Every, and "The Rock" means every, horror film needs a strong female character, either as the sexy villainess or (more often) the screaming and usually naked victim. Otherwise, what reason is there for the adolescent male to watch? Well, besides the gore... Anyway, ÔScream Queen" legend Brinke Stevens host a new documentary SOMETHING TO SCREAM ABOUT, spotlighting the ladies who make the low-budget horror film oh so special, for those hormone-driven teenagers and those of us somewhat older (in age, at least...)

Faye Wray is considered by many to be the first "Scream Queen" for her ear-splitting performance in 1933's KING KONG. Since then, the horror actress has evolved from frightened ingenue to major players in the genre. The actresses in this film range from the early days of the Ôsplatter' genre up to the modern day underground direct-to-DVD productions. They are:

- Judith O'Dea - "Night of the Living Dead"
- Brandi Burkett - "Slumber Party Massacre"
- Felissa Rose - "Sleepaway Camp"
- Debre DeLiso - "Slumber Party Massacre 3"
- Denice Duff - "Vampire Resurrection"
- Lilith Stabs - "Bad Moon Police"
- Debbie Rochon - "American Nightmare"
- Arianna Albright - "Witchhouse"
- Julie Strain - "Heavy Metal 2000" (among many others)

The documentary covers a wealth of subjects relevant to the ladies, from their first big break to how they view the violence inherent in horror movies. Some interesting tidbit revealed about each actress to whet your appetite - Judith O'Dea returned to stage musicals after her role in "Night" and now does motivational speaking engagements. Felissa Rose was only 13 in "Sleepaway Camp", but is still revered by fans for her role. Lilith Stabs started out as a dominatrix before turning to film. Arianna Albright's mom supports her daughter's efforts, but wants "more blood!". Brandi Burkett now works as a singer/songwriter (she does the movie's end theme). Debra DeLiso feels the violence in horror is needed because film should have an effect on the audience. Debbie Rochon is a workaholic. Both Denice Duff and Julie Strain have made photography a second career. The ladies all agree on the fans - horror aficionados are the BEST! (Well, except for those weirdoes who have yet to figure out reality).

SOMETHING TO SCREAM ABOUT lets the actresses speak candidly about the variety of subjects without bogging down on any one issue. A nice touch by the filmmakers is that each actress is lit differently for their interview, so someone unfamiliar can easily identify them out of character. Brinke Stevens (who co-produced) is fine as the hostess, bringing up each topic before the ladies share their opinions. The lighting and picture quality for each interview are handled very well, although the plethora of video clips run the gambit from squeaky clean to barely watchable. The audio mix is very good - the sound remains at a consistent level during the interview transitions (the video clips are, again, at the mercy of the source's sound for good or ill).

The DVD release of SOMETHING TO SCREAM ABOUT includes a few extras. There is a short film by Julie Strain spotlighting her teenage daughter Lizzie - an aspiring actress herself. Two of Debbie Rochon's student films are included. These are more filmed scenes than actual movies, but despite the limitations of budget, are directed and edited very well. The third extra is SOMETHING TO SCREAM ABOUT's director Jason Paul Collum's "video resume'" short film entitles "Julia Wept". It's a 30-minute mixed bag of different film techniques and styles so bear that in mind if you watch. Added to "Julia" is an interview with Brinke Stevens (who starred in the production) and a trailer.

As unfair as it is, horror genre actresses, especially those in low-budget B-movies, are not considered as able as their Ôdramatic' counterparts. Bullshit. SOMETHING TO SCREAM ABOUT is an engaging, insightful and entertaining look at these ladies who give so much to make their art in horror. It certainly makes one appreciate the girls who scream their heads off for us... sometimes literally. Viva la Femme Fatales!

Also available as a 2-disc set paired with Shock Cinema.