Review: The Way I See It. By Brian Kirst
While best known in the ‘real’ world as Little House on the Prairie’s Mary, in the horror community Melissa Anderson is somewhat of an icon, as well, for her leading role in the early 80’s slasher classic, Happy Birthday to Me.
Happily, in her memoir The Way I See It, Anderson joyously recounts her excitement upon winning the role in Happy Birthday and recalls (through faded memories) the rigorous fun (mosquito bites, indecisive producers’ character adjustments) of making the film. She also goes into the acting gambits employed in playing evil in the television film Midnight Offerings in which she enacted the vengeful attributes of a vicious teen witch.
Of special interest to horror fans, as well, are Anderson’s recollections of her fellow child actors – many well beloved in the terror community for their roles in Friday the 13th, Part 3 (Tracie Savage), Halloween (Kyle Richards), Devil Dog, Hound of Hell (Kim Richards) and The Car (both Richards’ sisters).
Fast paced, oddly poignant and featuring generous helpings of humor, The Way I See It is a worthy addition to any horror media freak’s literary treasure chest.
