Horror 2021 Countdown: Two Evil Eyes (1990)

Two Evil Eyes (1990) dirs. George Romero, Dario Argento, ADC Films/Gruppo Bema 

And thus we have reached the end of another horror filled year. We've seen terror and tragedy, and much of it from Ohio. As per tradition at this point we end with a Romero film, but this was the first time he codirected with Italian master of horror, Dario Argento and the first time both men worked on an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Naked Lunch (1991)

 Naked Lunch (1991) dir. David Cronenberg, Recorded Picture Company 

"Well, I can think of two things wrong with that title"

Seriously, I don't think anyone else could have made this but Cronenberg. Cronenberg and William S. Burroughs. Strap in folks, we're getting weird. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Spontaneous Combustion (1990)

 Spontaneous Combustion (1990) dir. Tobe Hooper, Black Owl Productions/Project Sampson/VOSC

Tobe Hooper's career was one of ups and downs, as we've said before. After his three picture deal with Cannon crashed and burned, what would he do without Cannon and also in the 90's?

Horror 2021 Countdown: The Hills Have Eyes Part II (1985)

 The Hills Have Eyes Part II (1985) dir. Wes Craven, Hills Two Corporation VTC

So, Craven had crated one of the bigger boogeyman of the 1980's but even the greats have bills to pay. It was actually shot in 1983 and production ceased due to lack of funds. After Freddy Kruger's debut, some brave souls figured with Craven's name on this turkey it would surely be fine. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Prince of Darkness (1987)

 Prince of Darkness (1987) dir. John Carpenter, Alive Films/Larry Franco Productions 

After dealing with the studios, John Carpenter opted to return to the world of independent films with this. He promised a Nigel Kneale yarn with Lovecraft mixed in for good measure. 

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Janet Decay and Grim Gorri

Real names: Janet Jay and James Harmon

Years active: 2015 to present 

And so we end our look back at the Horror Hosts of Ohio. This entry we look at Janet Decay and Grim Gorri. Technically I'd say this counts more as an online act, but they seem to be based out of Cleveland, so they count. The Mummy and the Monkey bring films to the masses and since they seem to be online there is a strong DIY vibe, so props to that. 

Janet Decay seems to be all over the map, with conventions and about three shows going on, so kudos for that. Also this might be the first mummy host I've seen, so again props for that. 

As for Grimm, one can never go wrong with a gorilla. 

I admit the rockabilly monster theme is pretty cool and I'm looking forward to seeing more from these crazy kids. 

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Horror 2021 Countdown: Trapped Ashes (2006)

 Trapped Ashes (2006) dirs. Joe Dante, Ken Russell, Sean S. Cunningham, Monte Hellman, John Gaeta,  Independent Film Fund/Cinema Investment/Tokyo Broadcast System/Asmik Ace Entertainment/Elephant Studio/Five Windows Productions/11:11 Mediaworks/Trapped Ashes

At this point, Joe Dante had been more or less banished to TV after the utter failure of his Looney Tunes reboot. Would this anthology be return to form?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Lamia, Queen of the Dark

 Real name: ???

Years active: 2013-present 

Of all the hosts we've looked at this year, this is the only one of the group I watch regularly. Airing across Ohio and Kentucky, Horror Hotel quickly went into syndication and online.

Airing public domain and smaller budget flicks (check out Bloody Back, it's a good one), Lamia is also a first host who refuses to break character in public. If you chat with her, she's Lamia Queen of the Dark and that's it. Even her IMDB has her as 'self'. 

She's informative and does the traditional host job of introducing the flick with occasional bits of trivia.

  

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Horror 2021 Countdown: Teenage Caveman (1958)

 Teenage Caveman (1958) dir. Roger Corman, Malibu Productions 

Roger Corman in the 50's was cranking out films plenty for the drive-in circuit, four in 1958 alone. 

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Baron Von Porkchop

 Real name: Stephan Alexander 

Years active: 2010-present 

Another host who's still active. Baron Porkchop's Terrifying Tales airs on public access in Dayton, but I've seen him more online.

A classy revenant, the Baron showcases only the finest in public domain films. You can catch him on the Monster Channel and check him out. 

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Horror 2021 Countdown: The Old Dark House (1963)

 The Old Dark House (1963) dir. William Castle, William Castle Productions/Hammer Film Productions

Moving onto William Castle, we get a film that Boris Karloff turned down, as he felt it was too silly.

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Tarr & Feather

 Real names: ???

