Yesterday at 6pm EST a weekend long marathon of Penny Dreadful’s Shilling Shockers will be taking place via The Kreepy Kastle! The 24 hr a day Horror Host online channel will be featuring some of the show’s greatest hits while also allowing viewer chat. It was only recently that the horror host world was given a less pleasant shocker with the news that Penny’s sidekick (and real life husband) Garou had been  spending the past year battling cancer. The Terror Daves learned of it back in October but kept mum as it was not known to the majority of the public. At the time Penny stayed positive stating that only silver can truly harm her furry companion and, while we’re also hopeful, it does not take into consideration that they are facing steep medical costs that no mere spell can make disappear.

The Kreepy Castle is helmed in part by host, Halloween Jack, who is no stranger to his own close calls as both he and his beautiful sidekick, Halloween Jacqueline, also suffered health scares in 2013. Many hosts have given their support through video tributes and  social media announcements regarding a fund set up to offset medical costs. You can help make a difference too by clicking HERE and helping them out.

For those who have not had the privilege of meeting Penny Dreadful and Garou, both Terror Daves can attest that they are two of the nicest ghouls out there. We’ve met them on several occasions, the last being Labor Day Weekend 2012 when they invited us to their home and showed us their famous attic set. Afterwards we all went out to dinner and shared some laughs; none of us imagining that the following month their world would be turned upside down. We were saddened to hear how they struggled silently and can’t imagine what that must have been like; putting on a happy face during an entire year of anxiety. I think it speaks volumes for the horror host community for how they’ve rallied to their side and we encourage everyone reading this to follow their lead.

Remember you can see the duo in action ALL weekend by clicking HERE and throw some love and support to Garou HERE.

The Terror Daves~

Welcome to the February Horror Host Report! As I’m sure many of you can attest, weather-wise it’s been one rough winter. At the time our last report was published who even knew what a “Polar Vortex” was? Truth be told this may not be the most favored time of year for frolicking outside but it is actually tailor-made for snuggling inside and enjoying your favorite monster movies and horror hosted shows! Some of the hosted shows we Daves have been enjoying during winter’s chill is Svengoolie, Zomboo’s House of Horror Movies, Ormon Grimsby, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Elvira’s Midnight Madness collection, and Penny Dreadful’s Shilling Shockers! This month we’ll be digging out many more hosted shows (haven’t decided which ones until we read over this month’s update)! And speaking of said report…let’s get started!

The Daves would like to wish the following hosts a very Happy Birthday during the month of February:

February 16: Karlos Borloff, February 18: The Bone Jangler, February 20: John Stanley

This month, celebrate Feb-u-Hairy with Svengoolie! That’s right, fuzzy creatures abound on MeTV so check your local cable provider to make sure you don’t miss out!

On Saturday February 1st at 9pm Central/10 Eastern it’s Tarantula!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKk2-uM5TpM

On Saturday February 8th it’s an ALL NEW airing of King Kong vs Godzilla!

On Saturday February 15 it’s another new show with his presentation of She Wolf of London!

On Saturday February 22nd it’s House of Dracula (and in case you’re scratching your head regarding how this fits with the “Hairy” theme, Sven would like to point out that Larry Talbot a.k.a. The Wolf Man is also in this movie)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDqWWJrqrHg

Chicagoans who miss the MeTV airings can catch a repeat of the show the following Saturdays at 11am on WCIU Chicago! This weekend will be The Invisible Ray!

Remember for all your Svengoolie needs to go to svengoolie.com where you can read his blog, track future appearances, sign up for his monthly newsletters, and order Svengoolie merchandise such as his “Chicken Thrower” T-shirts and collector buttons!

February is a short month but long of goodies for the horror fan on Creature Feature the Weekly Web Program, changing every Saturday night at www.countgore.com

Things get off to a terrifying start on Feb. 1 as Barbara Steele stars in Terror Creatures from The Grave, which you can watch in The Lab!

Actor John Amos, who starred in such films as “The Beastmaster” and “Diehard 2″ as well as TV shows like “30 rock” and “Psych” is interviewed by Mark J. Gross in The Atrium.

Lady Pam De Graff is waiting for you in The Screaming Room with a new DVD Discovery. and you’ll find book reviews in The Tomb, Culty movie review in Dita’s Den and lots more.

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The focus turns to horror shorts on Feb. 8 with the showing of a frightening short from Jeters called….”Stranded.” You can watch in the my New Blood Showcase.”

Our Anime reviewer from the UK, Stefanie Von Guest tells you about “Angel Cop” in The Loft.

Two scintillating books are reviewed in The Tomb by The TombKeeper and it’s your last week to enter my current movie trivia contest in The Game Room.

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Paul Naschy is furious on the 15th…no, to be correct, the Wolfman he turns into is furious in the film, “Fury of the Wolfman” showing in The Lab!

Actor Zach Galligan who appeared in “Gremlins” and Waxworks” is interviewed by Mark J. Gross in The Atrium.

There’ll be new book reviews, a new DVD Discovery, updates and trailers for upcoming horror, sci-fi and fantasy films in The Crystal Ball Room.

Also a reminder that I, Count Gore De Vol will be one of the guests at the new Pensacon convention, February, 21 -23 in Pensacola, Florida! You won’t believe the celebrity guest list and the odds are it will be WARMER than where you are. Get more details at: http://www.pensacon.com/

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We end the month with an astounding short film in the New Blood Showcase entitled, “The History Of Horror” by noted film historian John Hess. You WILL learn something new about the genre from this film. I did!

Stefanie Von Guest reviews the Anime, “Guyver: The BioBoosted Armor” in The Loft.

I have a new movie trivia contest in The Game Room along with Culty movie reviews, book reviews, your daily ‘Horrorscope’ and more, making February a memorable month for horror on Creature Feature.

The month of February brings some of the scariest movies ever made to Zomboo’s House Of Horror Movies!

FEB. 1: BRIDE OF THE GORILLA

FEB. 8: RED PLANET MARS

FEB. 15: JESSE JAMES MEETS FRANKENSTEIN’S DAUGHTER

All shows start at 11:35 PM PST on Saturday nights on KOLO Channel 8, Reno, Nevada.

For more information on Zomboo please visit his website HERE and if you would like to buy his hilarious DVDs and other items, visit his store HERE!

From the Son Of Ghoul: I am still plugging away and producing new segments for my 2014 Ohio shows. My show is also airing in Lake Tahoe , California on TNTV and at The University Of Tennessee on the Volunteer Channel.  I’ll be appearing Saturday, February 1st at “The Rubber City Beatle Fest” held at the historic Akron Civic Theatre in downtown Akron, Ohio.  I’m getting ready for convention season appearances starting with “Cinema Wasteland” in April. Log on to my web site www.sonofghoul.net for all your SOG needs.   Also I’ve been busy playing gigs with my band “Peacework Band”  you can check us out on Facebook and You-Tube.   Stay Sick!

The official Daughter of the Ghoul Show website is up and running. Check site often for new stuff! Several new episodes are in the works and a short film about Decay’s back story will debut soon!

Janet Decay will be attending HorrorHound and Cinema Wasteland, and possibly Motor City Nightmares as a special guest. T-shirts for sale JanetDecay@gmail.com

We will once again be going back to medieval times on crimson theatre hosting TOWER OF LONDON and THE MAGIC SWORD.

The Big Topic Radio broadcast returns on February 14th with Ivonna Cadaver, a perfect Valentine guest with a new regular, Butch Patrick!

Upcoming events include a special showing of HOUSE OF WAX hosted by Rebecca Pretorius and Dr. Destruction at the Times Cinema in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 14th at midnight. The Vincent Price classic will be presented in 3-D.

April 26th is the date for the 30th annual Dorian Gray Artshow and we are looking for artists, models and film makers and of corpse, horror hosts.

Elvira Mistress of the Dark will be appearing at The New Orleans Comic Con on February 7-9th!

Check out her latest, hilarious YouTube clip of the most famous Horror Hostess finding herself lost in some of the most famous horror films!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKy6-c3ATjA

Be sure to check out her website for all kinds of great Elvira merchandise including her new clothing line and cosmetics!

Keep an eye on www.shillingshockers.com for the return of Season 1! It’s coming back from the grave soon, and this time it’ll be here to stay, BUT it will be exclusively available only to fan club members.

Also, the Indiegogo campaign was a big success. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

Horror host MR. LOBO has begun production on a follow up to his spoken word/sound-effects recording HORRIBLE NOISES OF MR. LOBO’S VERY BAD MANOR–currently available on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon–It’s called HYPNOSIS FOR HIPSTERS and it will be part parody of self-help tapes of the 80′s with a bit of KRESKIN and CRISWELL thrown in. As we mentioned before, ZOM-BEE TV has asked Lobo to produce a talk show and supply 5 complete episodes for the channel. Shooting has been rescheduled for February do to an illness in Mr. Lobo’s family. The working title is SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS WITH MR. LOBO and ZOM-BEE TV hopes it will be a cornerstone for their relaunch of the channel in a brand new format which will include more hosts, like JOHN DIMES(Dr. Sarcofiguy) who was amazing in CINEMA INSOMNIA’s Haunted House Special. More new episodes of CINEMA INSOMNIA than ever before on ZOM-BEE TV will be rolling out soon–at least that’s what they promise. MR. LOBO will also appearing in a Nimoy-esque turtleneck in an IN SEARCH OF type segment for a film project called VELVET ROPE based on the graphic novel of the same name! There is also rumors of a PLAN 9 remake screening soon in VA with our “CRISWELL” hosting.

Check out these great shots of the incomparable Karlos Borloff from Monster Madhouse taken by our friend (and horror host pog creator) Brian Maze from Maze Studios

Special thanks to Brian Maze from Maze Studios for giving us permission to use these a-Maze-ing shots!

DEADGAR’S DARK COFFIN CLASSICS is off to a fangtastic start for the new year. Sinister and I want to welcome our newest sidekick to the show, Victoria Bathory, bloodline of the notorious blood countess, Elizabeth Bathory. We moved from the torture room to the coffin room in the Castle. We have new and exciting things coming up along with some rather interesting guests that will be coming on the show. February looks to be booked with guests ranging from comedy celebs. To paranormal radio show hosts and of course a couple of horror hosts you may know. Stay Scary and Happy Nightmares.

We are shooting new photos and a valentines episode this Saturday but sure I won’t be able to get you anything before the end of the week. Freakshow and Sin-D Vicious have plans on filming, directing, editing and appearing in a new music video for the song “Look Away” by the band Sum Of Souls. Check it out HERE!

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As this horrendous winter from Hell winds its way down (or so we tell ourselves) we not only look forward to better weather but also some horror host appearances! Since Terror Dave Fuentes is an unapologetic Svengoolie stalker that alone makes him happy but, best of all, he’ll be joined by Terror Dave Albaugh at his next appearance! The last time we Terror Daves (one from Chicago & the other Rhode Island) communed was the Fall of 2012 and it’s been long overdue. There’s also another Horror Host gathering at The Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati complete with another round of Horror Host Hall of Fame inductees. You can read more about that event down in our “Horror Host News” section!

The Daves would like to wish the following hosts a very Happy Birthday during the month of March:

March 12: Svengoolie (Rich Koz), March 19: Bill Bowman, March 20: Count Gore de Vol (Dick Dyszel), March 31st: Justin Thomas Ord

As mentioned in the intro, national commercial TV host, Svengoolie, will be making his first 2014 public appearance THIS month at Brookfield Zoo! He’ll be assisting my AAZK (American Association of Zookeepers) Chapter’s “Vital Grounds Spaghetti Dinner!” Vital Grounds is an amazing organization that buys land for sale out west and converts it back to its natural state so that bears, wolves, and other wildlife can travel without passing through human settlements.

