Mel Welles, born in 1924 in New York City, made his mark in cult cinema with a diverse career spanning acting, directing, and writing. He is best known for his role in The 27th Day (1957), where he showcased his talent in science fiction, and for directing the erotic horror film Lady Frankenstein (1971). Welles also contributed as an actor and writer in Joyride to Nowhere (1977), a film that reflects the gritty edge of 1970s exploitation cinema. His work remains a significant part of the SassyFlix catalog, embodying the spirit of cult and grindhouse films.
Island of the Doomed
A group of tourists arrive to see the botanical gardens on a small island off the Italian coast. The only inhabitants of the island are the famous botanist Baron von Weser and his two faithful servants; all of the other residents fled after a series of mysterious deaths. When the car driven by the tourists' guide hits one of the baron's servants, von Weser explains that the death was due to a rare and incurable disease, not the accident. That night, the guide and Cora Robinson, one of the guests, are found murdered with all the blood drained from their bodies.
