Deborah Foreman
During my formative years in the 80s, it seemed like every time I turned around, Deborah Foreman was appearing in some horror movie that I liked. She was always an engaging presence, attractive in a girl next door way yet, it seems as if she never gets mentioned alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, Dee Wallace, Linnea Quigley, or Barbara Crampton.
I actually remember where I first saw her. It was on an episode of William Shatner’s show, TJ Hooker in 1982. A year later, Valley Girl burst on to the scene and there she was again! This time as Nick Cage’s preppy love interest.
It seemed like she could have been a staple and right at home in John Hughes’ world but Deborah was a tad more adventurous. After continuing for the next few years in teen comedies like Real Genius and My Chauffeur, she took a darker path and signed on to star in the horror movie, April Fool’s Day.
So, it begins. Deborah definitely stepped up her game to play twins! She was very convincing as “good” Muffy and equally convincing as Muffy’s deranged-escaped-from-the-clinic twin, Buffy. From there, she progressed into another genre film, Destroyer.
Starring football legend, Lyle Alzado and veteran actor Anthony Perkins, Foreman played the capable stuntwoman, Susan Malone who is stalked by a serial killer named Ivan Mozer (Alzado). Although this film is by no means a stellar effort, Deborah is convincing and stands her ground in this one.
She definitely knows how to project an inner strength that may be at odds with her demure appearance. Believe me when I say, there is a lioness underneath those lacy blouses. Waxwork was her next project with the always astounding David Warner.
As Sarah, Foreman fought wax museum displays that came to life like the Marquis de Sade. Hell, she even nailed him with an ax! Not to mention, she ended up being a survivor. Going toe-to-toe with that legendary sadist, Deborah doesn’t flinch, she just rolls up her sleeves and does what needs to be done.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderfully eccentric horror-comedy Western, Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat. She plays Sandy White, a young, nubile vamp who is lonely and looking for love. Then one day, it happens to walk right through the front door at a local café.
She becomes instantly smitten with Robert Van Helsing (Bruce Campbell). Yes, of those Van Helsings, the killers of all children of the night. Once she has made up her mind, nothing stands between her and her man. So, she sets out to turn him and turn him, she does!
That is the essence of Deborah Foreman. Her exterior says that she is the cute blonde next door who can become a sexy temptress at a moment’s notice. Inwardly, that is a different matter. She is tough as nails, smart as a whip and willing to take on any obstacle that gets placed in her path. That is what it takes to be a woman in the horror genre.
The Plot Sickens: Crash Palace began the “Women in Horror Month” celebration with Last Girl Standing and THE LAST KNOCK with a Horror Double Feature!
(Still photo of Deborah Foreman in April Fool’s Day via 1428Elm.)
Crash Analysis Support Team
Susan Leighton
Susan Leighton has been a cinema buff and TV lover since birth. Her first words were “Action!” and according to her Mother her first sentence was, “Could I have some better lighting? I photograph really well from the left.” When she isn’t writing or watching films, she can be found seeking solitude hiking in the woods or searching for the best beach.
You can find her work at 1428Elm.com, thatsmye.com, vhsrevival.com, cultfaction.com and thequeenofstyle.com. Her short story collection is available at imofftheledgeblogspot.com.