What in the world is a "Horror Host?"

Ohhhh, if you have to ask that then you've obviously been wasting your life pursuing pointless, worldly social interests, and seriously neglecting your television set. 

Since the late 1950s when Zacherly and Vampira began hosting horror films on television, hundreds of hosts have popped up across the country in various guises and disguises. All of them have two things in common: a twisted sense of humor and an ability to make an audience not only sit through a film like "The Incredible Two-Headed Transplant," but enjoy the experience. 

To put it bluntly, we're celluloid-snake-oil salesmen (and women!).

What is THE HORROR HOST UNDERGROUND?

A loose network of Horror Hosts, all of whom are still actively hosting here in the 21st century. We trade tapes for broadcast in our respective areas, as well as providing tapes to anyone who doesn't have a horror movie show in their area right now. The HHU will provide the tapes free of charge, and folks can sponsor their run on their local access station (which averages about $30 a year for broadcast time).

As of this writing, the Underground is reaching audiences in New Jersey, Northern Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Illinois. Hosts in current circulation include Halloween Jack, Dr. Sarcofiguy, Dr. Gangrene, The Nightshadow, Doktor Goulfinger, The Bonejangler and A. Ghastlee Ghoul. Count Gore, Dr. Creep, Son of Ghoul, Baron Von Doren and El Sapo DeTempesto, The Patient Creatures, Shadowgoblin and others make frequent cameos as shows from all over the country overlap and cross-pollinate right before your eyes.

Snake-oil, anyone?

What's the purpose of this site?

To get the word out about our "network" for one. The site itself is also a reference tool that can be used to find out what hosts are active right now, and to locate a specific host or find the host nearest a specific area. It is also a networking tool for horror hosts via the 'net. 

(Note the convenient links to a host's best friend, Count Gore's Horror Host Mailing List, at the bottom of each page!)

Should I start e-mailing you with suggestions without looking at the entire site?

No.

Is there a Mission Statement for what you are trying to do?

Yup...check out this link.

What's local programming?

A few years ago the definitive answer would have been simply one word: "Dead." 

Locally produced shows that traditionally held down the fort in between the network "prime-time" schedule started disappearing beneath a tidal wave of syndicated programming by the mid- 80s. The mid-day "housewife" shows were the first to go in most markets, replaced by national talk shows. The afternoon children's show host was the next to go, a victim of the new wave of children's cable networks. That left the movie hosts and the newsroom in most cases, and in most places the movie hosts were deemed an un-necessary bit of nostalgia with the coming of late-night network presentations (Saturday Night Live, being a prime example), and entire 24 hour movie networks on cable.

Ironically, at this same time cable stepped in to fill the local programming void, frustrated local producers (and producers-to-be) discovered that cable-access provided training, equipment and broadcast time to anyone with a head full of ideas and a twisted compulsion toward television as their creative outlet. This is where the "third-wave" of horror hosts was born ( the first wave starting in the 50s, the second--arguably--sometime in the early 70s). Now, here in the early part of the 21st century, there are a LOT of us out there again, mostly thanks to cable-access providing a means to keep the genre, and local programming in general, alive.

A surprising turning of the tides has recently warmed local independent stations and network affiliates to again consider airing locally produced programs. If there is a host in your area right now attempting a commercial effort (aka: trying to make a living!), PLEASE support them! Watch them, patronize their sponsors and write or call the station and voice your opinion. Local programming isn't dead, it's just been neglected for too long.

How did the UNDERGROUND get started?

What we do though, is best explained by starting at the beginning...

(Ok, I'm tempted to do the Bugs Bunny/ Elmer Fudd, "Not THAT far back!" bit here, but I'll spare ya…this time).

The HHU (Or, the HHUg--the network that gives you a hug!) never would have happened without Count Gore's Horror Host Mailing List. Though Gore himself may have never expected it when he started the list a couple of years ago, it quickly attracted not only fans of the host genre, but a lot of current and upcoming hosts as well. It became readily apparent that the late night spook-show was not only alive and well, but in fact rising from that proverbial grave. Suddenly we could trade ideas--and tapes--with a whole community of folks who not only revered the memories of their favorite hosts, but who had continued the tradition by starting their own shows.

It was like discovering your family tree wasn't a stump.

So, we have Count Gore de Vol to blame?

Yes.

Can I get episodes of your shows?

You personally? No.

Ahem...?

Ok...ok...we don't offer tapes through this site yet, however many hosts might have something cooking on their own sites.

What exactly is Public Access?

If you have cable, then you more than likely have a public access channel somewhere on the lineup. It's the one that shows city council meetings, local church shows, high school football and talking-head shows that all use the same set. It's also the place where you can catch some of the most outlandish television (Mystery Science Theater 3000, Tom Greene and many others started on access) being produced today. Without going into the legalities of it, the basic concept of access is to keep a forum available for the public voice; a place where television still reflects the interests of the people in the local community.

If you guys were any good, why aren't you on a network?

I guess for the same reason you aren't writing for a real magazine. No, seriously, your line of questioning is very workman-like. Really. You make me want to just spill my guts, and I mean that sincerely. Your competence is matched only by the level of your professionalism--and your personal hygiene is impeccable. 

