Presented in partnership, as part of CINECITY The Brighton Film Festival.

Seductive, dangerous and aloof, the vamp was the silent era’s most enduring archetype — an urban criminal whose weapons were darkly lined eyes and a cold, cold heart. As embodied by legendary stars such as Theda Bara, Musidora, Asta Nielsen and Louise Brooks, she thrilled and terrified audiences in equal measure.

In this talk, Pamela will trace the evolution of this deadly yet fascinating figure and introduce some of the women who brought her to life on the silent screen — a journey through allure, danger and cinematic history. Can you resist the lure of the vamp?

Pamela Hutchinson’s publications include two monographs in the BFI Film Classics series: Pandora’s Box (2017) and The Red Shoes (2023).