Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (1988)
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47% of critics liked it
(15 reviews) -
63% of users liked it
(10,047 ratings)
This lightweight and slightly ribald comedy marks the feature film debut of Elvira (Cassandra Peterson), a buxom seductress best known for hosting a popular syndicated television show that features wonderfully bad old horror movies. After losing her latest job for refusing to sleep with her new… More This lightweight and slightly ribald comedy marks the feature film debut of Elvira (Cassandra Peterson), a buxom seductress best known for hosting a popular syndicated television show that features wonderfully bad old horror movies. After losing her latest job for refusing to sleep with her new boss, Elvira tries to launch a Vegas career. Just before that scheme falls flat, she finds salvation when an aunt dies and leaves her a huge old New England mansion. When the black-clad and sexy Elvira, with her flamboyant make-up and acres of cleavage hit the town, she creates an instant scandal amongst the old folks and inspires lusty dreams in the minds of the young. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Directed By
- James Signorelli
- Written By
- Sam Egan, John Paragon
- Genres
- Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Sep 30, 1988 Wide
- Studio
- New World Video
Critic Reviews
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, Time Out
A predictable plot and cheapskate effects deaden Elvira's occasional witty lines, while references to the horror genre make the film busy without going anywhere.
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Caryn James, New York Times
There are only a couple of fresh and funny moments.
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Richard Harrington, Washington Post
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark is stupid fun, a distaff, gothic version of Pee-wee's Playhouse.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Despite its mildly raunchy tone and obsession with Peterson's considerable cleavage, the film is a decent, good-hearted comedy that never takes itself seriously.
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, Film4
It's not just dumb fun. The script contains a few genuinely smart one-liners (even if the relentless flood of innuendo will weary even the hardiest Carry On fans) and there's far more to Elvira than a perilously plunging neckline.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Cassandra Peterson
as Elvira
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Edie McClurg
as Chastity Pariah
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Pat Crawford Brown
as Mrs. Meeker
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William Duell
as Mr. Meeker
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Daniel Greene
as Bob Redding
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W. Morgan Sheppard
as Vincent Talbot
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Raleigh Bond
as Minister
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Frank Collison
as Billy
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Ellen Dunning
as Robin Meeker
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Kurt Fuller
as Mr. Clotter
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Hugh Gillin
as Sheriff
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Ira Heiden
as Bo
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Tera Hendrickson
as Featured
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Larry Flash Jenkins
as Technical Director
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Kris Kamm
as Randy
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Tress MacNeille
as Anchorwoman
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Lee Mc Laughlin
as Earl Hooter
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Edwina Moore
as Hairdresser
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Bill Morey
as Mr. Rivers
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Phil Rubenstein
as Director
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Sebastian Russell
as Las Vegas Dancer
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Eve Smith
as Little Old Lady
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Lynne Marie Stewart
as Bartender
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Charles Woolf
as Manny
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Jeff Conaway
as Travis
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Damita Jo Freeman
as Associate Producer
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Michael A. Jackson
as Las Vegas Rapper
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John Paragon
as Gas Station Attendant
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Robert Benedetti
as Calvin Cobb
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Bill Cable
as Cop
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Deryl Carroll
as Charlie
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Mario Celario
as Rudy
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Scott Morris
as Sean
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Read Scot
as Las Vegas Dancer
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William Cort
as Lawyer/Game Show Host
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James Hogan
as Las Vegas Dancer
- Susan Kellermann
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Jack Fletcher
as Mr. Bigelow
- William Morgan Sheppard
- Susan Kellerman
