The Intriguing History of Spook Show

There has been continual debate among classic horror film fans as to which magazine was the first "monster mag." The general consensus is that FAMOUS MONSTERS, premiering in February 1958, holds the coveted title, though some place emphasis on a British publication, SCREEN CHILLS, that may, or may not, have been published in 1957. In my research into the horror genre of the past, I started to come across references in dusty libraries, haunted house estate sales, and annoying microfiches of something called SPOOK SHOW. Intrigued, I pursued a new line of research into what was this SPOOK SHOW publication. After diligent searches and contacting numerous collectors, some of whom insist on not being identified, I uncovered the astounding fact that SPOOK SHOW was a publication that existed well back into classic horror film history, possibly as early as the silent era, up to the days of the explosion of monster kid-om that occurred in the late 1950s. As I began to collect whatever material I could on this publication, including actual copies (my collection is still, alas, nowhere near complete), I realized that SPOOK SHOW was clearly the first monster magazine, covering not only traditional spook shows, but also supernatural literature and, primarily, the horror film! More details will be provided in this blog, as SPOOK SHOW lives again!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Enough Chills to Freeze an Eskimo!



One of the great things about SPOOK SHOW was that the publication would print ad mats from newspapers. Here's one from THE DETROIT NEWS, Friday, June 6, 1941. It's a double-bill of KING OF THE ZOMBIES and INVISIBLE GHOST.

As it may be hot where you are during this July 4th Weekend, you would be advised to step into the air-conditioned Adams Theater and watch this program. Don't forget "Even Frankenstein and Dracula Would Tremble at this Carnival of Terror!" The double-bill was recommended by The Horror Club, a contemporary of SPOOK SHOW.

Below are trailers for this chilling program. (Note: The KING OF THE ZOMBIES trailer has low sound.)



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