The Wasp Woman (1959) is an American independent science‑fiction horror film produced and directed by Roger Corman. Filmed in black‑and‑white, it stars Susan Cabot as Janice Starlin, the aging head of a cosmetics company who becomes desperate to restore her youth. She funds the research of scientist Dr. Eric Zinthrop, who has developed an experimental anti‑aging serum derived from wasp enzymes.
Impatient with the slow progress of the treatment, Janice secretly injects herself with additional doses — triggering horrific side effects that transform her into a murderous, wasp‑like creature. The film was originally released as a double feature with Beast from Haunted Cave and later expanded for television with a new prologue directed by Jack Hill.
Film Details
Title: The Wasp Woman
Also Known As: The Bee Girl, Insect Woman
Year: 1959
Genre: Science Fiction / Horror
Director: Roger Corman
Screenplay: Leo Gordon
Story by: Kinta Zertuche
Produced by: Roger Corman
Starring:
Susan Cabot as Janice Starlin
Anthony (Fred) Eisley as Bill Lane
Barboura Morris as Mary Dennison
Michael Mark as Dr. Eric Zinthrop
Cinematography: Harry Neumann
Editing: Carlo Lodato
Music: Fred Katz
Production Companies: The Filmgroup, Santa Cruz Productions
Distributed by: Allied Artists
Release Date: June 10, 1959
Runtime: 66 minutes (theatrical), 73 minutes (TV version)
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $50,000 (estimated)
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