Tom DeSimone, Cult Film Director of ‘Reform School Girls’ and ‘Chatterbox,’ Dies at 87

Tom DeSimone, the director behind cult classics like “Reform School Girls” and the outrageous talking-vagina comedy “Chatterbox,” died on Oct. 17 in Cathedral City, California, at age 87. His brother Bob confirmed that DeSimone opted for medically assisted death after a terminal illness. DeSimone began his career in adult films before breaking into mainstream B-movies, where he became known for blending exploitation, camp, and social commentary. “Reform School Girls” (1986), starring Wendy O. Williams and Sybil Danning, remains a beloved staple of midnight movie circuits, while “Chatterbox” (1977) gained notoriety for its absurd premise. DeSimone’s work has influenced generations of genre filmmakers and continues to find new audiences through streaming and repertory screenings. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of bold, unapologetic cinema that pushed boundaries and challenged conventions.