How I wish that some smart executive in film and television would have the good sense to bring back the fright show to tv.  You know what I mean...the Friday or Saturday late night show where a horror host would introduce a horror or science fiction movie and add jokes and just general fun to the proceedings.  Those days are gone and unfortunately..with the exception of Elvira...were gone before my time.  I read about all these cool horror hosts and their shows, but have never been able to see them...well that is till I found the Zacherley Archives.  One of the first and certainly greatest horror hosts was John Zacherle, first out of Philadelphia and then New York City.  Zacherle was known...and still is...as the Cool Ghoul for his make-up and ever resplendent wit.  He was famous for introducing horror films and adding funny jokes(usually horrendously corny and campy) and little stories about his tomb or crypt and its inhabitants.  In this tape, we are treated to a few of those old shows that somehow were saved from someone filming the television screen I believe.  These shows are priceless as they show what it was like to grow up in the era...even keeping the commercials as well.  Sure some of the humour is a bit dated, but boy I cannot tell you how much fun I had taking this trip down memory lane...a lane I would never have been able to travel otherwise.  John Zacherle also does an introduction to each show in the present and I must say he still has his wit intact. For all the monster lovers out there...this one is for you.

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

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The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

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The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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The fantasy genre features imaginative and often magical worlds, characters, and events. It explores realms beyond the boundaries of reality, featuring elements such as magic, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, and fantastical settings. These stories can take place in entirely fictional worlds or blend fantastical elements with real-world settings.

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The horror genre features stories that aim to elicit fear, suspense, and a sense of dread in its audience. Horror stories often explore themes related to the unknown, the supernatural, and the macabre, and they frequently evoke strong emotional reactions such as anxiety, terror, and unease.

The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

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The sci-fi genre, short for science fiction, features imaginative and futuristic concepts that are often rooted in scientific principles, technology, and possibilities. These stories delve into "what if" questions and can serve as a platform to address contemporary social, political, and ethical issues by projecting them onto future or alternate settings.

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The thriller genre features suspense, tension, and excitement. These stories are known for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and delivering intense emotional experiences by revolving around high-stakes situations, dangerous conflicts, and the constant anticipation of unexpected events.

"The Zacherley Archives" is a direct to video with rare kinescopes of horror host Zacherley's early television shows. Hosted and produced by John Zacherle as "Zacherely".

John Zacherle in The Zacherley Archives (1998)

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The Zacherley Archives

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