiac person suggest that your sign literally affects your physical health. I'm a cancer, will the crab give me good grip strength?
@@eoincampbell1584 I'm a semi-professional astrologer, and my experience over the years is that the body parts classically associated with a given Sun sign do tend to be the ones most significant in the native's health profile. For example, the sign of Cancer is said to rule the breasts and stomach, with peptic ulcers and other such foregut-related illnesses being significantly more common in those with Sun (and/or Ascendant) in Cancer than would be expected by chance. (And yes, a sort of "grip strength" is seen in Moon Children as well, albeit of the metaphorical type dealing with loyalty and refusal to give up on relationships easily.)
@@semperfi818 I’m a Pisces any thoughts ?
In college during the 80’s, my gay roommate was a huge fan of Elvira. I became a fan as well. I always thought of her as a gay icon and I think that let me see her as a strong woman rather than a sex bomb, like many of my other straight friends. I guess you could say that my gay companions made me a better feminist. I can only think of the positive influence having gay friends has had on my life. That’s why I’m an ally and that’s why I stand proudly with my queer brothers and sisters and non binarys. Have a fabulous Halloween everyone.🏳️🌈🧟👹👻
@Sam Gunn I know I don't know you from Adam ...... BUT..... Just my 3¢...
I wanted to say Thank you for both your comment.
And for being what I can only imagine a genuine and outstanding human being!! Showing compassion, love, support, and understanding for LGBTQ+ folks !! (Who are humans just like everyone else!!)
On this God-forsaken planet!!!
the world could use a few more Sam's.
Sam, I'm proud to have you as an ally; would that there were millions more with your maturity and your philosophies. Grow, but don't change, brother.
You remind me of my queer feminist son! I’m so proud of him! Ally since the 1970’s!
Thank you for your support, Sam! Glad to have you as my brother and ally!
ME: I don't think I can love Elvira more.
Matt Baume: Hold my beer
Hold my Elvira’s night brew**
Cassandra Petersen is an epic human being and Elvira is a queer icon - a massive cultural phenomenon - love her to bits - thanks for this awesome coverage.
Classic American icon and hero, well done, Cassandra!
Agreed she is more than just an icon. She is an example of what humans can and should be.
Elvira is just a damn icon. She's an icon to LGBTQIA+ people, an icon to drag performers, she's an icon to goths, an icon to punks, and to horror lovers in general. Not to mention that signature look just slays. It's timeless.
Elvira is an icon to people with good taste.
Yeah, I kinda got confused for a sec. I was getting a hint that if you're gay you're a fan of Elvira. But if you're a fan, you're a fan. A fan doesn't have labels 😉
Timeless and Totally Fabulous! ❤❤❤
@@Green-Andy yup, special interest groups love to lay claim to any character. She doesn't belong to anyone. She belongs to everyone!
@@Tbone.357 "special interest groups" you can say 'gay,' t-bone, it's not a bad thing
Man I can't believe Cassandra is 70, she looks so so so much young, like 40 at oldest. Living your best life does wonders for her beauty, inside and out
Right? She looks like she just turned 40, not 70!
Thank you, Matt. I grew up with Elvira and only recently discovered she was gay. She was such a role model: funny, strong, independent in the face of a society who disapproved of everything she (and I) were. When the system is cruel and unloving, she and others like her could help people like us stand strong and laugh.
She isn't gay 🙄
@yourlocallesbian6448 no one tell her wife
"In addition to Elvira's straight appeal, she had an unlikely following among gay men." Sounds like we bisexuals get the best of both worlds once again.
Seriously though, this was such a lovely story to learn. I knew some of this vaguely from the outside, but I truly had no idea how deep it went. Your videos are so informative and fun, they bring me such joy whenever I see them. I've definitely got some bingeing to do after now...
Matt brings out the best in everything and everyone, so awesome!
