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Edward D. Wood Jr.
1924-1978
Updated 1/19/2008 with news of the passing of Vampira, aka Maila Nurmi.
biography
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1924, Ed Wood grew up with a love for films and spent many Saturday afternoons at matinees watching cowboy heroes such as George O'Brien and Tom Tyler. After graduating from high school in 1942, Wood joined the Marines and experienced grueling and devastating combat duty. At the end of World War II, Wood moved to California in 1947 to obtain work in the motion picture industry. The following year, he started a small company with John Crawford Thomas, shooting early television commercials. Wood directed more than 150 commercials throughout the 1950s, and he also shot a few TV shows.
LEFT and CENTER: Posters from Glen or Glenda? and Jailbait. RIGHT: Edward D. Wood, Jr., circa 1952
In early 1953, Wood got his big break in motion pictures; exploitation producer George Weiss hired Wood to write and direct a film titled I Changed My Sex to capitalize on the interest surrounding the sex change of Christine Jorgensen. Wood altered the slant of Weiss' production to replace transexualism with transvestism and, amazingly, shot the film in four days directing and playing the lead.
Glen or Glenda? (1953)
Ed Wood and Dolores Fuller are the stars of Glen or Glenda?
As cheap as the film appears to be, Wood actually overshot the budget by $6,000 -- production costs totaled $26,000, a ridiculously low budget even 50 years ago. The film was released simultaneously under three titles: Glen or Glenda, I Led Two Lives, and I Changed My Sex. As was often the case with exploitation titles, different regions of the country received different titles. The film mostly played grindhouses in the south and in the end made money for Weiss. The remainder of Wood's legitimate film career went little better than the production of Glen or Glenda, especially after the death of his biggest star, Bela Lugosi, in August 1956.
Photo from a memorial benefit for Bela Lugosi in late 1956. Left to right: Allan Nixon, Vampira, Tor Johnson, Stepin Fetchit, Bela Lugosi Jr., Paul Marco, and Dolores Fuller
Sadly, things would only get worse for Wood and his career. After Dolores Fuller ended their relationship, Wood married stage and TV actress Norma McCarty in late 1955, but the union lasted only a few days. He then married Kathy Everett in 1956. In terms of his career, it took three years for Plan Nine from Outer Space to find a distributor, and Night of the Ghouls (1958) went unreleased for 23 years because Wood couldn't pay lab costs for prints.
The Sinister Urge (1961)
Poster from Wood's The Sinister Urge, a film about the pornography industry and its victims; arguably, this is Wood's best film
The theme of Wood's The Sinister Urge, about the victims of the pornography industry, proved strangely prophetic. By the 1960s, with alcoholism booze taking its toll on Wood, he resorted to writing potboiler pornographic novels and making sexploitation films with Steven Apostolof (such as Orgy of the Dead in 1965) to support himself and his wife. Wood's career eventually slid into the production of hardcore pornography, such as The Undergraduate (1972). He also directed several one-reel loops for the "Swedish Erotica" series as well as other porn shorts. Of course, Wood also wrote pornographic novels.
Ed Wood's real talents lie in writing; his novels were usually written in a three-day period for $1,000 or less
Wood never really profited from any of the films he made, unlike other low-budget directors such as Del Tenney and Herschell Gordon Lewis. At most, he made just enough to support himself while the films were in production. Others, however, made small fortunes from Wood's labors. He was paid just $500 to write the script for The Violent Years (1956; with Glenn Corbett) starring Playboy Playmate Jean Moorehead; the film instantly became a cult classic and in its original release made well over $1 million. Say what you will about Wood's writing style; however, The Violent Years contains then-shocking content, including a male-rape scene led by Moorehead.
Broken by the film industry, and languishing in a sea of alcohol, Wood died on December 10, 1978, at age 54. In the early 1980s, Wood's films began to find an enthusiastic audience, particularly Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959) and Glen or Glenda? (1953). Although Wood is often touted as the worst director ever, in truth there are directors who have consistently made far worse films.
wood's wonderful cast
From his acting, screenwriting, and directoral debut in 1953's Glen or Glenda to 1961's The Sinister Urge, Ed Wood managed to keep his regulars in sporadic work. Paul Marco, Conrad Brooks, Dolores Fuller, Mona McKinnon, Criswell, Kenne Duncan, Harvey B. Dunne, Tor Johnson, and Bela Lugosi appeared in two or more of Wood's movies. Scroll down to take a look at the stars and their biographies.
