The Sting of Timeless Camp: A Wasp's Tale of Youth and Terror
Roger Corman's 1959 low-budget gem proves that cheesy charm and a dash of wasp jelly can create a horror classic that still captivates late-night viewers.
Cheesy, yet oh so good. That’s the vibe you get from this 1959 Roger Corman flick, a low-budget shlock masterpiece that’s become a late-night TV rotation classic. It’s all about a cosmetics firm head diving into a youth formula from queen wasp jelly, with results that are wildly silly but somehow believable. The sheer campiness trademark of Corman’s work is there, making it a quarter well-spent on those old dollar DVDs. Even with sloppy scene jumps and rough picture quality, it’s entertaining nonetheless, a gem that warped minds over the years.
I’ve done a fair amount of viewing over the years and this one stands out as a perfectly charming little movie. The story is silly, with a monster in tights that looks ridiculous, but there’s enough skill behind the camera to keep you watching. It’s a B-movie staple, compulsory elements present except for bad acting-it’s fairly good here. For those wanting to see what horror used to be like, it’s highly recommended, a dark and stormy night distraction that’s become a joke of sorts as the quintessential 'bad movie'.
Susan Cabot stars as the ambitious head, taking a downturn in sales as a personal criticism, which drives her to experiment with that wasp jelly. Initial tests on animals are successful, leading her to try it herself with impressive results. Only problem is she forgot to check for side effects, and by the title, it’s pretty obvious there are. This goofy movie is an effective low-budget trashy shocker, nothing too ambitious but very entertaining just the same, a great popcorn flick with a bizarre footnote to Cabot’s career.
The best looking movies of today might do extensive testing, but back then, it was all about making do with what you had. A wasp-like mask and buzzing noise in the background while she killed things;it’s all good. It’s a shame she couldn’t have sprouted wings and flown around town, that would have been gold and catapulted this film to heights of cheesy goodness. Compared to bad face jobs these days, a beauty treatment turning you into a wasp isn’t all that bad, a point that should be used in schools for educational purposes.
Dr. Xinthrop is a riot, and the music by Fred Katz is great as well, adding to the campy vibe. You just can’t turn this one down, a 10 in my book for its sheer fun factor. It’s a drive-in classic with very few effects, the ones they do use making it completely campy. What ever happened to flicks like this...hmmm, it’s a reminder of an era where creativity thrived on tight budgets, a must-see material for anyone into classic horror or just looking for a laugh.
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I’m currently enjoying revisiting these old gems, and The Wasp Woman holds up as a testament to Corman’s prolific output. It’s a silly film that’s a great deal of fun, with enough tension to keep you hooked. For those breaking into film appreciation, it’s a solid entry point-reliable and with a good attitude, much like the crew you want on set. Don’t think that buying fancy gear will magically make better movies though; sometimes, it’s the simple, cheesy ones that leave a lasting buzz.