As Big Gay Horror Fan adjusts his leather bonnet on the dusty range and fights off vigilant hordes of gentlemen callers – Wait, wait – am I dreaming that I am the luscious BarBara Luna again? Oh, probably.

While glorious actress Luna is best known to science fiction and western fans for her appearances on such shows as Star Trek, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Gunsmoke and Zorro, she is actually a true artistic multi-hyphenate, beginning her career on Broadway at the age of 10 in the original production of South Pacific. Her roles in a variety of women in prison flicks and soap operas mark her as a true adventuress and cult film diva, as well. Granted, none of her credits are specifically in the horror genre, but as we all know, a little bit of the scare can be found in every variety of entertainment. So, below, are some examinations of her numerous creative acheivements that have had a bit of the fright thrown in for good measure.

Outer Limits (It Crawled Out of the Woodwork) – 1963 – “Gaby Christian” –. As the concerned yet sassy romantic interest of the troubled brother of a successful doctor, Luna lights up the background scenery in this spooky episode of the iconic anthology series. The scares, here, are generated by a monstrous shape of murderous energy that envelops and kills off much of the main and supporting cast. B-r-r! Shivers!

Winchester 73 (Television Film) – 1967- “Meriden” – Granted, the only scares in this colorful television remake of a classic Jimmy Stewart film are the credits of co-stars John Saxon (Black Christmas, Nightmare on Elm Street, Blood Beach, The Bees, Cannibal Apocalypse) and Tom Tyron (I Married A Monster From Outer Space). But for anyone who digs the Frankie Avalon era, this is a gem and Luna looks indescribably glamorous as she struts out her lines, as a female card shark, with lusty swagger. It’s evident, here, how fully she can envelop a role – and for those that like their men of the dark and swarthy variety, there is plenty of visual candy on display, here, as well. Note: Tyron went on to become a successful author in the latter part of his life, living the life of an openly gay man (at least in social circles) until his untimely death from stomach cancer in 1991.

The Hanged Man (Television Film) – 1974 – “Soledad Villegas” – This pilot for a television series that wasn’t picked up, does feature plenty of supernatural elements. Veteran actor Steve Forrest plays a wrongly convicted bad boy whom survives a hanging. His second sight and mystical powers are explored throughout the 70 or so minutes of this film and several scenes feature cast members openly wondering at the permanent rope burns that scar his neck after the failed lynching. Genre veteran Cameron Mitchell (Blood and Black Lace, The Offspring, The Toolbox Massacre) plays a devious businessman and Luna proves her versatility by portraying Forrest’s sensitive, supportive girlfriend whom abandons him out fear upon his return from the dead. Note: Famed character actor, Will Geer, best known as “Grandpa” from The Waltons, gives a understated yet feisty performance, here, as well. A political maverick, who survived blacklisting in the 50’s, Geer was, also, known as the lover of fellow activist, Harry Hay.

The Concrete Jungle – 1982 – “Cat” – The movie that has ensured Luna’s place in the legacy of cult film, features her vigorous performance as the queen bee of a women’s prison. She is obviously having a ball and is totally believable as her character manipulates, seduces and murders with glee. Luna’s delicious performance is accented by strong work from soap queen Tracy Bregman (Happy Birthday to Me) as the young innocent trapped in a vicious system, Jill St. John as the cruel warden and Nita Talbot (Puppetmaster II, Island Claws, 1992: It’s About Time) as a concerned social worker. Swiftly directed by Tom DiSimone (Hell Night, Reform School Girls) this WIP classic also features Camille Keaton (I Spit on Your Grave, Tragic Ceremony) in a small role.

Meanwhile, the amazing Luna is still active on the convention circuit and you can dive into her amazing world at www.barbaraluna.com.

Big Gay Horror Fan is, also, always accepting frightened swimmers at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well.

Be sure to check back, here, every Monday for a look at the bloody majesty of a different femme of terror –

And until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!