UPDATE: THIS SECTION OF MANOR MACABRE IS BEING CONVERTED INTO THE NEWS "CATACOMBS." THE ARTICLES AND NEWS BELOW WILL REMAIN HERE FOR HISTORICAL CONTEXT WITH OTHER VINTAGE NEWS BITES AND FEATURES FROM ELVIRA'S HISTORY. FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE UPDATES ON ELVIRA THIS SECTION WILL PROVIDE A STREAM LINKED TO HER SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE.

Manor Macabre was always the top provider of news and information on Elvira Mistress of the Dark along side her official site at Elvira.com. The news in this section was gathered from various newspapers, magazines, trade papers as well as directly from Cassandra Peterson herself. This section will now serve primarily an archive. Here you will find 'historical' exclusive articles written by myself (the Webmaster) that you won't find elsewhere on the internet. Many hours went into the confirmation and researching of articles and news stories before they were originally published here. Elvira fans could always count on the information to be the most accurate news of any Elvira fan website on the internet. Note: The news articles in this section have been slightly modified; they reference news in past tense.

 Behind the Mistress' Façade: A Day in the Life of Cassandra Peterson- Having initially met "Elvira" in 1998, I remained in contact with her and her (then) husband/manager Mark Pierson. In 2001 I spent a day with Cassandra Peterson at DragonCon Atlanta. Included with this exclusive article and interview are photographs of Cassandra Peterson as herself and as Elvira. Plus, questions and answers in relation to Elvira's career, "Elvira's Haunted Hills," and life as an 'Alter Ego.' It was a blast and an experience that I felt fans would love to read about.

Beauty on Parade- Elvira made appearances at both the San Francisco and Los Angeles 2005 Gay Pride Parades. Seen here to the left, Elvira during the parade in Los Angeles. After twenty five years she still drew the crowds. Special thanks to Lucy Garcia for the photograph. If you or anyone you know happens to have photography of Elvira at either Pride events please consider submitting them to Manor Macabre for inclusion here in the news section. You will receive full credit!

She's baaaaack- Shout! Factory made Elvira fans across the nation do a double take. Announced Spring of 2005, Shout! released the news that Elvira's Movie Macabre would be on the shelves of your local retail stores in special DVD boxed sets by Halloween! Before you start to groan as memories of "Midnight Madness" from Rhino Home Video to come to mind, have no fear. THESE are the original sought after broadcast recordings of Elvira from the early 1980's! Not only that, but she is included through out the movie! Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) recently sat down and screened her original segments and wrap-around's and picked her favorites to be included in the DVD release.

After nearly twenty years select episodes of Elvira's Movie Macabre will be available in their entirety! After all who would want to watch those turkey's without Elvira breaking in to rag on them? The first six episodes are as follows:

Boxed Set 1: Doomsday Machine / Werewolf of Washington

Boxed Set 2: Frankenstein's Castle of Freaks / Count Dracula's Great Love

Boxed Set 3: Legacy of Blood / The Devil's Wedding Night

Each boxed set will sell at a suggested retail price of about $14.95 however each movie will be available separately for about $9.99 Here is a glimpse at early box art for the DVD sets (subject to change).

Life imitating art?- The Spring of 2006 Elvira announced her plot to take over Halloween. Okay, well maybe that's a little extreme... or is it? You see it's Elvira's hope to tie herself and Halloween together at the hip. Just as Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny are Holiday Icon's Elvira feels she is as well. Who can blame her? She has the highest selling female Halloween costume of all time, with thousands of countless appearances, hundreds of product endorsements and her own line of wigs, make-up, clothing and more Elvira is with out a doubt, the Queen of Halloween. But one thing has become clear to Cassandra Peterson (the woman under the wig), she doesn't want to do this for the rest of her life.

Her and manager Eric Gardner have been pitching the idea for a new Reality Television Show featuring the Mistress of the Dark in search of... well an heir to the throne. Now before you go and hang yourself in an oven don't get too worried. Cassandra has explained that this 'new' Elvira will have to successfully compete against other contestants for a years contract as the Mistress of the Dark.

Elvira and Company have teamed up with Reality TV producer Stuart Krasnow and Freemantle Media North America. The same company that produces "American Idol" and have began pitching the idea to cable and broadcast networks.

