MIKE'S MOVIE ROOM: MY BARBARA STEELE COLLECTION

MY BARBARA STEELE COLLECTION

In the long history of the cinema, there have been scores of actresses who were said to possess a "haunting beauty". But if ever there was one actress who seemed to personify that particular description, it had to be Barbara Steele. This Anglo-Irish star has been the central focus of my movie memorabilia hobby for many years. On this page I want to share some of what I've collected,

DVD AND BLU-RAY COLLECTION

I used to have Barbara's first film, BACHELOR OF HEARTS (1958) on VHS, but I no longer have any of my VHS collection. Her second film, SAPPHIRE (1959), is included in this Criterion Collection Essentials box set of four films directed by Basil Dearden. Barbara is in one brief scene, has a few lines, and has a lovely closeup of her beautiful face.

The last of her four English films were comedies. UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTAIRS was released in 1959 and YOUR MONEY OR YOUR WIFE in 1960. The image of Barbara on the cover of the latter DVD is from 8 1/2.

Barbara's most famous film, BLACK SUNDAY aka LA MASCHERA DEL DEMONIO or THE MASK OF SATAN, was released in Italy in 1960 and then in America in 1961 in an altered version. On the left is the Image Entertainment release. In the center is the Kino-Lorber release of the 1961 version. The DVD on the right is included in the Mario Bava Box Set from Anchor Bay.

I also have this rather curious version that I found on Ebay, I believe. It takes the American release and inserts some of the scenes that were cut out, such as the cold, dead kiss between Asa and Doctor Kruveyan down in the crypt. An interesting idea, but not executed terribly well. It's still nice to have.

Barbara returned to the United States to work with Vincent Price in Roger Corman's THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM in 1961.

One of Barbara's favorite roles was Gloria Morin in Federico Fellini's classic 8 1/2 (1963).

Three copies of the 1962 horror film THE HORRIBLE DR. HICHCOCK, directed by Riccardo Freda aka Robert Hampton, and known by various titles in different parts of the world. Barbara made this film during a brief break from 8 1/2. The DVD-R on the left is the Italian language version with English subtitles and comes from Brian's Trash Palace. The Blu-ray is the American release and comes from Olive Films. The copy on the right is the British release and comes from CryptFlicks. All have slight differences.

Barbara's second film for Riccardo Freda was THE GHOST aka LO SPETTRO (1963), a colorful, moody follow up, but not exactly a sequel, to THE HORRIBLE DR. HICHCOCK.

Two of Barbara's non-horror films during the 1963-64 period were THE MONOCLE, a French film that was one of a series of spy spoofs starring Paul Meurisse, and THE MANIACS aka I MANIACI, a comedy directed by Lucio Fulce.

This is the cover from my old VHS copy of I MANIACI. That is a very sexy photo of Miss Steele. But I'm inclined to believe someone attached her face to some other woman's voluptuous body! And she doesn't dress in that manner in the movie. Still an eye catching cover!

One of Barbara's most impressive and well regarded Gothic horror films is CASTLE OF BLOOD aka DANZA MACABRA aka DANSE MACABRE, directed by Antonio Marghariti aka Anthony Dawson in 1964.

This dark masterpiece is loaded with creepy atmosphere and is considered by many Steele fans to be her very best horror fantasy after BLACK SUNDAY. I used to have an atrocious VHS copy of the uncut Italian original version with no English subtitles. This International Version from Synapse Films, while an excellent product, is missing a few minutes from the original cut. Still highly recommended.

Barbara's second horror film for Antonio Margheriti was 1964's THE LONG HAIR OF DEATH, another excellent Gothic mood piece that features some of the very best Steele imagery caught on film.

THE SHE-BEAST aka LA SORELLA DI SATANA (1965 or 1966), was directed by Michael Reeves and is, in my opinion, the least effective of all the Steele horror flicks. Her screen time is minimal, but when she's on screen, she's as wonderful as always. The best thing about the DVD release on the right is the commentary featuring Barbara, co-star Ian Ogilvie and the film's producer.

One of the most enjoyable of Barbara's films is NIGHTMARE CASTLE aka AMANTI DOLTRE TOMBA (1965 or 1966), directed by Mario Caiano aka Allen Grunewald. These releases from Severin Films contain the uncut version. One of the best features is a long interview with Miss Steele discussing her career from its inception.

And I have three other NIGHTMARE CASTLE DVDs on the shelves.

Two more of Barbara's late 60s films, TERROR CREATURES FROM THE GRAVE and AN ANGEL FOR SATAN,which is on a double feature with THE LONG HAIR OF DEATH. AN ANGEL FOR SATAN is an excellent Gothic mystery, not really a horror film, with wonderful cinematography and gives Barbara a chance to do some of her best acting.

In 1966, Barbara guest starred in an episode of the popular American television series I SPY.

In 1966, Barbara went to West Germany to appear in Volker Schlondorff's debut feature YOUNG TORLESS, an excellent film that she considers to be her finest work.

In 1967, Barbara went to England to join Boris Karloff and Christopher Lee in THE CRIMSON CULT aka THE CURSE OF THE CRIMSON ALTAR. This mediocre adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's story Dreams In The Witch House does have its good moments. But its a big disappointment because Miss Steele has no scenes with either of her legendary co-stars.

