[Nathan
Johnson talks with Marilouise Michel about her role in the
direct-to-video slasher movie THE LAST SLUMBER PARTY (1988)]
Q: How did you get involved with The Last
Slumber Party?
I was introduced to Steve by
my 8th grade English teacher. Steve and Georges were making a film when
I was in high school and they needed a girl who could act. A couple of
years later they contacted me to be involved in TLS. I agreed and was
initially cast as Chris. When I had to step out of that role, Steve
assured me that being the first one killed would be memorable. Lol

Q: What was it like working with the cast and crew?
I particularly remember
Georges. He was short and exotic looking. I seem to remember he had an
accent (French?) Maybe I just think that because he was friendly with
my high school French teacher? The camera was huge and expensive I
thought. But I have no idea what kind of camera it was. I liked the
girl (Darcy?) who played the other nurse. I think she and Steve
eventually got married. I knew Jan a little from the theatre scene in
New Orleans but I didn't know anyone else.
I am actually trying to track
down Steve for you. I think he was a hospital worker of some sort. He
would be thrilled with the attention I think. I left New Orleans in
1987.
Q: Have you kept in contact with anyone from the film?
Sadly, no.

Q: Do you have any interesting behind the scenes stories you can share?
I remember being mortified by
the mini skirt, and my heart leapt out of my chest when I first saw
myself bending over the patient to subdue him and get him off the
doctor. I thought sure you would be able to see right up that skirt.
Also, I had SO much trouble delivering the line about cutting out a
part of his brain. It took numerous takes, and back then that was a big
waste of money they didn't need, and they weren't very happy with me.
The only take I didn't laugh on is the one in the movie. To this day I
laugh when I hear that line.
Q: The Last Slumber Party has gained quite a fan base amongst B movie
fans. Have you been recognized by fans of the film?
I had no idea there was a fan
base for this film. I only learned about it a few days ago. I
particularly enjoyed the reviewer who said I delivered my lines "as if in a horse tranquilizer induced
haze." (JA Kerswell: that was me - sorry Marilouise!!!) That was
priceless, and pretty correct. What doesn't come
across in the film is that the nurse is wanting to have an affair with
the doctor, and thinks her murderer might be him kidding around before
he kills her. The whole reason she takes down her hair is to go back
and seduce him. The UA cut doesn't make that clear. I think much of the
film made more sense with the director's cut. I also think I remember
taking to Steve once after it was released and he was pretty disgusted
but there was nothing he could do.

Q: Did the cast follow a script strictly or were you allowed to
improvise any scenes or ad lib any dialogue?
We definitely had a script. I
remember being uncomfortable with some of Chris's dialogue, and he
indicated that I could improvise to make it feel more real and less
stilted. I assume he gave the other the girls the same freedom, though
much of the dialogue resembles what I remember from the script. I
wasn’t around for the filming of the scenes with the girls.
Q: After your experience with The Last Slumber Party, would you
consider another acting role?
My career has been centered
around theatre rather than film. I don't like the disjointed out of
order filming that is necessary in film. On stage we tell a whole story
every night. I have done one other film since then but it hasn't been
released. It was just a few years ago. I don't generally audition for
films.
Visit the film's IMDB page.
Read the Hysteria Lives! review of THE
LAST SLUMBER PARTY.
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