"We're looking at a show where the cast is going to be sleeping in coffins in a pretty scary place, and part of the production will be shot in Transylvania," Krasnow said. Krasnow, who has executive produced unscripted Reality Shows like NBC's "The Weakest Link" and "Average Joe" would excutive produce with his production company Stuart Krasnow Productions which has a deal with Freemantle Media North America.

Gardner said the project is part of a larger plan to immortalize the Elvira character, which would include an animated series as well as a family-friendly feature film centered on the "back story" of Halloween that features Elvira. "Our benignly megalomaniacal goal is to co-opt Halloween, immortalizing the Elvira character in the process," he said. "The opportunity to meld a major brand and a major holiday comes along once in a lifetime, if that."

Cassandra see's Elvira much in the same way people see Batman, portrayed by different actors over the years. "Obviously, I don't want to be walking around dressed up like Elvira when I'm 105 years old," Cassandra laughs.

Cassandra has been testing the use of doubles or look-a-likes over the last several years, using two Elvira impersonators on occasion to work with her in various promotions. "Whoever I choose has to be able to walk, talk, act and look just like Elvira. I'm not looking for just any girl with a big bust, who looks good in a black dress. They have to be able to BE the character."

There will be an extensive portion coming to Manor Macabre featuring myself (the Webmaster), as I am seen above. I costarred with Cassandra and served as a coach and makeup artist for the 3 finalists in the grand finale that aired Halloween of 2007.

Mistress of MySpace- In 2006 the Mistress of the Dark joined MySpace with her very own official Profile. Fans were able to add Elvira to their friends list and get updates on new Elvira goodies, television and personal appearances, and more. Fan's received special messages from Elvira herself, and they could also send Elvira messages and comments. Join the "guys and ghouls" list today!

Elvira's presence on MySpace lasted until roughly 2010. The four years prior to the platform's collapse, I worked under direction of Cassandra Peterson developing graphics for the profile as well as earning the nickname "The Elvira Police" because I effectively went after all the imposter/catfish Elvira profiles notifying all their followers of the real Elvira's profile. It was an interesting time!

Lori Chacko - The first in Manor Macabres series of interviews entitled 'Blast From the Past' comes an exclusive article and interview with none other than Lori Chacko! Hers was the sexy punk rock voice that belted out the classic title song to 1988's cult phenomenon Elvira Mistress of the Dark. Since EMOTD released in 1988 fans of the Mistress have enquired 'Who is she?' 'Who sang that cover of 'Once Bitten Twice Shy?' 'Where is she now?' Those and many more questions are finally answered! Plus you can finally hear the actual song in it's entirety! A 2000 interview!

As of 2005 ETV was broadcasting at Manor Macabre. ETV is Elvira Television!

Before the advent of YouTube, Elvira herself had attempted to launch a section of Elvira.com featuring exclusive video content as far back as 2003. From her archives Cassandra and crew were attempting to digitize hours and hours of footage. From old commercials, to TV specials, behind-the-scenes and bloopers from various video productions.

Sadly the cost of managing such content, uploading it and making it viewable at that time was deemed too expensive. It just was too heavy of a data burden for the servers and ETV never officially materialized. When Cassandra told me how bummed she was, I offered to put something together if she'd provide me with some content. Having footage from original Movie Macabre episodes as well as other broadcast content I'd already started digitizing, I knew having something rare from Cassandra would boost the popularity.

Without fail Cassandra sent me a DVD full of clips and footage that had only ever been shared when she was pitching products and endorsements. I was welcomed to make it viewable to the fans. So I did! I ran into similar struggles she did. The bandwidth in those days was at a premium and quality video content was going to bankrupt my finances that were already stretched thin keeping this site going. So I was stuck with having to convert the great DVD footage and first generation VHS recordings down into very low quality, near-thumbnail sized clips. Attempting to make the content as "lightweight" as possible I converted clips into RealMedia, QuickTime and Windows Media. Providing various versions for anyone who didn't have one or the other. To make it even cooler, I built/coded a fully operational pop-up TV window. Complete with a test screen, a knob and channel buttons. You "pressed" a button and you could watch upwards of different clips a month!