If you’d like to see Svengoolie, enjoy a nice spaghetti dinner, and support a great cause, please go HERE to order your tickets! If you show up that evening you will NOT have to pay to get into the zoo itself nor parking fees. It’s $9 for adults and $4 children 5-12 (under 5 are FREE). 

MeTV  is available in over 90% of the US so check your local cable provider to make sure you don’t miss out on Svengoolie!This month’s theme is “March Badness! Special thanks to Morbo Kif for these Sven-sational posters! You can check out their fun photos HERE!

On Saturday March 1st at 9pm Central/10 Eastern  it’s the 1966 Batman movie!

On Saturday March 8th it’s The Raven (1935)!

On Saturday March 15th its Dr. Cyclops!

On Saturday March 22nd tune in for an ALL-NEW presentation of Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932)!

The the month wraps up on March 29th with The Invisible Man!

Remember to go to Svengoolie.com for all your Svengoolie needs including his popular Chicken Thrower T-Shirt!

Anticipating the arrival of Spring, things get wild and crazy this March on Creature Feature the weekly Web Program at countgore.com!

Its horror hosts go WILD on March 1 as Mr. Lobo, Penny Dreadful and others join me in bringing you the film “Last Man on Earth” in The Lab.

Helping you find that gem of an undiscovered horror film is Lady Pam De Graff with her latest discovery in The Screaming Room.

The TombKeeper has dug up some scary reading material in The Tomb and Dita Dirt Nap has another one of her unique Culty movie reviews in Dita’s Den.

I also invite you to enter my current movie trivia contest in The Game Room.

If you find that your cell phone has become a permanent attachment to your hand, you MUST watch the short film, “Cam Closer” by David Sandberg in my New Blood Showcase beginning March 8.

On this show Stefanie Von Guest reviews the Anime “Crimson Climax” in The Loft plus the usual mix of new book and movie reviews along with a list of upcoming horror conventions in The Parlor.

Faces become very important on the 15th. After seeing the success of the SyFy show, “Face Off” I’ve decided to show the classic film, “The Face At The Window” in The Lab and add a few of my own.

In The Screaming Room, Lady Pam De Graff tells you all about another overlooked DVD release.

Dita Dirt Nap is always entertaining with her unique movie reviews in Dita’s Den and for the best suggestions in horror literature, you can’t beat the TombKeeper and her reviews in The Tomb!

On March 22nd, budding film makers and those who’ve dreamt of making a horror movie just have to watch this week’s featured short film from DC Dogs entitled “Implement of Death.” You’ll die laughing in my New Blood Showcase.

“Mission of Darkness” is the Anime reviewed by Stefanie Von Guest in The Loft to compliment the other book and movie reviews updated on this show.

We end the month on March 29th celebrating the arrival of Spring with an orgy! OK, it’s not a real orgy, but the film “Vampire’s Night Orgy,” which you can watch naked if you want in The Lab!

When you put your clothes back on, head to The Tomb for some book reviews, The Game Room for a NEW movie trivia contest and the dozens of other scary places within Castle De Vol and remember it changes every Saturday night at countgore.com.

Also, a quick reminder that Count Gore De Vol will be a guest at AwesomeCon, April 19 & 20 at the DC Convention Center. The guest list is truly awesome, including, Billie Piper, Steve Niles, Kevin Sorbo, JewelStaite, J. August Richards and too many others to mention. You can get more details HERE!

From Wolfman Mac: 

Hi Daves!This werewolf is set to howl again this year, as TWO different werewolves in two different productions!

1. Wolfman Mac and Boney Bob, of course. and 2. as Jack (not Wolfman Jack, just Jack), the Scottish red headed, cocky, sloppy cousin of Wolfman Mac!

As an actor, I’m really going to enjoy playing this character, he’s very much my opposite.

Unlike before, there are two different production companies doing all the work, contracts, sales, legal stuff, casting, merchandising, distribution, etc… My only job will be to smile for the camera, the end. This will save me an enormous amount of stress. More news coming soon!!!

TODAY Saturday March 1st, Zomboo’s House of Horror Movies presents…Dementia 13!

On Saturday March 8th it’s Teenagers from Outer Space!

On Saturday March 15th it’s the Romero classic Night of the Living Dead!

On Saturday March 22nd it’s The Human Monster!

On Saturday March 29th take a ride on the Horror Express!

Lots cooking in Cinema Insomnia Land! Rave reviews for Mr. Lobo as “Criswell” in the PLAN 9 recently screened at MystiCON in Roanoke, VA. – the film will have more screenings this year and wide distribution hopefully soon.

It’s rumored that “the horror host’s horror host” may make a surprise appearance at MONSTER MANIA in New Jersey to promote ZOM-BEE TV’s new format. ZOM-BEE TV studios is building a brand new set for Lobo’s talk show SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS. 5 complete episodes will be coming the channel, along with 5 new CINEMA INSOMNIA episodes and 5 new episodes of a hosted cartoon program called ALL SYSTEMS GO. Shooting was delayed do to family illness and weather conditions but much new content will be needed for ZOM-BEE’s brand new format and we’re all excited! If you are a CINEMA INSOMNIA fan and haven’t yet got a ROKU device for your TV–you’ve got a lot more great reasons to take the plunge!

After the smash success last year, The BLOBFEST committee has hired MR. LOBO to be the master of ceremonies for their July 11th, 12th, 13th event at the Colonial Theater, Phoenixville, PA celebrating the film THE BLOB. Mr. Lobo will also be a special Guest at THE NATIONAL HAUNTERS CONVENTION in OAKS, PA where he will be HEAD JUDGE for horror host GRAVELY MACCABRE’s annual MAKE-UP WARS competition.

HYPNOSIS FOR HIPSTERS, MR. LOBO’s follow up to his spoken word/sound-effects recording HORRIBLE NOISES OF MR. LOBO’S VERY BAD MANOR will have wall-to-wall 80′s style electronic music by Stephen Course and will be available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify with an accompanying ebook published by Cult Machine. MR. LOBO will acting in more films as a mock-documentary host for VELVET ROPE and as a deputy in a grind-house trailer about a Bigfoot cult called GORE-ILLA…for the anthology MIDNIGHT SHOW. GORE-ILLA will be played by DIXIE DELLAMORTO LOBO in her famous Gorilla suit!

Elvira’s next appearance will be The Salt Lake Comic Con FanXperience Apil 17-19th!

Be sure to visit her website HERE for all kinds of great Elvira merchandise and news!

Listen to Halloween Jack via Blog Talk Radio by clicking HERE!

Tonight’s special guest is the legendary Stella Desire!

Halloween Jack & Jacqueline will be appearing at Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati March 21-23rd! And trust me folks…with the size of that event, you’ll be damn glad they’re so orange and can help lead you to the hosts!

Be sure to catch the Big Top Radio show on Friday/Saturday nights 11pm Central Online by clicking HERE!

The “Big Top Radio Broadcast is now in its 4^th Season and will feature guests Steve Conte, Ari Lehman , Jason Hignite, and a very special interview with Count Gore De Vol! 

Madness in March is upon us Ghoulies! Upcoming films include The Tingler, Manos the Hand of Fate, and Night of the Living Dead! We will have several on location episodes including Anime Milwaukee where we spent the day talking to all the People in wild costumes.

An episode featuring House of Wax will be filmed at the times cinema where I will be hosting the movie in LIVE in 3D.https://www.facebook.com/events/1453870834833007/!

Crimson Theatre’s Dorian Gray Art Show is currently looking for Artists, Moviemakers ,Models and Horror Hosts for the April event!

Dr. Destruction will be appearing at Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati (details in Horror Host News)!

The Horror Host induction will have an ACTUAL AWARD with the image of Count Gore de Vol created by Kenosha artist, Paul Hoepner!

Check out the NEW intro for Ms Monster’s HEL on ICE show!

Ms Monster will be joining The Ghouligans at MONSTERPALOOZA the weekend of March 28-30th!

In our last blog post We told you about the 36th annual Groundhog Prom happening on February 1st, 2014 at the Sokol Auditorium in Omaha Nebraska. Myself, Inferna, Rob the Zombie (cleverly disguised as Curt Coffey) and Lady Torrid braved the single digit temps and ventured out to check out all the doings and schmooze and mingle with the crazy and unique prom-goers at the event.

Be sure to check out their blog HERE for this and other thrilling stories!

Showing on Monster Movie Night is the classic PD film ‘SnowBeast” starring Bo Svenson and Clint Walker, join Bobby Gammonster -Internet Horror Host and Boris the Buzzard as they help search for a snow creature that came in with a giant winter snow storm at Gargoyle Manor- The Monster Museum just like in the film Snow Beast!

Plus watch such brand new features that have never been shown on any other Horror Host show before by Independent film maker Michael Kazlo II such as “BloodLust”  and “Cryptid” and more to come as well as “Dead Kansas” made by indie filmmaker Aaron K Carter new and old classic monster movies gapping the generations together.

Also for all Horror Hosts a brand new Yahoo Group called ” Horror Host Union:Local 13-666″ where old and new Horror Hosts are invited to join to make a type of registry where not only can the Hosts be remembered but can share their wisdom and life experiences for others to learn and share also each host will be inducted into the Gargoyle Manor -The Monster Museum Horror Hall/ Wall Of Fame both online and in the real life museum established in 1988 for all generations of fans to see. So join us at http://www.monstermovienight.com for Horror Monster Happenings and as always “Keep Screaming”

March looks like it’s going to be a busy month for Deadgar and Sinister!  We have some really cool people coming on the show and we will be at The Sci-Fi Cafe doing our St. PATRICK’S DAY show. Then we will be going to Transworld the 20th to hang out with our haunting friends for a few days and check out some really cool props.  Till next time  Happy Nightmares…

Follow Deadgar’s Coffin Classics on Facebook HERE!

Did you know that there are online Hour Horror Host channels where you can enjoy hosted shows 24/7?

And also The Vortexx by clicking HERE!

Also The Monster Channel via ROKTV  where you can catch  THE GHOULIGANS!

WHO: “Simon” (Gary Newton)

 WHERE: “Simon’s Sanctorium” on WCVB-TV Boston, Mass.

 WHEN: 1970-1973

Simon was seen in Penny Dreadful’s “Horror Hosts of New England” special! Please check out this RARE footage…

Simon is also one of the hosts on the ballot for this year’s “Horror Host Hall of Fame!”

Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati will, once again, be hosting a “Horror Host Hall of Fame.” Unfortunately, neither Terror Daves will be in attendance but we’re hopeful our friend, Jeffrey Arnett, will get some great shots we can share in our May report! Today marked the end of voting for this year’s recipients and we’re anxious to see who will be chosen. Here is a copy of this year’s ballot…

Jeffrey Allen Arnett will hopefully be taking lots of pictures and letting us know how things went!

ATTENTION: Horror Hosts interested in being a part of the April Horror Host Report please send up your updates as soon as possible (and remember, folks, that is horrorhostreport@gmail.com). The Daves will be leaving for a Road trip on March 27th and we need everything ready to go by then! Thank you!!!

This weekend at the MANOR…

 Be sure to hang out with us for our traditional PAUL NASCHY offering… we continue our Season 17 intercontinental tour with a trip to Sunny Spain to witness “The Hanging Woman!”