Anyway, as I was explaining to the wall before you woke up from your nap, the Horror Host has always been pretty much of a local character. That's a big part of the charm. The idea that the freak on TV isn't in some faraway city, but walking the streets of your town is... 

Oh wait; that's a bad example.

Go back and read what I wrote about local television itself, then about access, then figure it out yourself...sheeesh...

Are there any Hosts working on real television?

Not every Horror Host is doing time on Public Access. Big Chuck and Lil' John, Son of Ghoul, Svengoolie, Son of San Guinary, Zomboo, The Ghoul and now Butch Patrick are some that are proving that it can still be done.

Butch Patrick? Wasn't he that "Eddie" kid on that show back in the 1960s?

Yes.

I loved it when he kept trying to get his Dad married off every week...OH! And his nanny...she was a riot!

You are thinking of a different show, I think.

No, I'm not it's the one that has the cool theme song.

There was no "song" on...

"People let me tell you about my best friend..."

NO! NO! NO! That's THE COURTSHIP OF EDDIE'S FATHER!

Yeah! Butch Patrick was great on that!

No he wasn't - Butch Patrick was Eddie MUNSTER on THE MUNSTERS

Ooooooh! That's right!! The show with Gomez and Morticia, right?!

NEXT QUESTION!!!

At what point are you going to start asking for money?

At what point are you going to offer me some of whatever toad you've been licking? Didn't we just cover this....???

Is there any "streaming video" on this website?

No. Some hosts have video on their official websites; Count Gore has it on a weekly basis, in fact. For the purpose of this website, we don't plan to have any here, at least not yet. 

Which do you prefer: "website" or "web site"?

Both.

Is this site evil?

No. The only thing evil on this site is this FAQ page.

Good one.

Thanks.

I thought only girls wore make-up.

Ouch...next question.

Is Jenny Jones considered a HORROR HOST?

No.

You mean there are no female horror hosts currently on TV?

That's not what I meant...you're twisting my words around...what I meant to say was that...I hate you...let me start over...

No, there are currently no female Horror Hosts that hosts shows on their own, although many shows do have female side kicks, or in some cases, co-hosts. While there have been a relatively small number of female Horror Hosts, a greater number of them seem to have made a lasting mark.

Jenny Jones is still not considered a "Horror Host."

What about Nina, Nocturna, Dita Dirt Nap, Vampi the Vegetarian Vampire, Ravena, or Verotica Screamer?

Ok...ok...whatever...point taken (ouch!)...next question...

Where can I find information on Horror Hosts not currently on television?

Our website has a links page with links to websites that have more information about the great hosts of yesteryear. 

Did you really say "yesteryear?"

Yes I did.

What's next? Are you going to call children "Ragamuffins!"

Next question.

In your opinion, who is the BEST Horror Host currently on tv?

FAQ Page answers shouldn't have opinions..

But you have already proven that you DO have opinions!

This is true.

So?

Yes.

Are you going to answer the question?

What question would that be?

Who  is your favorite Horror Host currently on tv?

Oh, that question...no, I'm not going to answer that question. 

Why?

It hasn't been frequently asked enough.

If it does, will you answer it then?

More than likely...not.

So, I suppose you won't tell me who you think is the worst host??

Not a chance.

But there is someone you are thinking of, right?

Maybe.

I'm going to move along then, ok?

Fine with me.

The biography section seems kind of slim.

It's fasting.

No, seriously--I was expecting more from the biography sections?

The site is not supposed to be a be-all, end-all, compendium
of the hosts; that's what hosts have their own sites for. It's more of a reference guide to active hosts than a "tribute" site. 

It's also going to be an interactive tool meant to allow people to find the host nearest them, or if they have no host near them, put them in contact with us to sponsor the Underground in their area. The HHU site will, purposely or inadvertently, lead interested folks to other sites that go more in depth with individual detail. And the site will of course gain depth as it grows. 

Heh-Heh...you said "tool."

Yes I did.

Who, exactly, is behind THE Horror Host Underground?

Why are you asking?

Just curious.

THE HORROR HOST UNDERGROUND was founded by Bob Hinton, C. W. Prather, Evan Davis and Larry Underwood. As I said earlier, since forming in the fall of 2001 others have joined up, but we consider most everyone who does a show, a member.

I have no desire to wear make-up (like some girl), but I do want to be part of HHU--can I?

Not with that attitude.

Come on, I'm sorry...

Sponsoring shows is the way of the future! Read all about how you can sponsor a Horror Host show on your cable access station here.

Can someone have a Horror Host show, yet NOT be a member of THE HORROR HOST UNDERGROUND?

Can someone be a chicken farmer and not make McNuggets? 

Maybe that's another bad example... 

This isn't some kind of heavy-handed labor organization, man. We consider anyone who has a show part of The Underground. However, while everyone on this site (The Horror Host Underground) is currently an active host, not all are part of the tape trading "network" aspect of the HHU--though all are welcome to be. 

"Gabba! Gabba! Hey! We accept you! We accept you as one of us."

A Ramones reference, right?

