Cultpix Radio Ep.69 - Ed Wood Jr: NOT the Worst Director Ever (with Jim Knipfel)

Django and Smut celebrate Cultpix being named on of the 10 Best New Streaming Services, talks about the next two episodes before the summer break, highlight the launch of the LGBTQ+ sub-genre and mourn the demise of Network Releasing.

We have held what is probably the world's most comprehensive retrospective of the films of Ed Wood Jr, including films that he directed, wrote the script or book on which it is based. All-in-all 20 films, TV shows and shorts that Wood is linked to.

While Ed Wood is often derided as the 'worst director ever', an image that Tim Burton's loving biopic "Ed Wood" (1994) only partly dispels, there is more to him than midnight screening of "Plan 9". We talk to writer and film expert Jim Knipfel, whose article  "Ed Wood: Not Actually The Worst Director in History" goes a long way toward re-appraising Ed Wood, noting that "his films have a unique energy and charm that should be appreciated."

"Glen or Glenda" (1953) - It could be argued that G/G is an art film because it has a visual flair and style of its own that would not shame Bunuel. The film is a heartfelt please for compassion and understanding. 

"Jail Bait" (1954) - Wood's juvenile delinquent film sees several Woods regulars, such as Lyle Talbot, Steve Reeves and Dolores Fuller, with Herbert Rollins replacing Bela Lugosi, only to die on the last day of shooting.

"Bride of the Monster" (1955) - Despite what Tim Burton would have you believe, the giant octopus was not broken and Lugosi gives a great performance despite being in bad health by this stage.

"Plan 9 From Outer Space" (1959) - This Ed Wood film has been screened and discussed to death, but it is far from the worst film ever made.

"Night of the Ghouls" (1959) - A semi-sequel to "Bride of the Monster" and "Plan 9", which completes Wood’s sci-fi/horror trilogy and his Kelton the Cop trilogy. It is a perfectly serviceable horror film. 

"The Sinister Urge" (1960) - Considered Wood's last legitimate film, this crime 'roughie' is fairly bleak, rough but also more sophisticated, as Wood was getter better at his craft, even as he fought with alcoholism and setbacks.

"Orgy of the Dead" (1965) - The film is "an insane, almost artsy, nudie horror picture featuring an endless stream of zombie strippers." In Sweden it was cut up into loop-style single strip numbers. Criswell is also there, but looking worse for wear.

"Necromania" (1971) - An early and interesting example of "soft X" film, where genitals and erect penises are shown, but there is no touching them or action.

While he will probably always be known as 'the Worst Director of all Time', Ed Wood Jr. is having the last laugh, because we are still watching and discussing his films long after his death.

There is a Ed Wood Spotify playlist.