The Velvet Vampire, also known as Cemetery Girls, is a 1971 American vampire film directed by Stephanie Rothman. It stars Celeste Yarnall, Michael Blodgett, Sherry Miles, Gene Shane, Jerry Daniels, Sandy Ward, and Paul Prokop. It has been cited as a cult film. Plot Lee Ritter (Michael Blodgett) and his wife Susan (Sherry Miles) accept the invitation of the mysterious Diane LeFanu (Celeste Yarnall) to visit her in her secluded desert estate. Tensions arise when the couple, who are unaware that Diane is in reality a centuries-old vampire, realize that they are both objects of the pale temptress's seductions. Cast Celeste Yarnall as Diane LeFanu Michael Blodgett as Lee Ritter Sherry Miles as Susan Ritter Gene Shane as Carl Stoker Jerry Daniels as Juan Sandy Ward as Amos Paul Prokop as Cliff Chris Woodley as Cliff's Girl Robert Tessier as The Biker Johnny Shines as The Bluesman Production The film was Stephanie Rothman's follow-up to her 1970 hit The Student Nurses. She and her husband Charles Swartz had written a script, The Student Teachers, but producer Larry Woolner wanted to make a vampire film after the success of Daughters of Darkness (1970). Rothman and Swartz came up with a present-day vampire story originally entitled Through the Looking Glass. Rothman wanted to make the vampire female and have a woman as the protagonist rather than the victim. The character name "Diane Le Fanu" was a reference to author Sheridan Le Fanu, writer of Carmilla. The art gallery where Lee and Susan first meet Diane is called "The Stoker" after its owner, the character Carl Stoker, an evident reference to Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. The script was written over three months. Rothman added comedic elements to make it different from similar material. Blues artist Johnny Shines appeared in the movie and performed his self-penned song "Evil-Hearted Woman." The movie was shot in February 1971. Yarnall, who had just given birth, remembers "everyone was very accommodating, just a joy to work with. Stephanie ... was wonderful, open. It was my first experience having a female director and it was remarkable especially concerning the sexual scenes. Stephanie was very sensitive. She closed the set during the more explicit shots, and there was often just Michael and I and the cameraman." Reception Roger Corman later claimed he was disappointed with the final product and released it on a double bill with an Italian