Hosted Horror on Television: The Films and Faces of Shock Theater, Creature Features and Chiller Theater

Screen Gems produced Shock Theater in 1957, a package of horror films that became a huge sensation with TV viewers. It includes classic black-and-white Universal Studios films and grislier color films from the early 1970s, with horror hosts who became iconic in the genre.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 249 pages
Publication date: 16 July 2021
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

In the fall of 1957,Screen Gems, a renowned film production company, unveiled a captivating collection of horror movies to local television stations nationwide. This remarkable package, known as Shock Theater, consisted of a diverse range of spine-tingling films that quickly gained immense popularity among TV viewers. Not only did the movies captivate audiences with their eerie narratives and suspenseful scenes, but the horror hosts who introduced these films and provided humorous insights into the plots, actors, and directors also left a lasting impression. This captivating history delves into the realm of TV horror, tracing its roots back to the black-and-white classics of the 1930s from Universal Studios. It then explores the evolution of the genre, encompassing the grislier color films of the early 1970s. Furthermore, it pays tribute to the horror hosts who brought these films to life, some of whom faded into obscurity while others became iconic figures within the horror community. Through vivid descriptions and in-depth analysis, this narrative offers a captivating journey into the world of TV horror, providing a glimpse into the timeless allure of these spine-chilling films and the unforgettable personalities who brought them to life.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 178 x 256 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476684611