“The Wasp Woman” is a 1960 science fiction horror film directed by Roger Corman. The story follows Janice Starlin (played by Susan Cabot), the aging CEO of a cosmetics company who is desperate to maintain her youth and beauty. After trying numerous treatments with no success, she turns to Dr. Eric Zinthrop (played by Michael Mark), a scientist who has been working on a serum derived from wasp enzymes that can reverse the aging process.
Despite warnings from Zinthrop about the serum’s potential side effects, Janice decides to use it and is thrilled with the results. However, as time passes, she begins to experience strange side effects and transforms into a wasp-like creature, becoming increasingly aggressive and dangerous. Meanwhile, Zinthrop goes missing, and the police start investigating the disappearances of several people who had crossed paths with Janice.
As Janice’s transformation progresses, her staff at the cosmetics company becomes increasingly afraid of her, and she becomes isolated and paranoid. Eventually, she attacks and kills several people before being hunted down and killed by the police. The film ends with Zinthrop’s assistant, Mary Dennison (played by Barboura Morris), destroying the wasp serum and vowing never to let anyone else suffer the same fate as Janice.
Overall, “The Wasp Woman” is a classic B-movie horror film that explores the dangers of obsession and vanity. Despite its low budget and cheesy special effects, the film has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a cult classic.
Directors:
Roger Corman
Writer:
Leo Gordon, Kinta Zertuche
Stars:
Susan Cabot, Anthony Eisley, Barboura Morris