 Speaking of which… the Great Detective just might have the answer to the questions that have been on our mind for weeks… just who is Ms. Atoz? What does she want with us? Who hired her? And does she really expect us to not be familiar with storylines ripped straight out of DARK SHADOWS?

 Good grief… anyway, it’s all yours at the MANOR!

 Friday 10PM Pacific

Saturday 5AM and 10PM Pacific

Monterey cable channel 24 (AMP)

or on-line at http://www.ampmedia.org

Choose “Programming” and then “Web Stream” for Channel 24!

Hello from Gunther Dedmund, WRCT in York, PA asked me to so some promo spots for their horror host marathon. The newly produced spots have been approved and will become active in the next several weeks. They also have a new service where you can watch the entire horror host programming slot online with many other hosts from around the country, it begins at 10pm on Fridays on channel 18 schedule here for the line up: I’m also creating a series of promo spots for CATS public channel in Bloomington, IN. So, look for those.

The 2nd issue of the BSOH Comic Book is coming along nicely and production on the BSOH magazine is really getting interesting. Here’s the first layout rough of the cover, the magazine is a behind the scenes look at BSOH and while it does feature articles on horror hosts, it isn’t a horror host magazine. Look for these to be published sometime later this year.

Our spin off show “Junkyard & The Rabbit” is now showing on the Bloomington, IN CATS channel. They requested more episodes, so we’ve just started production on the second season. It shows at 8pm on Tuesdays.

Thanks for watching my show…

Gunther Dedmund

The Daughter of the Ghoul will be attending Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati! 

She’ll also be attending Cinema Wasteland on April 4-6th and Motor City Nightmares April 24-26th!

Penny Dreadful will be appearing at Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati 

Reminder…Horror Hosts interested in being a part of the April Horror Host Report please send up your updates as soon as possible (and remember, folks, that is horrorhostreport@gmail.com). The Daves will be leaving for a Road trip on March 27th and we need everything ready to go by then! Thank you!!!

I have so many great memories in my life; many stemming from cheesy monster movies. As a kid I was glued to the television set every Saturday afternoon for the CREATURE DOUBLE FEATURE and as an adult, I was glued to the television set every Saturday night for MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000! It was such a disappointment when Comedy Central cancelled MST3K and the SyFy Channel picked it up. Like all good things, the SyFy Channel usually ruins it. Thankfully it wasn’t long before the guys who made a career out of riffing on movies, something many of us did anyway, went on to create CINEMA TITANIC, THE FILM CREW and RIFFTRAX, all variations of the original concept.

As of this writing, to my knowledge, RIFFTRAX is the only remaining of the three projects and it stars MST3K alums Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett. They pretty much do the same thing that either Joel or Mike did with Crow T. Robot and Tom Servo, but only now they do it live on stage in front of a packed audience of MST3K fans.

I have seen many of their DVD releases and at times, their live show is broadcast nationally at local movie theaters, usually showing the public domain films we are all accustomed to. Just recently, however, RIFFTRAX presented somewhat of a blockbuster film (by their standards) to be riffed on, STARSHIP TROOPERS, from 1997. This was with the help of a kick-starter program and this presentation (shown LIVE a month ago) was an encore.

STARSHIP TROOPERS got mixed reviews at the time of its release but to me it was a fun and exciting movie. It featured a great cast including Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, Neil Patrick Harris and Jake Busey (many of whom supported the kick-starter program). The story was also very well put together with amazing special effects, including some of the best CGI effects ever put to film. When it was announced that this great sci-fi films was going to be the target of riffing, I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, Mike, Kevin and Bill did not disappoint. They took an already great film and made it even greater!

The jokes throughout were fast and furious and there were many nods to the MST3K days, that only devout fans would get. No one was spared their wrath, especially Denise Richard, who set up their jokes thanks to the blank stare she always seems to have going on.

I truly love seeing these presentations because they are always a guaranteed good time and the people who are in the audience with you are people who actually get it. To this day I still have people who say they hated MST3K because when they watch a movie, they don’t want people talking through it. They clearly didn’t get it. It makes for a much greater viewing experience when you are surrounded by people who are laughing at the very same thing you are laughing at and who truly appreciate what these three comic geniuses are all about. If RIFFTRAX ever comes to a city near you, make sure you check it out! You will be glad you did (and you will probably find yourself pulling out those circulated tapes of yesteryear to relive the magic that was MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000)!

David Albaugh

Shout! Factory has done it again with their latest blu-ray offering, the 1985 George Romero classic DAY OF THE DEAD. I have always been a fan of Romero’s Dead Trilogy, and to be honest, this is my favorite of the three and I was very excited to hear that it was finally getting its long-overdue blu-ray release. Of the three films this one, in my opinion, is the darkest and why it works so well.

Most of the film takes place underground in an abandoned missile silo where a group of military personnel and scientists have gathered together to try and figure out what is going on above. The characters are perfectly cast and this film is interesting to watch as the group breaks down and collapses; much like the world on the outside did. You really get a sense of how bad things are in this movie whereas, in the two previous films, there seems to be actual hope. This is evident right from the beginning when a visit is made to Florida in search of survivors. The streets are empty and it’s obvious it has been this way for quite some time. The only signs of life are animals such as alligators and tarantulas who have now moved into the once-populated areas.

The picture quality of this release is superb though I did notice two scenes in particular that seemed grainy. I checked these scenes out on the DVD release and it was the same way so I’m guessing it had more to do with the filming as opposed to the transfer. The movie still holds up very well and, after repeated viewings, I find myself liking it more and more each time.

I think one of the reasons this film stands out for me is that over the years, I have met most of the cast as well as George Romero. When this film was released it received very mixed reviews, especially among the Dead fans. This for the most part has changed and people seem to be finally seeing this film for what it really is; a great chapter in zombie film history. I should probably add that people may respect this movie more because of how bad DIARY OF THE DEAD and SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD were.

Me with George Romero 2011

Upon meeting the cast it’s obvious how much they appreciate the fans of the film and they do love meeting us and sharing their stories. I have been fortunate enough to meet Lori Cardille twice and both times she was very charming. Interestingly enough, the first autograph I had ever gotten of her was received the old fashioned way: I found out her address and wrote her a nice letter requesting one. When I conveyed this story to her in Massachusetts at the Rock & Shock convention she said that she was actually surprised that I got one as she does not make it a habit of sending autographs in the mail. She also added that she was glad she did because if I had conveyed this story about writing to her and didn’t receive the autograph, she would’ve felt like a jerk.

Lori Cardille 2012 

The second time I met her was at the HorrorHound Convention where there was not only a DAY OF THE DEAD reunion, but Lori’s father, Billy Cardille (Chilly Billy), was being inducted into the Horror Host Hall Of Fame; something neither Billy nor Lori knew anything. Though the Daves were not surprised by this, we did take the initiative to tell Lori about it and convince her to show up and receive the plaque. She readily agreed and, regardless of what your thoughts are on the Horror Host Hall Of Fame, her heart felt speech was the highlight of the event!

Lori Cardille with the gang from Freakhouse Flicks!

This blu-ray release also features commentary by Romero, Cardille, and Tom Savini who did the amazing effects. Savini states that this movie is his swansong and, upon seeing these effects, it’s no wonder. There’s also a great documentary filmed just for this release called “World’s End: The Legacy Of Day Of The Dead,” that features a lot of great behind the scenes moments as well as recent interviews with the cast and crew. It was also nice to see Tom Savini joking around and laughing (something you rarely see him do at convention appearances).

I cannot recommend this release enough. It is a must have addition to any horror movie collection! Order your copy HERE!

David Albaugh

Welcome to another edition of our monthly Horror Host Report! While the past month our site has been dominated with stories from our epic road trip, there’s some upcoming horror hosts posts on the way. Both Daves were happy to see our childhood host, Svengoolie, together at a zoo fundraiser (covered HERE) and Terror Dave Fuentes has attended two more since. We’ve also heard some great feedback regarding Count Gore De Vol’s appearance at Awesome Con and hope we can get some pictures from our pal, Brian Maze!

Remember that we’re on the home stretch for voting for the 2013 Rondo Awards. We would REALLY appreciate it if you could vote for Terror from Beyond the Daves (that’s #18 on the ballot) for “Best Horror Blog 2013.”

The Terror Daves were VERY pleased to see our friend, Svengoolie, at an AAZK fundraiser late March!

Photo courtesy of Jim Roche

Svengoolie will be making two public appearances this month! On Saturday, May 17th, Sven will be appearing at Al N Ann’s Collectibles  at 819 Main Street in McHenry, Illinois from 1-4pm! Come help Sven celebrate the store’s 20th Anniversary!

May 24th- Sven joins Riverside Lodge 862′s St.Baldrick charity event! Join us at 40 Forest Avenue in Riverside- with Sven appearing from 12-2 pm! Please help support the St. Baldrick’s foundation to  give hope to children and young adults fighting cancer!

Remember to check svengoolie.com for information on these and any upcoming events just by clicking the “appearances” tab!

The theme for May is “It Came from the Drive-in” as the national commercial TV host airs some vintage classics! This Saturday night on MeTV (9pm Central/10 Eastern) it’s an ALL-NEW Svengoolie with the host airing a Terror Dave favorite It Came from Outer Space.

On Saturday May 1oth, yet another NEW broadcast with his airing of Island of Terror!

On Saturday May 17th it’s The Deadly Mantis!

Then on May 24th it’ an ALL-NEW presentation of The Land Unknown!

“It Came from the Drive-In” ends on May 31st with Munster Go Home!

Special thanks to our friend Morbo Kif for these amazing Sven-inspired  posters! They promise to make this a horror host staple and we could not be happier about it!

Remember for ALL your Svengoolie needs including merchandise, appearances, and his blog go to svengoolie.com! If you’re new to Svengoolie and would like to see a collection of his classic bits, please visit Terror Dave Fuentes’ YouTube Channel HERE!

Also, look for detailed Terror Dave coverage on both of Sven’s April appearances (The Squared Circle and C2E2) coming SOON!

Count Gore recently appeared at Awesome Con where he had an awe…an AMAZING time! Here are some shots courtesy of the Count himself…

our pal, Brian Maze from Maze Studios (Yes, the same guy who made the pog above and the majority on this report)!

Creature Feature the Weekly Web Program kicks off a new month on May 3rd, with the GIGANTIC Internet movie Premiere of Daniel Boyd’s 80′s Classic, “Chillers!” But that’s not all! There’s also an interview with Daniel Boyd that explores his career along with his new graphic novels AND a CONTEST where we’re giving away the DVD of the movie and two of the new graphic novels! It all takes place in The Lab!

Also on May 3rd you can also watch the horror short “Orpheus” by James Button in our New Blood Showcase and enjoy a fascinating interview with author Joe Lansdale, who brought us “Hot in December,” “Cold in July,” and “Bubba Ho-tep!” He’ll be On The Rack!

On May 10, Steve Niles, the man who brought us “30 Days of Night,” joins Count Gore De Vol in The Lab to bring you the classic “Night of the Living Dead!”

In addition, Lady Pam De Graff has another thrilling DVD discovery in The Screaming Room!

May 17 brings us the truly frightening short film from Greth Productions call “Meat Me In Plainville.” It’s in our New Blood Showcase!

Stefanie Von Guest reviews the science fiction Anime, “Appleseed” in The Loft.

On The Rack you’ll find a wonderful interview with actor Simon Fisher-Becker who plays the very blue, Dorium Maldova on Dr. Who!

