Rent Voodoo Woman (1957)

Mild spoilers ... - Voodoo Woman review by NP

I was surprised to find this film was made in 1957. The production style made me think ‘Voodoo Woman’ was made at least fifteen years earlier.

Smooth, deeply disinterested Tom Conway plays Dr. Roland Gerard, a Frankenstein wannabe determined to make a new life form out of a young woman using the magic of voodoo. Ultimately, he might even breed the resultant creature and … take over the world, probably. Maria English plays Marilyn Blanchard, a cold hearted manipulator and killer who would do anything to get what she wants. It takes most of the running time to get these two characters together, and she proves a perfect choice for his ideal woman on which to experiment. She’s not easily sympathised with though, and English gives her not a moment of warmth. Hers is my favourite performance in the film.

This is a very low budgeted Samuel Z. Arkoff/Alex Gordon production, and subtle lighting gives the impression of more money being spent than is the case. The resultant creature, however, is a hoot. Wisely, Director Edward L Cahn obscures our view of the dear old white-haired curio for the most part, because it really doesn’t look very fearsome at all.

Mike ‘Touch’ Connors – yes, ‘Touch’ is his nickname – plays rugged hero Ted Bronson, and blond Mary Ellen Kay is nice Susan, wife of evil Dr. Gerard, and original focus of his indecipherable experiments. The evil Doctor takes to wearing a hilarious straw hat pulled over the eyes to aid his experiments. He even says that ‘nothing will stop me now’ towards the end.

The whole thing is a determined, fairly wretched ‘B movie’, with every effort made to ensure it never rises much above adequate. It’s a fairly fun ride, charming even, but never threatens any kind of greatness.