Maila Nurmi

Known for Acting

12/11/1922

Petsamo, Finland

Biography

Maila Elizabeth Syrjäniemi known professionally as Maila Nurmi, was a Finnish-American actress and television personality who created the campy 1950s character Vampira.

Known For (25 credits)

7.4

Movie

Vampira and Me

2013

Though most people knew her as Vampira, a late-night, creature-feature host in Los Angeles, Maila Nurmi was so much more. From her relationships with James Dean and other Hollywood luminaries to her significant contributions to the eventual Goth craze, Nurmi was a multifaceted woman, with more than a few amazing stories to share. Having befriended Nurmi while she was still alive, Greene finds himself perfectly situated to give us the complete story on this fascinating individual, blending extensive interviews with remarkable found footage of Nurmi's long and varied career. Whether being groomed by a major Hollywood director or making a surprising foray into music, Nurmi proves herself to be so much more than a scream queen. Still, when it comes to snappy one-liners cracked at the stroke of midnight, it's certainly safe to say that no one did it better than Vampira.

Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th

7.9

Movie

Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th

2013

Taking inspiration from Peter M. Bracke's definitive book of the same name, this seven-hour documentary dives into the making of all twelve Friday the 13th films, with all-new interviews from the cast and the crew.

8.0

Movie

Vampira: The Movie

2006

Vampira The Movie chronicles the story of Malia "Vampira" Nurmi living on the very edge of show business and her rise to celluloid cultdom 50 years later. Her big break came in 1954 when she played the "glamour ghoul" Vampira, emerging from the mist to greet viewers of obscure horror movies on the new medium - television. Her newfound fame led to friendships with Marlon Brando, James Dean and Anthony Perkins. But Vampira's show was abruptly cancelled. Nurmi appeared as Vampira again in the 1959 low-budget horror / sci-fi film, Plan 9 from Outer Space, directed by Edward D Wood Jr. and often dubbed "the worst film of all time." But you can't keep a good vampire down and Nurmi's character rose from the dead again in 1993's Ed Wood, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. The movie renewed interest in Maila Nurmi and she has since achieved a Bettie Page-like cult status.

7.6

Movie

American Scary

2006

A fond remembrance of and tribute to the uniquely American institution of the horror movie host.

Movie

Monsterama: A Tribute to Horror Hosts

2004

Monsterama: A Tribute to Horror Hosts was a documentary focused on horror hosts; screened on the horror channel Monsters HD in 2004.

7.0

Movie

Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies

2001

Hollywood is a town of tinsel and glamour; but there is another Hollywood, a place where maverick independent exploitation filmmakers went toe to toe with the big guys and came out on top.

3.5

Movie

The Many Faces of Dracula

2000

Hosted by Christopher Lee, this documentary examines the different actors who have portrayed Dracula over the years.

5.1

Movie

I Woke Up Early the Day I Died

1998

A mental patient escapes from the looney bin in drag, robs a bank, and goes on the lam!

The Haunted World of Edward D. Wood, Jr.

7.6

Movie

The Haunted World of Edward D. Wood, Jr.

1996

Often called the worst director in the history of cinema, Ed Wood is nevertheless a beloved figure among cult-film aficionados for his oddball productions. This documentary takes a look back at Wood's unique career at the margins of 1950s Hollywood, speaking to those who loved him and hated him. Bela Lugosi Jr. discusses his father's work in the abysmal "Plan 9 From Outer Space," while a Baptist reverend recalls how he was tricked into financing the film.

10.0

Movie

Vampires: Thirst for the Truth

1996

A documentary that explores man's enduring fascination with the vampire legend by examining historical accounts, literary works, and as they are portrayed in film and television.

8.0

Movie

Vampira: About Sex, Death and Taxes

1995

Interviews with Maila Nurmi, who famously played the horror hostess Vampira

Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The 'Plan 9' Companion

6.9

Movie

Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The 'Plan 9' Companion

1992

A documentary detailing the making of the cult favorite "Plan 9 from Outer Space," featuring interviews with cast members and prominent filmmakers about the film, its lasting legacy, and its creator, Edward D. Wood Jr.