On Saturday May 24, Voice Actress Veronica Taylor, who does Ash on Pokémon, comes to The Lab to help Count Gore De Vol break into voice acting and to co-host “Atom Age Vampire! We also have an interview with her all about voice acting!

Lady Pam De Graff will have another horrific DVD discovery, The TombKeeper will have two new book reviews, Dita Dirt Nap brings you a culty movie review and more!

We end the month on May 31 with a short film double feature! You can watch “The Visitor” and “Rising Tide” two films by Ben Kent in our New Blood Showcase.

Stefanie Von Guest reviews the Anime “Read or Die” in The Loft.

There’s two book reviews in The Tomb and lots more to round out a horror filled month at www.countgore.com

May 22, 23 & 24 I will be appearing at the Cinevent Convention in Columbus, Ohio. I’ll be up on the 6th floor of the Hotel set up along side of Ron Adams in the Monster Bash room.  Come check us out at this great convention.  Stay Sick!  SOG

New Features and New Events coming to Gargoyle Manor -The Monster Museum home of “Monster Movie Night” starring Bobby Gammonster-Internet Horror Host and Boris the Buzzard seen at Monster Movie Night  The classic monster film “The Werewolf VS. The Vampire Woman” starring Paul Naschy the Spaniard “Lon Chaney-man of a 1000 faces” doing one of his most famous roles the werewolf – Waldemar Daninsky. Plus this film was also called ‘La Noche de Walpurgis” or “Walpurgis Night” which is a traditional witch spring version of the harvest Halloween , where the spirits of man and other can roam free on these two nights each just six months apart, On Walpurgis night April 30th the pumpkin seeds are planted so that on Halloween the pumpkins can be used for Jack o Lanterns for harvest night.

Also new Indy films from master filmmaker Michael Kazlo II  such as ‘The Vampire Assassin ” will be coming soon along with other classic public domain Horror films all this and more to make you all to “Keep Screaming!”

 Zomboo is also making an appearance at the MS WALK – SATURDAY, MAY 3rd at IDLEWILD PARK  (Idlewild Park Terrace, 1805 Idlewild Dr., Reno, NV) at 9am. Join Zomboo in this annual event and help raise money for this wonderful cause!!! Remember to bring your camera!

Hello Everybody! It’s your old pal Zomboo! Don’t forget to tune in this Saturday night, May 3rd to see sexy Irish McCalla in “SHE DEMONS,” one of the scaaariest movies ever made. That’s Saturday night at 11:35pm on KOLO-TV, Channel 8 in Reno! Be there and be scaaared! NOTE: You can buy Zomboo shows via his website by clicking HERE!

On Saturday May 10th it’s Wrestling Women vs Aztec Mummy!

On Saturday May 17th it’ Revolt of the Zombies!

On Saturday May 24th it’s Creature from the Haunted Sea!

Then the month ends with The Vampire Bat!

Hello Terror Daves and Horror fans. We’ve made it to spring, now we just have to hold on for storm season. Not so much to report this month. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything going on.

I’ll be filming more new episodes soon. And this time it’ll be a full length show. I have a very special movie to show you along with a special guest or two.

I’ve had lots of Human Creatures join me at my New Youtube Show. I’ve loaded it up with classic Creature Feature Clips and some brand new footage as well. Make sure to come see it all right HERE!

At the request of my viewers I’ve set up my very own Twitter. I’ll post photos, videos, and updates on as often as I can. You can keep up with me at www.twitter.com/MistyBrewTv!

The Awakening Of Misty Brew has been posted and received some nice comments. Frankie woke me up a bit early, but luckily he filmed it on HD and posted it online!

One thing I love to do is give away free things to my Human Creatures. I especially love to give away show tickets. Over the years I’ve given away tickets to Raffles, Concerts, Movies, Fairs, & even a Circus. I wasn’t sure if I had ever given away tickets to a tribute band. Although I’m sure that I have given away tickets to an Elvis Impersonator Show once so …that might count. lol! But just to be sure I recently gifted some tickets to see a great tribute show at Pop’s In St. Louis. And the winner was Jody Fitz who scored two tickets to see a OzzY Osbourne and Pat Benatar Tributes. All she had to do was be the 13th Human Creature to leave me a pleading comment on FB and she won. Easy as that, No trivia questions or worms to eat. It was so much fun that I’ve decided to give away more things on my Facebook Page.

I’ll have T-Shirts, Photos, and even tickets to see SMILE EMPTY SOUL and DRIvIN RAIN on Memorial Day at Pitter’s in Cape Girardeau Missouri. It’s all fun so, come on over Human Creatures and win some stuff from me Misty Brew.

Stay dry and I’ll see you again next month with more spooky and creep summer time fun! – DFF Misty Brew.

Most of the activity for this month will be LIVE appearances with my band, The Roosevelt Dolls

Fronting a band as a Horror Host brings new meaning to local territory and interaction with fans. At several Milwaukee Shows I have been engaged in conversations with Fans of Crimson Theatre centering on Dr Cadavarino and Toolouse No Neck from older club goers. The Younger ones are a bit more interested in my underground rock history prompting a cyber re-release of Die Monster Die (how do they survive) from1989 (seen HERE).

Bringing the Dr. into a LIVE performance setting has taken the format to a much different level. Interacting with an audience is much more satisfying than sitting behind a table for hours on end. Of course, on the crimson theatre we are gearing up for the release of the new Godzilla by showing some of the best of the original monster movies.

I will also be at Horror O Rama a new Milwaukee horror convention. My band is playing there as well. Horror O rama is the creation of Alice Wilson of Milwaukee.

The Roosevelt Dolls of course have added blue oyster Cults famous song to the Bands set. production of a new set is underway for Crimson Theatre Milwaukee . Well that’s it Ghoulies keeping the dream alive that one day a Horror Host will return to a major network!

Check out these shots from the set of The Monster Madhouse taken by Brian Maze from Maze Studio!

May 24th in Barberton Ohio Janet Decay and the Phil and Erik Show are hosting a fun and games event at the Fast Lane bowling alley. Festivities and show start at 6pm.

Radio celebrities, ASWA wrestlers, RAK Films, Grimm Gorri, Dr. Zombie, and many more surprise guests. Cosmic bowling only 5 bucks. No cover charge!

Spring is finally here and DEADGAR’S DARK COFFIN CLASSICS is in high gear. We had some changes with Sinister having to leave to take care of some of her witchy business. Victoria stepped it up and Sorceress Celeste has joined the show.

April was very busy with changes and going to C2E2. What a blast!

May is going to be even better with Horror O Rama on May 16th at the Best Place in Milwaukee.  And DEADGAR’S DARK COFFIN CLASSICS is going to be at Chocolate Fest in Burlington WI.

 The Terror Daves would like to welcome Dr. Montrose Commands to the report!

Greetings!

It was nice to see the photos from The Horror Host Hall Of Fame 2014 inductions. Dr. Dark and I had a great time co-hosting the event.

You will be seeing more of my episodes on both KREEPY KASTLE and THE VORTEXX and new episodes will be airing internationally soon.

The cast of DR. MORTOSE COMMANDS will be attending the FREE COMIC BOOK DAY event at the VAULT OF MIDNIGHT comic book shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 3rd. Join us if you can!

Thanks,

Dr. Mortose

The Daves would like to congratulate Carmella Hayslett Grillo (aka Roxsy Tyler) for winning Best Actress at the Jersey Shore Shorts Fest! Roxsy Tyler har recently retired and you can read that story directly from here HERE. We would like to thank her for her participation in this report back in its earliest days and also for covering some East coast events for us as well! Best of luck to you Carmella!

If you’re a host who’d like to participate in our May 2014 Report, send your photos, links, and updates to horrorhostreport@gmail.com!

Not long ago, during my post on Jim Cornette’s appearance at The Squared Circle with Svengoolie, I mentioned something really amazing that happened later at the event that I couldn’t go into any detail about at the time. Well, it’s now official and I’m happy to report that October 31st, 2014 will officially be Rich Koz Svengoolie Day in Illinois!

This was a direct result of the dynamic efforts of Chicago politico (and fellow Goolie) Brian Bernardoni and his friend, Representative Kay Hatcher! Brian helped bring the resolution to the floor prior to the Squared Circle appearance but, though “expected to pass,” no one wanted to jinx anything by going public too soon. The news was shared with  those who attended the appearance where the resolution was shared not only to fans but to the man himself. Brian had pulled me aside earlier and told me what was going to happen and I’m not ashamed to admit that I got va-klempt. It was something I never would have thought possible and yet, at the same time, so well deserved.

Here is footage of that moment, along with Sven’s reaction to it’s passing a month later (given today I might add)…

Before I formally met Brian, I’d seen the incredible job he’d done creating a replica Svengoolie coffin (the original version). At the time I was helping Dennis Druktenis find writers for the 2013 Svengoolie Tribute Issue of Scary Monsters Magazine and knew that this was someone who absolutely needed to be a part of it. I approached him and he agreed to participate though I could never have imagined at the time just how influential a Svengoolie fan he’d prove himself to be.

Brian is a straight shooter who wears his heart on his sleeve. He has nothing but positive things to say and I’m always touched at the amount of gratitude he exudes not just for his beautiful wife and family, but for those fortunate to be considered one of his friends. There have been many times when I’m caught up in the rat race that Brian has caused me to pause and smile after tagging me in a Facebook post stating his appreciation for Svengoolie, myself, and my fellow Goolies. Like Sven, Brian is one of those people that makes the world a better place simply by being in it…and an even more amazing place for his fellow fans.

One can always tell the quality of a celebrity by the friendships they inadvertently create. In that regard (nor in any other regard I might add), my devotion to Rich Koz Svengoolie has never been misplaced. It has forged some incredible bonds with people such as Brian Bernardoni, Elizabeth Haney & Acme Design, Jim Roche, Ron and Angela Urban (referred to as “Don and Bunny” on this site), Jamie Lee Cortese and her amazing family, the late Joan Yingst whom I still think of often,  Elliott Serano, Marisa Elizalde and the keepers from the Lincoln Park Zoo (I should mention that thanks to Sven the two Chicago zoo AAZK chapters have never been closer) and even my best friend & fellow Terror Dave, David Albaugh, thereby leading to the creation of this blog and all the amazing experiences that have come with it. I know that there are many more I will likely meet in the future and, while I may not have met them yet, have no doubt that we will ALL be cheering on October 31, 2014 when our favorite celebrity will be given this much deserved honor.

Kudos to you Brian for making your fellow fans proud…and thank you Rich Koz for all the laughs you’ve given, and continue to give us, on Saturday nights!

Dave Fuentes~

The Daves are excited to announce the return of Midnite Mausoleum! After a short hiatus the girls are back which is great news for us horror host fans. Anyone who has met Marlena, Robyn and the man behind the scenes, Blake Powell, at various events know what great people they are and how well-deserved this opportunity is! Marlena was kind enough to do a short interview with us, giving us all a better idea of what’s going on. The last time we interviewed them (which you can catch HERE) was in 2011 and it went on to be one of our most popular posts!

The Daves: It wasn’t that long ago you were announcing the end of Midnite Mausoleum. What brought the show back from the brink?

Marlena: We shot our last episode of the old MM in January 2013. Even as we were doing it we half-jokingly talked about our terms and conditions for returning. We didn’t know how prophetic that was at the time but that’s basically the deal we have now. WQAD contacted us in June and by the end of July we had a deal.

The Daves: Tell us about the new show and how it all began.

