Tonight’s YouTube movie was the 1995 documentary about Z movie director Ed Wood. I’m a huge fan of his film Plan 9 From Outer Space, and I also loved Tim Burton’s flick about him, starring Johnny Depp as Wood. So I decided to check this out and hear from those that knew him in real life.
There were multiple interview clips from various individuals, including Dolores Fuller, his ex girlfriend, who starred in Glen or Glenda, Bela Lugosi Jr., actress Loretta King, star of Bride of the Monster, make-up artist Harry Thomas, his good friend Paul Marco, Maila Nurmi, aka Vampira, and various others. There were also various photos of Wood throughout the years, as well as home film clips. It told the story about how he got started, moving to Hollywood in 1947 after serving in the military. His first film was a short called Crossroads of Laredo, a Western. He eventually met Bela Lugosi and convinced him to star in his film Glen or Glenda. At first Bela said no, but due to being in poverty at the time, he agreed. Bela and Wood would become and stay friends until Bela’s death in 1956.
All the interviews were interesting, with everyone giving their opinion and feedback about certain events that transpired. Lugosi Jr., son of the late Bela, had mostly critical things to say about Wood, calling him a loser and accusing him of using his father in an attempt to further his career. Dolores Fuller had some surprising insights, including how, during the filming of Glen or Glenda, Wood only had her read and film the pages where she had lines, so she was kept in the dark about his cross dressing and how he based the story on their real relationship. It wasn’t until the film premiered that she became aware of his habit of dressing in women’s clothes, which embarrassed and humiliated her. She also talked about what lead to their breakup. Wood promised her the lead role in Bride of the Monster, but she became furious when he gave the part to Loretta King. This, paired with his cross dressing and increased drinking, became too much for her and she left him. She also recounted a sad story about how he showed up at her place late one night after their breakup, drunk and crying, begging her to take him back. She eventually became a successful songwriter, penning several tunes for Elvis.
Maila Nurmi talked about her career, how she became a horror movie host. She said that role eventually got her blacklisted in Hollywood. When Wood approached her to be in Plan 9, she said no, but also relented, realizing she needed the money. When she read the script, she was appalled at how awful it was, and asked to not have any lines, so her character never spoke. Actor Gregory Walcott was also shocked at how bad the script was, and said the set resembled something from a little kids’ play. The story about Wood and his friends getting baptized in order to finance the film was true. Though the Baptists say they never had the idea to change the title; they always thought it was Grave Robbers From Outer Space.
The footage of Bela Lugosi for Plan 9 was shot for another project Wood was working on, called Tomb of the Vampire. He eventually wrote the script for Plan around the footage he had, and had someone else fill in for the rest of the role by holding the cape over his face. Other things that were discussed were how Wood’s mother dressed him as a girl when he was young because she always wanted a daughter. This started his love for cross dressing, and he fell in love with Angora when he first was dressed in that material as a youth. He also wore bras and panties underneath his clothes while in the military, and was terrified of getting killed in combat for fear that his secret would be revealed. Towards the end of his life, his alcohol consumption increased, and he was supporting himself by writing lurid stories. He and his girlfriend Kathy lost their home, were evicted from their apartment, so they moved in with a friend. It was there that he died of a heart attack.
Dolores Fuller expressed regret that she couldn’t help him overcome his alcoholism, and his friends all talked about how much they loved him. Even the others, who knew his movies were bad, expressed feeling some respect for his ambitious work ethic. In the 80’s Plan 9 became a cult hit and Wood’s legacy gained fame, years after his death. It’s too bad that his life ended so tragically, but I hope that in the afterlife, he knows how loved his films are. Plan 9 is entertaining as hell, and I’ve also enjoyed Glen or Glenda, Jail Bate, Bride of the Monster, and The Violent Years. I watched Night of the Ghouls in the 90’s, but it was really bad, with the exception of a very lively and hammy performance by Criswell, as well as the ridiculous, nonsensical ending. It was an interesting documentary. Any fans of Wood should definitely check it out.
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