RIP Tura Satana

1938-2011. What can I say? In a little over a year, we've lost Paul Naschy and Jean Rollin, now Tura Satana. This is what sucks about being thirty-something and loving movies from the 60's and 70's. I get to eventually see all my favorite performers and directors shuffle off this mortal coil. But they leave behind an astounding legacy that can still be enjoyed for decades after their passing. Tura's death is no different.

I first fell in love with Tura in FASTER PUSSYCAT, KILL! KILL! But really, who didn't? Guy, girl, whatever. Satana's Varla was an equal mix dangerous and sexy, wanton and crazed, and I loved every second I got to see her on screen. It's all in those tight black jeans, generous cleavage and devil-may-care attitude that made her the ultimate bitch goddess. Someone to be scared of, worshipped, and emulated. I could never be the woman Varla is - vindictive, bombastic, and wild - but damn, I wish I could be!

I love her in ASTRO ZOMBIES, as well. That pink dress, reclining on the sofa, cigarette holder in hand, the side eye glare! Still as evil and as sexy as ever. Tura became her characters because she WAS her characters. It is hard for me to separate Tura from Varla or Tura from Satana (ASTRO ZOMBIES) because it's just so damn authentic. You could just tell, not having read any bio or anything, Tura had one hell of a life! And my boring life would never even come close. Not that I would necessarily want to be shot by my ex-lover or have Harold Lloyd take nude photos of me, but as long as I can live vicariously through Tura, I would be okay.

Thank you, Tura, for being an amazing woman, cinematically and otherwise. May you rest in peace.