Marlena: We are shooting the new show at the WQAD studios, we literally have 4 times the room we did before and the new mausoleum will be quite spacious. The TV station is 100% behind us and is very familiar with what we do. We are in kind of a unique position. If I have my facts right we are 1 of only 3 commercial broadcast horror host shows at the moment (along with Svengoolie and Zomboo). Although our show is mostly supported by local advertising, we certainly are well-known across the U.S. and made an indiegogo to give other advertisers (moviemakers etc.) a chance to advertise to thousands of east Iowa/west Illinois horror fans.

The Daves: What changes can fans expect to see? Will the characters essentially be the same?

Marlena: The premise of the show is basically the same although we will be able to do more with it now. The mausoleum will be quite a bit bigger and redesigned and Robyn and myself are basically the same. The Wolfred 2.0 that we were using toward the end of the old show stays the same only now he is joined by an updated Franklin. There will also be a few new characters that will join the cast. It will simply be a bigger better show.

The Daves: You’ve participated in multi-host projects such as Thomas Berdinski’s GIANT RUBBER MONSTER MOVIE. Are there plans to do more of those and will we see some familiar guest appearances on your own show?

Marlena: Robyn and I recently shot parts for GIANT RUBBER MONSTER MOVIE 2 as well as PAYNEKILLER which we are currently working on. On our show there are certainly some surprise guests that will definitely be recognized by horror host fans.

The Daves: I guess there’s no easy way around it but many fellow hosts want to know…is this a paid gig? Could this be a sign that horror hosting, as a profession, may be making a comeback?

Marlena: Yes and is it the return of horror hosting? It certainly was for us. When we got “the call” it certainly took us by surprise. I had a meeting a little over a week ago at the station to measure out the layout for our new sets and they were running the station October events by me to see what events I wanted to represent the station at and then it dawned on me, “This is the real deal”. In a way it’s a lot of responsibility and we have to try to make a show in the tradition of what we love and still make it appeal to a new generation. I guess it will either work, or it won’t.

The Daves: Where can fans see the new show? If we cannot see them as they are being broadcast will the episodes eventually be available on DVD to buy?

Marlena: The show will actually run on Friday AND Saturday every week and will be in 1080p HiDef. We are talking about the possibility of streaming it online but we are unsure at the moment. Our episodes will be released on DVD for a short while – usually the week after they air and they are looking like they will be around $5.99 each – but those details are still being worked out.

The Daves: What movies will you be showing? Will you be restricted by the public domain offerings or will you be able to show some of the classics that most hosts would die for to be able to show?

Marlena: We picked a package that will run through the end of the year, some movies are PD, others aren’t, but it seems a good starting point and we’ll be able to release those on DVD in limited runs. We are looking into other packages that are all NON-PD films for 2015 but we still have some time to decide and that will also be up to the station for various business reasons.

So I guess I would say, half will be the movies you would expect and others won’t. At 52 episodes a year we will probably break up the more expensive movies with PD films as well and possibly a few of the real quality newer indie flicks. Now as far as Universal classics… not going to happen unless we are nationally syndicated because the local TV business just doesn’t work that way anymore unfortunately.

We wish the girls all the luck in the world with this new project. In the meantime, if you need your Midnite Mausoleum fix, check out their website HERE where you can buy DVD’s, posters and other MM items! You can also follow them on Facebook by clicking HERE for all of the latest updates!

The festival favorite horror host comedy The Horrible Life of Dr. Ghoul has just premiered on Vimeo and you check it out HERE!: The short film screened at the Housecore Horror Festival, deadCENTER, Indie Memphis, Oxford Film Festival, and The Oak Cliff Film Festival.

Chris Doubek (Computer Chess, Boyhood, White Reindeer) stars as down-on-his-luck, small town horror host Dr. Ghoul. It also features Kerri Lendo (Pictures of Superheroes), Jason Newman (Hellion), Byron Brown (TV’s From Dusk Till Dawn, Grow Up Tony Philips), and Jessie Tilton (Boyhood, Love & Air Sex).

The film is written and directed by Don Swaynos, creator of the critically acclaimed feature film Pictures of Superheroes and produced by Kelly Williams (Hellion, Black Metal, Pit Stop) and Tate English (Pictures of Superheroes). Produced by Jollyville Pictures in association with TBD Post.

For more information, you can check out their listing on IMDB HERE, the official website HERE or the director’s official website HERE!

(NOTE: Coverage of Svengoolie’s Flashback Weekend talk show with Robert Englund (in full Freddy make-up) will be posted on Halloween in celebration of  the holiday as well “Svengoolie Day” in Illinois. For the next two weeks we’ll lead  into the big day with posts on his “35th Anniversary Celebration” at the Museum of Broadcast Communications as well as the Nightmare on Chicago Street in Elgin)

For me, Halloween usually kicks off after I first spy the seasonal “Monster” cereals back on the store shelves. Shamefully, I still haven’t had a chance to grab them, though I did get a more direct introduction to the holiday courtesy of national horror host, Svengoolie. The appearance took place at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farms in Joliet, Illinois and the last time I saw him in that area was over two years ago during a Slammers game on a blistering hot evening (which I covered both in Scary Monsters Magazine and HERE). On this late September day the temps were much more forgiving though the clouds looked a bit ominous. I told myself it was just part of the Halloween “ambiance” and decided at the last minute to head over.

Despite a highway billboard boasting “Affordable Fun,” Cottonwood Farms wasn’t the cheapest place to visit. I did have an online coupon which helped but a family of four could easily pay close to fifty bucks just to walk in gate. They offered lots of activities but many of the better ones required additional funds.

However, if money isn’t an issue, you’ll definitely want to stop by their gift shop which had all kinds of fall goodies like apple cider donuts. One thing I do love is a good apple cider donut; provided I can wash it down with fresh apple cider (I’m talking the real stuff not that crap they sell at the grocery store). Places like these are about the only way you can get quality cider & donuts and it’s one of the many reasons I love being in the Midwest during the fall season.

Of course, some items weren’t as appealing as others…

After leaving the shop we ventured out to the grounds. It was well over an hour before Svengoolie would be appearing and I was trying to figure out exactly where he’d be stationed so I could plan accordingly. I asked several workers and they all gave me different answers, each preceded by the words, “Hmmm…I’m not sure but I think he’ll be…” Finally I decided to give up and take in some of the ghoulish décor.

To me, there’s nothing more beautiful than the sight of pumpkins. I’d already bought mine from Wal-Mart the day before and was really happy regarding how perfectly colored and shaped they were (not to mention, affordable). That’s the thing about those Wal-Mart pumpkins…if you don’t get them early on in the season you’ll be stuck with mutant squash with busted stems – and what’s a Jack O’Lantern without a handle? Gazing at this batch of pumpkins, however, it was evident they were all stellar (okay, maybe not the one in the lower left of the photo).

They offered train rides for small children (and I mean SMALL, if I tried getting on that thing I’d end up flipping the conductor across the pumpkin patch) as well as an outdoor theater featuring two animatronic monsters; one an annoying little goblin telling the story of a giant (from Jack in the Beanstalk I presumed) though he looked a lot more like an ogre than a giant. The larger creature eventually stood up and blinked his eyes but it wasn’t long before most of the kids wathing realized this was the extent of its skills and left bored.

Not far from the outer theater was what looked like a haunted house.

We decided to check it out and, though inside it definitely was a haunted house in appearance, it was missing one key ingredient…haunters. You basically just walked through an empty, yet decorated room.

I’m guessing its fully operational during nighttime hours. It was dark and we eventually found ourselves outside and in back of the port-o-potties. “That’s the wrong exit,” some lady remarked. No kidding!

I had my two youngest children with me; ages ten and thirteen. Most of the activities seemed better suited for kids age five to seven and didn’t appeal to either until Luke (the ten year old) spied a zombie paint ball range. For a nominal fee, you could take shots at hanging zombie heads and he eagerly stepped up to the plate to rid the world of these undead craniums!

After several rogue shots he finally got a bulls-eye which made him very happy. Having done our parts to quell the zombie apocalypse, it was time to find Svengoolie. Thankfully we no sooner arrived back at the entrance when I saw the familiar faces of my friends and fellow fans, Don and Bunny. I’d only seen them briefly at Flashback Weekend and we’d promised to meet up for breakfast before the summer was over (side bar: Don & Bunny know the best restaurants for serving breakfast and are always on a first name basis with the wait staff) but it never happened.

We shared details about our summer trips before getting down to business and finding Svengoolie. With no signage, we decided to follow a couple wearing Svengoolie T-shirts before finding discovering the line. It wasn’t long before thar line reached its way outside the entrance.

We saw Svengoolie and his assistant (also now Svengoolie’s executive producer), Jim Roche, arrive and go inside the building designated for signing. Jim surveyed the crowd and hid behind one of the other fans (which, at my size, ain’t easy) so he would’t see me.

I’d been so busy with zoo-related activities this past summer that I’d been lax in my Svengoolie coverage. Consequently my past Sven chasing cost me the element of surprise which I had an opportunity for here. It worked until we got closer to the entrance and Jim peered outside and saw us.

We went inside and met up with Sven. His signing are was inside an empty silo which, though a bit dark, we noticed was peppered with some scary props.

Sven asked me about my recent trip to Florida and how happy he was with the day’s turn-out. Clearly since I’d last seen him, he hadn’t lost his ability to bring in the crowds.

The next time I’d see Svengoolie would be at the Museum of Broadcasting. It would not only mark a 35^th Anniversary Celebration for the Chicago legend and national horror host but the debut of the new Sven exhibit featuring the old coffin.

And that story will be coming soon!

Dave Fuentes~

The Conclusion of the 35th Anniversary of Svengoolie story…

We were directed back upstairs to the third floor of The Museum of Broadcast Communications to witness the unveiling of the new Svengoolie exhibit a.k.a. the final resting place of his old coffin. Having grown up with The Son of Svengoolie, it meant a lot to me as it was one of the few props that remained throughout the years. This, of course, lead to its inevitable wear and tear so, nostalgia aside, it was definitely time for an upgrade. I’ve always wanted to see the original in person and now, thanks to the Museum, everyone can!

We all gathered while awaiting the big moment…

Awaiting the big moment

Finally the curtain was drawn sending the crowd into a frenzy.  Not only did the new (and permanent) Svengoolie exhibit surpass all expectations, it also (on this night) featured the horror host himself.

My first view of the new exhibit

The large number of fans who’d gathered to see the exhibit meant it was impossible for everyone to see it at once. The majority of us had to wait our turn before getting a decent view. I’m not quite sure how else to describe the experience other than being caught in a Svengoolie vortex. We were all moving in a slow, steady rotation while catching glimpses of fellow fans along the way. It was during this time I saw local ghost hunter, Ursula Bielski, my friend Bill Yingst, as well as a couple of people I recognized from Sven’s Ribfest appearance back in 2012. Yessiree, folks, I may be famous for screwing up names but never forget a face!

And then finally I was “face to painted face” with the hallowed coffin. I tried to imagine a younger Rich Koz painting his mentor, the original Jerry G. Bishop Svengoolie, before putting his own character’s image over it five years later. I imagined him working on it in his parent’s garage while Grand Funk Railroad played via a small transistor radio in the background (I’m making all this up by the way).

I wondered if his family and friends walked by, smiling, while shaking their heads and having not the slightest inclination  that the box would spend the next thirty years on TV and become an indelible part of Chicago’s popular culture? Then I wondered if the Museum ever used infrared technology on it, if they could still see the Jerry G. Bishop image like those Picasso paintings.