Fans were once again watching Elvira host Movie Macabre! But even better, they were spared the dread of watching the entire movie! For I only encoded the breast- er I mean best parts! I ran clips from Movie Macabre with Elvira hosting such titles as PIGS, The Mark of the Devil, Frankenstein's Castle of Freaks and The Island of Living Horror. Other features were Elvira from MTV's Halloween Special from way back in the 1980's! Featuring her Trick or Treat Tips, Halloween Snacks and more. Plus with gracious permission from Cassandra Peterson herself fans got to watch Elvira put on her make-up! YES Actually PUT ON HER MAKE-UP! It was all right here at Manor Macabre! Until the bandwidth got out of control. I was forced to take down the larger files. Then to make matters worse, technology shifted and QuickTime became obsolete, RealMedia went under and Windows Media folded.

Other features included Elvira's segments from Animal Planet's HOWL-O-WEEN specials as well as select clips from Lifetime Television's Halloween weekend special Elvira's Movies To Die For! Fans also watched portions of Elvira's unaired television sitcom pilot The Elvira Show. Plus other clips from Bloopers and Practical Jokes, to Arsenio Hall and many others.

While Elvira.com was never able to materialize the concept, thanks to Manor Macabre, Elvira had another "first" under her belt. The first celebrity streaming their content before streaming existed, here at Manor Macabre, the Ultimate Elvira Mistress of the Dark Fan Site!

The Mistress arrives at Manor Macabre!- Elvira herself was aware of one of the few things Manor Macabre needed was her official recognition, so in 2001 she graciously and happily acknowledged Manor Macabre and all it's charms. Having been a visitor of this site for the past few years Elvira openly exclaimed how impressed she was with the wide range of material and dedication it takes to bring a site like this together. To put all doubt aside she then went above and beyond all expectations and happily recorded audio clips welcoming fans to the site!

Up until a few years back the clips were all readily available to listen to. However because of (yet again) technology, the only way the audio clips could be heard was to download them directly. Browsers stopped allowing audio to play automatically and QuickTime (the encoding was the best at the time) would auto-download to every users computer. However, you may have already heard one of the clips of Elvira when you first came into the site after the opening page. Now that coding has made media more easily accessed, the clips will be restored soon. The list below is for reference only. To hear her give the domain identification, go back to the Lobby and tap the top banner image!

CLIP 1  Elvira welcomes her fans to Manor Macabre.

CLIP 2  Elvira gives a domain identification for Manor Macabre.

CLIP 3  Elvira wishes her fans farewell and asks them to come back soon.

Rags of the Mistress- Arriving just in time for the 2005 Halloween season was the newest of Elvira costumes. The traditional black Elvira gown over the years has progressed and become more similar to the one worn by Elvira. This new costume also includes a belt and dagger that was fashioned to look like Elvira's. In the past the belt and dagger were flimsy material, rubber or flexible plastic. This set also includes her new wig, designed to look more like the hair-style she recently has been sporting. While nothing meets the standards of Elvira's own costume, these pieces hold up well in comparison with earlier counterparts.

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The Alter-Ego- Arriving in bookstores September 2005 was Christopher Ameruso's "Pets and Their Stars." Appearing on page 51 of the 62 page coffee table book is none other than Cassandra Peterson with her Rottweiler 'Mina.' You could find this book in bookstores and purchase it at Amazon.com for more information about this book and more be sure to check out Elvira's official website @ www.elvira.com

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 Clowning Around- Seen here and below, Elvira made an appearance at the 2005 TransCon Halloween Show in Chicago. This show is the most popular event of it's kind. Where manufacturers and haunt creators a like showcase their work! Not to mention the countless Halloween'ish celebrities that appear for autograph sessions. Below are shots of Elvira with Butch Patrick, famous for his roll as Eddie Munster from the 1960's Television show "The Munsters." Elvira is also seen with Dee Snyder, of Twisted Sister. Click the photos to enlarge.

A Cracked XMAS?!-Continuing to prove she is a vamp for all seasons December 5th Elvira appeared and performed at the 2004 KIIS FM's 7th Cracked XMAS event to benefit the Trevor Project Honoring Megan Mulally and Debrah Messing. Joining nationally known drag performer Lypsinka, Elvira donned her trademark Christmas suit and wowed the audience. Check out some of her arrival photos below! And stay glued for photos of Elvira on stage performing!

