A COURT OF APPEALING

HAZEL COURT WAS NOT LISTED AS A GUEST AT THE 2002 MONSTER MANIA CONVENTION. 

That's why it was quite a surprise when I was entering an autograph room almost bumped into a woman coming out of the room -- and came face to face with the female lead of CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH, THE RAVEN, THE PREMATURE BURIAL and countless other classics.  A second or two after I excused myself, recognition set in and I spluttered:  "Hey!  You're Hazel Court!" in astonishment.  She laughed and answered in mock astonishment:  "I know!"  We both laughed and she said "Nice to see you" and that was that.  A little later, I came back and she was at a table signing autographs.  Far from the imposing and regal figure seen in MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH, Hazel Court seemed very warm and grandmotherly in person.  Like pretty much every horror star I've ever met, she was gracious and seemed truly appreciative of her fans.