Russ Meyer 1922 - 2004

Russ Meyer, who helped spawn the "skin flick" with such films as Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! and Vixen, has died. He was 82. Meyer died Saturday at his home in the Hollywood Hills, according to his company, RM Films International Inc. Spokeswoman Janice Cowart said Meyer had suffered from dementia and died of complications of pneumonia.

Meyer was unapologetic for his movies, arguing the onscreen female nudity put customers in theater seats. But he maintained that women liked the films. "The girls kick the hell out of the guys. I've always played well at the Ivy League — Cornell, Dartmouth. I have never encountered a berating woman," he said.

His 1966 classic, Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill! about three hip go-go-girl club dancers who go on a vengeful murder spree against the men who did them wrong still makes the art house rounds. "This film is not derogatory to women," Meyer said. "There were three tough cookies to deal with. Besides, they get what's coming."