Screaming Mimi (1958)
A late-50s noir thriller where a stalked nightclub dancer fights to be believed — tense, stylish, and ahead of its time.
Screaming Mimi - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1958
- Directed by: Gerd Oswald
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 19m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 25, 1958 (United States)
- Production Companies: Sage Productions, Columbia Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Screaming Mimi - Plot
A blonde night club dancer is being stalked. Will anyone believe her?
Screaming Mimi - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the suspense unfold:
Suspense around every curve!
Where to Watch Screaming Mimi
Looking for where to watch Screaming Mimi?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Screaming Mimi - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gerd Oswald
Main Cast
- Anita Ekberg
- Philip Carey
- Gypsy Rose Lee
- Harry Townes
- Linda Cherney
- Romney Brent
- Red Norvo
- Vaughn Taylor
- Thomas Browne Henry
- Sarah Padden
Writers
- Robert Blees
Producers
- Harry Joe Brown
- Robert Fellows
Screaming Mimi - FAQs
What is Screaming Mimi about?
Screaming Mimi follows Virginia Wilson, a nightclub dancer who survives a terrifying assault and becomes the target of a stalker. As fear and paranoia close in, no one seems willing to believe her. The film blends noir atmosphere with psychological suspense, anchored by Anita Ekberg's striking performance.
Is Screaming Mimi based on a novel or true story?
Screaming Mimi is based on the 1949 pulp novel of the same name by Fredric Brown, a celebrated crime writer known for his twisty, atmospheric fiction. The screenplay was adapted by Robert Blees. The story is entirely fictional, though it draws on the noir tradition of real urban dread.
Where can you watch Screaming Mimi online?
You can check current streaming availability for Screaming Mimi on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region. Availability can change, so it's worth checking regularly for the latest options.
Who stars in Screaming Mimi?
Anita Ekberg leads the cast as Virginia Wilson, the dancer at the center of the terror. She's joined by Philip Carey as a dogged reporter, Gypsy Rose Lee as a nightclub owner, and Harry Townes in a memorable supporting role. It's a strong ensemble for a late-50s B-thriller.
Did Screaming Mimi influence later horror films?
Screaming Mimi is widely cited as a key influence on the Italian giallo genre. Dario Argento's The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970) drew heavily from its premise and imagery. The film's blend of voyeurism, a stalked woman, and a mysterious killer became a template for countless thrillers that followed.
Who directed Screaming Mimi and what else did he make?
Gerd Oswald directed Screaming Mimi. A German-born Hollywood filmmaker, Oswald was known for stylish, low-budget genre pictures. He also directed A Kiss Before Dying (1956) and Crime of Passion (1957), and later had a prolific television career working on The Outer Limits and other series.
Is Screaming Mimi worth watching today?
For fans of classic noir and late-50s B-movies, absolutely. Screaming Mimi delivers moody atmosphere, a memorably glamorous Anita Ekberg, and a plot that moves with genuine urgency. Its historical importance as a precursor to giallo cinema makes it essential viewing for anyone interested in the roots of the thriller genre.
What is the tagline for Screaming Mimi?
The film's tagline is "Suspense around every curve!" — a punchy, era-appropriate line that captures both the film's thriller tension and its marketing savvy. It reflects the playful yet menacing tone Gerd Oswald brought to this stylish Columbia Pictures production from 1958.
More About Screaming Mimi
Explore further details about Screaming Mimi on these trusted resources.