I just picked up the latest issue of Cinema Reto today. Full marks to
Tim Greaves for finally giving Lust for a Vampire it's just due. I have always
thought this was a very fine film and that all the fuss about the song
"Strange Love" was absurd. A lovely song which by all means doesn't
ruin the film by its inclusion. Regarding the alternate "clothed"
scenes. These did surface in the U.S. on television. When the film shown a few
times on Channel 7 in Los Angeles the print was titled To Love a Vampire and the
alternate clothed scenes of both the dormitorygirls and Judy Matheson's
seduction were included.
I actually met Yutte Stensgaard a number of years ago when she had
"disappeared". I was working in Beverly Hills and this lovely woman
came into the office from the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. I instantly
recognized her as Yutte Stensgaard. She was less than pleased to be recognized
and refused to give me her autograph or discuss her films. I assured her that
Lust for a Vampire was nothing to be ashamed of and that she had a considerable
cult following. I felt badly that she was so down on her film career. But I
heard that she later re-evaluated this and was more comfortable discussing her
movies.
Gary Smith
Retro Responds: Many thanks for the support, Gary...and thanks for the update on Ms. Stensgaard. Like many actors and actresses who starred in "B" or cult movies, they sometimes felt ashamed of their participation in such films. However, as they see the genuine affection they have accumulated from fans over the decades, these artists often eventually take pride in the fact they were part of the film's legacies. If it's any consolation to Ms. Stensgaard, the issue bearing her cover is proving to be one hot seller for Cinema Retro!