Russ Meyer Biography
Russ Meyer (1922 - 2004) was a famous film writer and director Russ, revolutionizing attitudes towards cinematic nudity with his debut film, "The Immortal Mr. Teas" (1959), one of the first since before Code Hollywood to show nudity in an erotic way. Meyer also used his films to address issues regarding race, politics, and morality. He also had incredible success making films like "Wild Gals of the Naked West" (1962) and "Lorna" (1964) on the cheap, making a considerable profit at the box office. Meyer entered the cult-favorite pantheon with his wild title "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" (1966) and had great commercial success with the controversial "Vixen!" (1968). Thanks to its success, Meyer was able to realize his dream of directing a studio film, resulting in "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" (1970), written by a then-unknown Roger Ebert. Although he tried to direct straight dramas, Meyer returned to the sexploitation genre only to retire before the porn industry boomed after his last narrative film, "Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens" (1979). Part showman, part director, the uninhibited Meyer nevertheless ushered in the sexual revolution beyond the repressed gates of Hollywood in the 1960s, making his mark as one of the most celebrated cult directors of all time.
