Elvira is once again storming through the Halloween season in Los Angeles. Cassandra Peterson, her brilliant and gorgeous creator, allowed me a little time with the Mistress of the Dark as she geared up for the premiere of her new Fox Reality Channel series, The Search for the Next Elvira.

Your new Fox Reality show, “The Search for the Next Elvira,” starts October 13th. Any hints on what the ultimate test is for contestants to be you?

Right off the bat, I can think of a couple of big things they’ll need – beauty and brains. Oh yeah, and humility.

“Elvira’s Movie Macabre” video series shows a discerning eye for horror cinema. Aside from your own movies, “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark” and “Elvira’s Haunted Hills,” what are your horror favorites?

Well, for me, Vincent Price flicks were huge! Roger Corman’s releases were pretty damn cool too. Obviously they had a big influence on me. And I’m glad you’re a fan of my double features. 

I was in Vegas recently and I loved the Elvira slot machine! Especially when your voice says, “Pull it harder!”

I’m so happy you came across my slot machine– loosest slots in town! Where else can you plug Elvira for just a nickel?

Have you ever gone overseas to entertain the troops?

Honey, I entertain troops where ever and whenever possible. However, it’s usually one-on-one.

What’s the scariest thing about Los Angeles?

The DMV!

Agreed. What did you dress up as for Halloween when you were a kid?

Even when I was a little girl I was anything but little. I had to go out as twins.

For all things Elvira this Halloween, visit her official website, Elvira.com.

Color photograph by Lynn Goldsmith
B&W photograph by David Goldner