Cult-Tastic: Tales From the Trenches with Roger and Julie Corman

Episode one of Roger and Julie Corman’s Cult-tastic!, discusses the seven featured films that revolve around the common theme of “future worlds.”

In episode two, Corman focuses on films that relate to the “criminal lives” theme including, Big Bad Mama 1 & 2 and The Lady In Red.

Episode three entails exploration of Corman’s comedy films throughout his career. We first see A Bucket of Blood directed by Corman himself.

Episode four encompasses many of Corman’s films that were based on more realistic foundations. He first mentions High School Big Shot directed by Joel Rapp, and The Final Comedown by Oscar Williams, where a violent black nationalist group ends up in a gun fight with authorities.

Episode five looks at the topic of “outsiders,” starting with Naked Angels directed by Bruce D. Clark. This film looked to Hell’s Angels for inspiration, and Corman even went to some of their parties to get information on them for the film.

Episode six was impressive, as it explored the stimulating theme of “warrior women.” First, Corman discussed The Arena directed by Joe D’Amato and Steve Carver. Pam Grier and Margaret Markov were the dynamic leads, despite an Italian producer pushing for an actress other than Markov.

Episode seven touches on the “mad scientist” theme, looking at The Wasp Woman co-directed by Roger Corman and Jack Hill first. Susan Cabot stars in this black-and-white science fiction-horror.

Episode eight delved into the “monster mash” theme, beginning with Humanoids From The Deep directed by Barbara Peeters and Jimmy T. Murakami with Doug McClure as the fisherman and Ann Turkel as the scientist that fight off eerie sea monsters who assault women and kill men.

Episode nine revolved around fantasy and began with Sorceress starring Leigh Harris and directed by Jack Hill.

Episode ten highlighted survival-based films, starting with The Big Doll House directed by Jack Hill and starring Judy Brown, Pam Grier and Roberta Collins. This was one of Corman’s first films, as the women in prison films were known to be very successful and were therefore less risky.

Episode 12 began with the introduction of Warlords of the 21st Century where Michael Beck and James Wainwright fight to the death on a monstrous battle truck.

Episode 13 rounded up Roger and Julie Corman’s final thoughts on the series, including commentary on their work together and much more. They discussed how the first time they worked together was unplanned, as Roger had been working on a World War 1 picture in Ireland and asked for Julie’s help.