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The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels2008

  • 3.2
Still going strong in his late 80s, Ted. V. Mikels (pronounced "Michaels") has logged over six decades as one of the most idiosyncratic, resourceful and truly independent low-budget filmmakers in the United States. Narrated by admirer John Waters, this documentary charts that eccentric career from his early days as a stage magician and ventriloquist through such diverse screen ventures as THE BLACK KLANSMAN, THE ASTRO-ZOMBIES, THE CORPSE GRINDERS, BLOOD ORGY OF THE SHE-DEVILS, THE DOLL SQUAD (often considered the unacknowledged inspiration for CHARLIE'S ANGELS), 10 VIOLENT WOMEN, DEMON HAUNT and many more. Living an offscreen life as colorful as his movies are lurid, for some years (before moving to Las Vegas) Mikels lived in a twenty-six room Glendale mansion with some sixty "Castle Ladies" in a sort of creatively collaborative polyamorous commune. THE WILD WORLD OF TED V. MIKELS features plenty of film clips as well as interviews with not just Mikels but such statuesque stars as Francine York and the late Tura Satana (FASTER PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL!). - Dennis Harvey

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1 member likes this review

The real deal. whatever you do, don't call it trash! Watch this for a fun, yet brief, glimpse into the career of one of independent cinema's true mad men (narrated by the pope of trash). Then watch the Corpse Grinders and The Doll Squad.

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Caleb C.
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Member Reviews (4)

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Caleb C.

The real deal. whatever you do, don't call it trash! Watch this for a fun, yet brief, glimpse into the career of one of independent cinema's true mad men (narrated by the pope of trash). Then watch the Corpse Grinders and The Doll Squad.

1 member likes this review
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countfink
top reviewer

Ted V. Mikels was the last of the great no-budget, exploitation film legends--Herschel Gordon Lewis, Ray Dennis Steckler, Al Adamsonet.al. Octogenarian Mikels was apparently still at it right up to the end (at last report "Ten Violent Women II" was in pre-production). This is a solid, straightforward introduction to Mikels and his colorful career. Highlights include interview footage with the late, great Tura Sultana. All in all, a good reference for students of the Psychotronic. T.V. Mikels is dead...long live T.V. Mikels

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Matty S.
top reviewer

It's a fun look at one of cinema's true underground filmmakers. Quirky, eccentric and always sincere -- you simply must admire this artist.

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Bruce B.

Very interesting, Mikels seems a very nice fellow, but leaves me wanting to continue to avoid his actual films.