The Hilarious House of Frightenstein was such an integral part of my childhood and everyone else’s growing up in Southern Ontario in the mid to late seventies.. Produced in Hamilton Ontario (CHCH TV). Vincent Price was in Hamilton for a week to shoot his bits. He was paid $11,000. a mere pittance for such an accomplished actor. Vincent loved Canada and wanted to do something for children. Timing could not have been better.
This doc was fantastic to say the least. You could feel the love oozing from it. The audience cheered, clapped and laughed all the way thorough the screening. It was Hilarious! (see what I did there).
They produced 130 episodes in 9 months. WOW! I knew of course that Billy Van played eight characters in this show. So distinct and precise were the performances that he was unrecognizable in these roles. The makeup was way ahead of it’s time.
True story. On his last day, Vincent borrowed a pickup truck from the studio lot, drove to Brewer’s Retail (remember them?) and bought several cases of beer (Molson Export I was told). He waited by the truck and handed beers to every member of the crew and cast, thanking them for their work. Another of many reasons why Vincent Price is my hero. Also, can you imagine being in the beer store when Vincent Price walks in and orders some cases. I mean…Holy Shit!
Photos below of some swag giveaways at the screening. Some plushes of Igor and The Count. A couple of the original writers of the show and other various show props.
