 |
40 x 60 Silkscreen poster advertises
"Dr. Satan's Shrieks in the Night," a classic example of a midnight spook show from the late 1950s and early 1960s.
These shows were traveling theatrical events that combined live magic, macabre skits, and horror films to thrill audiences at local movie theaters. Promoted by illusionists like Joe Karston, they were known for their high-energy gimmicks and "spookmasters" who would interact directly with the crowd.
Key Features of the Show
Live Performances: The poster highlights "action in the audience" and promised live appearances of terrifying creatures, including a werewolf, gorilla, and a zombie.
Celebrity "Apparitions": A major draw of this specific show was the "materializing" of ethereal forms of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.
Audience Participation: To drive attendance, the show offered "spirit portraits" of Marilyn Monroe for boys and Elvis for girls.
The "Dr. Satan" Name: While "Dr. Satan" was a common name for horror villains and spook show hosts, this specific iteration is a distinct piece of 1950s Americana. It later inspired contemporary horror, such as Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses, which features a villain of the same name.
Collector's Information
Original Printing: Original posters were often printed by the Globe Poster company of Baltimore, MD, and can be quite large, measuring roughly 40 x 60 inches.
Dates: While many reproductions date the poster to 1960, original specimens have been found with inked dates as early as 1957. |
|
|
