Horror host

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Horror hosts are a particular type of television presenter, often tasked with presenting low-grade films to television audiences. This tradition is primarily American, though there have been a few international hosts over the years.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Film Packages

In October 1957, Screen Gems released a bundle of old Universal horror movies to syndicated television, naming the collection "Shock!".[1] They encouraged the use of hosts for the broadcasts. This is why many of the early programs were called "Shock Theater". Viewers loved the package, as well as the concept, and ratings soared. A "Son of Shock!" package was released in 1958.[2]

Creature Features was another film package that was released in the early 60's and added to in the 70's. The films in this package ranged from horror and science-fiction films of the 1950s, British horror films of the 1960s, and the Japanese "giant monster" movies of the 1960s, and 1970s. This package also included an uncut print of Night of the Living Dead.

In 2011, Apprehensive Films released a film package of free and clear, clean prints of Public Domain Films, called the "Shlock!" Package.

[edit] Early Hosts

The first television horror host is generally accepted to be Vampira.[2] The Vampira Show featured mostly low budget suspense films, as few horror films had yet been released for television broadcast. Despite its short 1954-1955 run, The Vampira Show set the standard format for horror host shows to follow.

Hosts were often plucked from the ranks of the studio staff. In the days of live television, it was not uncommon for the weather man or booth announcer to finish a nightly news broadcast and race madly to another part of the soundstage for a quick costume change to present the evening's monster tale.

While a few early hosts like Zacherley and Vampira became the icons of this nationwide movement,[3] most hosts were locals. The impact of these friendly ghouls on their young fans cannot be underestimated. The earliest hosts are still remembered with great affection today.[4]

[edit] Later Hosts

The tradition was continued throughout the 60's and 70's and gained national attention in the early 80's, after the death of LA's Host, Sinister Seymour. Cassandra Peterson auditioned for a replacement host and won the role. She became Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark who is arguably the most widely recognized horror host in history. In the late 80's Mystery Science Theater 3000 would capture the popular imagination and build a massive fan base.

[edit] Current Hosts

In the past 10 years a new generation of hosts have appeared in local markets as well as on a national level. Cinema Insomnia[5] with host Mr. Lobo[6] may be one of the most notable hosted horror programs of the 2000's, recently raising over $10,000 for their anniversary season. Elvira [7] and Svengoolie[8] have also returned to syndication and seem to be more popular than ever. Being a horror host has become a passion for many newcomers who can only be found on the internet.

[edit] Notable hosts

[edit] 1950s

[edit] 1960s

[edit] 1970s

[edit] 1980s

[edit] 1990s

[edit] 2000s

[edit] 2010's

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://web.archive.org/web/20040610212735/milwaukee-horror-hosts.com/frameset.html
  2. ^ a b Watson, Elena M. (2000). Television Horror Movie Hosts: 68 Vampires, Mad Scientists, and Other Denizens of the Late Night Airwaves Examined and Interviewed. Jefferson, North Carolina, United States: McFarland & Company. ISBN 0786409401. http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?isbn=978-0-7864-0940-2. 
  3. ^ Colton, David (October 20, 2007). "Halloween horror hosts rise again on radio, TV, film". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-10-29-horror-hosts_N.htm. Retrieved May 4, 2010. 
  4. ^ "Filmfax". December 1988. http://www.filmfax.com/ 
  5. ^ "“CINEMA INSOMNIA”". http://www.cinemainsomnia.com. 
  6. ^ "“CINEMA INSOMNIA” AND AMGTV ARE BRINGING HOSTED “MIDNIGHT MOVIES” TO PRIME TIME AND COAST TO COAST!". http://www.lastdoorwayproductions.com/news_mr_lobo.html. 
  7. ^ "SDCC ’10: Press Release for the return of Elvira". http://www.killerfilm.com/articles/read/sdcc-10-press-release-for-the-return-of-elvira-40984. 
  8. ^ "Svengoolie is scaring up laughs on Me-TV!". http://www.metvnetwork.com/whoissvengoolie.php. 

[edit] External links

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