Elvira, Busting out Halloween 2004!- As the Halloween season approached everyone and their grandmother was made undeniably aware that Elvira was BACK. Hitting the covers of countless regional news and TV Listing magazines Elvira proved that she still has what it takes to grab your attention. Fans also caught an article and photo of Elvira on the inside of TV Guide!

Leave it to Cleavage- Remember Elvira, Mistress of the Dark? Remember her astonishing twin attributes? Her industrial-strength eyeliner? They're all back - bigger and better than ever- on two new Halloween Specials and a movie marathon. First, Elvira jets to Animal Planet for Howl-O-Ween week and her own new special, Hollywood's Creepiest Creatures. It includes a snippet from the 1959 reptilian bayou classic, "The Alligator People." Her two-hour tribute to Hollywood's Scream Queens on The E! True Hollywood Story features Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver and others. Finally, on Lifetime, it's Elvira's Movies to Die For, a collection of campy cinematic catastrophes. The real Elvira is redheaded comedienne Cassandra Peterson. How does she stand so much horror? "It's my life."

Gone but not dead- Confirmed by Cassandra, there will be no 2005 Elvira Calendar. Not since 1999-2001 have Elvira fans had to survive an image drought. With the arrival of the Zebra Publishing 2002 Elvira calendar fans were ecstatic with Her return to the 12 month spread.

When asked, Zebra Publishing confirmed that they (Zebra Publishing) will not be producing an Elvira 2005 calendar. As of now Manor Macabre is attempting to confirm weather or not a 2005 calendar will be made at all.

"There will be a 2006 Calendar, it's going to be in an artistic style it should be really fun. Calendars take so much time to lay out in advance and so much was going on that a 2005 just wasn't going to happen, but there will be one for 2006," -Cassandra.

All Boxed Up- After hitting retail shelves on September 19th 2004 Elvira's come-back has shown great acceptance. Starting the first weeks of September Time Life began testing the direct response to the Elvira infomercial promoting the boxed set. With movies like "Carnival of Souls," Francis Ford Coppola's "Dementia 13," the original "Night of the Living Dead" and "House on Haunted Hill," director Roger Corman's "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Brian That Wouldn't Die" and "The Terror," (staring Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson) fans of the Mistress will be treated once again to her wicked humor introducing and closing each movie. Plus unlike her previous series (Midnight Madness) 'Box of Horrors' features each movie with, or without Elvira's commentary. Yes! That's right Elvira actually cut's in on the movies, as she did back in the good old days! So all her fans can once again sit through the movies just to see what Elvira says. This boxed set will also appeal to the lame-o purists who look down upon altering the movie, by featuring an uninterrupted alternate side without Elvira's hilarious one liners. But tell me, why in hell would you watch these cornball movies without Elvira?!

Releasing the set with the Halloween season Time-Life Video couldn't have scheduled a better release. Also, Elvira's Box of Horror marks the first mass produced mass distributed media material (not produced by Queen 'B' Productions) featuring or co-starring Elvira since the release of Rhino Records "Reveng of the Monster Hits," and the NWave Pictures distribution of Encounter in the Third Dimension, an IMAX movie transferred to DVD, featuring Elvira's own "Haunted House" as heard on Rhino's "Revenge of the Monster Hits."

"I came to a point in my life that I said that either I just let Elvira go or move full steam at making a comeback," Peterson said. "I'm glad I decided to make a go of it. The response has really been great. "

New blood, new life?- Sources say that Cassandra Peterson has returned to her roots and is once again working with long time friend and original co-manager Eric Gardner. Gardner who has worked with Cassandra since the birth of Elvira, proudly champions Time-Life Video for it's timing in the re-launch of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark to the public. Many suggest that Gardner is behind a multitude of Elvira related appearances and gigs which are shockingly appearing out of thin air. With appearances ranging from E! Entertainment Television, to the LifeTime Network as well as Animal Planet and the Food Network, many suggest that the seemingly realistic demise of Elvira was not due to a lack of demand but a lack of enthusiasim in management.

