Sheridan Le Fanu's claasic 1872 vampire tale besides being a thumping good tale is an early example of feminism in the horror genre, defying the Victorian view of women as being possessions of men. It is also perhaps the first story about a lesbian vampire (told oh so tastefully, mind you). The story became a large influence on Bram Stoker's Dracula, as well as Henry James's The Turn of the Screw.
The popular story has remained in print for more than 150 years. It has been filmed or adapted fourteen times since 1931, Carmilla has appeared at least three times on television, four times on stage, and once as an opera, as well as in a web series. The character has appeared in at least six books in recent years, has been the subject of three comic book series, and has inspired at least four rock music recordings. Carmilla has become a character in two video games. In Japan, Carmilla is the title of a lesbian magazine.
Carmilla hit the radio airwaves beginning in 1940 on the Columbia Workshop, starring Jeanette Nolan. Vincent Price hosted as 1979 adaptation on the Sears Radio Theater. In 2003, a version was aired on BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Play.
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater version (linked below) starred Marian Seldes and Merccedes McCambridge, and was hosted by E. G. Marsahll.
Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOtnr0o7FHw&list=PLJm2etPj4-MYlykH8VeSx_9v9SlR5gGWX&index=26
I read Sheridan Le Fanu's "Carmilla" as a teenager and it blew my mind! Classic vampire story that can haunt you for years!
ReplyDeleteGood cast, even for CBS R MT...and you know both loved doing horror.
ReplyDelete