Elvira's Haunted Hills

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Elvira's Haunted Hills

Elvira's Haunted Hills is a 2001 American comedy-horror film starring Elvira, played by Cassandra Peterson, and directed by Sam Irvin. The screenplay was written by Cassandra Peterson and John Paragon. The cast also includes Richard O'Brien, Mary Scheer, and Scott Atkinson. The story follows Elvira and her maid Zou Zou in 1851 Romania. After being kicked out of an inn, they are rescued by Dr. Bradley Bradley and taken to Castle Hellsubus in the Carpathian Mountains. There Elvira learns she bears a strong resemblance to the late wife of Count Vladimere Hellsubus, leading to spooky and comedic misadventures. The film was independently funded; Peterson and her husband Mark Pierson mortgaged their home to help raise money, bringing the budget to about $1.5 million. Filmed in Transylvania, it spoofs the old Edgar Allan Poe and Hammer horror films, with Scott Atkinson's character reminiscent of Vincent Price. It premiered at the International Rocky Horror Fan Convention on June 23, 2001, had a limited Los Angeles release on July 5, 2001, and was released directly to video on October 31, 2002. Critics were mixed: Rotten Tomatoes shows about 71% positive from 14 reviews, and Metacritic gives 48 out of 100. Some reviews found it silly but entertaining, while others felt it was uneven, though many Elvira fans enjoy it.