However it is still yet to be seen as to if the divorce between Peterson and manager/husband Pierson will have an effect on the longevity of Elvira. With no official word from either side the fans and public are left guessing and wondering if only time will tell, or if the silence will soon be broken.

All Tooned up- Hitting the shelves this October comes the new Electric Tiki Design 'Elvira Maquette,' a resin foot tall, fully painted and detailed statue of, you guessed it... Elvira!  Elvira's Tooned up Maquette is one in a long line of tooned up statues paying tribute to some of pop cultures biggest icons. Retailing around $125.00 with a limited edition release of only 750 pieces this will instantly become a collectors item. Be sure to grab one ASAP!

Life Signs Critical- With Cassandra and her soon to be ex-husband Mark Pierson in a dead lock, life signs are now critical for Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Those in the know claim that the Elvira Empire will be split down the middle, others say Cassandra will walk away with "full custody" of the sassy vamp who's twenty third birthday is this Fall. It's anyone's guess now if Elvira will survive this fight. What's sending shivers down the spines of Elvira's fans is a comment made by Cassandra in her last Femme Fatales interview.

"I need him (Mark) and he needs me. Without both of us behind the wheel, Elvira would be nothing," she states to Femme Fatales Vol. 10 No 5. "It's great, because we have each others best interest at heart. There's no way you can split that up."

"It would be the end of Elvira."

Splits-ville- What has been coined one of the longest marriages in Hollywood seems to be coming to an end. After Cassandra openly admitted that a divorce was in the making many wonder what will become of Elvira as Cassandra Peterson and Mark Pierson (her husband/manager) call it quits after twenty three years of marriage.

On May 24th Cassandra appeared at The Falcon in Los Angeles for the '40 Fabulous Faces' self portrait charity event sponsored by "Menopause the Musical." Cassandra's dark, almost Elvira 'esque' self portrait seen in the photo below along with other 'over 40' celebrities will be auctioned off for charity.

Seen together (above-left) in Cannes last year (2003) Cassandra (Elvira) Peterson and husband/manager Mark Pierson during press for 'Elvira's Haunted Hills.' Cassandra seen (middle & right) at The Falcon in Los Angeles this May sans husband and wedding ring. During her appearance at the '40 Fabulous Faces' self portrait charity event Cassandra's self portrait reflected her inner mood clearly. Dark colors, hard brush strokes washed the canvas and if there was still any doubt, when asked what it was called Cassandra openly exclaimed, "Divorce." While the couple has agreed to joint custody of their daughter Sadie they have come to a stand-still on the ownership of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. While the character of Elvira was created by Cassandra and her late best friend Robert Redding, Mark (upon Elvira's 'conception') Pierson (co-founder of Queen 'B' Productions) has managed licensing of the character and the vast empire of Elvira products and public appearances which is the couples primary source of income.

Choke hold- Cassandra was seen December 2, 2003 with Alice Cooper during the ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame where Alice was honored with his star. Also on hand was close friend Rob Zombie. The following night Cassandra made an appearance at the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King premiere.

Elvira's 2004 Calendar- Elvira's 2004 Calendar is available for purchase through her Official website at www.elvira.com and might still be available at some of your local bookstores or calendar shops. If you happen to catch Elvira at a convention you will also be able to purchase one there as well. Not only that, but you can get it autographed too! The 2004 calendar which is still available, and only at Elvira.com do you have the chance to purchase one signed by the Mistress Herself! Not since 1998 have fans been able to admire her beauty on a monthly basis. Elvira proves that good things do come to those who wait.

Viva Le France!- French fans of Elvira caught a glimpse of her at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival in France! "We're turning our marketing direction to the international market," says producer Mark Pierson. Stay glued, more information as it becomes available!

EXCLUSIVE- Check out these exclusive photographs of Elvira at Cannes! You won't find these ANYWHERE else on the internet!

Vamp for all Seasons- Elvira recently appeared in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. An event she has taken part in for a number of years. This year she rode in the back of her famous 'Macabre Mobile.' The event was broadcast locally in Los Angeles and Hollywood California.