Actually by the time I got to that last thought it was somebody else in front of the coffin…

 Photo by Jim Roche

Blurry photo unfortunately NOT taken by Jim Roche

Proud my photo of Sven w/coffin prototype made it on exhibit

Everyone was determined to use what little time they had to see the exhibit at snapping photos and taking in as many details as they could. That is with one glaring exception…David the Rock Nelson.  Still engrossed in his latest “Devil Ant” production, he was far more interested in springing his rubber insect at guests rather than viewing the new display. In fact, he literally walked right past Svengoolie while stalking the ant’s latest “victim.” I hope someday I’ll get to see what he filmed at this event.

Photo by Jim Roche

Eventually we all made it back downstairs where Svengoolie would be emceeing a Halloween costume contest. Personally, I was thoroughly confused with this portion of the night’s festivities.  I understood having him show up in costume (it was, after all, a celebration of “Svengoolie”), but did they have to put him to work on top of it? Aside from that, the place was loaded with people and I thought it was a bit too stuffy to be adding extra activities to his already full schedule.

Of course,  I have to admit that ever since his cardiac event two years ago I’ve been overly empathetic; particularly in regard to his becoming overheated or properly hydrated. Recently when I saw him at The Nightmare on Chicago Street (story still to come) I immediately asked if I could get him some water to which he gave me a confused look before responding, “Um…I just got here.” Aside from that, my concerns are ill-founded as he’s being assisted by the best in the business, Jim Roche not to mention it’s a good bet the host is gonna outlive ME.

The contestants all lined up for judging. Usually the way these things work is that Svengoolie introduces the participants before holding his rubber chicken above each one; a cue to the audience that it’s up to them to choose a winner. Whomever elicits the loudest response (a “Boo” being just as effective as a “Cheer”) takes home the prize which, in this case, was four tickets valued at $180 for a local Halloween attraction called “Fear City.”

Tonight’s first place contestant was “Eagle Man.” Assuming that’s what he was supposed to be, this is the mascot of a local Chicago insurance company who’ve created some really unintentionally funny commercials using the man-sized bird.

After the stage cleared, everyone was invited to stay in their seats as the Museum would be play a Svengoolie hosted movie complete with Sven-surround. Many commercial TV horror hosts used to raise the entertainment level of less-than-stellar movies by adding sound FX or commentary into it. In Chicago, we call it “Sven-Surround” and its something that’s been a lot rarer since he went national as many mainstream viewers complain when the movie gets tampered with. I’ve encountered many of these folks and always say the same thing, “If you want a pure theatrical presentation, go rent the damn movie from your local video store or library but let a horror host work his craft for the rest of us!”

Tonight’s feature was 1957′s The Beginning of the End which made sense since this film was set here in Chicago (though baring little resemblance to what the city looks like today). This was the same movie that aired during one of Svengoolie’s Squared Circle appearances so I’d already had the honor of seeing this alongside fellow fans.

I gave up my seat for someone else and walked around the Museum to socialize with friends. One was Rick Klein who is the hard-working guy behind Fuzzy Memories TV. This site has some of the most amazing old clips from the era of Chicago Television I grew up in, like Son of Svengoolie. Apparently Rick isn’t just a master at hunting down rare TV footage but also horror host memorabilia. He managed to track down an amazing old poster from the Jerry G. Bishop Svengoolie era that appeared to be in pristine condition. Sven would later remark that this poster was likely created for Bishop’s final appearance. “I think we did that appearance just before word got out about cancellation,” said Koz. “We already knew, and, at it’s end, Jerry said something like ‘tune in this week for a big surprise’ to the crowd. In other words, some other show would be on. I think it indeed was his final appearance as Sven.”

Rick Klein shows off his amazing rummage sale find!

I also saw my friend, Elizabeth Haney, from Acme Design.  At the time of this event, they were hard at work on Svengoolie’s new set. Just as one chapter was closing, a new one was already opening!

At this point Don & Bunny (who were kind enough to drive me to this event) were ready to go home. It had been a long night but I wanted to say “Goodbye” to Svengoolie and Jim Roche. I then discovered him sitting at a table while greeting and signing for a long line of fans. My blood pressure began to elevate.

“What!? Now he has to do a signing on top of everything else!? Don’t they know how warm it is in here??? And how old is that water bottle of his anyway? I’ll bet it’s not even cold! I should go get him a fresh bottle! I should…”

Bunny gently took my arm. “C’mon Dave, it’s time to go home.”

Dave Fuentes~

On Monday, March 30^th we spent the day at the Nashville Zoo before walking the streets of the city like Rhinestone Cowboys. Neither of us is particularly keen on Country music so most of the local flavor was lost on us as we strolled right past the numerous amateur crooners (who seemed to be every twenty feet) in search of a prognosticating Elvis I found via Roadside America. Unfortunately, by the time we located the animatronic, fortune-telling “King of Rock n Roll” we discovered it was broken and had to settle for just a picture.

Later we visited Cooter’s Place a museum dedicated to the cult TV show, The Dukes of Hazard. Neither of us were big fans of the show back in the day but it gave us something to do until our meeting with Tennessee horror host, Dr. Gangrene.

Larry Underwood created the character back in 1999, having grown up a fan of Sir Cecil Creape (1971-1973). At the time, Underwood was working at a hospital and was often told he looked like Dr. Mark Green from the popular television show, ER. Underwood decided to capitalize on the resemblance and named his character “Dr. Gangrene.”

On July 1, 1999 Dr. Gangrene’s Chiller Cinema debuted on Nashville Public Access TV and, six years later, joined Nashville’s WB affiliate (later CW), WNAB. His show was popular and would go on to be nominated for several local Emmy’s as well as garnering two Rondo Hatton Awards. This year he was nominated for five more Rondos; one alongside us in the category of “Best Blog” (for which he would win and rightfully so). One of our favorite projects he partook in was a team up with New England hostess, Penny Dreadful, for the highly entertaining “Dreadful Hallowgreen Special” and. Underwood is also a regular contributor to Scary Monsters Magazine where he writes his own column.

I’d met Larry a couple of years ago at the 2013 Cincinnati Horrorhound Weekend. He also was a part of our weekly horror host reports back when we did those though his Tennessee locale made him somewhat elusive. Needless to say, we were delighted when he accepted our invitation to meet with him while passing through his neck of the horror host woods.

We met up with him at his house and he invited us in to look around. He proudly showed off his home office which was adorned with monsters and movie posters…in other words all the things that say “Home Sweet Home” to us Terror Daves.

A few moments later he brought us to one of his most prized possessions; a rare old poster of Sir Cecil Creape (Russ McCown) that he’d had framed. The poster was a gift from McCown’s family who felt that Underwood’s devout fandom of Sir Cecil made him the logical heir. Underwood says he knows of only one other in existence.

We also got a glimpse of a great replica of the PSYCHO house. It was donated to Underwood and used to serve as his make-believe dwelling during some of his shows. It was packed tightly in a closet so we only got a side view but it looked phenomenal.

We went out to dinner at a local Olive Garden where we discussed movies and his currently watching ALL the Vincent Price movies in order in preparation of an upcoming project. We talked about some of the more obscure ones such as Dragonwyck as well as his work with the beautiful Gene Tierney in Laura and Leave Her to Heaven.

When Larry asked what other sites we planned on seeing during our trip, we mentioned a ghost tour we were scheduled for the next day in Chattanooga which our waiter overheard before joining in the discussion. Apparently he has a grandmother who actually lives in Transylvania and he spoke of her numerous superstitions and various home methods she used to protect herself from the local monsters. You could tell he was being 100% serious and I wish I could go back and have gotten his contact information in the hopes of his elaborating further. That’s the problem with these vanguard road trips…you’re too tired to think of things until later on after you’ve had some rest.

We returned to Underwood’s home where he gave us T-Shirts and stacks of free shows. He’s friends with Svengoolie but doesn’t get MeTV so I promised to send him some of his shows by mail (we Daves should seriously start our own Svenflix Mail service). We also borrowed a prop for another upcoming stop on our trip. More on that next time!

We left his place and headed straight to Chattanooga where we’d be staying three nights. The next day would be one of our busiest of all as we’d be taking a side trip to Atlanta, GA to see their zoo…as well as a cannibalistic locale from The Walking Dead!

Coming Up…Finding Terminus!

Dave Fuentes~ 

After enjoying an afternoon seeing the animals at Brookfield Zoo, we headed over to their Discovery Center where my AAZK (American Association of Zookeepers) Chapter was hosting its annual Vital Ground fundraiser. It’s an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner with the money raised to be used for obtaining property out west in grizzly bear country. The buildings or lots purchased are then converted back to their natural state so the animals can use them for travel and aid in finding mates, food, etc. I’ve been going to these dinners long before I joined AAZK because they also feature an appearance by my favorite horror host, Svengoolie…the man indirectly responsible for bringing us Terror Daves together in the first place.

David: One of the many highlights each year when I visit Chicago is the Vital Grounds dinner and spending the evening with Svengoolie and his assistant, Jim Roche. I have always thought it was a tremendous showing of how amazing Rich Koz is to come out each year and support this event. It also seems that each year, the Daves become more involved with the appearance, which is such an honor considering we both have been fans of Svengoolie for as long as we can remember. To actually be working with this man, albeit in a non-direct way, is a pleasure and a thrill for both of us. The dinner itself is such an undertaking and the work that goes into it each and every year is almost overwhelming. To see everybody’s face the night of the event and to see how much they are enjoying themselves really makes you aware of not only how important this dinner is but also how much people support Brookfield AAZK.

Dave: I had the honor of introducing Svengoolie to the dinner guests. The event wasn’t just about wild grizzlies but a 20^th birthday party for our two bears, Jim & Axhi, who had been rescued from an Alaskan dump site and brought to Broookfield Zoo after their mother had been killed. After Svengoolie made it to the forefront, he led a group of kids in a round of “Happy Birthday” before they all blew out the candles. (NOTE: This was a fake cardboard cake, iced and decorated to look real so nobody had to worry about eating anything laced in kiddie-spit).

David: To truly appreciate one of these signings you really need to stay for the whole event. To listen to Sven and Jim play off of each other is a comedy show in its own right. These two are naturals and would do very well on live TV together. To say that these two are friends is an understatement and the way they interact not only with each other but with their fans, is something that brings a smile to my face over and over again. I cannot even say how many times I laughed at loud at some of their banter, showing what a comedic genius Rich Koz truly is. It’s also heartwarming to see the faces of the fans as they enter the room, either for the first time or for repeat visits. Their faces light up with joy and the smiles and laughs are so genuine. It truly is magical.

Dave: Last year I got an amazing Don Post Metaluna Mutant bust from the other Dave (it fits in perfectly with my vintage sci-fi room) and, after discovering that Svengoolie would be airing This Island Earth, offered to let the host use it for his show. I was very happy when he accepted and taped with it (that show aired last Saturday, April 11^th) a couple of weeks prior to this event. As he was returning the Metaluna to me at the zoo, I figured it would be such a shame not getting a few pictures with both it and the host!

David: The Mutant bust was originally released in the 60’s from the mask company Don Post Studios in conjunction with a contract that had with Universal Studios. They created a line of Halloween masks (and matching hands) of Universal’s greatest monster creations, including Dracula, the Frankenstein Monster, Wolfman, the Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and a few others. These masks were later photographed and made into a calendar, with a different monster representing each month. Because of this these masks became known as the calendar masks and are probably the most famous Halloween masks of all time! Don Post Studios later re-released these masks to adoring fans in the 1990’s to great reviews. Unfortunately Don Post Studios has since gone out of business but they will always be remembered for their ground-breaking contributions to mask collecting.

