New Treasury of Chicago TV Horror Shows

I'll never forget the excitement I felt when we first learned that we were getting cable TV. My brother and I were playing tennis, just anticipating all those sparkling new stations (including many from Chicago). And we were definitely not disappointed! (Plus if your local network program was pre-empted by some sports game, you could often watch the same show on a different affiliate, due to later-discontinued regulations. What a concept!).
     Back then (in the late '70's) it was a weird and wondrous world. Japanese beasties (on shows like "The Space Giants" and "Ultraman") jumped out at us from Channel 44 in Chicago. Their "Good Time Bunch" hosted the whole fun fest. And then we discovered a real freak show -- "Screaming Yellow Theater" with "Son of Svengoolie" on WFLD (Channel 32).
     Now Svengoolie -- and his deliberately-creepy ilk -- are the subjects of a new book by Ted Okuda and Mark Yurkiw. 'Chicago TV Horror Movie Shows: From Shock Theater to Svengoolie,' explores those inventive small-screen showcases for fantastic and frightening films.
     It was probably a natural progression. Back in the late '50's, the film industry had accumulated a wealth of old titles that were often on the seedy side. And television at that time, had a great need for new content. Plus it was more convenient to stay at home, than compete for space at the local drive-in. So the "scream theaters" were born!
     WBKB-TV (Channel 7) christened the format (at least for Chicago) in December of 1957, with its 'Shock Theater.' Mad Marvin's diabolical approach featured thick glasses and a diabolical grin, sinisterly presiding over a procession of celluloid oddities. First featured was a real classic -- 1931's 'Frankenstein' with the legendary Boris Karloff.
     Marvin was portrayed by the station's own Terry Bennett -- and his wife graciously played his otherwise-unidentified "Dear." Back then, TV stations had to be really creative to grab and hold an audience.
     "Screaming Yellow Theater" (which I can still vaguely remember) was the vehicle for Son of Svengoolie, played by Jerry G. Bishop -- a radio disc jockey. His bearded and freaky hippie persona graced the airwaves of WFLD -- and now has an heir of his own, Rich Koz on WCIU (Channel 26, Saturday nights). As I recall, it used to actually air on Saturday afternoons (at least during the time that we were around). I guess they didn't want the wee ones to stay up too late!
     Other strong contenders for the "fright prize," included "Thrillerama" and "Creature Features." We had a local (Quad-Cities) "Creature Feature" show for many years, piloted by the straight-talking Chuck Acri -- an actual window salesman! Chuck's program was revived in recent years, and also showcased horrific art creations by local (mostly young) viewers -- a fixture in this genre.
     The Okuda-Yurkiw book is a feast of classic photos and simulated TV ads for the frequently-hilarious horror programs. Their pithy procession of "teen wolves," Godzillas and vampy Vampirellas -- really whets your appetite for an even-larger coffee-table-sized treasury -- encompassing America's horror show offerings at large. And it makes you wonder, what caused so many of them to crawl back into the coffin?
     "Zomboo's House of Horror Movies" is a recent incarnation in this bloodline. Airing on Bettendorf's KLJB (Channel 18), it featured a large and fantastic cast of characters. And it even boasted viewer-created mini-films! But I think it was eventually sunk by too many bodily-function jokes. Still, it was fantastic to be able to see Dario Argento's excellent 'Suspiria,' among other interesting films.
     Then we should also consider the impact of Pay-Per-View and video rentals -- as well as the internet and all those "boutique" cable channels for every interest imaginable. So is the horror movie show an endangered species? Only if we allow it to happen -- which we dare not!
     Look at the great popularity of Elvira (Cassandra Peterson), "Mistress of the Dark." And how about Morgus, that wacky scientist who still slays me when interviewed by George Noory on late-night radio? Those icons will live forever in our hearts and memories. And while the drive-in theater has definitely dwindled in numbers, dedicated enthusiasts are reviving them with a passion.
     Likewise, new TV hosts are often able to find a home on independent stations. More people have cable -- and even cell phone companies are now offering TV services. But have you noticed how redundant the movie selections can be on (especially basic) cable? So a really dedicated horror host is able to expand our movie horizons, with titles not found anywhere else. And if these guys (and gals) fall out of favor on TV, there's still the astoundingly-broad internet.
     Ted Okuda and Mark Yurkiw should be congratulated for shining an eerie green jacklight on an amazing broadcasting phenomenon. And it's my hope that this will inspire a real revival -- so many more generations of children and adults alike, can continue to enjoy a jolly good "fright in the night!"