PHOTO FEATURE

by Tom Lounges

The Kit Builder Convention –– an annual event that hits Chicago which caters to Horror, Monster Kit and Movie Prop collectors –– was held in Chicago in April. 

 Our eagle-eyed photo editor, NIVA BRINGAS, is a longtime buff of such events, which are highlighted by B-Movie folks and campy fare.   

After dropping off a bundle of April’s Midwest BEAT’s near the front door, Niva began to wander the aisles with his ever-present camera in hand.

 Among the dozens of famous and semi-famous folks who were hawking their celebrity wares and latest direct-to-video films were long-time horror film starlet, BRINKE STEVENS, whose latest effort is called, “The Birth Rite.”   

SYN DEVIL was also on hand with a booth full of videos to hawk and a stack of titilating nearly nude 8”x10” color photos of herself to sign.   It was so sinfully delicious to hang out with the raven-haired young film star, that we almost did not make it past her booth. 

Fortunately, we did because we encountered some old friends ––  LASZLO and DEMONICA –– from the cast of the regional horror show “Graveyard Theatre.”    It was totally cool to see them giving us props by making the Midwest BEAT Magazine’s October 2000 cover feature the centerpiece of their marketing/promotional display.    

Just when Niva had gotten Syn Devil out of his system….he got all shook up again when he noticed that Spring was not the only thing
“busting” out all over.    Dead ahead was adult film star, TAYLOR WANE, a film favorite who need never fear drowning…    Niva’s lens steamed up when Ms. Wayne got up close and personal with him to promote the BEAT. 

Likewise checking out Midwest BEAT at the convention during the waning hours before its conclusion, were a pair of former “JAMES BOND GIRLS” who even though middle-aged are still true beauties.   They were MAUDE ADAMS and CAROL MUNRO.     

Another “heavenly” ‘70s sex pot –– TANYA ROBERTS -- a latter day “Charlies Angel” was spied reading one of the many copies of Midwest BEAT that were floating around the convention that day.   

Roberts, who most recently was a regular cast member on the hit television series, “That ‘70s Show,” was more than happy to mug for the camera with her new favorite reading material.