5 Feet of Fury

Vampira (1921 – 2008) returns to the crypt

Remembering the Plan 9 star, James Dean confidant and pioneer tv horror host:

“It’s important to note here that before Vampira, there was no such thing as a horror movie host (as we know them today) on television. There were precedents on radio, but it would be three more years before Screen Gems would release it’s [sic] famous ‘Shock!’ package of Universal Studios horror films, launching the careers of hundreds of similar haunted hosts.

“Vampira’s show, called ‘Lady of Horrors,’ paved the way — Vampira would emerge from a mist-filled corridor, shrieking her head off, decked out in a black wig, three-inch fingernails, foot-long cigarette holder and a clingy dress that showed off her impressive physique (38-17-36).”