Agreed. As a young boy growing up in the 80s and 90s she was a huge part of my "understanding sexuality" As a grown ass man she helped me understand things even more. Took a long time to realize who I am.
Elvira doing bio-drag just...reassured me of my own wanting to do drag as a socially anxious demigirl. I'm shy and neutral, day-in-day-out, but the theater kid in me needs to *scream* sometimes in over-the-top femality, especially at night. Bless her! And happy Halloween for all of us who need an excuse to be who we want to be, even if it's one night a year when it's socially acceptable!
I know its a really late comment but, please do. Cassandra got shit from so many people for so long. She is still standing and is a legend in several communities. Happy Halloween a year later.
That Happy Halloween got me. Halloween day I decided to heck with it and wore an outfit I bought months ago but was worried to wear as "too loud for me." I literally told my grandmother "if not today then when."
It feels SO right that she was a woman doing drag so long ago. You should totally do it!!
Me from 0:01 to 13:29 "Elvira's pretty cool."
Me after 13:30 "Elvira is the greatest hero to ever walk the Earth."
An inspiring story of perseverance. Elvira is someone I have always been vaguely aware of but never really thought about in detail, thanks.
Watch her movie! I saw it sunday, it was hilarious!
Yes, see the movie, it's a classic everyone can love!
As a trans woman, when people compliment/criticize my big breast implants, I immediately tell them they’re also bulletproof ☠️😂😌💅🏾
You tell the. Queen
*them
💛💙
@@Marzbar90
You Go Girl! 😂
“I’m gone with the wind, fabulous” Kenya Moore
😂
@@trumpanzee
This seems to be your longest video on a single subject and as a huge Elvira fan, I love it.
That movie is a “Who’s Who“ of character actors. Glorious! 🎃
Having rewatched it recently, that was my thought the entire time, that the casting was so well suited to the characters.
"Chastity Pariah" was my absolute fave. "Is this face taken?" Eeewwww!!! Lol!
The Elvira pinball machine is an all-time favorite of mine
Always love Elvira. I hope the Renaissance she is experiencing brings her much love and joy.
*My father actually dated Elvira when they were in high school together* , so I've always had this fascination with her. Her family actually used to own the only fully dedicated costume shop in town at the time and from what he told me, that's how she began experimenting with her persona. While she doesn't own it anymore, the house-converted-costume-shop is still open in Colorado Springs.
I first saw Elvira as a life size cutout in a Coors display at a liquor store in LA in the early 90s... I was with my grandpa and we saw something that reminded him of my dad (his son in law) so we were going to get it for him... then my grandpa turned around and looked the cutout up and down (her cleavage was showing in this one) and he said, “or maybe he’d like Elvira” and gestured towards her boobs. 8 year old me was slightly embarrassed but proud of my grandpa for his sense of humor! That moment told me sex can be funny and ok.
this comment should be on the no no no yes subreddit.
I got one of those cutouts from a drive through beer and soda store in Ohio in mid '87. I drove a Stepvan, so I put it behind the passenger seat and against the divider so it looked like she was standing there in my truck. I got a lot of strange looks from people, and it nearly caused some wrecks.
Cassandra is from my hometown, Manhattan Kansas, just a few years older. We watched her go to LA and we loved her bad horror show on KAKE it was a Saturday staple. I have always been proud she was a great and strong and more over, an iconic role model. I love to tell folks of her red curly hair!
City needs an elvira statue
@@ingibingi2000 shit, it's Manhattan. They'll put up a statue of Bill Snyder before Elvira. We'd have to self-fund.
@@jrasquared1 put out the word, and I'm sure you'll get donors from all over the country to contribute to that fund. So many people love her.
@@jrasquared1 Truth. I went to K-State and while it’s a decent enough town, it’s still semi-podunk, no matter how hard a portion of the locals try to make it otherwise.
