Posted on 10/30/2021 6:31:31 AM PDT by dmam2011
Local market horror TV hosts have helped us through nights for decades, using their quirky personalities to introduce popular, creepy or plain old bad movies - in most instances these were the pre-cable days that lent themselves to captive audiences. The popular figure that embodied this genre was Elvira (Mistress of the Dark). Unknown to an unfortunately large number of people, her meteoric rise would not have happened without local horror tv hosts building their audiences.
A few of these horror hosts became icons and gained national attention for their characters. However, most of these hosts were only seen locally and rarely given the opportunity to promote their programs outside their local markets. That didn't diminish the effort, entertainment or memories of their programs for the people soaking in the shows week-after-week. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few of the older shows being rediscovered with through the benefits of the web.
(Excerpt) Read more at clarksvillian.com ...
Svengooli.
L
In Miami in the 60s it was M.T. Graves. His fan club was the Graves Diggers. His set was a cell with straw on the floor and his nemesis was “The Warden.”
The Cool Ghoul in Cincinnati was a fixture here for decades.
As a character, he did his weekly horror movie show but also was called upon to make appearances at store openings, big auto dealer sales, festivals, you name it. He always drew a crowd.
Shock Theater
Scrolled through the linked article. Fascinating. I had no idea there were so many local TV personalities with their own Jane Fonda themes.
My local radio station, WMEE, Fort Wayne back in the day hosted a double feature at the Embassy Theater: “Psycho,” and “Night of the Living Dead.” As a youngster it was a startling experience to be more frightened by the audience than by the movies. The young girls screams were blood-curdling.
My boomer parents have memorabilia and a stash of old tapes of Zacherley, which they copied through several advances in technology over the years.
Haha... Zacherley. Haven’t heard that name in a looong time.
Had to make sure he was in the article....
Sir Graves Ghastly
Detroit, Michigan
Elvira replaced Larry Vincent (the GREAT Seymour) in Southern California after he died. I remember “Fright Night” came on around midnight and everyone watched it.
He was also the grand marshal in our local parade.
Quentin Tarentino memorialized Seymour in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” I almost jumped out of the theater seat when I saw him, it had been so long.
Grew up in Northern California in the ‘70’s. Bob Wilkins and his black framed glasses and cigar were a television staple!
Growing up in South Jersey I remember Dr. Shock on Saturday nights out of Philly back around 1970 or so.
Bob Wilkins, of KTVU, Channel 2, in Oakland California. Perfect for the job. From mid-60’s through late ‘70’s, his Creature Features show was legendary. It was by accident that I discovered the late Saturday night show. Home alone, 11 years old, out in the sticks, and of course he airs Night of the Living Dead. Good Lord.
Bob Wilkins, of KTVU, Channel 2, in Oakland California. Perfect for the job. From mid-60’s through late ‘70’s, his Creature Features show was legendary. It was by accident that I discovered the late Saturday night show. Home alone, 11 years old, out in the sticks, and of course he airs Night of the Living Dead. Good Lord.
Also Pittsburgh,PA. had Chilly Billy on Chiller Theater on Saturday nights. With Stephen the Castle Prankster and Terminal Stare.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.