I actually continued the experiments of the great Zacherley on a few of my own shows. I love the bit, and it gives me a chance to talk about horror host history on the show. The first time was a straight recreation of the dissection, and a second show found the Dok mating the giant amoebae with the common household parakeet, creating the first flying giant amoebae.The experiment was a spectacular failure. Made a nice big splat though...
Animal rights activists excepted, the fans must have fond memories of their local hosts...
DG: The absolute coolest thing about slipping into horror host drag is that people you meet will instantly start talking about the local guy or gal from their childhood. And they're always so enthusiastic.
Everybody is 12 years old again. I've talked to many myself, and have been at conventions with Bob Wilkins where grown men were approaching him with big silly grins and sharing their experience of watching Creature Features from behind the couch, or with their family, or with their best friend. But most importantly, they talk about the effect the show had on them, the fun and inspiration they got out of it. It's the warmest possible exchange, and I've seen it time and again. Nothing but smiles.
Rechercher is the senior editor at Beyond The Roots of Lounge.
Ed/Pub:LisaM
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
excellent interview on a great topic - I loved Elvira when I was in LA and the Ghoul here in Cleveland, keeping you company while you watch the (mostly) bad scay movies. Thanks Rechercher!
2 - Pereire
Very cool story. Merci bien Rechercher!
3 - Vic R
What an informative and well-written piece. Great to know that even the hosts in different markets didn't know each other. My cousins from Cleveland and ourselves from Chicago used to regale each other with tales of our local Creature Feature horror hosts and the movies they showed. Great stuff, Rechercher.
4 - Tom Terrell
In the late '60s, my sister Bevadine and I would dance on Zacherley's "Disco Teen Dance Party". We'd go down to Newark, NJ's Symphony Hall on Thursdays and Fridays to tape the show. They'd have local bands and big time R&B acts. We became local celebs a la American Bandstand. And Zach was the coolest, nicest cat. We were his favorites. Man it was a gas!! Zach was one of my TV idols. To meet him and talk and hng out with him was beyond the pale. Cat was Kyrpt Kool!!
5 - Doktor Goulfinger
Hey there Tom:
Man! That is so cool that you were on Disc-o-teen!
Zacherley is indeed the coolest. When I think of horror host royalty, I consider Zach the King, Vampira the Queen and Ghoulardi the court jester. They are clearly the most influential, and you cannot discuss host history without placing them at the top of the pyramid.
And thank you, Rechercher, for the nice editing job on my clumsier responses. The illusion of eloquence is uncanny.
DokG