by Samantha Whitmore
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls cult legend John LaZar brings his wondrously sonorous tones to the popular Australian-produced horror-sci-fi podcast Baron Sordor’s Theatre of the Doomed.
When you think of cult movies, they don’t come more classic than Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. Directed by the legendary Russ Meyer, this 1970 film is an audacious, over-the-top spectacle that has earned its place in the annals of cult cinema history. With its larger-than-life characters, wild storylines, and unforgettable performances, it’s a film that has stood the test of time, captivating audiences with its campy charm and shock value. And at the heart of it all is John LaZar, whose portrayal of the enigmatic and sinister Ronnie “Z-Man” Barzell remains one of the most iconic and memorable roles in 1970s cinema.
FilmInk had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with the actor to discuss his legendary career, his role in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, and his exciting special guest spot in the podcast Baron Sordor’s Theatre of the Doomed.
What originally drew you to acting, and how did you get your start in the industry?
“I was first drawn to acting at the age of five. My mother took me to see Laurence Olivier’s Hamlet. I was thunder struck. The sword play is what hooked me.”
Can you tell us how you landed the role of Ronnie “Z-Man” Barzell in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls?
“I was appearing in Albert Camus’s Caligula at The University of Hawaii as a young guest performer. It was closing night, and a pleasant older man came to my dressing room. He said he was a casting agent for 20th Century Fox. I thought it was a practical joke, perpetuated by the cast. He said, ‘No, son. I am from Fox.’ A year later, I was at Fox Studios in the casting office face-to-face with Russ Meyer. He said, ‘If I could speak, I had the part.’ I was handed sides for ‘The vorpal blade goes snicker snack.’ I passed. The six leads were screentested and the rest is history.”
What was it like working with Russ Meyer, and how did his directing style shape your performance?
“Russ Meyer let me do my own thing. I had a blast doing Ronnie ‘Z-Man’ Barzell. Russ did not let any of the actors blink. He felt that it slowed down the pace of the film. He only shot one or two takes. There was little time for too much ‘method.’ Your motivation was your paycheck. I was fortunate to have Fred Koencamp as my cinematographer. He had just completed Patton and went on to win the Academy Award for The Towering Inferno. 20th Century Fox Studio was a busy studio in 1970. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Hello Dolly were all set for release. It was a very heady experience.”
Do you recall any memorable moments or behind-the-scenes stories from the set of Beyond the Valley of the Dolls?
“I recall two memorable moments that stand out. The first one was two weeks into shooting Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. I had a slight cold when I came to work. I was concerned that I would not vocally match. I casually mentioned this to Russ who told me to stay put. Five minutes later, a tough-looking older man arrived, surrounded by six men in suits. He had a pronounced New York accent and introduced himself as ‘Doc.’ I immediately told him that I was worried about vocally matching, but that I felt fine. I asked him if he wanted to prescribe something from the dispensary. He said, ‘You’ll be fine, kid.’ Then he abruptly turned and left, followed by the six men. Russ approached me, looking as pale as a ghost. ‘Do you know who that man was?’ I said, ‘Yes, he’s the studio doctor, a nice gentleman.’ Russ replied that Doc was the ‘studio trouble shooter.’ I said, ‘How was I to know. I’m new here.’ It turned out that Doc, attending the dailies, was known to say, ‘Between William Shakespeare and the kid, the film should do alright.’ He was a nice man. The second memorable moment took place in the Cafe du Paris, more humbly known as the Studio Commissary. I was dressed in one of Z-Man’s finest suits and was standing after a meeting with two high-level agents, feeling very good about myself, when I backed into Tony Curtis, sending him perilously close to Barry Sullivan’s soup bowl. He was very gracious. He looked as though he had been there once himself.”
How do you feel Beyond the Valley of the Dolls has aged over time, especially with its cult following?
“This past August, I had the privilege of hosting Beyond the Valley of the Dolls at The Academy Museum Theatre. It was sold out with fans who could not get seats. The movie still has ‘legs.’”
Z-Man’s character challenges gender and societal norms in ways that were ahead of its time. What are your thoughts on how the role resonates with modern audiences?
“Audiences that are hip and humanist have always dug Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. It’s sexy, satirical, a musical, and a horror film all rolled into one. It is even more important than ever to support our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, and art and culture.”
Roger Corman is legendary for his hands-on approach as a producer, often shaping films to align with his unique vision and cost-effective style. How did his influence as a producer impact the production of Deathstalker 2, and did his guidance affect your approach to your role or the overall atmosphere on set?
“I filmed Deathstalker 2 in Argentina. Roger Corman was not present. The cast and crew did reside on the ninth floor of The Club Hindu, called The Corman Wing. I immensely enjoyed choreographing and performing the sword fight scene. It was a homage to Robin Hood with Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone. I had come full circle from the five-year-old who was entranced by watching Laurence Olivier’s Hamlet.”
You are appearing in the horror podcast Baron Sordor’s Theatre of the Doomed…tell us about that.
“The writer/director Aaron Harvie is very talented. The role of The Benefactor was a joy to play. Baron Sordor’s Theatre of the Doomed podcast is like a 21st century radio play, recalling the old radio dramas of the 1930s and 1940s. I cannot wait until ‘The Key Party Massacre’ is released.”
John LaZar appears as The Benefactor in ‘The Key Party Massacre’, the first episode of Season 2 of the hit Australian produced horror podcast Baron Sordor’s Theatre of the Doomed, alongside Jeff Martin, the legendary frontman of The Tea Party. The episode will be available on January 30 through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all streaming platforms. For more on Baron Sordor’s Theatre of the Doomed, click here.