I’m surprised I never saw a shrine to Elvira at Auntie Mae’s or the one or two of the other places for the weirdos to hang out in that town.
i can attest elvira's appeal transcends language and cultural barriers. i grew up in brazil and one of the main networks (globo, for those who know) would fill the afternoon and late night film slots with films that were older, more unknown, low budget and/or b-movies (probably because the licensing was cheaper). "elvira, mistress of the dark" was one of the movies in that rotation, and i *loved* it. her look was so striking and her exuberance, confidence and humor really comes across (even when dubbed). all of the cultural references in the movie went over my head (like all the conservatism stuff), but the essence of elvira still connected with me. she'll be a forever favorite.
and that final tassel scene was absolutely hypnotizing, lol.
Growing up in Europe I had no idea who she was. Then I saw her on drag race and I thought "I have to find out about her."
I had always known Cassandra as Elvira so my mind was blown when I found out she was the woman in the bikers bar in Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.
"Let me have him first". Great scene!
I want to be the 4,000,000th person to say that "My heart's on fire for Elvira" is from an old Oak Ridge Boy's song. When I was a kid, I listened to country constantly, and I always thought that song was about this "Elvira" character I'd heard of and seen a few glimpses of. (I was a little kid.)
I don't know where I saw a clip on TV of Elvira making an entrance while "Elvira" played, but I swear it happened. Some talk show, maybe!
I totally thought the same thing so I was OBSESSED with that song.
Saw her live once in Phoenix when I was in high school… god she was something else! Had no idea her movie even existed, or about most of this history. Your videos are so informative, Matt!
The movie is so much fun, you will love it!
Interesting that "The Brain that Wouldn't Die", A movie made in '59, delayed in release until '62, and included in Elvira's latest b
watch of midnight battle movie videos, includes a stripper very flatly and honestly saying, " I don't date men". This was 14 years before homosexuality was taken out of the DSM and was no longer classified as a mental disorder.
I had a full sized Elvira coors cardboard cut out after Halloween that it came out. I had in as soon as you walked in my house. When I moved I found out years later that my religious mother-in-law stole it during the move and had her church burn it.. I love her and I still miss her greeting me as I came home..
sure it wasn't a cover for her to make her own Helga Pataki-style closet shrine to the one true queen?
Oh, Merv... I'm hatin' that b*tch for you right now. Beside the sentimental value, that cutout would be worth hundreds of dollars today.
For me, the joy of Elvira is that Cassandra Peterson puts her heart and soul into the character, and that leads her to treasure her friends, to approach her work with love. Elvira, like Cassandra herself, is just a sweet wholesome lady from Kansas who remembers what it's like not to fit in. (I know you basically said all this, but still.) She creates an atmosphere of acceptance wherever she goes, and helps encourage people to be themselves.
I did want to point out yet another wonderful thing about the 1988 film "Elvira: Mistress of the Dark": The actress playing moral crusader Chastity Pariah is fellow Groundling and iconic character actor Edie McClurg. Of course, Edie is perfect for the role. Plus, honestly, if you can cast her, you should...and if you can't, write a role and cast her anyway.
Thank you so much for the added insight into Cassandra Peterson's life and career. Just when I thought it was impossible to appreciate her and her work any more...now it's possible.
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Cassandra on a film and she was such a class act. I enjoyed every minute I spent with her. I wish her nothing but the best!
It’s kinda cool she’s just really herself. She doesn’t even label her sexuality. After the book she told TODAY basically “I like men, I like women, I don’t know if I’m bi, maybe pan, I’m just me.” Like, in a weird way, isn’t that what we all want? To just… like what we like and be left alone about it?
Labels and especially identifying too strongly with them is a recipe for a bowl of hurt.
You single handedly MADE my Halloween (had to spend gay christmas working) by informing me Elvira is a wlw so THANK YOU!
When I watched Mistress of the Dark for the first time, I couldn't help but think of how much of Bayonetta's personality matches Elvira..all the more reason to love her🖤
I had heard that she had to under go skin graphics and had burn scares over 1/3 rd of her body.
