Tura Satana

Tura Satana

Still today, Tura Satana’s influence can be glimpsed in popular culture, even if the people inspired have no clue as who she really is. An unique figure in American entertainment, I can find no other celebrity that could compare. Her main contention to glory is of course Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, classic cult-movie directed by Russ Meyer. But why not start at the very beginning? Fasten your seat belts, though, because this could be a memorable rollercoaster ride.
Tura Satana:Bitch Slap was a huge hit when it premiered at TIFF09 during the Midnight Madness programme earlier this week. And the three stars – Julia Voth, America Olivo and Erin Cummings – are quickly becoming cult icons the same way Lori Williams, Haji and Tura Satana became after the 1965 Russ Meyer film Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (which Bitch Slap has been compared to).
Tura Yamaguchi was born in July 10, 1935 (or is it 1938?). Sometimes after the end of WWII, after moving to Chicago, she was raped by five thugs. This prompted her to learn martial arts, mainly karate. She soon became main honcho of a gang of teenage girls. Tura admits to having been a rebellious juvenile delinquent, as many teased her about her oriental heritage (the war was still fresh in many memories). In fact, the father was from Japan and the Philippines and the mother was American Indian and Scots-Irish. She kicked everyone’s ass in reform school (but also learned how to knit!). At 13 years of age, she got married (a fixed union by the two families involved) with a guy of 17! This relationship would of course not work out.The multi-talented stars (Julia is releasing a book of poetry, America has a song on the charts and Erin will be appearing on Nip/Tuck soon as well as the new Sam Raimi-produced show Spartacus: Blood and Sand next year) chatted with me about the vibe on set, shooting guns and who inspires them.

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• www blogfornoob com tura-satana