Started by Hannah of Women in Horror Month, February has been dedicated to the women that have made contributions over the years to the genre and has attracted attention, mostly from the female horror community. Throughout this month, for example, Rhonny Reaper is recognizing fellow bloggers of the fairer sex like herself with the "Cyber Scream Queen of the Day Award". Meanwhile, the gals of ZombieGrrlz are doing "28 Days of Diabolical Dames", dedicating a daily post to a different woman in horror. While I myself might not be of the female persuasion, I can still appreciate this event and at the very least give recognition to a handful of ladies whose talents deserve acknowledgment.
ELSA LANCHESTER
(1902-1986)
(1902-1986)
Despite her very brief roles as Mary Shelley and the Bride in Universal's 'The Bride of Frankenstein' (1935), given less than twenty minutes of screen time, easily, her performance in the latter part is both eerie and enchanting. This, I'm sure, is why the Bride has become such a classic Hollywood monster.
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ZELDA RUBINSTEIN
As many horror fans are aware, the recent death of Zelda Rubinstein brings in the new year on a slightly somber note. Well known as medium Tangina Barrons in 'Poltergeist' (1982) and the sequels that came in succession, she gave a grandmotherly warmth to the role that makes her particularly memorable.
ZELDA RUBINSTEIN
(1933-2010)
As many horror fans are aware, the recent death of Zelda Rubinstein brings in the new year on a slightly somber note. Well known as medium Tangina Barrons in 'Poltergeist' (1982) and the sequels that came in succession, she gave a grandmotherly warmth to the role that makes her particularly memorable.
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CASSANDRA PETERSON
(1951-present)
Now, to any of you girls (or guys, for that matter) that guffaw at this third mention, I'll point out that Ms. Peterson (a.k.a. Elvira) has established herself as a horror cult icon on par with others like Bruce Campbell, who essentially live off of their created personality. To achieve the sort of fame as that, I tip my hat to you.
Granted, 'Silence of the Lambs' (1991) and its following sequels fall more appropriately into the thriller genre than horror. Still, there is definite horror interwoven, and Ms. Foster's role as agent Clarice Starling is iron strong in the adversity of two sociopathic serial killers and a discriminative Bureau.
CASSANDRA PETERSON
(1951-present)
Now, to any of you girls (or guys, for that matter) that guffaw at this third mention, I'll point out that Ms. Peterson (a.k.a. Elvira) has established herself as a horror cult icon on par with others like Bruce Campbell, who essentially live off of their created personality. To achieve the sort of fame as that, I tip my hat to you.
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JODIE FOSTER
(1962-present)
Granted, 'Silence of the Lambs' (1991) and its following sequels fall more appropriately into the thriller genre than horror. Still, there is definite horror interwoven, and Ms. Foster's role as agent Clarice Starling is iron strong in the adversity of two sociopathic serial killers and a discriminative Bureau.
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HELENA BONHAM CARTER
(1966-present)
Lending her talents to several of Tim Burton's films, Ms. Carter more than proves her mettle in such roles as the ever-wistful Emily in 'Corpse Bride' (2005) and grisly Mrs. Nellie Lovett in 'Sweeney Todd' (2007). Thanks to her, I will never look at a pot pie the same way, again.
HELENA BONHAM CARTER
(1966-present)
Lending her talents to several of Tim Burton's films, Ms. Carter more than proves her mettle in such roles as the ever-wistful Emily in 'Corpse Bride' (2005) and grisly Mrs. Nellie Lovett in 'Sweeney Todd' (2007). Thanks to her, I will never look at a pot pie the same way, again.