The pain from that level of burns and the treatment is long and a torture .
But she rose above it and has a beautiful personality, beautiful face and smile and an unbelievable amazing physical appearance. ❤️
True icon and role model for so many different types of people.
Truly amazing 💗
Thank you for making this video.
Thank you so much for this. I remember Elvira when I was in my teens at school in the UK - I went to a ‘posh’ boarding school. Being a ‘Goth’ was considered outlandish - all the straight boys loved her, obviously. I was no goth but adored her look, her attitude and she had ‘fun’ - this was before I knew what ‘gay’ and ‘camp’ was. She is amazing.
I can't express how perfect this video was to see this Halloween.
Same here!!!
What a great documentary! I definitely need more Elvira in my life. Perhaps she could team up with Dolly Parton on the silver screen and they could save the world together...
She doesn’t even favor Elvira out of character. I too love her.
Part of me isn't surprised that she's part of the LGBTQ community. While getting greater feel the likelihood of being a trans lesbian, I started realizing that many of the women that I have had a crush on were queer, or speculated to be.
I'm wondering if Catherine Bell (or her Good Witch character Cassie Nightingale may eventually be revealed to be part of the community.
Since 2014, this series has clicked with mystical traits in a similar way to Cardcaptor Sakura, the original Charmed series, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and my personal exploration of the mystical.
Something that I increasingly noticed were dynamics between some if the female characters that was verging on queerness. In the final series, a new addition (Joy) was getting ao cute in her interactions with firefighter Zoey, and the two became one of the first LGBTQ romances to be a focal love story on Hallmark Channel!
Please don’t let Lifetime do her Biopic
An amazing person. I hadn't heard all the details about her queer friends and collaborators and it's so beautiful
She's coming back too, after working with Scooby Doo they're working on an Elvira animated show 🤞
It's about time...
Omg did this ever come out ?
Your videos have taught me so much about gay and just interesting history in general. I truly thank you for the hours of entertainment :)
The Church of the Algorithm gives this video its blessing, and must it stay clear of the blasphemers from The First Algorithmic Temple (and the many people impersonating their members).
I'm in the UK and kinda knew about Elvira without ever actually seeing anything she'd done. In the 90s I was surprised how long she had been around.
If there's one person to unite gay men, lesbians and goths, it's Elvira.
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Awesome video as always. I was honored that you read my comment about the Elvira/Designing Women promo on the live stream today. I didn't mention that on that same promo, she plugged the Bob Newhart show -- not the one from the '70s, of course, that you've covered also on your channel before ... but still, kinda cool how all this stuff somehow circles back on itself.
Thank you Matt for yet another one of your moving and yet informative videos. Using media as your form of activism inspires me every day to never lose hope. Even in this very polarized time in history.
Exactly. His pedagogy is the antidote to the hate of every decade.
Bravo, well said, Laura & Herne!
She just had a guest spot on "The Goldbergs"
OMG, I missed that, thank you!
Thank you Matt for this lovely video! Happy Halloween everyone!
You're welcome! ~~~Unpleasant dreams~~~
Heard of her but now need to see her movie
@@christinazeitman Teaser, character "Chastity Pariah," at the church social. That's all you get.
@@christinazeitman Please come back and tell us about your experience! 🥰
I’m still so heartbroken that the Elvira show never got to Air for those who are curious the pilot episode Is on TH-cam. It looked like such an amazing show
I’ll never forgive the world 🌎 for that choice I’m heartbroken too 😢
"Her 30th birthday was only weeks away" ooooo honeyyy, this is already hittin' too close to home...
(btw I don't mean to say I think it's ever too late to pursue your dreams and do what you want in life, I'm just grappling with my own mortality rn that's all :))) xx)
Hang in there, friend -- hey, at 63 I've already had two reruns of my 21st birthday, and I'm just getting started. Age in adults is like shoe size, remember: a number useful in a very narrow context -- and utterly irrelevant otherwise. Hang in, and hang onto what you love in life.
