Thanks for the giggle, MB.

G.

Fans, last weekend I viewed the 1963 classic BLACK SABBATH.  This was the US release edit of the film directed by Mario Bava (released in Italy under a title that translates to something like THREE FACES OF TERROR). 

The movie presents three stories, each presented by Boris Karloff, who takes an important role in the final tale, "The Wurdalak," based on a story by Count Alexei Tolstoy.

"The Wurdalak" is based on old Slavic vampire lore and includes the idea that the vampire is driven to take the blood of those he loved best in life.  Ring a bell?

The second tale in the set, "The Telephone," seemed as if it might have been the springboard for the infamous "Grayson solo" episode in 1967 in which a terrorized Julia struggles to get through a night alone at Collinwood.  A memorable clip from that episode is available here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRvqLoXYRC0

A little known fact that was mentioned at one of the festivals, by Jonathan Frid himself if I recall correctly, is that Frid did the voice for "Dave" on the phone in this show.

G.

Groovy!

Another good one from the old days is INNER SANCTUM.  I always loved it when they "opened the creaking door"... SO DS.  As a child, I had this thing for imitating the sound effect of the coffin lid sl-o-o-o-w-w-w-ly opening on the show.  I think it drove my Mom nuts.  No doubt one of the many reasons why she detested the show.

G.

I listened to that one a couple of years ago and I still remember it.  Only some of the Witches Tales broadcasts survive but they're great fun.  At one point the "old Witch Nancy" was actually played by a little girl aged around 12 or 13 I think... she had an amazing faculty for mimicry.

Grand stuff!  You have great taste Lady Arashi!  Have you listened to any of THE STRANGE DR WEIRD?  Those are fun.

G.

My favorite recent ghost was a character on a short-lived British series called HEX.  I wish I could recall the character name and actress.  She was brilliant and fun.

I wonder whether anyone still remembers TOPPER with Mr. Waverly himself (Leo G. Carroll) as the hapless mortal dealing with sprightly spooks.

G.

My DVDs arrived and I saved several dollars on the posted price from the pre-order.  I am really enjoying these shows.  Haven't gotten to any of the extras yet.  They include a Round Table with Reeve Carney, episode production vlogs, and something called "A History of the Occult" which might be a PDF.

G.

Interesting, but I don't see what makes the "house" as described in any way evocative of DARK SHADOWS.

I know they recommend LEDs and electric "candles" due to insurance concerns but to me, that's the opposite of spooky.  more like TACKY IMO.

G.