The Vengeful Virgin

“Low-cut gowns.” That’s all boyfriend had to read (in the ad copy) before agreeing to accompany me to RetroRama, the Minnesota Historical Society’s celebration of ’50s pulp. Does Minnesota have a particular connection to pulp, other than the impressive collection of titles now residing in the dusty basements of a few area bookstores? I guess we’ll
soon find out. As for me, I’ve found inspiration in a few of Gil Brewer’s
titles: Satan Is a Woman, Backwoods Tease, Nude on Thin Ice, and, of course, The Vengeful Virgin. Not to be a dead giveaway, but I’ll be there with my trusty sidekick, monsieur Elph, so as to keep all eyes on the glorious cleavage—plus, with any luck, a few dozen sweater girls, ruby-red lipstick, sparkling jewels, and at least one stiletto through some sucker’s heart. The fellas are supposed to wear fedoras and blah blah blah … There’ll also be dancing and a performance by the Lit 6 Project. For tips on what to wear, visit the Historical Society’s handy, little tutorial (halfway down the page).

p.s. My good friend Adam Demers made the ad above—with the help of the artist Thomas Allen, but of course.