The Transformation (A Sandwich of Nightmares) is a 1974 American comedy horror film written and directed by Lewis Jackson (Christmas Evil).
The Palomino film was produced by Elliot Krasnow and stars Dianna W. Mitchell, Michael Baxter, David Kirk, Les Crook (as Renfield), Elliot Kastner (producer Krasnow) and director Lewis Jackson. Music was provided by Broken Wing.
The film had a self-applied ‘X’ rating but was later rated ‘R’ by the MPAA. It was released by Howard Mahler Films as Transformation in September 1976. Unfortunately, it is now considered ‘lost’.
Boxoffice magazine commented: “Combining a sex and horror story with elements of comedy and mysticism, this low-budget effort surrounds the fictional plot with a documentary about the making of the film.
Producer Elliot Krasnow, director-writer Lewis Jackson, stars Dianna Mitchell and Michael Baxter are seen discussing the shooting and generally reacting to the situations at hand. The real people are so unaffected that they overshadow the screenplay, dealing with a sex-and-sadism cult investigated by Baxter and Professor David Kirk.
Novice Baxter falls in love with exotic singer Mitchelle before discovering she’s the high priestess of the cult. Jackson, a former trade press reporter, can also be seen in at least one bit. It’s an interesting try at something different, but might appeal mainly to the underground culture.”
“This was Christmas Evil (1980) director Lewis Jackson’s second film, after the softcore flick The Deviators (1970). Baxter falls in love with an exotic singer, who turns out to be the high priestess of a cult he’s investigating. The fictional part of the film is bookended with behind-the-scenes footage of the production.” Brian Albright, Regional Horror Films, 1958-1990: A State-by-State Guide with Interviews
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