Watch 13 Nights of Elvira: Night of the Living Dead

As a writer, actress, and TV personality, Cassandra Peterson has made a name for herself as the vibrant and seductive character, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, who first graced HBO audiences in the early 1980s. Since then, she has become synonymous with horror, and her love for the genre has never been more evident than in her hosting duties for 13 Nights of Elvira, a series produced in 2014 by Full Moon Features.

13 Nights of Elvira capitalizes on Peterson's presence, pairing her with classic horror films, and bookending each one with her wit and charm. Night of the Living Dead (1968) is the first of these films, and also a classic in its own right. Directed by George A. Romero, the movie is the essential zombie flick, following a group of disparate survivors as they attempt to fend off flesh-eating corpses during an outbreak of undead.

Peterson is as entertaining as ever, draped in her signature black gown and providing insights into the film before and after the duration of the movie. An absolute professional, she laces her observations with raunchy humor and innuendo, which never detracts from the movie but rather complements it. As a result, even those who have seen Night of the Living Dead multiple times will have a reason to watch it again.

Other than Elvira, the real star of the 13 Nights of Elvira series is Night of the Living Dead. For its time, the movie was an outlier in terms of its portrayal of violence and its depiction of a diverse cast. African American protagonist Ben (Duane Jones) was a rarity in 1968 cinema, and Romero's socially conscious approach offers a message that is as relevant today as it was over fifty years ago.

The cast is largely made up of unknown actors, lending the film a realism and grittiness rarely seen in horror movies. Barbara (Judith O'Dea), the lead female character, has drawn criticism over the years for her seeming weakness, but it is important to note that the portrayal was intentionally staged as she was struggling with trauma. Ultimately, it is Ben who stands out as the most layered character, a man who is forced to confront his own prejudices in the face of the zombie threat.

Romero's brilliance in Night of the Living Dead lies in his setting, which for most of the movie is a desolate farmhouse, surrounded by an endless horde of the undead. The sense of claustrophobia is palpable, and Romero milks every last bit of tension out of the situation. There are moments of true terror in Night of the Living Dead, and they hold up well today. The few instances of gore are tame by modern standards, but the movie remains an essential part of the horror canon.

As for the technical aspects of the film, its low budget is evident, but it only adds to the charm. The black and white photography is beautiful, with shadows and light playing across the faces of the actors. The score, by composer William Loose, is dissonant and haunting and has since become iconic in its own right.

In conclusion, Night of the Living Dead is a must-watch movie for horror fans, and Cassandra Peterson's 13 Nights of Elvira series offers a fresh and entertaining way to experience it. Peterson's hosting duties are not just filler but rather an intrinsic part of the experience, and her passion for the genre is evident throughout. For those who have seen the movie before, this presentation offers a unique perspective, and for those who have yet to experience it, this is the best way to do so.

13 Nights of Elvira: Night of the Living Dead is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.