In the late 1950s and early ‘60s, TV stations nationwide broadcast packages of old horror movies syndicated by studios for local markets, with offerings including a handful of classics, such as Universal films of the ‘30s, but more often contemporary grade-Z junk. Many stations built shows around the airings—called Shock Theater or Creature Feature, for example—hosted by a ghoulishly comic figure who introduced the films and performed darkly comic skits during commercial breaks. Filmmakers John E. Hudgens and Sandy Clark's documentary American Scary interviews several of these hosts—including Philadelphia's Zacherley, Chicago's Svengoolie, Cleveland's Ghoulardi and, of course, Los Angeles' famous Vampira—as well as modern enthusiasts who today emulate them on local cable shows and the Internet. Other interviewees offering reminiscences include Forrest Ackerman (Fangoria magazine), comic Tim Conway (who started his career along with “Ghoulardi” Ernie Anderson in Cleveland), and Newbery award-winning writer Neil Gaiman (The Graveyard Book), who recently hosted a cable horror series. Interwoven throughout are loads of old kinescope and video footage from these amusingly low-budget and lowbrow shows. Unfortunately, American Scary is very poorly structured and repetitious, with attempts to visually jazz up the proceedings that merely come across as amateurish. DVD extras include audio commentary, extended interviews, and the original pitch reel. Given the interesting subject matter, this should still be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
American Scary
(2008) 92 min. DVD: $19.95. Cinema Libre Studio (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 1-59587-102-0. Volume 24, Issue 3
American Scary
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