New on the Hills- According to critics and the public EHH has proven to be a success. Surprisingly while it is a given that at least one critic won't like a film, Elvira and company credit it's success to the fact that customers, fans and critics go into this movie knowing what it is. "It's not War and Peace, it's a spoof we all know that, and it's great," said one critic. "Elvira doesn't try to be something she's not, which is what makes this movie an instant classic, she's still fringe 1980's Elvira, just wedged into the mid 19th century, she's a fish out of water, and that always sells."

With the film now on the market in DVD and VHS shelves across America, Queen 'B' Productions is taking it internationally. Sources say they have scheduled film festivals, and screenings across Europe for the Spring of 2003. After screenings and major city premieres throughout the United States, Elvira is taking EHH international!

In the fall of 2002 the VHS and DVD prints of the movie, released through GoodTimes Entertainment were scooped up all over the country. With a 'bare bones' stripped down version available at a lower cost, while a collectors edition with lengthy behind the scenes footage filmed by Petersons husband Mark Pierson sold for a slightly higher price. A collectable all by its self! EHH also enjoyed a run on schedule for InDemand Pay-Per-View during the month of October.

Scaring up dollars in Atlanta- Since the start of the EHH movie screening's and premiere's Elvira found herself all over the United States. After noticing that in nearly ten years Cassandra has only appeared in Atlanta three times I (the Webmaster) decided it was time to do something about it. After months of back breaking, telephone melting work between Queen 'B' Productions and Burkharts's Pub in Midtown Atlanta, (spreading the word) I thought my work was over.

I soon found myself placing the promotional posters and scaring up interest from the fans in the South. Once all things had been secured, I was sure I could sit back and relax. Until I received a call from the head of the event asking me to 'fill in' for Elvira at the movie premiere. "Cassandra is going to appear as herself, so we need you to be Elvira for the evening."

What resulted was an appearance by Elvira Herself the evening of October ninth 2002 at Best Buy for a two hour autograph session. The following evening fans found themselves seeing double. Both Cassandra and Elvira appeared together (a first for Cassandra who had previously never appeared with a look-alike), for the Atlanta Premiere of Elvira's Haunted Hills, a benefit for Project Open Hand, appropriately coined "Elvira's Charity Scare."

"This is what I look like when I'm. . . not being lazy," Cassandra chuckled repeatedly throughout the night of the premiere of EHH at the Regal 8 Cinemas at the Midtown Promenade. The event raised enough money to provide over one thousand meals, a service Project Open Hand provides for AIDS patients and survivors.

Back on the Boob Tube- This past Halloween (Oct. 28th- Nov. 1st 2001) Fans were able to catch Elvira on "Halloween" Hollywood Squares. This was her second Halloween appearance on the game show, which in recent years regained it's popularity. On the topic of game shows, Elvira was also seen on the Game Show Network on October 26th for a three hour special "Hollywood Scares," check your local listings for possible reruns.

Weekend of Horrors- This past August 18th Cassandra made an appearance at the Annual Fangoria Weekend of Horrors convention in southern California. Promoting Elvira's Haunted Hill's, as well as hosting a screening of the film Cassandra explained the process and complications of producing her own movie. She also was on hand for autograhphs and photos both days.

Selling Out- July 5th 2002 Elvira premiered "Elvira's Haunted Hills" at the Laemmle Beverly/Fairfax Theater in a Midnight Screening in Los Angeles California to a sold out crowd! While the blockbuster like 'Men in Black 2' topped the charts, Haunted Hills showed tremendous strength with it's turn out. Everyone including the Mistress Herself were beyond extatic by the amazing turn out that weekend.

Elvira's 2003 Calendar- Elvira once again is giving each month a little boost. Elvira's 2003 Calendar is available for purchase through her Official website at www.elvira.com. If you happen to catch Elvira at a convention you will also be able to purchase one there as well. Not only that, but you can get it autographed too! The 2002 calendar which is still available, featured gorgeous spreads by exclusive photographer Lynn Goldsmith. Not since 1998 have fans been able to admire her beauty on a monthly basis. Elvira proves that good things do come to those who wait.

She's Baaack!- Fall 2002 brings Elvira Mistress of the Dark back to the public! What started out as a huge disappointment (Elvira's exclusion from Halloween Haunt; refer to Here You Forgot Your Axe) has turned into what has been coined "Elvira's Busting Out Tour 2002!" Hitting the theater circuits Elvira Mistress of the Dark could very well be coming to a town near you! Check out www.elvira.com for up-to-the-minute appearances and screenings dates!