This wild, psychedelic, completely unexplainable Italian comedy, FERMATE IL MUNDO...VOGLIO SCENDERE aka STOP THE WORLD...I WANT TO GET OFF, was either made in 1968 or 1970. This DVD-R from Brian's Trash Palace is an excellent print with English subtitles. Barbara is terrific in this one!

After a few years off the screen, Barbara made a striking comeback in Jonathan Demme's debut feature CAGED HEAT (1974). In 1978 she appeared in Louis Malle's PRETTY BABY.

In 1979 Barbara had a good supporting role in Joe Dante's PIRANHA. Thanks to my good friend Dave Koenig aka A Fiend On Film for sending me the Blu-ray!

Two more Steele supporting roles: David Cronenberg's disturbing SHIVERS (1974) and Fred Olen Ray's THE CAPITOL CONSPIRACY aka PROPHET (1998).

SILENT SCREAM was a very well made "slasher" released in 1980, with Miss Steele giving an impressive performance. The Blu-ray is wonderful, but for some reason there are no chapter selections.

The 1991 revival of Dan Curtis' DARK SHADOWS featured Barbara in the role of Dr. Julia Hoffman. This series only lasted for twelve episodes, but it's quite good, and Barbara is terrific, especially when she interacts with Ben Cross as Barnabas Collins. The documentary on the right is a recent release all about the career of Dan Curtis, with featured commentary by Miss Steele.

Barbara made a star comeback in 2011"s THE BUTTERFLY ROOM. Her fans had high hopes for this, but for me it's a disappointment, although she gives an earnest performance. THE BONEYARD COLLECTION is a fairly recent video concoction that is a huge waste of time. Barbara is only in it for a few not-so-hot minutes.

Ryan Gosling's directorial debut, LOST RIVER, has been shown at film festivals, but, to my knowledge, never had a proper theatrical release before going to video. Barbara's participation is minimal, but the film itself is quite striking and worth seeing.

My online friend Russ Lanier, who is not only a personal friend of Barbara's, but also serves as her archivist, has been kind enough to send me copies of some of her obscure films as DVD-Rs in plain envelopes:

AMORE FACILE aka EASY LOVING is an Italian sex comedy with Barbara speaking her own dialogue and being very slinky and gorgeous.

LES BAISERS aka THE KISSES is a French New Wave film. Although Barbara speaks fluent French, her voice was dubbed by another actress.

LE ORE DELL'AMORE aka THE HOURS OF LOVE (1964) is yet another Italian comedy. Barbara delivers her own dialogue in Italian and English. No subtitles. Russ had previously sent me a copy on VHS, so I transferred the cover to the DVD case.

This is an excellent documentary entitled DONALD CAMMELL: THE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE (1997). It's about the artist and film director Donald Cammell, known for directing Mick Jagger in PERFORMANCE (1968) and a few other films. Cammell committed suicide in 1996, Some of his friends and associates discuss his life and career. Along with Barbara, the interviewees include Jagger, James Fox, Anita Pallenberg and Cathy Moriarty. Well worth seeing.

Russ also sent me yet another copy of the Italian language version of THE HORRIBLE DR. HICHCOCK. I never have to worry about not being able to see this movie.

This is something I found on Ebay years ago. It's a dreamy homage to the imagery of Barbara Steele set to the music of various artists. Compiled by Evet Socrates. A creative bit of work!

MEMORABILIA

Another amazing gift from Russ Lanier. This is a copy of the original Italian script for LA MASCHERA DEL DEMONIO and also includes the original English translation.

This is the 1995 BLACK SUNDAY calendar, with Barbara's autograph.

The official pressbook for the 1961 American-International release of BLACK SUNDAY. A few other pages follow.

Here are some pages from the official pressbook for THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM:

Here is a pressbook for an obscure film that I've never seen and which doesn't seem to be available anywhere. I believe it was filmed in Spain and the title here is TIEMPO DE VIOLENCIA aka TIME OF VIOLENCE. I would love to find this someday.

PHOTOGRAPHS

A still from YOUNG TORLESS.

A still from BLACK SUNDAY.

A still from THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM.

I found this on Ebay. A photo with Barbara, Christopher Lee and Boris Karloff during the filming of THE CURSE OF THE CRIMSON ALTAR, with Barbara's autograph.

This still from AN ANGEL FOR SATAN was autographed for me by Barbara at the Horror Hound Convention in Indianapolis in 2019.

MAGAZINE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS

Barbara wrote a marvelous article entitled "Cult Memories" for the October 1994 issue of The Perfect Vision.

From Fangoria #320 February 2013: The Many Lives of Barbara Steele by Chris Alexander

From Rue Morgue Nov./Dec. 2002: The Maiden Behind the Mask by Chris Alexander and David Del Valle.

From Midnight Marquee Summer 1992: More Than A Horror Film Cult Actress, Thank You!. by Mark Miller

Diabolique #5 July/August 2011: The Gothic Queen of Italy by Paulo Zelati, with discussion about THE BUTTERFLY ROOM.

Scarlet Street #3 Summer 1991: Horror Italian Style by Bill Amezzani.

Barbara Steele: An Angel For Satan, 1991, introduction by Alan Upchurch.

Video Watchdog #7 Sep/Oct 1991: Karma, Catsup, and Caskets: The Barbara Steele Interview by Christopher Dietrich and Peter Beckman. Also: Five Graves For A Medium by Alan Upchurch.