Retro Friday: Spooky TV Edition

Back when local TV stations still cared to do local programming besides news, virtually every TV station had a kids program. And virtually every independent TV station had a "creature feature" movie package hosted by someone dressed as some sort of ghoul. These shows are remembered fondly for their low-budget effects and cheesy humor.

In L.A., of course, KHJ had Elvira. Across the country, hosts in the 1980s also included "Sammy Terry" (Indianapolis), "Count Scary" (Detroit), "Darcinia" (Albuquerque). "Chilly Billy" (Pittsburgh) and "Crematia" (Kansas City). This clip package, from a 1985 episode of "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes," highlights some of those hosts of the past.

Here's another segment:



Of course, the original host from the early days of horror TV was Vampira -- Maila Nurmi, who just passed away last year. Here's the opening from the show in 1954: