Horror host

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A horror host is a person who acts as the host or presenter of a program where horror films and low-budget B movies are shown on television or the Internet. Usually the host assumes a horror-themed persona, often a campy or humorous one. Generally there are breaks in the film where the host comments on various aspects of the movie. Many horror host shows also include skits involving the hosts themselves, sometimes with a sidekick or other supporting characters.

History[]

Film packages[]

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

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

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

Early hosts[]

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

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

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

Later hosts[]

The tradition was continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s and gained national attention in the early 1980s, after the death of L.A.'s Host, Sinister Seymour. Cassandra Peterson auditioned for a replacement host and won the role. She became Elvira, Mistress of the Dark who is arguably the most widely recognized horror host in history. In the late 1980s, Mystery Science Theater 3000 would capture the popular imagination and build a massive fan base.

Notable hosts[]

1950s[]

1960s[]

1970s[]

1980s[]

1990s[]

2000s[]

2010s[]

• Count Gore de Vol
• Dr. Gangrene
• Elvira, Mistress of the Dark
• Joe Bob Briggs
• Morgus the Magnificent
• Mystery Science Theater 3000
• Penny Dreadful XIII – Penny Dreadful's Shilling Shockers
• Sharon Needles – Fearce!
• Svengoolie

See also[]

• American Scary
• Cinema Insomnia
• Creature Double Feature
• Creature Features
• Creature Features (WNEW)
• Creature Feature (WTOG)
• Horror hosts in comics

References[]

Further reading[]

• Counelis, Paul (2014). 11:59 and Counting: Horror Hosting in the 21st Century. ISBN 978-1312262577.

External links[]

• Horror Host Hall of Fame The official Hall of Fame for Horror Hosts of all generations.
• American Scary - Documentary: A look at the nation's tradition of horror hosting, from Zacherley to A. Ghastlee Ghoul
• Horror Hosts and Creature Features Magazine A magazine dedicated to Horror Hosts and Movies.