After critical success in the independent theaters, cinemas across the nation are scrambling to get their hands on the reels of EHH. With dates already booked up to Halloween's door Elvira will yet again find herself slinking across the states. Something she hasn't done since 1996, when she promoted Spirit Costume stores across the nation.

Fans can look forward to meeting Cassandra Peterson at the EHH screenings, as well as feasting their eyes upon Elvira herself. Queen 'B' Productions has been securing Elvira appearances to follow the day after her movie screenings. Thus allowing fans of the Mistress to worship, er- uh show their appreciation for the immortal figure.

Here you forgot your axe- If ever an injustice was perpetrated by Knotts Scary Farm that no one could ignore, it would be the axing of Elvira Mistress of the Dark.

According to inside sources that were confirmed with the Mistress Herself, Knotts Scary Farm gave Elvira the axe! According to sources Elvira was 'let go' because of 'cut-backs' and 'expenses.'

Apparently Knotts had wanted Elvira to do something other than her traditional (for over fifteen years now) stage show in the 'GhoulTime' theater. Rumors would suggest a 'less than appealing' suggestion was made by Knotts which did not settle well with the Mistress.

The pre-fall season of 2002 has nearly arrived and rumors would have it that Elvira will return to Knotts in 2003. Other rumors are circulating that this 'betrayal' by Knotts may have nudged Elvira into considering an early retirement from the park. Which has many fans steamed, seeing as how to most everyone Halloween at Knotts Scary Farm would never be the same without Elvira.

"We have moved on and planned other appearances and schedules. This is our final year, but we do hope the fans make their opinions known," said Pierson (Elvira's husband/manager) in the early summer of 2002.

So in order to make our voices heard feel free to email the Public Relations department of Knotts Berry Farm at pr@knotts.com and let them know what a huge mistake they made by excluding Every Trickers Treat from the 2002 Haunt celebration. After all, Elvira was Knotts biggest selling show for over ten years and up to the 2001 season continued to pull the largest crowds with the Crypt Keeper running second! Hopefully we'll see her back!

Leave it to Cleavage- Hopefully you caught the May 2002 Fangoria issue #212! While the article it's self reveals very little new information on Elvira and the status of EHH it's worth buying.

The photography seen in the article (seen to the right) was by Lynn Goldsmith as seen in the 2002 Elvira Calendar. Plus photography by Mark Pierson taken on the set of EHH during filming in Romania in November of 2000

Elvira's Haunted Hills- Halloween 2001, fans across the nation found themselves wondering if it was all a bad dream. It was announced that EHH would not make it to theaters. However it would have a DVD/VHS release of Halloween 2002.

Then news of the contrary was made public. EHH will begin a national independent film release in select theaters. As well as film festivals and charity events across the nation.

The Elvira Film Company has finished the filming of her second full length motion picture. Titled 'Elvira's Haunted Hills,' set in 18th Century Carpathia.

Filmed in Romania in November and December of 2000 both Elvira and company had hoped EHH would make it to nationwide theatrical release by October 2001. However after speaking with Elvira herself she explained that to sell a movie to distribution, you loose many rights to it in full. This is something Elvira and her management refuse to loose. After twenty years of owning Elvira 'lock stock and brazier,' they aren't the least bit willing to give her up.

As for the plot and appeal of EHH I had the pleasure of screening it with Elvira. I must say that it turned out very well. Much funnier than first expected, very campy and very reminiscent of the old Vincent Price films of the 50's and 60's. Elvira herself was in perfect form, and the rest of the cast and presentation was hilarious.

For those of you interested in seeing footage from behind the scenes of the making of the movie be sure to check out Elvira.com's 'behind the scenes' section packed with photos, script excerpts and more! Also be sure to order the Official Movie Poster for EHH before it sells out!

'Elvira' spells big bucks for charity- Elvira and company have taken what some would consider a crippling blow in exposure for EHH (no national theatrical release) and turned it into a money maker for AIDS charities across the nation.