John "Bunny" Breckinridge
John Breckinridge died on November 5, 1996, at age 94. Go to the Bone Orchard page to read his obituary.
Criswell
Cover for Criswell's 1969 book Criswell Predicts
Born Jerome Criswell in Indiana in August 1907, Criswell got his start as a newscaster in New York radio. He began making predictions just to fill up air time, but the radio station was flooded with phone calls from listeners. That was the birth of Criswell the psychic. He later did some stage work with Mae West, who became Criswell's lifelong friend. He also became quite popular on television in the 1950s, and wrote several books. He passed away at the age of 75 in October 1982.
Dolores Fuller
Click on the photo above to go to the Dolores Fuller page.
Tor Johnson
Click on the photo above to go to the Tor Johnson page.
Bela Lugosi
Click on the photo above to go to the Bela Lugosi page.
Vampira
Various images of Vampira. LEFT: KABC photo. CENTER and RIGHT: From Plan Nine From Outer Space
Maila Nurmi, better known as Vampira, was born in Finland and emigrated to the U.S. in the 1920s with her family. Beginning her entertainment career as a chorus girl, she first gained prominence in Mae West's stage play Catherine Was Great in the 1940s but was fired when Nurmi garnered very favorable reviews, upstaging West. In 1954, a chance costume contest found Nurmi made up much like Morticia Addams from Charles Addams' cartoon strip; she was then offered a horror hostess job at KABC Channel 7 in Los Angeles for which she created the character Vampira by borrowing bits and pieces from Charles Addam's cartoon strip. In 1955, Nurmi caused quite a public stir after meeting James Dean, attempting but failing to strike up a relationship. Sadly, she was blacklisted and fired by KABC in 1956. She agreed to appear in Ed Wood's Plan Nine from Outer Space as the ghoul's wife, for a sum of $200. In addition, she made a few other films before qutting acting, including Steve Cochran, Mamie Van Doren, and ), Sex Kittens Go to College (1960; with Mamie Van Doren, John Carradine, and Tuesday Weld). Nurmi was once married to screenwriter Dean Reisner and later married actor Fabrizio Mioni in the early 1960s. After her career dried up, Nurmi turned her attentions to art and jewlery making. After Wood's films became a cult sensation in the 1980s, Nurmi became a frequent interview subject. Sadly, she passed away at age 86 in January 2008.
The Ed Wood Box [DVD] DVD
Six-disc boxed set includes "Glen or Glenda?," "Jail Bait," "Bride of the Monster," "Plan 9 from Outer Space," "Night of the Ghouls," and "The Haunted World of Edward D. Wood, Jr."
The Haunted World Of Edward D. Wood, Jr. [DVD](1995) DVD
The life and films of Ed Wood are extensively covered in this terrific documentary that mixes rare film footage and great interviews. Among the members of Wood's entourage featured are Dolores Fuller, Bela Lugosi, Conrad Brooks, Vampira and Lyle Talbot. Find out what made the cross-dressing, angora-addicted auteur really tick--if you dare! 83 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; audio commentary; interviews; photo gallery; outtakes; additional footage; more.
The Haunted World Of Edward D. Wood, Jr.(1995) VHS
The life and films of Ed Wood are extensively covered in this terrific documentary that mixes rare film footage and great interviews. Among the members of Wood's entourage featured are Dolores Fuller, Bela Lugosi, Conrad Brooks, Vampira and Lyle Talbot. Find out what made the cross-dressing, angora-addicted auteur really tick--if you dare! 83 min.
Glen Or Glenda? [DVD](1952) DVD
Writer/director Ed Wood pseudonymously starred in this transvestite/sex-change docudrama that was his most autobiographical film. Will Glen's fiancee let him wear her angora sweater? Hear scientist-narrator Bela Lugosi warn viewers to "bevare of the big green dragon that sits on your doorstep," see daffy dream sequences, and learn the inner turmoil of men who wear "pink satin undies." With Dolores Fuller, Lyle Talbot. AKA: "I Changed My Sex," "I Led Two Lives." 67 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Glen Or Glenda [VHS](1952) VHS
Writer/director Ed Wood pseudonymously starred in this transvestite/sex-change docudrama that was his most autobiographical film. Will Glen's fiancee let him wear her angora sweater? Hear scientist-narrator Bela Lugosi warn viewers to "bevare of the big green dragon that sits on your doorstep," see daffy dream sequences, and learn the inner turmoil of men who wear "pink satin undies." With Dolores Fuller, Lyle Talbot. AKA: "I Changed My Sex," "I Led Two Lives." 67 min.