Don't forget Tod Browning.

What's the difference between THE HORROR HOST UNDERGROUND and THE HORROR HOST UNDERGROUND NETWORK?

Excellent question.

Thanks

The Horror Host Underground is a website where you can learn (well, not you personally, but the AVERAGE faq-page question) more about Horror Hosts here in the 21st century. The Horror Host Underground NETWORK is made up of a few of the magnanimously self-promotional souls from the HHU who will send you free tapes that you can sponsor on your local public access station.

So, anyone that currently has a show on television should be listed on this site?

Yes.

What if I find one that isn't?

Just drop us an e-mail and let us know.

What if I find a show on your site that isn't on the air anymore?

Same as above...let us know.

Can someone get rich being a Horror Host?

No. In fact, you might go poor.

Can someone find fame being a Horror Host?

Some have.

Then why bother?

My god, man! You're right! Fame IS such a pointless pursuit! Forget all that stuff I said earlier; I'm goin' for the cash...!!

Are there any "national" Horror Hosts?

William Shatnet is the only national television horror host right now.  Other than him, there is "Count Gore de Vol," who hosts a weekly updated website (www.countgore.com), although he's actually more "international" now, if you think about it. 

Oh...HIM again!

Count Gore has been doing that since 1999, after many years on television in Washington DC. Currently the only national host seen on television is on Canada's 24 horror digital satellite channel, SCREAM-TV, which might be picked up on some U.S. dishes. 

Like Pamela Anderson or Halle Berry?

Not those kind of U.S. dishes.

Any other "national" hosts?

National hosts who recently departed from television  include "Joe Bob Briggs" (from TNT), and (if you want to stretch the definition a bit) the gang who did "Mystery Science Theater 3000" for Comedy Central and the Sci-Fi Channel. Before that, you have to go back a number of years to Commander USA, on the USA Network, and Grandpa Al Lewis did a brief show on TBS.

I was actually thinking about "Elvira."

Even though she no longer has a show, "Elvira" maintains a national profile through movies, television, commercials and personal appearances.

Where can I find information on Horror Hosts in my area?

On our website we have a locator page with Hosts divided up by region. 

Why don't you guys have a Message Board?

Because, without a doubt, a bunch of no-good ragamuffins would eventually take it over, pissing off all of the old regulars with constant posts about poop, religion, cheese, masturbation, politics and more than likely bring up that nasty "Ghastlee vs. Albertstein" mess again, and before you know it it all becomes just a pile of irrelevant hooey, and (seriously) who really needs to read any of that, especially these days.

A-HA! See, what did I tell you! You DO call children "Ragamuffins!"

Only those who deserve it.

But, come on...most Message Boards never get over-run with troublemakers.

True. In fact, most of the hosts linked on this site have their own nifty message boards, and if they like it, then we like it. There are also plenty of  e-mail lists, like the one linked on the bottom of each page. 

Who is most embarrassed about what you do--your wife or your children?

My wives' children.

What are Public Domain movies?

The equivalent of finding a couch that someone threw out in the alley because it didn't match the rug. It's a film that for whatever reason, when the initial copyright expires, is not renewed. It then becomes unprotected material that is open for public use.

So, no good movies are in the Public Domain, huh?

Oh no. "Night of the Living Dead" and the Mario Bava classic "Black Sabbath" have all somehow slipped into the public domain, as have most silent films (although, many of the soundtracks our under differing copyrights). "Good" is such a subjective term anyway.

Do you have a list of Public Domain movies?

No.

Why?

The first rule of fight club is not to talk about fight club

I don't get it.

I'm sure you don't, 

On what day did you guys get in line for the last STAR WARS?

May the 4th.

Oh, I get it. "May the 4th be with you." That was irony, right?

No. It was a pun.

Do you include any "international" hosts?

As they become known to us we will add them. Right now we are thrilled to include "Nina" who is seen in the UK and South Africa on the Sci-Fi channel.

Man, this is a long FAQ page!

You just made it that much longer.

Those red and white images, especially on white background, are disturbing.

Is that a question or a statement?

It just looks washed-out on my computer.

It's suppose to.

Would it kill ya to use some black on the site?

Some pages have been added all in black...go try and find them!.

What other plans do you have for this site?

Plenty--the index of hosts will eventually be put into a searchable database, and we may work with some Horror Host historians to create the most comprehensive list of Horror Hosts ever (both past and present).

Your mothers must be so proud.

You are mocking us, aren't you?

Is Howard Stern considered a HORROR HOST? He is scary.

No.

How about Jay Leno? Look at that chin!

No.

Does this site speak for all Horror Hosts?

Nope--this website is simply a place to get information, and to network. By including every host that is currently working we in no way are inferring (a) endorsement by us of them or (b) endorsement by them for us. We are just trying to get the word out, and spread the gospel.

What is the easiest way to contact a Horror Host from this website?

Three ways: through their individual websites, an e-mail to us (and we can forward it on, if we can) or join up the Horror Host mailing list at the bottom and see if they also are members. 

Seriously, I thought only girls wore make-up.

Ok, that's a wrap...

© The Horror Host Underground