In the earliest episodes of this show, its host Asmodeus was seen only in shadowy profile, standing next to a scraggly tree on a graveyard set, an eerie mist swirling around him. At this point, KEMO-TV must have owned the Shock Theatre package because I remember seeing THE WOLFMAN for the first time on this program.

Later, Asmodeus (possibly played by a different actor) moved indoors to a delightfully gaudy castle parlor set, where he hosted the proceedings dressed in a smoking jacket and seated on a throne. Asmodeus was an amusing host: rotund, epicene and bombastic -- not unlike Victor Buono.

After the change in format, the show must have lost the Shock Theater package, because I remember its programming consisted mostly of 50s B movies and early Euro-horror. Some of the films I remember seeing here included THE MANSTER, RETURN OF DRACULA, WHAT, SLAUGHTER OF THE VAMPIRES, CURSE OF THE DEMON and I BURY THE LIVING. I believe the show also began playing double features at some point.

Asmodeus was a real hoot. I remember during one commercial break for THE HORROR CHAMBER OF DR. FAUSTUS, he replayed its infamous face transplant sequence and gleefully expressed his appreciation for its goriness. The actor obviously had a lot of fun playing him.

I also remember that during the 1970 theatrical release of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS, Asmodeus held a promotional contest inviting viewers to send in their horror-themed art and stories; prizes were free tickets to a special screening of the film.

When KEMO-TV went off the air in the early 70's, Bob Wilkins dimmed the lights on his KTXL show and let a moment of silence pass in Asmodeus' honor.

More Shock-It-To-Me Theatre...

THE WOLF MAN can be seen with the rest of Universal's 30s and 40s werewolf pictures on The Wolf Man - The Legacy Collection box set. Sony / Columbia Tristar have issued THE CURSE OF THE DEMON as a double feature with the alternate British version of the film, NIGHT OF THE DEMON. Watch Vincent Price drop acid on the DVD of THE TINGLER issued by Sony / Columbia Tristar. I BURY THE LIVING can be seen courtesy of MGM. And, last but not at all least, everyone's favorite THE MANSTER has been issued by Retromedia. Whew!