Crossroad Avenger [VHS](1953) VHS
After setting Hollywood ablaze with "Glen or Glenda," writer/director Ed Wood tried his hand at TV work with this rare color pilot for a Western series. Tom Keene stars as the Tucson Kid, a gunslinger framed for killing the sheriff by saloon owner Lyle Talbot. With Tom Tyler, Kenne Duncan, and a cameo on horseback by Wood. This tape also features trailers for other Wood films and a short of trick gunplay by Duncan. 47 min. total.
Jail Bait [DVD](1954) DVD
A hard-as-nails gangster film, Ed Wood-style. A hood on the lam shoots his partner, then forces the guy's surgeon-father to change his face. The stars include Lyle Talbot, Dolores Fuller, Timothy Farrell and a young Steve Reeves; don't miss the "hilarious" blackface minstrel sequence! 75 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailer.
Jail Bait [VHS](1954) VHS
A hard-as-nails gangster film, Ed Wood-style. A hood on the lam shoots his partner, then forces the guy's surgeon-father to change his face. The stars include Lyle Talbot, Dolores Fuller, Timothy Farrell and a young Steve Reeves; don't miss the "hilarious" blackface minstrel sequence! 75 min.
Bride Of The Monster [DVD](1955) DVD
Wood and Lugosi team up again in this tale of a mad scientist out to create a race of "atomic super-giants." See Tor Johnson as Lobo, Lugosi's mute lab assistant! See Bela wrestle with an obvious rubber octopus! See Tor wrestle with Bela's platform-heeled stand-in! "He tampered in God's domain!" With Tony McCoy, Loretta King. 70 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
The Violent Years (1956)/Girl Gang [DVD](1954) DVD
Ed Wood was the screenwriter on this "torn from the headlines" gem about bad girls and fast cars. An all-female gang rides a crime wave of theft, vandalism, rape (!) and wantonness that leads to murder, prison and an illegitimate child. Jean Moorehead, Barbara Weeks, Timothy Farrell star. AKA: "Female." Then, a lost female juvenile delinquent film has been unearthed and it's something to behold! The hellcats in the title get off on marijuana and heroin, steal cars, assault boys and delve into other areas of sordidness. Joanne Arnold and Timothy Farrell star in this production from noted schlockmeister George Weiss ("Glen or Glenda"). 118 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby mono; theatrical trailers; bonus shorts; radio spots; art gallery; publicity materials; more.
The Violent Years(1956) VHS
Ed Wood was the screenwriter on this "torn from the headlines" gem about bad girls and fast cars. An all-female gang rides a crime wave of theft, vandalism, rape (!) and wantonness that leads to murder, prison and an illegitimate child. Jean Moorehead, Barbara Weeks, Timothy Farrell star. AKA: "Female." 80 min.
The Bride And The Beast (1958)/The White Gorilla [DVD](1949) DVD
While on an expedition in the wilds of Africa, a woman realizes that she's attracted to gorillas. After "The Bride and the Beast" spend quality time monkeying around, she discovers that she's the reincarnation of an ape. This infamous Ed Wood-scripted opus stars Lance Fuller, Charlotte Austin, and some angora sweaters. AKA: "Queen of the Gorillas." Next, Ray "Crash" Corrigan has a fearful encounter with the "seething outcast of ape society," better known as "The White Gorilla." Also stars Lorraine Miller, and "Tarzan" star Frank Merrill (in archival footage taken from the 1927 serial "Perils of the Jungle"). 141 min. total. Standard/Widescreen; audio commentary; biographies; bonus footage; photo gallery; more.
