In 1957, Screen Gems, a division of Columbia Pictures, pitched 52 monster films to stations all across the United States under the “SHOCK!” Banner. If it was successful, it would revive the classic Universal Monsters as a brand! Films like Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman, and other favorites may not have been seen in theaters for decades, so an entirely new generation would be able to see these films for the first time from the dis-comfort of their living (dead) rooms!
And, BOY, was it successful! It launched the careers of horror hosts in almost every state, and spawned a phenomenon that lasts to this day: MONSTERKIDS!
Magazines, comic books, toys, dolls, and gum ball machine prizes all hit store shelves and kids demanded more! Halloweens brought even more spooky offerings to fans and it seemed to get even more out of control as we passed from the war protests of the 60’s into the fuel shortages of the 70’s.
Monsters endured and even thrived! It would take a Sci Fi newbie by a young visionary creator by the name of George Lucas, who pushed monsters from the limelight and got the world talking about Star Wars!
In the past 50 years, the love of classic monsters grew with every new decade and while kids of the day were more interested in slashers and blood baths, there were others that still considered themselves “MonsterKids” and continued to support the silver screen giants of old!
Soon there would be VHS tapes, Laser Discs, DVDs, and now streaming services to launch the Universal Monsters into the 21st Century! With no signs of any of it slowing, new generations can watch on demand and those wonderful monsters will never be forgotten!
But this is where it all started… SHOCK! Enjoy this look back at monster history! While you’re here, PLEASE hit the bell and leave a comment! Lots more to see on this page, so lurk around a little!
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