R.I.P. Mercedes McCambridge

"You're nothing but a railroad tramp." -- Emma Small

It grieves the cinetrix to learn that her favorite snarling bull dagger in such classic films as Johnny Guitar and Touch of Evil, actress Mercedes McCambridge, has died.

During her film career, McCambridge acquired a reputation as a strong-willed, outspoken woman on and off the screen. When she was hired to play the enemy of Joan Crawford in a 1954 Western, "Johnny Guitar,'' the pair feuded on the set. In her memoir, McCambridge called Crawford "a mean, tipsy, powerful, rotten-egg lady.''

Because of her great vocal skills, McCambridge was hired to portray The Demon in William Friedkin's 1973 smash hit "The Exorcist.''

Yeah, but when you closed your eyes, she sounded just like Rocket J. Squirrel.