@@semperfi818 Awww, thank you so much! :') I've had nothing if not an Eventful life thus far (read: traumatic/loss-stricken/packed with travel/sex/drugs/rock'n'roll haha) and I've been telling people I'm 30 since I turned 29 to kind of get used to it, so I really do think I'll be OK... TMI/TW: It's really the lifelong suicidal ideation that gets me. I didn't think I'd ever reach this age, y'know? Heck, I didn't think I'd make it to 21. I crammed so much into so few years. And now I find myself here and... it just feels so surreal. (End TW) But, thank you for your words, I truly appreciate the inspiration, it means so much! There must be a reason I'm still here, after an inordinate number of near-death incidents, and age truly is just a number. I'm gonna hang on (hey, "try" is all we can do, right?). Please do the same. Thanks again! :) xx
@@autumn_equinox I'm planning on making it to 100 now, if I can -- but I wasn't always; I've been chronically depressed since at least age 10, when I first wanted to kill myself, and there have been many times I've wanted myself gone ever since then, if I'm being honest. My life has been far more interior than many, and I'm a straight-edge to this day. (If I can't trust prescription antidepressants, how can I trust street drugs without quality control? And since my brains were my meal ticket, I wasn't going to risk them for a transient high; I might have wanted to die, but I didn't want to die stupid -- call it my one bit of constant pride.) I've been pulled back from the edge more than once by a kind word at the right moment -- which might explain why I'm always ready to offer one myself (paying it forward?); today I live with my best friend/partner, who keeps me sane mostly by caring for me and giving me someone worth caring for...and I am grateful for every kindness that has fallen my way in a world that too often doesn't give a rat's butt for any of us. Maybe love (not sex: I'm at most demisexual, closer to asexual most days) is my drug, and I'm glad I learned how to recognize it in all of its best forms...and compassion is one of those; it's saved me, and a number of folks claim that mine had saved them, so I'll ride with it. Be kind to yourself, as I'm learning to be toward me (yes, I know it's always easier to apply kindness to those outside one's skin, sad but true). Be at peace, even just for today, and know, if it gives you comfort, that you're not alone.
@@semperfi818 I wish I could give this a longer response but my spoons are dwindling (I'm a spoonie/chronically ill) and I'm getting a bit emotional tbh, so suffice it so say that there is much here that resonates with me, and it turns out we actually have quite a bit in common. I want to reiterate how deeply I appreciate your response to my initial post. I definitely wasn't expecting anything and it was a most welcome surprise. Unfortunately, in my experience, I have found that the common adage of "those who have suffered the most tend to be the kindest, most compassionate people" to be true. I'm truly sorry that you could commiserate so acutely, whilst I'm simultaneously grateful for said commiseration. It's paradoxical, I suppose...
I'm so glad you've found a life sustaining and purpose giving love in your life! (Maybe one day I will as well)
Bless you, empathetic internet stranger, and keep letting love be your drug :)
@@autumn_equinox Save your spoons (I have precious few in a day myself, but I daresay that writing to you was a good use of a spoon or two for me) for being good to yourself now; you've honored me with your candor and empathy, and I won't impose further on you. I hope we meet in RL someday; dinner'll be on me, friend. Go ahead in peace and strength; I'll conclude as _Desiderata_ did: "Be careful. Strive to be happy." All love & light to you.
Great video! It's important to note that Vampira didn't drop from the project just because she thought the actress "was all wrong." Vampira was specifically pushing very hard to have her successor be played by a black woman, and the network wasn't willing to do that.
As a straight teen growing up in the 80's, I would watch her every Sunday on KTLA Movie Macabre. Have to admit her style drew my attention but her humor and sarcastic character and the way she was repulsed by the "breather" really made me love her. Loved all those bad horror movies. Miss her and those days.