The event was a BIG success as Brookfield AAZK hit another Home Run for Vital Ground!

It’s always great seeing Sven at the zoo but this night would only be a pre-game of sorts for a much more substantive Svengoolie encounter slated the next day.

Coming Up…Visiting Svengoolie at the Studio!

The Terror Daves~

On Friday March 27^th, we headed out to Chicago to do something we’d dreamt of doing since first becoming Terror Daves five years ago; being present for a Svengoolie taping at the studio! I’d been there before back in 2013 and had the honor of throwing chickens at him during the beginning & end sequences of The Leech Woman and Dracula along with getting to see some of my favorite props such as Tombstone, Durwood, & Kerwyn. At the time, the studio rules were pretty strict and I wasn’t allowed to share that experience on social media nor on this site which was pretty painful since I was so excited about it that wanted to shout it from the roof tops. Happily, I’ve now been given permission to do so as well as share our experiences during this visit (provided we waited until those shows aired and didn’t give anything away in terms of content). Here are some shots from my first visit in 2013…

At that time the station was being renovated and filming took place in a small room that had to serve as Sven’s set in the interim. Since then he would have a all new set to compliment the new coffin – also created by Acme Design!

I remember the day after that visit David sending me an email asking how it felt having “lived the Svengoolie dream?” The answer, of course, was that it felt fantastic though I certainly wished he could have been there too and was delighted when Sven invited us both out the day after his latest zoo appearance. This would be especially cool since I’d get to see him perform in his new set which I hadn’t seen since it was in development over at Acme Design in November (story HERE).

Having a Geekgasm while given the opportunity to help paint Sven’s new set!

Even more exciting to me was getting to finally meet Doug Scharf (a.k.a. Doug Graves) Sven’s keyboardist. The parody songs had always been my favorite facet of the Son of Svengoolie and Svengoolie shows so not only meeting him but getting to see a live performance was almost too good to be true.

David: It is amazing to me, after all these years of being a Svengoolie fan that I actually get to see him and hang out with him each year when I visit Chicago. My first intro to Svengoolie was during his Son of Svengoolie days back in the early 80’s. Here in Rhode Island we had the Creature Double Feature, a Saturday afternoon showing of the best of the best in monster movies on WLVI Channel 56 out of Boston. At a time when this Saturday staple seemed to run its course, the station started syndicating the Son of Svengoolie, which was actually my first exposure to a horror host. I thought his sketches were brilliant and that his segments breathed new life into my favorite movies. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long and the Creature Double Feature was quickly replaced by Kung Fu Theatre, soon to be replaced by infomercials. Sven also was the one that introduced me to the horror magazine, FANGORIA, with issue 25 that featured an article on him! I never forgot the Son of Svengoolie and upon learning that he was still broadcasting, I immediately sought out copies of his show, which led to the meeting of the Daves and the rest is history.

Dave: We arrived a little earlier than expected and decided to have lunch across the street from the TV station at a Whole Foods store (which Sven and his producer/assistant Jim Roche refer to as “Whole Paycheck” due to their hefty prices). After getting a text from Jim stating they were ready for us, we walked across the street and waited in the station lobby until he brought us up to the studio.

Director of the Svengoolie show, Chris Faukner!

David: Our experience started in the control room which was very cool to see. I never realized that the sound bites were added live, thinking that they were added later. To listen to everyone and how they worked together was fascinating and the banter between everyone was priceless. Most of the sketches were done in just one or two takes, showing the professionalism of everyone involved. To see the making of the show from this angle was interesting but nothing beats being on the actual set where the magic is created. The most difficult part is not laughing out loud and ruining a shot!

Dave: After a while we were invited back downstairs and into the main studio. Before taping began we walked around and checked out all the great embellishments on the set’s shelves. I noticed a “Sven car” that our friend, Jamie Lee Cortese, had made for him a couple of years ago and other great items sent in by fans. I also asked Sven if I could pretend to do the “man at the door” skit with him as it has always been a dream of mine to do. We did a bit based on an old joke I’d gotten from some corny book years ago and it was fun; though not something that was taped for the show.

David: The night before, at the Brookfield AAZK Vital Grounds spaghetti dinner fundraiser, Rich and Jim came up with an idea to utilize me in the show. Rich said that since I only make it out to Chicago once a year he wanted to help make the experience a memorable one. I had no idea what they had in mind but I was certainly game, and very excited to be a part of the show. When we arrived and it came time to do my part, they explained that a fan had sent them a chicken hat and that they wanted me to model it while they explained what it was during the mail segment. The shot was set up and filmed quite quickly and was a lot of fun to do. I cannot thank Rich and Jim enough for including me in this! To not only be invited to the filming of his show and to see the amazing set in person but to be asked to make a cameo is an honor that I will never forget and one that I will always cherish and appreciate!

The show would air on Saturday April 18th and was the ultimate experience for David who not only got to finally go to the studio but see him outside of Brookfield Zoo!

We then took a couple of chairs off to the side to see the next Svengoolie segments being taped. These would be musical numbers so we were excited when we heard Jim say to Sven, “Doug is here!”

Coming Up…Watching a Svengoolie parody song LIVE!

The Terror Daves~

Dave: Doug Scharf (a.k.a. Doug Graves) arrived at the studio and this was a big deal to me. I’d watched him accompany Svengoolie during his musical numbers since I was eight years old as well as participate in various skits and viewer mail segments. He settled in and I was particularly happy to see that he’d brought his horn with him which meant I’d get to see him play two instruments for two different numbers! As soon as he arrived, he and Sven hunkered down Sven to discuss their segments.

David: Like Dave, I have always been a fan of the parody songs, which always tied into the week’s movie. Since Doug has been a staple of the show since the beginning, we were both looking forward to not only meeting him, but seeing them record live. The audio track for the keyboard was a pre-record but the trumpet performance was live, and very cool to watch.

David: As the bits were set up everyone was joking with each other and you really knew you were part of something special. We were on the edges of our seats all day and though we were there for four hours, it flew by like it was only 20 minutes.

Dave: After it was over we all posed for pictures. I told Doug I was a huge fan of his but he didn’t believe me when I said I’d been one since I was eight years old. “You were eight years old in 1979???” he asked incredulously. I’d been hearing stories that my goatee was making me look a lot older and this was proof! Needless to say, I shaved it off that night! (I swear I’m 44 years old!)

We said our goodbyes and then headed back to the parking garage while discussing how incredible the whole experience had been. It was now time to start the actual “road trip” portion of our vacation and embark for St. Louis. The very next morning, we’d see something so cool, we could hardly believe our EYEs.

Coming Up…The Giant Eyeball of St. Louis!

The Terror Daves~

National TV horror host, Svengoolie,  has never had any trouble attracting long lines at C2E2 (Chicago Comics & Entertainment Expo)  and this year would be no exception. The only notable difference was the time of his appearance; earlier than previous years and conflicting with the photo op time tickets I had for Stan Lee. Fortunately C2E2 is a well-oiled machine and despite missing his arrival I was still able to get to him rather quickly…though hardly alone.

Svengoolie and his crew (Jim Roche, Chris Faulkner, and Aaron Covich) have been kind enough to let me hang near them during his signings, even though space is an issue. It can be a challenge trying to get good shots of him with costumed fans while not stepping on their toes.

This year I thought I’d be clever and get to some of those fans first. I’d survey the line for the ones that stood out and then ask if they’d be willing to do a pose for this site after Jim took his picture. It seemed to work out great; we both got pictures different from one another until I was working with one of them and saying to Sven, “Keep your head forward but turn your eyes to the side and look horrified….no turn your eyes the other way.” After it was over, Sven says, “I love how you give me direction.” Doh! I don’t think he was irked, but clearly I was overstepping my role (though I can’t say I wasn’t happy with results).

One question I always have before making my way to Sven’s C2E2 signing area is “who will his neighbors be?” In other words what celebrities are signing next to him and possibly available for a Svengoolie encounter? I looked over to the right and blinked a couple of times before registering that I was seeing Joel Hodgson from Mystery Science Theater 3000. I loved that show and had no idea he was even supposed to be here. would this be the day when the worlds of MST and Svengoolie would finally collide!? Also on hand was Mystery Science Alumnus, Trace Beaulieu, which was no coincidence as the two were promoting their YAHOO comedy series “Other Space.”

After the signing was over, Sven exited through the back curtain where he conducted an interview for a fan. I’m not sure if it was for a vlog or a podcast but, after a few minutes I started to get antsy as I noticed Joel had also gone behind the scenes and was afraid he’d leave and the opportunity would pass. It turned out I had little to worry about as the Svengoolie team had already arranged an interview with Beaulieu who was now making his way towards us with Joel accompanying him. Soon I had them both in my peripheral vision as they gradually made their way to the center and met for the first time.

It was Joel who would extend the greeting; reaching out while addressing him by name, “Svengoolie!” he reached for his hand. “I’ve heard a LOT about you and I’m glad we could finally meet!” Sven expressed his pleasure in meeting the MST wizard as well. It was quick and before leaving Joel added, Lots of great buzz out there about Svengoolie!” I had hoped there would have been time for the two to formally pose for a photograph together but the moment was gone. I felt incredibly fortunate to have witnessed the occasion and that I caught it on film.

Beaulieu, however, would stick around. Having written for the iconic show as well as voicing Crow the Robot and playing the goofy mad scientist, Dr. Clayton Forrester he would be a major presence in the show’s first seven seasons.

Svengoolie would interview him for his show which will hopefully be airing soon. I was standing back with Jim and didn’t get to hear much so I’m really looking forward to it.

After taking a break, Svengoolie & crew would head out to main hall to interview both celebrities & costumed fans as well. This is always rather amusing as you undoubtedly hear amid the numerous cosplay someone saying, “Wait a minute…that’s the REAL Svengoolie!!!”

It sure was and Chicago is lucky to have him!

Dave Fuentes~

It’s been far too long since we’ve featured a “Horror Host Spotlight” and focused our attention on the career and antics of one who presented horror/monster movies back in the days of local, commercial television. Both Terror Daves grew up with the still active (and now national), Rich Koz Svengoolie but many monster fans across the country were raised with their own local hosts as well. Today we’ll be featuring one of the country’s most prolific examples while directing your attention to the book Dr. Paul Bearer’s Creature Feature dedicated to a career that spanned thirty years and multiple states!

Dick Bennick Sr. began his broadcasting career as a radio disc jockey in 1949 before also working various jobs at WGHP, a local North Carolina TV station. In 1965, after the the station’s first horror host (Count Shockula) quit, Bennick actively sought the vacancy. A good horror host, however, isn’t simply a role one steps into, but rather an amalgamation of both the character and the man or woman behind it. Unsatisfied with simply filling the shoes of an established character, Bennick staged a contest where viewers could choose the host’s “death.” Once the deed was carried out (a stake through the heart), he was ready to create a horror host persona of his own!

Bennick grew a goatee after a Vincent Price role, parted his hair down the middle as a nod to the horror host Zacherley, and added a facial scar. Further adding to his character’s appearance was an authentic glass eye after losing his left one in a car accident. Thus Dr. Paul Bearer, the gravely voiced undertaker who spewed puns while introducing his captivated viewers to their favorite scary movies, was born!

Dr. Paul Bearer would further entice viewers before and after commercial breaks with his off-beat skits, special ghoulish guests (including his “Mummy” on Mother’s Day weekend), and hilarious product parodies such as “Frite Nuts” (Fruit Nuts), Goritos (Doritos), and Hearse’s Milk Shocklate.