Years active: 2004 to present 

Can't seem to find anything on these guys. Personally I mean. Odd for hosts that still on the air. They have plenty of in character bios, but I can't seem to find where they broadcast out of. Can't quite recall who clued me in to these guys, but they are apparently based out of Liberty Center, as best as I can tell. They seem to be more online hosts, and I've included their website below. 

Website

Horror 2021 Countdown: Saboteur (1942)

 Saboteur (1942) dir. Alfred Hitchcock, Frank Lloyd Productions/David O. Selznick Productions 

Moving into the director section of our countdown, Alfred Hitchcock was a still part of the studio system at this point. The first script was rejected by producer Selznick and the stars he wanted weren't available. So what did he offer to the public?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Joe Fright

 Real name: ???

Years active: 2004

Joe Fright hosted Saturday Night Fright in Akron. Best as I can tell he only aired for a year on cable access. Doesn't seem to be much else I can find. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter (1966)

Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter (1966) dir. William Beaudine, Circle Productions 

And so we end our look back at Frankenstein. We've been to Mexico, Japan, and outer space. Why not end it in the Old West?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: The Mortician

 Real name: ???
Years active: 2003-2010

The Mortician is certainly one of the more enigmatic hosts out there. Hosting the Mortician: House of Fear on Brunswick Access Television Channel 21 out of Brunswick, the creepiest dude I've seen so far. Yes, BAT. I enjoy a good pun.

As far as the backstory, he's a creepy dude that hosts horror movies, often working on the bodies who were killed in the films he's hosting. No mean feat that. 

Pity I can't seem to find anything else on him.  

Horror 2021 Countdown: Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster (1965)

 Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster (1965) dir. Robert Gaffney, Futurama Entertainment Corp.

We're nearing the end of our Frankenstein lookback. So why not go into space?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Butch R. Clever

 Real name: Brain Easterling

Years active: 2003-present

Hosting Meet Clever Theatre out of Cincinnati on Time Warner Cable Channel 4, this is one of the few hosts this year who has a proper backstory.

1959, engineer Butch R. Clever is working on a new radio. It explodes, sending his home and family into the far future of 2003!

His show is still going on, as best as I can tell, although IMDB has the show ending in 2020. I can only find the facebook for the show and it seems to be set to private. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965)

 Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965) dir. Ishiro Honda, Toho/UPA

Mary Shelly's creation had a rough go of it, not only in his own story but in his adaptations. We've seen comedy and knock-offs but ignoring a brief pitch poster for the 31 version, he's never been a kaiju. 

Until now...

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Dr. Freak

 Real name: Henrique Couto

Years active: 2000 to 2012?

Here is a guy that makes me old. Dr. Freak's claim to fame is being the youngest horror host, debuting at the age of 12. Cult Theater aired on public access in Dayton. 

He certainly knew how to hustle, appearing on fellow hosts shows and even branching out into making his films. 

Sadly that seems to be all I can find, as his Facebook hasn't updated since March 2012

Horror 2021 Countdown: Frankenstein el Vampiro y Compania (1962)

 Frankenstein el Vampiro y Compania (1962) dir. Benito Alazraki, Cimematografica Calderon S.A./Young America Productions 

Heading south of the border for this one.

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Commandant Gore

 Real name: Rick Ammon

Years active: 2000 to 2005

Hosting Gorevision on Miami Valley Cable Council Channel 23 out of Centerville. Yeah, a public access host, which might explain his choice of viewing. Instead of endless showings of Night of the Living Dead or the Undertaker and His Pals, Commandant Heinrich Von Gore showed Itchi the Killer and SS Experiment. 

Gore's look changed between episodes, plus he seemed to focus more on himself that the films, which always a problem. He did feature a lot of metal bands from the area, so there's that.

Ammon passed away in 2020. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Frankenstein's Daughter (1958)

 Frankenstein's Daughter (1958) dir. Richard E. Cunha, Layton Film Productions Inc. 

Astor Pictures was a company devoted to making stuff that American International would pass on and this was their Frankenstein flick. 

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Dr. Mor B.S.

Real name: Mark Newman

Years active:  1998 to 2004

A host that almost slipped my attention. Coming from Defiance DCTV Channel 5, the Dr. Mor B.S. Show aired twice a week with his sidekicks Wort and Mr. Death, He also branched out into hosting live movies in the park, although the last update I saw on that was in 2018. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Frankenstein 1970 (1958)

 Frankenstein 1970 (1958) dir. Howard W. Koch, Aubrey Schenck Productions 

Boris Karloff and Frankenstein? Surely a winning combination, right?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Billy Black

 Real name: Billy Black-maybe?