So weird! I happened to watch some of her Movie Macabre last week on the tv at an airbnb. MY gf and I had always known of her but never watched. We thought she was great so last sunday we watched Mistress of the Dark and it blew us away! I kept comparing it to waynes world. So goofy and quick and funny. Shes incredible.
I love Elvira. I've been a fan since childhood. I grew up with her. She was one of my first crushes. She's a big reason why I love campy films and popculture. Protect her at all.costs.
As an under 30 year old from the UK, I'm initially just shocked that 'Booberella' from the Simpsons was a parody of a real person!
Looking forward to learn something
So awesome of Simpsons to pay tribute to this American icon! 🥰
Patsy Stone played Booberella as well.
OMG I love this story. I always liked her. She was funny and campy, but was always warm and friendly. So happy for her success. 🎃❤️
When I was young and found out we shared the same name I was so happy. We had that in common and it made me love her even more. Thank you for sharing this story. It just multiplied my love even more. Just like when I was a young girl who loved horror and didn't identify with barbie. Thank you sir for your great work as always.
Really brilliant video! Elvira, Mistress of the Dark is my favorite live-action movie, and Elvira/Cassandra is one of my biggest idols. Just loved how you built the narrative. My readings of the movie ressonates a lot with yours. I specially love the fact that you pointed how she uses all the elements of her "sexy femininity" to save herself. Something that I always loved about this scene, and that is similiar, for me, to mulan using her fan to destroy Shan You. Iconic. Congratulations for your awesome research work! As a long time fan myself, I loved every single moment of it!
I was pleasantly surprised that Elvira's movie turned out to legitimately funny. I thought it would be the usual super cheap quickie that TV stars usually appear in, but it was totally enjoyable!
What a great video about a tremendously prolific, fascinating, fierce, FABULOUS inspirational woman! What a Queen. What an Icon. What a Legend.
Thanks for another absolute banger, Matt! Happy Halloween everyone! ;)
This was the first I heard of an Elvira cartoon being planned. If network executives objected to her bosom for a *primetime* series, there'd have been even more objections for Saturday morning (I can only assume it was intended for Saturday mornings). Then again, Rambo got an animated series in the '80s, so anything is possible.
Check your premise, friend: after all, this is Amurrica, where violence is all-Amurrican, remember, thus just peachy to show the kiddy-kids -- but s-e-x is Evil, Dirty, Filthy and Must Not Be Hinted At In Front Of "The Chilll-dren!" (as preachers and politicians refer to the kids). And even if they tear their eyes away from Ms. Peterson's breasts to notice that Elvira is honorable, forthright and confident, not in the least "slutty" -- "Well, we can't show a woman who owns her sexuality unapologetically, as that's just un-Amurrican." In other words, alas, the culture is still stuck on this score, to the detriment of artists like Ms. Peterson.
Just to say, Matt-your foundation is flawless. 💯
(Or if by chance you’re not wearing foundation, then consider me even more envious!)
Elvira has created an amazingly strong image and persona. I've known about her for about 30 years, I've always seen her as fun, strong and sexy. Its great to see the women behind the character is so decent and kind. I need to check out her book, looks like a great read
Elvira The Mistress of the Dark is one of my favorite movies. I remember watching Elvira on tv every Saturday with my mother it’s one of my favorite memories from my childhood.
I got so emotional watching this video. I love Elvira so much she’s our guardian angel✨
A video on one of my favorite holidays, about one of my favorite characters, from one of my favorite TH-camrs? What a treat!
Best video yet! Love Elvira. I just introduced a bunch of young gays to Elvira Mistress of the Dark for our gay movie night and they loved it. I love that you’re wearing something black and low cut. Perfect for an Elvira review.
