📖 Overview
Doris Wishman was an American film director and screenwriter who worked primarily in exploitation films from the 1960s through the early 2000s. She directed over 30 features during her career, making her one of the most prolific female directors in American cinema history.
Wishman began her filmmaking career in the "nudie cutie" genre following the 1957 court ruling that allowed nudist films to be legally shown. She went on to direct various exploitation subgenres including sexploitation, "roughies," and bizarre horror films, often using pseudonyms for her writing and production credits.
Her most well-known works include "Bad Girls Go to Hell" (1965), "Double Agent 73" (1974), and "A Night to Dismember" (1983). Wishman's films were characterized by their low budgets, unconventional editing style, and deliberate mismatching of audio and visual elements.
Though largely overlooked during her active years, Wishman's work has gained recognition in recent decades for its unique aesthetic and contribution to independent filmmaking. Her final film, "Each Time I Kill," was completed in 2007 after her death in 2002.
👀 Reviews
Doris Wishman's films have a small but dedicated following who appreciate her experimental style and DIY approach. Reviewers on cult film sites and forums highlight the surreal editing choices and off-kilter dubbing as adding to the films' peculiar charm.
Fans noted:
- The distinctive mismatched sound and visuals
- Creative camera angles and unconventional framing
- Determination to make films despite tiny budgets
- Anti-establishment spirit and defiance of conventions
Common criticisms:
- Poor technical quality and continuity errors
- Amateurish acting performances
- Confusing plotlines
- Exploitative content
Limited formal ratings exist since many of her films predated online review sites. On IMDb, her films generally rate between 3-5/10, with "Bad Girls Go to Hell" achieving 5.1/10 from 500+ ratings. Letterboxd users give most titles 2-3/5 stars while acknowledging their "so bad they're good" appeal. Several reviewers describe the films as "fascinating train wrecks" that maintain interest through their sheer oddity.
📚 Books by Doris Wishman
Bad Girls Go to Hell (1965) - A woman flees from Boston to New York after killing her attacker, only to encounter more violence and exploitation.
Another Day, Another Man (1966) - Follows a woman who becomes involved in prostitution after her husband falls ill and cannot work.
My Brother's Wife (1966) - Chronicles the relationship between a man and his brother's spouse during a period of family tension.
A Taste of Flesh (1967) - Depicts the story of two women held hostage in their apartment by a pair of criminals.
Indecent Desires (1968) - Centers on a man who uses a doll and supernatural powers to control a woman from afar.
The Amazing Transplant (1970) - Tells the tale of a man who receives a medical transplant that leads to murderous behavior.
The Hot Month of August (1971) - Explores the relationships between several people during a sweltering summer month.
Satan Was a Lady (2001) - Follows a scheming woman who blackmails wealthy men while pursuing her own ambitions.
Another Day, Another Man (1966) - Follows a woman who becomes involved in prostitution after her husband falls ill and cannot work.
My Brother's Wife (1966) - Chronicles the relationship between a man and his brother's spouse during a period of family tension.
A Taste of Flesh (1967) - Depicts the story of two women held hostage in their apartment by a pair of criminals.
Indecent Desires (1968) - Centers on a man who uses a doll and supernatural powers to control a woman from afar.
The Amazing Transplant (1970) - Tells the tale of a man who receives a medical transplant that leads to murderous behavior.
The Hot Month of August (1971) - Explores the relationships between several people during a sweltering summer month.
Satan Was a Lady (2001) - Follows a scheming woman who blackmails wealthy men while pursuing her own ambitions.
👥 Similar authors
Russ Meyer created exploitation films and sexploitation cinema in the 1960s-70s with similar themes as Wishman. His work includes boundary-pushing narrative structures and unconventional editing techniques.
Roger Corman produced and directed low-budget independent films during the same era as Wishman, focusing on horror and exploitation genres. His production style and distribution methods mirror Wishman's approach to independent filmmaking.
Stephanie Rothman directed exploitation films in the 1960s-70s while incorporating feminist perspectives into genre cinema. Her work handles similar subject matter as Wishman's films but examines female characters through a different lens.
Edward D. Wood Jr. made low-budget films with unconventional production values and narrative choices during the 1950s. His independent spirit and determination to create films outside the mainstream system parallels Wishman's career path.
Radley Metzger directed erotic art films and sexploitation cinema in the 1960s-70s with attention to visual style. His work explores similar themes as Wishman but with more emphasis on European art film influences.
Roger Corman produced and directed low-budget independent films during the same era as Wishman, focusing on horror and exploitation genres. His production style and distribution methods mirror Wishman's approach to independent filmmaking.
Stephanie Rothman directed exploitation films in the 1960s-70s while incorporating feminist perspectives into genre cinema. Her work handles similar subject matter as Wishman's films but examines female characters through a different lens.
Edward D. Wood Jr. made low-budget films with unconventional production values and narrative choices during the 1950s. His independent spirit and determination to create films outside the mainstream system parallels Wishman's career path.
Radley Metzger directed erotic art films and sexploitation cinema in the 1960s-70s with attention to visual style. His work explores similar themes as Wishman but with more emphasis on European art film influences.