Hitting the Gay Pride circuits and Pride events Elvira is using EHH to raise money for AIDS research and charities. Since this early Spring Elvira and EHH have raised over two hundred thousand dollars. Selling tickets to benefit screenings at Gay Pride Events has proven to be a win/win situation for Elvira and the communities; exposure for EHH and money for research.

Since the 1980's Elvira's appeal has spread across the spectrum. Her bountiful cleavage, gorgeous personality and stunning body have straight men swooning. While her campy attitude, drag queen look and open acceptance of the gay community have gay men and women across the nation cheering her efforts to raise awareness and money for AIDS treatments and research.

The Infamous Alter Ego- Since Elvira's appearance in mainstream pop culture she has always appeared mysteriously the same. 'As Herself,' or 'Elvira as: the Mistress of the Dark.' A woman with whom Halloween is like a third arm. Perpetually clad in black polyester, teased over sprayed hair and more make up than Zsa-Zsa, Bozo and Tammy Faye combined Elvira has made her mark.

But now, coming out of the darkness, those in the real world, (or those living outside of it) are finally coming face to face with none other than Elvira's Alter Ego. Cassandra Peterson! Nah-naahh!  

Making the film festival circuits Elvira's fans have become acquainted with the glowing strawberry blond beauty that resides under the proverbial mask that is Elvira. Proving that 'Cassandra Peterson' is just as much fun, if not more than 'Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.' Check out her appearance schedule at www.elvira.com to see when and where Cassandra will be stopping by next!

Cover Ghoul- Gracing the cover of Femme Fatals Magazine, for the fifth time. Elvira is hailed as Femme Fatals most featured woman! With five covers, interviews and articles that could double as a biography Cassandra Peterson has nabbed the top honor. The November 01 issue featured her recent accomplishments. Discussing the hard work of being a mother, the trials of producing her own motion picture and where Elvira will be in five years. This is THE issue to have!   

Double Trouble- You might have missed it! Elvira found herself on the cover of Videoscope magazines fall 01 issue. Article included an exclusive interview with Cassandra and her husband Mark. Discussing Elvira's past, present and future in the pop culture market! While this magazine is obscure, it is definitely worth the time and money to find!

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Elvira on DVD- Fans have been buying up the copies of Elvira's self titled 1988 motion picture on DVD. Anchor Bay Entertainment released the DVD fall of 2001.. It includes extra materials in relation to the movie, trailers, boosted color and sound plus an extensive bio on it's sexy star. Be sure to check out the media section for stills from this DVD

Unpleasant Dream Comes True- 2001 I was honored to have had a hand in the technical end of the creation of the first prototype version of Elvira's movie poster for EHH. Which was used on her Official Website to promote the movie before the current poster was put into circulation.

As a side job I do photo restoration and enhancement, which can be seen on this site as well as a few others that I have designed. No surprise Elvira herself needed no restoration. But the actual photo of her was in desperate need of a boost in detail, color and lighting. Which I was happy to do.

This came in handy for Elvira's web team. For they are currently busy with getting the flowing real media up and running as well as subscriptions and more. All things allowing you should be able to see more of my graphic work on www.elvira.com in the year to come!

YOU'VE REACHED THE FIRST ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON THIS SITE AND THE END OF THE NEWS ARCHIVE OF MANOR MACABRE.

Site Design & Custom Graphics were developed by Patterson Lundquist and are exclusive Copyright © Tangible Dreams Entertainment, LLC with all rights reserved.
'Elvira' & 'Mistress of the Dark' & all related indicia where applicable are Copyright © and Registered ® Trademarks TM of Queen 'B' Productions Inc.  All photographs of Elvira which are copyright to Queen ‘B’ Productions Inc. are used with express permission from Queen ‘B’ Productions Inc. and Cassandra Peterson herself. This includes mass media photography and ALL professional portraits including enhanced and digitally re-mastered photography which are seen through out this site. Photographer credits are provided when available. The various media content found throughout this website appears with the exclusive and express permission of Queen 'B' Productions, Cassandra Peterson and/or the respective creators of said media. This site, while recognized by Cassandra Peterson/Elvira is not controlled nor managed by Queen 'B' Productions Inc. The articles, opinions or views expressed on this site are not those of Queen 'B' Productions or Cassandra Peterson unless otherwise noted.

Visit Elvira's Official site at Elvira.com