I've been a mad Elvira fan since I first saw her TV show in the '80s here in Australia. Just a day or two ago I remembered "Elvira's Square Dance", in the interval break of her Murders in the Rue Morgue episode, was one of the most hilarious and clever things I'd ever seen. Then today Matt Baume's Elvira feature popped up for me on TH-cam. Thanks Matt, from one gay male Elvira fan to another!
Please look up when Paul Ruebens was with the Groundings, a comic troupe from LA way back. They did a skit featuring Elvira and the future Pee Wee on the dating game, extremely offensive but fall down funny as hell bit.
She is a living legend.
I will forever be bitter that The Elvira Show didn't get picked up. Of course I was young at the time and didn't find out about it until the 2010s but imagine what we could have had? I heard it was recycled as Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which I watched religiously through my youth, but I feel like Elvira would have been more spooky and fun. Ah what could have been. Cassandra has had an amazing career. Her getting control of Elvira is genius. I feel like back in those days it could have easily slipped through her fingers. Business now a days they try to lock your rights down to your own IP. She made very smart moves over the years. Shes legendary.
Just a small note - Halloween may be gay Christmas for you guys in the US, but Eurovision is gay Christmas for us European gays ;)
Glad to see she succeeded despite all the oppression of the religious hypocrites
who claim their fart don't stink . Years later we still have this awful "Pray the gay away camps"
we need to continue pushing forward so that everyone can reach for that rainbow.
Love this so much! I had to stop halfway through to go watch Mistress of the Dark. :)
❤
Oh .. hell .... i posted that last message before i watched the remainder of the video .... sad to hear of Roberts Passing . He was absolutely lovely man
Matt, I did not expect to cry during this video...You knocked this one out of the park. I love Elvira even more now (which I didn't even think was possible). Thanks so much.
Wow, killer video! I’ve always loved Elvira and can’t believe my dad rented MotD for us in 1989. Now, it’s an annual viewing.
That's awesome, what a great dad!
He got boobs, you got a hero...lol
Elvira works in mysterious ways, indeed!
Thank you Matt. I really enjoy your show. Happy Halloween darling! 🎃
I've been a huge fan of Cassandra Peterson and her character Elvira for 40 years. I thought I knew a lot about her life but there was so much in here I didn't know. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to do the research. Great documentary.
So cool to see Bayonetta get a mention here! Great work, Mr. Matt!
It's upsetting how gracefully she's aged.
I'm 35 yes old and Elvira has been one of my heroes my entire life. Dark, Sexy, Assertive, and Funny. And what a lesson in longevity and hard work. I 🖤 Elvira!!!
My friends and I went camping over this last Halloween weekend and watched Mistress of the Dark on an improvised projector! So much fun!
Funny story, back in the early 90's she was the spokes person for some beer i cant remember what beer it was but a local supermarket near me had a giant cardboard cut out of her and 5 year old me tried to walk out of the store with it
That's fierce!
Cassandra has led an amazing life most can only dream about. Incredible
Its interesting Elvira is as famous as wonder woman but has a very small amount of on screen character work
Elvira is famous world wide but you can binge watch all her content on a day
Yesssss! Super Mario Bros Super Show had the weirdest guests! Thanks for that clip!! I knew you wouldn't leave it out.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!!!! I have always loved her. It goes all the way back to the 80s. Anytime she's on TV I have to drop everything and watch. Happy Halloween! 😎
This outfit makes you look like a failed clone of General Zod. In a good way.
Thank you for this video. Been saving for a few days to watch with my wife.
I've seen her in person once out of costume. Literally stopped breathing and I had to look away because I didn't want to seem like a weirdo. She's absolutely gorgeous and has a presence you don't see often, even in Hollywood.
I never saw her show but she left a huge impact on me from just seeing her referenced in shows like the simpsons
I first saw Elvira in an Amiga game when I was a kid and I was obsessed. As an adult who loves campy Halloween stuff, I became a fan! She is truly an icon for me!
Oh my god, I would love to watch an Elvira sitcom!
It's on TH-cam!