Herbert Tevos, a Hollywood enigma, has puzzled industry insiders for years with his penchant for crafting unused scripts, a trait that is further exemplified by his fastidious attention to detail in ensuring that his narratives remain streamlined and free from unnecessary subplots or deviations from the central idea, a approach that is most notably demonstrated in his sole script credit, the 1951 film "Tarantula", which, despite being completed, was ultimately deemed unreleasable by the producers, leaving the fate of this cinematic endeavour shrouded in mystery.
Ronald Ormond, a multifaceted filmmaker with expertise in both production and direction, came across the film in the year 1952 and subsequently infused it with novel content, rechristening it "Mesa of Lost Women" in 1953.
It is alleged by individuals involved in the production of the film that Tevos, a self-proclaimed prominent figure in the German film industry, made the claim that he was a renowned director in Germany and had, in fact, directed the illustrious Marlene Dietrich in the 1930 cinematic masterpiece, "The Blue Angel".
Additionally, it is reported that Tevos attempted to mentor the talented actress Tandra Quinn, who portrayed the enigmatic character of Tarantella, the spider woman, in the film.
Herbert Tevos's cinematic journey in Hollywood came to a halt, leaving behind no evidence of his involvement in any subsequent film projects. Furthermore, there is a complete lack of documentation or records of his work in Germany following his departure from the US.
Schoellenbach, a multifaceted individual with a storied past, held the esteemed position of head of the paper testing department at Agfa Ansco, a renowned company based in Binghampton, New York.
As he went about his daily routine, Schoellenbach would often regale his colleagues with tales of his exciting experiences as a motion picture cameraman, recounting the thrill of capturing the perfect shot and the satisfaction of bringing a story to life on the big screen.
But Schoellenbach's adventures didn't stop there. He was also an avid explorer, and had embarked on numerous expeditions to the Amazon, where he would venture deep into the jungle, immersing himself in the lush foliage and marveling at the incredible biodiversity of the region.
In addition to his many accomplishments, Schoellenbach had the distinction of having been associated with none other than Manfred von Richthofen, a legendary World War I German aviation ace. This association no doubt provided Schoellenbach with a unique perspective on the world of aviation, and likely influenced his own interests and pursuits in the field.
Throughout his life, Schoellenbach's many experiences and accomplishments had served to shape him into a fascinating individual, full of stories and wisdom to share with others. His colleagues at Agfa Ansco were no doubt enriched by his presence, and looked forward to hearing the latest tales from his remarkable life.
The German National Archives meticulously document the correspondence of Schoellenbach, revealing a connection with Karl Vollmöller, the renowned screenwriter behind the iconic film "The Blue Angel". This intriguing association has sparked speculation regarding Schoellenbach's potential involvement in the movie's production.
Furthermore, declassified FBI documents shed light on Schoellenbach's detention and subsequent interrogation in Los Angeles in 1942.
Despite the underwhelming commercial performance of "Tarantula", Schoellenbach's professional trajectory in the film industry remained unaffected, as he continued to make significant contributions to the world of cinema. Interestingly, in 1957, he was recognized as a "distinguished guest" at the prestigious Yellowstone National Park, a testament to his enduring influence and reputation in his field.