Years active: 1992 -2000

Yeah, this one is a bit of a mystery. The only thing for sure is he hosted Hott Sinema. Airing on Coaxial Communications Cable Channel 7 out of Columbus (also West Virginia too). Best as I can tell the host's real name is Billy Black. 

As for the character that is where he is unique. No doctor/baron/vampire here. No, Billy Black seems to be a gentleman club's DJ. Seriously, he had exotic dancers, pro wrestling, and the occasional celebrity.

An interesting character, I'll say that.  

Horror 2021 Countdown: I Was a Teenage Frankenstein (1957)

 I Was a Teenage Frankenstein (1957) dir. Herbert L. Strock, Santa Rose Productions

Well, AIP already had a teenage werewolf, but not a Frankenstein? Yeah, the special section this year will look at the monsters that Mary Shelly unleashed.

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Dr. Shock

 Real name: Douglas G. Agosti

Years active: 1989 to 1992

No, not that one, or that one. This Dr. Shock was the 4th doctor to shock the crowd, this time hosting Dr. Shock's X-Ray Theatre on WUPW-TV Channel 36 in Toledo. 156 episodes is a good run, even if the station decided that infomercials would be a better use of the time slot. 

A common problem that many hosts face, I'm sad to say. His website is still active, shockingly. Hasn't been updated since 2002 though but he still has VHS tapes to sell. 

Seems he did the convention circuit until about 2007 or so, but I've not been able to find anything past that.

Website 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Howling II: Your Sister is a Werewolf (1985)

 Howling II: Your Sister is a Werewolf (1985) dir. Philippe Mora, Hemdale Film Corporation/Granite Productions 

If you're going to go out, why end something with Christopher Lee and a screaming Reb Brown?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: A. Ghastlee Ghoul

 Real name: Bob Hinton

Years active: 1998 to 2013

A host who started as a parody yet grew into something more. The Ghastlee Movie Show made its debut on Halloween night, 1988 on DATV Time Warner Cable Channel 20 out of Dayton but his origins actually started out earlier. 

Yes, on a public access show the Underground Sideshow, comedian Bob Hinton was cast as a reluctant horror host yet from that small acorn a mighty and musty oak grew. 

The show evolved with the times, with Hinton even getting into the Horror Host Underground, yet it seems he has slowed down. He had a right amount of sarcasm and had an almost Night Flight feel about his show with odd clips and sound effects dubbed over.  

Horror 2021 Countdown: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) dir. Tobe Hooper, Vortex

We did the last entry of the series but not the first. So why not rectify that with a film that borrowed a bit from the infamous Ed Gein?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: The Ghoul (update)

 Real name: Ron Sweed

Years active: 1971-1996

Already did this guy during my initial hosts list over at the old Non-productive site, but had a slight update on him. The Ghoul is one of those few hosts who have been in multiple markets but he first haunted the airwaves on WKBF-TV Channel 61 in Cleveland. The Ghoul was later syndicated in Detroit, Philadelphia, and San Francisco before settling down in Detroit. 

The Ghoul got into the business by becoming the assistant to Ghoulardi, another horror host. From there he developed his own character. His biggest claim to fame was abusing his frog puppet Froggy and for blowing up stuff sent in by the viewers. He did try to sue the Son of Ghoul in the 80's, but it didn't go anywhere. 

The man was manic and mad and the airwaves were all the better for it.  

He passed away in 2019. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Halloween (2007)

 Halloween (2007) dir. Rob Zombie, Dimension Films/Nightfall Productions/Spectacle Entertainment Group/Trancas International/the Weinstein Company 

After the critical drubbing of the last film, why not a reboot?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Son of Ghoul

 Real name: Kevin Scarpino

Years active: 1986 to present

Here we have the second host on our list who's still active. The Son of Ghoul Show first hit the airwaves in 1986 and ran to 1995 on WOAC-TV Channel 67 out on Canton-Akron. He moved networks in the 90's, but he's still broadcasting in some capacity and even doing horror cons to this very day, so kudos for that. 

 

He does seem to draw on the Ghoul, who'll we'll get to later, so you can also consider him one of the few legacy horror hosts. 

He's also one of the who who has an active store with episodes to buy, so head on over to the link below and check it out. 