Plan 9 From Outer Space (1958)/The Ed Wood Story [DVD](1992) DVD
Recognized on six continents as ``the worst film ever made,'' this sci-fi travesty from Ed Wood features anti-nuclear aliens whose ships look like paper plates, Tor Johnson and Vampira as zombie slaves, Bela Lugosi in two minutes of stock footage (a stand-in with a cape took his place), and narration by famed psychic Criswell. "Can you prove it didn't happen?" Plus, take a behind-the-schlock with this retrospective that tells the story of the man whose complete cinematic incompetence turned him into a legend. Includes interviews with Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Vampira, Bela Lugosi, and Dolores Fuller. 120 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English; theatrical trailers.
Plan 9 From Outer Space (B&W/Color Versions) [DVD](1958) DVD
Recognized on six continents as "the worst film ever made," this sci-fi travesty from Ed Wood features anti-nuclear aliens whose ships look like paper plates, Tor Johnson and Vampira as zombie slaves, Bela Lugosi in two minutes of stock footage (a stand-in with a cape took his place), and narration by famed psychic Criswell. "Can you prove it didn't happen?" Includes both the original black-and-white and the newly colorized versions. 93 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; featurettes; bonus footage; trailer; more.
Night Of The Ghouls [DVD](1959) DVD
The long-lost "sequel" to "Bride of the Monster" stars Criswell, Vampira and the ever-popular Tor Johnson in a tale of fake mediums who find themselves up against the true "walking dead." Writer/director Wood calls them "Monsters to be pitied...monsters to be despised." Who are we to argue? 69 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Orgy Of The Dead [DVD](1966) DVD
Found at last! The "missing film" from the canon of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" auteur Ed Wood. Vampires, werewolves and topless go-go girls(!) cavort and creep in a tomb for horror hi-jinx that must be seen. Stars Criswell the Psychic, Fawn Silver, Pat Barrington; A.C. Stephen directs Wood's script. 90 min. Soundtrack: English.
Take It Out In Trade: The Outtakes [DVD](1970) DVD
A real collector's item: silent outtakes from the notorious, long-lost Wood-directed effort "Take It Out in Trade," featuring some of the late auteur's weirdest work. Check out pool table sex, an androgynous couple making out, Wood veteran Duke Moore and Ed himself, wearing a lime-green dress, blonde wig and white go-go boots as a drag queen named Alecia. Beware!
ed wood films available from amazon.com
filmography
This is a listing of Wood's directorial efforts and is incomplete and does not include Wood's screenwriting credits:
Necromania (1971) with Rene Bond and Ric Lutze
The Only House (1971)
Excited (1970)
The Sinister Urge (1961) with Kenne Duncan, Duke Moore, and Carl Anthony; once aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000
Night of the Ghouls (1959) with Kenne Duncan, Tor Johnson, and Valda Hansen
Plan 9 from Outer Space (1958) with Dudley Manlove, Gregory Walcott, Lyle Talbot, Vampira, and Tor Johnson
Final Curtain (1957; short) with Dudley Manlove
The Night the Banshee Cried (1957; short)
Bride of the Monster (1956) with Bela Lugosi, Tor Johnson, Dolores Fuller, and Tony McCoy; once aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000
Jail Bait (1954) with Steve Reeves, Dolores Fuller, Lyle Talbot, Theodora Thurman, and Herbert Rawlinson
Boots (1953; short)
Crossroad Avenger: The Adventures of the Tucson Kid (1953; TV pilot) with Tom Tyler, Lyle Talbot, Kenne Duncan, and Edward D. Wood Jr.
Glen or Glenda (1953) with Bela Lugosi, Dolores Fuller, Lyle Talbot, and Edward D. Wood Jr.
Trick Shooting with Kenne Duncan (1953; short) with Kenne Duncan
The Sun was Setting (1951; TV show) with Phyllis Coates
The Streets of Laredo (1948) with Duke Moore
ed wood links
EdWood.Org: The Home of the Church of Ed Wood
The Church of Ed Wood upholds the morals and ideals of Edward D. Wood and tries to preach Ed's message of total understanding and acceptance, regardless of what modern society may say.
Yahoo! Group: Criswell Predicts
A shrine to the astounding Criswell. Pics, Soundfiles, Movies and lots of links.
The Edward D. Wood, Jr. Home Page
A nice site featuring lots of information on Ed Wood and his cast.
Edward D. Wood Jr.
This page contains many, many links to Ed Wood sites across the Internet.
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This page premiered February 1, 1998.
Counter reset March 1, 2001.
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