35 Years of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, in Pictures

In 1988, when Cassandra Peterson starred in the campy-as-hell feature Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the goth-punk B-horror-movie hostess Peterson created was at the height of her popularity. But before the rest of the country — and world — caught on, Elvira belonged to Southern California. In 1981, Elvira's Movie Macabre launched on local late-night TV after Peterson beat out 200 other women at an open call for hostesses with the character's signature blend of sex appeal, fearlessness, sarcasm and smarts. 

To celebrate 35 years of Elvira, Peterson is releasing Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, a book of more than 300 photos, some of which have never been seen before. In a press release, Peterson quips, “I hope you’ll enjoy taking a walk with me down mammary, uh, I mean memory lane.” The book will be available starting Oct. 5 at elvira.com.