Son of Ghoul

Horror 2021 Countdown: A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)

 A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) dir. Jack Sholder, New Line Cinema/Heron Communications/Smart Egg Pictures 

Funny that we end our look back at the Man of Your Dreams with the second one, but here we are.

Horror Host 2021 Retropspective: Frank & Drac

Real names: Allen Christopher & Robert Kokai

Years active: 1987-1988

 Frank & Drac were only hosts for a brief time. Hosting the Frank & Drac Show on WOIO-TV Channel 19 out of Cleveland, the show debuted with high ratings but it seems they had a falling out with the station and were cancelled a year later. 

Pity, but short sightedness in television is often a curse that plagues us all. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: The Devil Rides Out (1968)

 The Devil Rides Out (1968) dir. Terrence Fisher, Hammer Film Productions/Seven Arts Productions 

So we end our look back at Hammer with one of Christopher Lee's favorite roles.

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Moana

Real name: Kim Norris 

Years active: 1984

Moana was the not quite host with the most when she debuted on WTTE-TV Channel 28 out of Columbus with Moana's Place with syndication in Pittsburgh on WPTT-TV Channel 22 some months later. 

Not terrible, but clearly cribbing more than a bit from Elvira. She had skits in-between the flicks, which apparently were better than the films shown. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Quatermass and the Pit (1967)

 Quatermass and the Pit (1967) dir. Roy Ward Baker, Hammer Film Productions/Seven Arts Productions 

And so we end Hammer's Quatermass series. By this point Hammer had pretty much tapped the Universal library dry. Remakes were still a thing, so why not go back to the well for a Nigel Kneale teleplay?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Fritz the Nite Owl

Real name: Frederick C. Peerenboom

Years active: 1974-2003

One of the longer lasting hosts, Fritz the Nigh Owl first showed up on Double Chiller Theatre out of Columbus in 1974 on WBNS-TV Channel 10. Running seven nights a week from '74 to 1991, Fritz was practically a local institution. 

Starting in 1992, Fritz moved to Nite Owl Theatre over on WCLS-TV Channel 62. The show was much smaller, in that it only ran five days a week. The show ended in 1995, possibly due to even Fritz needing to sleep at one point.

Nite Owl Theatre came back in 2001 on WCLL-TV Channel 19 but the curtain was temporary closed in 2003. Fritz lives up to his name as the man has been doing jazz shows on Ohio radio and even doing theater show. Seriously, I feel like a slacker just looking over this guy's resume. 

Nite Owl Theatre 

Horror 2021 Countdown: The Plague of the Zombies (1964)

 The Plague of the Zombies (1964) dir. John Gilling, Hammer Film Productions/Seven Arts

The first and only zombie film by Hammer. 

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: The Cool Ghoul II

 Real name: George Cavender

Years active: 1970 to 1994

Horror host legacies aren't unusual by they are not common. While the first was still on the air, Cool Ghoul made his debut on WJAN-TV Channel 17 out of Canton but the show ended in 1972.

In 1984, however, the public taste had changed and the second Ghoul came back on Thriller Theater on WOAC-TV Channel 67 out of Canton and Akron. Sadly the show ended in 1986 but come the 90's he came back again but this time as a series of Halloween specials on WOIO-Channel 19 out of Cleveland. 

Funny enough he actually got his start at the age of 16. The first Cool Ghoul didn't seem to mind the act either, so kudos to that. He had a website with streaming, but it seems to have gone dark. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974)

 The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974) dir. Roy Ward Barker/Chang Cheh, Hammer Film Productions/Shaw Brothers Studio

So, with this we end the Dracula series at Hammer. What started with Christopher Lee ends with kung fu. 

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: The Cool Ghoul

 Real name: Dick Van Hoene

Years active: 1969 to 1972

Technically Zacherly was the first host to call himself 'the Cool Ghoul' but that was more of a nickname. Coming from WXIX Channel 19 out of Cincinnati, the Ghoul hosted Scream-In. He had a mix of the classic and not so classic, from Frankenstein to the Astro-Zombies. 

He also toured with a local band, the Crypt-Kickers, and had a good blend of music, comedy and horror. 

He passed away in 2004. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)

 The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) dir. Rob Cohen, Relativity Media/the Sommers Company/Alphaville Films 

And so we have another Mummy yarn with Brendan Fraser. Moving the action to China, would it be the same as before?