Actual Dr. Paul Bearer prop from the collection of Michael Monahan

After over six successful years on North Carolina television, Bennick moved south; bringing the shenanigans of Dr. Paul Bearer to Florida’s WTOG which, according to the host, was located in “St. Creaturesburg.” There he’d remain the popular horror host of their afternoon Creature Feature show, which often ran three hours and consisted of two films. It would dominate its Saturday afternoon time slot and become such a hit that in 1985 Dr. Paul Bearer would gain a second program on Saturday evenings. Fright Theatre would prove every bit as successful as its afternoon counterpart with its local ratings often beating out those of Saturday Night Live.

Bennick was a true monster fan, boasting a collection of EVERY issue of Famous Monsters of Filmland while also driving in his own 1963 hearse which he’d take to his numerous public appearances. His second wife, Susan, was an artist who helped create his set as well as props while he’d write his own gags and scripts. He also worked hard behind the scenes to get the station to show the higher calibre films his fans loved the most; the Universal Shock package, Hammer Studios, as well as American International films which included Godzilla.

In 1993, the Mayor of Tampa would declare October 30^th (and later Halloween itself) as “Dr. Paul Bearer Day(s)!” At the time, Dr. Paul Bearer was the longest running horror host in TV history until his death in 1995. Over twenty years later, his legion of fans still keep him alive and his iconic hearse is displayed every Halloween at the Tampa Busch Gardens. Thanks to one devout fan eager to share his enthusiasm for the beloved host, the world of Dr. Paul Bearer can be delved in further! Roger L. Boyes Jr. penned the new book Dr. Paul Bearer’s Creature Feature; a small book chock full of material guaranteed to please those who remembered the host while familiarizing him for those of us less fortunate!

Dr. Paul Bearer’s Creature Feature features a plethora of photographs and anecdotes along with fan interviews who recall their favorite bits. It’s a nice addition to your horror host library and you can order yourself a copy HERE!

Any fans of Dr. Paul Bearer who’d like to share their own memories of the host are encouraged to do so in our comments section. Tell us your favorite skits, stories, or what it was like meeting him in person! And don’t forget to buy the book! We Daves believe it’s important for all of us horror host fans to celebrate the careers of those colorful characters who helped make us the adult monster kids we are today!

Until next time…

Dave Fuentes~

This year’s Flashback Weekend offered something different from previous years and specifically geared towards younger horror fans; a screening of the 1967 Rankin/Bass Mad Monster Party hosted by national commercial TV horror host, Svengoolie! Though not as popular as the animation team’s Christmas TV specials (Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, The Year without a Santa Claus, etc.) this full-length film featured the voice work of the legendary Karlos Borloff as well as Phyllis Diller!

The event took place on a Sunday afternoon and kicked off with a brief discussion on the film from Rankin/Bass super fan, Rick Goldschmidt (author of several books and portfolios on the subject that you can check out at his site HERE). Goldschmidt has amassed a huge collection of merchandise and goods from all their works and showed off some of them on a past Svengoolie show.

My assignment today was to assist the crew with selling Svengoolie T-Shirts. What’s that? You mean to say you don’t own a Svengoolie glow-in-the-dark Chicken Thrower T-shirt??? Well then check this out…

Or you can take an ordering shortcut and click HERE!

So to give you an idea of the layout, Svengoolie was on stage and there were two tables on the left of the audience; one for the shirts and another where he’d do an impromptu signing (not scheduled). I sat at the shirt table with a pretty good view of the stage. I really thought it was going to be a cushy job but those shirts ended up selling like hotcakes!

Just like a regular Svengoolie show, Mad Monster Party would have breaks where he’d entertain viewers with “Live” skits and parody song footage from past shows that aired on local Chicago TV before he went national over four years.

My friends Don and Bunny were called up to assist him with one of his skits and it was pretty funny.

Don & Bunny bring in the Funny!

Director Chris Faulkner collects footage for TV

Sven also did a “Family Feud” game show and later one of his famous “Words from Pictures” games!

They even did a Svengoolie version of Bozo’s Grand Prize Game. In this version a ping-pong ball was swapped out for a small rubber chicken!

The signing took place in the dark (save for the soft glow of those T-shirts) during the last portion of the movie. All in all, it was a great event and I could see Sven having a successful career doing “Live” shows in the future. The audience was very satisfied too as they went out of their way to tell me how awesome he was…just before asking if those Sven shirts came in size medium!

And this concludes my coverage of this year’s Flashback Weekend! Stay turned for more Svengoolie coverage from his busy Halloween tour of appearances!

Dave Fuentes~

The Daves have always been fans of horror hosts. In fact it was our mutual love of Svengoolie that not only brought us together as friends but brought about this very site. The show Midnite Mausoleum, starring Marlena Midnite and Robyn Graves, have always been one of our favorites and we are proud to announce the ultimate Midnite Mausoleum DVD collections!

The Midnite Mausoleum Premature Burial Box 54 Disc Boxed Set is available for pre-order and will begin shipping on December 4th. It is the ultimate collection and will be limited to 100 sets.

This set includes every public access episode from 2009-2013 as well as all 47 television episodes (season 2 through season 6) as well as the first 12 web only mini episodes (season 1). Also included is an extended PHILADELPHIA edition of the first television episode (#13) as well as both 2010 SUMMER CAMP specials featuring Thomas Berdinski’s ITALIAN ZOMBIE MOVIES 1 and 2. This set is topped off with a special disc with footage from February 2009 featuring construction of the Mausoleum set, Marlena’s puppet building and test shoots for lighting, characters and wardrobe… only available here! And that’s not all! You will also receive an original “brick” from the original Mausoleum set AND an original 2010 trading card set. All of this will be housed in a limited and numbered custom Handmade “CRATE” with an INCREDIBLY cool lid!

You can pre-order your own set by going HERE!!!

Also available for pre-order and shipping on October 26th is this limited edition of 250 DVD box set containing every 2014 television episode of MIDNITE MAUSOLEUM! Join Marlena Midnite and her friends Robyn, Wolfred, Franklin, Bones and Creepy Charlie as they re-launch Midnite Mausoleum via Broadcast Television!

This set includes 14 full episodes as they aired on television, including The Bat, Rattlers , The Terror, They Came From Beyond Space, Nightmare Castle, Monster From a Prehistoric Planet, Santa Claus Conquers The Martians and many more! Also included is the 2014 BEST OF EPISODE, all 14 “Mega Cards” only available with the 2014 DVD’s and 6 exclusive 5 x 7 “Lobby Cards” (2 signed by Marlena and Robyn) only available with this collection.

You can pre-order your own set by going HERE!!!

So far as fall days go, you couldn’t ask for anything better than Friday October 16^th in Illinois. The sun was shining with temps hovering in the ‘60s and it was one of those rare weekdays I was scheduled off. Best of all, it was on a day when national commercial TV horror host, Svengoolie, was making one of his Halloween season appearances! This one was about 90 minutes northwest from my place in the village of Huntley, Illinois.  I was familiar with the rural town as my sister used to teach school there several years back and this had been our favorite time of year to visit her. It meant postcard perfect fall leaves and a visit to one of the numerous apple orchards and pumpkin patches found in that region. Today would be a lot different.

Svengoolie’s appearance was part of an annual open house taking place at Pinball Life, a family owned business specializing in the buying and manufacturing of pinball parts. This was their eleventh such occasion and not only would they offer free food and beverages but also a bevy of pinball games you could play for free. Now I have to confess, I didn’t realize in this electronic age that pinball games were still going strong thanks to a devout group of enthusiasts. That being said, this was a very eye-opening Svengoolie appearance!

Thanks to some road construction issues, the ride was a bit of a nightmare. When my GPS finally announced that I’d arrived, I found myself staring at a large, non-descript white building with no windows nor signage. I was just about to throw my navigation device out the window when I noticed a portable sign-stand alerting me that it was the right spot. Thankfully, I’d given myself plenty of extra traveling time and still had a full forty-five minutes before Svengoolie was slated to arrive.

The lot was full and I ended up parking at a Jewel Food Store across the street. Rather than wait in the car, I opted to go inside and see what Pinball Life was all about. As soon as I entered, it felt like I’d taken a time warp back to my teenage years and had stepped into the old arcade at my local mall; neither of which exists anymore. Other than the soft glow of the pinball games and the open front door, the room was completely dark and loaded with people having a great time. I slowly maneuvered around in an effort to get as many pictures of the games that I could which wasn’t easy, but here are a few…

Satisfied that I’d gotten a pretty good sampling, I grabbed a plate and enjoyed the free buffet. They had meatballs, mostaccioli, potato salad, hot dogs and soda. There were alcoholic beverages available too but it was a bit early in the day for me.

After enjoying my late lunch, I decided to wait for the Sven crew outside where I noticed they’d reserved a space for them.

This would end up being the most difficult part of the day. I’d quit smoking last spring and now, whenever I smell cigarettes, I get kinda nauseous. I suddenly found myself standing amid ten to twenty smokers while fighting the urge to lose my free lunch! I decided to walk a safe distance across the lot. There were a couple of other guys standing there and I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation. One of them asked, “So how many games do you have now?” and other responded, “Well, I’ve got six in my basement and about three more in my garage.”

Outside of having fantasies of a KISS or Elvira: Mistress of the Dark Pinball machine in my living room, I couldn’t imagine owning so many. Whomever this guy was, he must of been everyone’s favorite neighbor to go visit!

I never realized that pinball machine collecting had also evolved into building. Many were making their own custom machines which I thought was truly amazing! I noticed lots of people walking around with small boxes and (when they’d get close enough for me to nonchalantly peek inside) I saw what I assume were the parts for creating them. I later learned that the folks sponsoring Sven’s appearance, Spooky Pinball LLC, specializes in doing just that! Since 2013, Charlie Emery (and family) joined forces with Ben Heck to create unique pinball machines right out of their Benton, Wisconsin shop. “We manufacture brand new pinball machines,” said Emery. “Our first game (America’s Most Haunted) sold out last year (150 games), and our 2nd game (Rob Zombie’s Spookshow International) will be released very soon, with 300 games being sold. These are full arcade quality commercial machines made in Benton!”

Svengoolie and his producer, Jim Roche, arrived and were nice enough to let me join them. They settled at a table near the entrance (along a row of pinball games) and his line of fans quickly formed and remained consistent for the duration of his visit.

After an hour, Sven had to leave his signing table to facilitate some important business. He would act as auctioneer during a LIVE sell-off of Spooky Pinball’s FINAL “America’s Most Haunted” pinball machine (#150 out of 150)!

Photo Courtesy of Charlie Emery

The money raised would be donated for diabetes research and the opening bid was $500. By the time it was over, it would garner a whopping $16,000; and the money all to be donated for juvenile diabetes! Clearly I had underestimated the power of pinball! After the crowd dispersed, Sven wasted no time returning to his fans.

There were a lot of happy children at this event which made for one amusing moment. While I was observing the signing, some guy comes up to me and says, “I’m only in my ’20s so I have no idea who this guy is. What’s his name?” Before I could answer, a little girl (who couldn’t have been more than ten) turns around and says, “That’s Svengoolie!”

Seriously, how can this picture not melt your horror heart?

I stuck around a while longer before embarking on the long drive home. The event had been well worth the trip as it not only provided a new locale for a semi-professional Svengoolie-stalker like me to enjoy, but also provided a glimpse into a world I never knew existed. Clearly pinball machines were not only  alive and well but inspiring creativity and camaraderie amongst its fans. Indeed, horror hosts and pinball machines weren’t so different after all!

Dave Fuentes~