Birth of the Acid Western uncovers the lost Las Cruces-made 1960’s feature film, “The Devil’s Mistress.” Made by Brooklyn-raised NMSU English professor, Orville “Buddy” Wanzer, this film is an early version of the countercultural “acid Western” sub-genre, and the first film ever made in Las Cruces. Through archival research, community stories, and local experts, this documentary reveals Wanzer’s unique influence on New Mexico filmmaking and uncovers the hidden value of his iconoclastic life and art through a cinematic exploration of the American West.
The Devil’s Mistress
Drawing inspiration from the stark desert landscape, Wanzer wrote, directed, and edited this occult Western, originally titled, “Bruja,” and also co-founded WGW Pictures with two friends, Wanzer, Gregory, Wesmoreland, to bring his vision to life on a shoestring buget. Influenced by European filmmakers, Wanzer blended psychological realism with the provocative, allure of American B-movies, tapping into the drive-in movie craze of the era. The Devil's Mistress stands as a unique cinematic experience, merging art-house sensibilities with pulp entertainment.