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Dr. Creep

Real name: Barry Hobert

Years active: 1969 to 2010

One of the longer hosts from Ohio, the titular Dr. Creep didn't actually show up until 1972. Prior to that, Hobert mostly did voice over work for Science Shock Theatre. In 1972 he started hosting Shock Theatre on WKEF-TV Channel 22 in Dayton properly as the white greased painted fellow with the Dutch beard. 

In 1980 the show was switched over to Saturday Night Dead, where it played until 1985. Dr. Creep made a return in 1999 but as Shock Theater. From there he continued on the convention circuit and helping with local charities. 

His site has gone dark, as the man himself passed in 2011. A shame, as from most accounts he was a cool dude. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: Dracula (1979)

 Dracula (1979) dir. John Badham, the Mirisch Company 

 Moving into the Universal adjacent category, we have the first Dracula film that Universal dealt with in some years. And from the same guy that did Saturday Night Fever too! I'm sure the experiences were the same. 

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Superhost

Real name: Marty Sullivan

Years active: 1969 to 1992

Here's something, a host I can actually find information on. 

Marty Sullivan played the helpless hero on Saturday Afternoon Mad Theater on WUAB-TV Channel 43 out of Cleveland. 

With a customary, 'Soup's on", our hero would host everything from Frankenstein to Godzilla. He also did a shorts program with the Three Stooges and even Laurel & Hardy. From all accounts the man did everything else at the station, even doing the news while still in costume (at least from the waist down).

He was done in by other syndicated shows, including WCW Worldwide of all things. They started shortening the films until they finally cut the whole thing. Seems liked a cool dude, sorry I couldn't meet him.

Sullivan passed in 2020.  

Horror 2021 Countdown: House of Horrors (1946)

 House of Horrors (1946) dir. Jean Yarbrough, Universal Pictures 

And so we end our look at Universal Pictures.

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: The Bargain City Kid & Willie Thall

Real names: Hy Ullner and Willie Thall

Years active: 1960s 

 Moving over to Cincinnati now. If you happened to be in town in the early 60's, you might have caught Shock Theatre on  WCPO-TV Channel 9. 

Why the Bargain City Kid? Because they were sponsored by Rink's Bargain City. Plus they also hosted wrestling on Saturday night, with the Bargain City Kid getting his arm broken by none other than the Sheik. 

A cowboy and a dude in a hat. They had music and wackiness alongside the Universal films. The kind of silliness you could only catch on local late night TV. 

Horror 2021 Countdown: The Spider Woman Strikes Back (1946)

 The Spider Woman Strikes Back (1946) dir. Arthur Lubin, Universal Pictures 

Funny enough, not a Sherlock Holmes sequel.

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Madd Daddy

 Real name: Pierre Meyers

Years active: 1957 

Now here we have a true oddball, and I mean that in the best way. Pete Meyers was a disc jockey who transitioned into television. Hosting Shock Theater in Cleveland on WJKW-TV Channel 8, Madd Daddy was a vampire cape wearing weirdo. He did his own novelty songs and from most account even did episode with the scene upside down. 

Sadly this may have been too out there for Cleveland, who called for his firing not soon after. A pity, but the man was ahead of his time. 

Meyers passed away in 1968.  

Horror 2021 Countdown: Ghost Catchers (1944)

 Ghost Catchers (1944) dir. Edward F. Cline, Universal Pictures 

Abbot and Costello weren't the first comedians to have spooky encounters, but there is a reason why Abbot and Costello are better known than Olsen & Johnson.

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: Alexander & Troggy

Real names: Unknown

Years active: 1958 to early 60's

Back with Shock, same station as David Allen. Yeah, this time they went with a proper mad scientist and his pet caveman. Sadly that seems to be the only thing I can find on them

Horror 2021 Countdown: The Mad Ghoul (1943)

 The Mad Ghoul (1943) dir. James Hogan, Universal Pictures Company, Inc. 

Moving into the Universal Monsters proper, we find ourselves in the mid-40s.

Horror Host 2021 Retrospective: David Allan

Real name: David Allan 

Years active: 1957-???

So back again for a look at horror hosts. This year we'll be kicking off with Ohio. Shock aired on WKBN-Channel 27 in Youngstown in 1957. He left after a year. All I was able to find about him was a floating head surrounded by mist. He would be replaced with the more visually interesting Alexander and Troggy.  

Horror 2021 Countdown: Daughter of Dr. Jekyll (1957)

 The Daughter of Dr. Jekyll (1957) dir. Edgar G. Ullmer, Film Ventures 

And we're back with terror and technocolor. Although this film is black and white.