Thirty years ago a horror movie written and directed by Sam Raimi was released. That movie was THE EVIL DEAD.

Five friends go up to a cabin in the woods where they find unspeakable evil lurking in the forest. They find the Necronomicon and the taped translation of the text. Once the tape is played, the evil is released. One by one, the teens are possessed. With only Ash remaining, he must survive the night and battle the evil dead.

We caught up with Betsy Baker, one of the "Evil Dead Ladies", who played Linda, to talk about her role in The Evil Dead.

Horror News Network: Tell us a bit about how you landed the role of Linda?

Betsy Baker: I was living and working in the Detroit area at the time, narrating live auto shows nationwide, working on commercials, voice-overs, and industrial films. My agent contacted me and told me there were 3 young men who wanted to meet with me, as they interested in talking to me about playing a role in their new movie, a low-budget horror movie. I agreed to meet with them in a public restaurant, because I figured if they were creepy, I could scream, and somebody would come and rescue me - or at least call the police. True story.

Horror News Network: "The Evil Dead" has become somewhat of a cult classic, even inspiring a musical. Did you have any idea 30 years ago that the movie would have such a long-lasting impact?

Betsy Baker: I had absolutely no idea -- at the time we were shooting, there were even doubts we would finish the movie, and even more doubts that it ever be seen by anybody.

Horror News Network: You portrayed Linda, Ash's love. What was it like shooting the scene where he is forced to behead Linda?

Betsy Baker: It was a memorable experience, that's for sure! It was freezing cold, damp, rainy, and they had literally dug a hole for me to place myself in.... but only about 2-3 feet deep. So I was squatting for hours, in a cold, damp, muddy hole, with blankets around me --- and Sam (Raimi) had assured me that the beams that were hitting me were just styrofoam. But in reality, they were professional 'styrofoam' wooden beams that people sometimes used to finish off a ceiling or a basement remodel. Needless to say, I wasn't happy after the first actual WHAM.

Horror News Network: What stands out as your favorite scene in the movie?

Betsy Baker: I think the scene that continues to be talked about a lot, is the 'laughing' scene, in which I have become possessed, am sitting in the doorway, laughing a sickening, eery laugh, and then immediately switching over to "sweet Linda". Fans come up to us at the conventions and say it still gives them nightmares.

Horror News Network: How did the role of Linda affect your career?

Betsy Baker: Interestingly enough, during the time of its' original release, casting directors and many producers weren't interested in you if you were connected with a horror film, and you were trying to sell baby products or a fast food on a tv commercial. There were some auditions that I intentionally left 'Evil Dead' off of my credits. Today, people ask me all the time about doing more horror, more thrillers, more psychologically intense parts. And I've enjoyed meeting the fans with the other 2 "ladies" of the film at movie conventions all over the world.

Horror News Network: Are you surprised when you meet horror fans today, and see that they are still so fanatical about "The Evil Dead"?

Betsy Baker: Absolutely! Truly, we had no idea there was such a fan following. At the time when "Evil Dead" was first released in corner video stores, and became more of a cult film that it already had been, I had taken a break in acting, had my own successful business, and was busy raising a family, complete with PTA meetings and school volunteer work. When we attended our first convention, we had no idea that the lines down the hall and out the door were waiting to see us at OUR table!It was astounding!

Horror News Network: Where can fans find out more about you and your current projects?

Betsy Baker: I have a website -- www.betsybaker.net; I currently have an OJ commercial running on networks in both U.S. and Canada, I am performing in the compelling story, 'Judgment at Nuremberg' this spring in Los Angeles, and am also on IMDB.com.I also have a terror-thriller feature out in stores and on Netflix, '2084'The other 'ladies' of the movie, Theresa Tilly and Ellen Sandweiss, also have a website filled with Merchandise, trivia, and appearance and convention information --- www.ladiesoftheevildead.com. Come visit!!

Horror News Network: Thank you so much for your time, Betsy. Comment on this article on our forum.

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Published on: 2011-03-04 (573 reads)