Friends 'Til the End

Friends 'Til the End (ABC Studios). Directed by Jack Bender. Featuring Shannen Doherty, Jennifer Blanc, Jason London, Harriet Sansom Harris, Marisol Nichols, Nicole Bilderback, Steven Martini, Jenna Leigh Green, Harry Lennix, Jim Childs, etc. 

Heidi Moore's Kill Dolly Kill: Dolly Deadly 2

Wearing an "I LOVE HORROR HOSTS" t-shirt to the event, actor Jim Childs (The Super Shock Show; Space Grandma) attended the Las Vegas premiere of Heidi Moore's Kill Dolly Kill: Dolly Deadly 2... and met the legendary Lloyd Kaufman of Troma Films and superhero The Toxic Avenger.

 

STUCK from Dwarf Star Films

My return to acting began in 2023 with this psychological drama filmed in Las Vegas. Written by Ricky Gray Jr. and directed by Danielle Patton. Starring Yisrael Dubov, Brad Stein, Jim Childs, and Kelsey Davidson.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31862587/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_cdt_t_5 

 

Murder Before Midnight (WBKB; 1950-1953)

 

MURDER BEFORE MIDNIGHT 

WBKB-4, Jan. 23, 1950-Aug. 24, 1953; Chicago, Illinois

Host: Drana Badour the Swami (Allen Harvey & Art Hern)

During the dawn of the 1950s, local Chicago television station WBKB-4) was, in all actuality, ahead of its time when it produced and aired a little programmer called Murder Before Midnight. Every week a different movie thriller would be showcased and hosted by an unusual Swami character, who went by the name of Drana Badour. The strange mystic spoke in an eerie voice and wore the appropriate attire and turban. The show's macabre theme music would play as the time grew nearer for the film to begin. Captivated television viewers would then be lured into Drana Badour's crystal ball where the week's mystery or horror thriller would start.

Very little is known about this obscure television gem, but filmmaker and author Donald F. Glut (Dinosaur Valley Girls; The Erotic Rites of Countess Dracula) has stated that the show debuted on January 23, 1950, and he has generously shared knowledge about Murder Before Midnight at the Monster Kid Classic Horror Forum. Likewise, authors Ted Okuda and Mark Yurkiw have also provided a brief background of the program in their insightful book Chicago TV Horror Movie Shows from Shock Theatre to Svengoolie (2007; Lake Claremont Press; 1893121135). However, Okuda and Yurkiw have erroneously commented that the show ended its run in 1952. Ol' Sicko-Psychotic himself has picked up his shovel and did a little digging of his own, only to discover that Murder Before Midnight continued its run until August 24, 1953, according to the TV listing section in the Illinois newspaper - the Freeport Journal.

Murder Before Midnight was unique in that it not only had a creepy host as the master of ceremonies, the first of his kind in television history, but the show also featured a movie thriller in nightly installments, Monday through Saturday from 11:30 pm - 12:00 midnight. The half hour program would then usually be followed by the Nite Owl Movie, which showcased a random mix of full-length movies from various genres. Beginning on June 17, 1951, however, the WBKB studio began to do something special with Murder. On Monday nights, the local TV station started showing the entire length of the week's feature from 11:30 pm until 1:30 am. On these nights, Murder would be followed by the Ulmer Turner News prior to the station going off the air until later that morning. 

Considering how quickly and frequently shows were cancelled during the golden age of television, it's apparent that Murder Before Midnight had a successful run locally. No doubt that introducing a viewer-participation gimmick added to the show acquiring a loyal following. "After the movie segment was over," Glut has stated, "the Swami would do an over-the-air quiz, phoning people at home and asking questions relating to the movie. Winners got a jackpot prize offered by sponsor Allied Motors." 

Although the Swami Drana Badour hosted such horror titles as The Ape Man (1943), Revenge of the Zombies (1943), The Face of Marble (1946), etc., the majority of the program consisted of mystery and suspense chillers. Similar films found themselves as part of the film repertoire of later TV horror hosts that soon followed in the Swami's footsteps (i.e., Vampira's Lady of Horrors, 1954-1955, KABC and Vampira, 1956, KHJ; Dr. Diablo's Terror! Theatre, 1957, KCOP; Ottola Nesmith's Nightmare!, 1957-1958, KTLA). A couple of the Swami's known mystery and suspense flicks -- Red Dragon (1945) and The Panther's Claw (1942) -- were presented by other horror hosts, such as Vampira and Dr. Diablo, in their own programs. It's very likely that even more of the Swami's films would have appeared in the shows previously mentioned if they would have lasted as long as Murder Before Midnight did. The reason for so many suspense thrillers in these early programs was due to the fact that horror pictures were difficult to acquire and at affordable prices, as Maila Nurmi (a.k.a. Vampira) had once pointed out. These were local shows, after all, and they had a modest budget. Sadly, this is still the case in current times, which is why most horror hosts continue to show the same features, usually in public domain, as their colleagues.

Originally, the man behind the turban was WBKB's very own television announcer Allen Harvey (see top pic). Eventually, actor Art Hern took over the role of the mystic Drana Badour. Hern was a former radio actor, best remembered as one of the cast in the 1939-1949 radio program Captain Midnight. After the cancellation of Murder Before Midnight in 1953, Hern was cast as a regular in the television series The Happy Pirates, a children's program which starred Dick Two Ton Baker (see pic on the left). At the time, WBKB changed ownership and was bought by ABC (Channel 7). Over the decades, Art Hern continued to work in various films, such as Simon, King of the Witches (1971) and Transylvania Twist (1989), up until his death at the age of 90.

FILMS SHOWN (Incomplete):

The Accused (1949)

*The Ace of Spades (1935)

*The Ape Man (1943)

*Below the Deadline (1936)

*Blake of Scotland Yard (1937)

*The Case of Charles Peace (1949)

*Charlie Chan in the Secret Service (1944)

*The Corpse Vanishes (1942)

*Dark Alibi (1946)

*Detective Kitty O'Day (1944)

The Face of Marble (1946)

*Hammer the Toff (1952)

*The Important Witness (1933)

*The Intruder (1933)

* Lord Edgware Dies (1934)

*Meet Sexton Blake (1945)

The Night Comes Too Soon (1947)

*The Night Has Eyes (1942)

*The Panther's Claw (1942)

*Paul Temple's Triumph (1950)

*The Phantom Shot (1947)

Red Dragon (1945)

Return of the Ape Man (1944)

*Revenge of the Zombies (1943)

*Salute the Toff (1952)

Shadows Over Chinatown (1946)

*A Shot in the Dark (1935)

*Someone at the Door (1936)

Tangled Evidence (1934)

There Goes Kelly (1945)

*The Thirteenth Guest (1932)

*Three Witnesses (1935)

*White Zombie (1932)

*Woman in the Shadows (1934)

FREE Horror Movies on The Monster Channel !!!

 The Monster Channel streams horror movies 24/7 and many of them are hosted by your favorite macabre masters of ceremony like... Arachna of the Spider People, Dr. Dreck, Mistress Malicious, Horrible Henry & Mad Marty, Penny Dreadful XIII, Dr. Sarcofiguy, Sally the Zombie Cheerleader, Octavian Hallow, Hack, Lamia, Scarlett Kaiju, Bobby Gammonster, Vincent Grimmly, Roxsy Tyler, and Sicko-Psychotic the King of Ghouls (a.k.a. actor Jim Childs).

The Monster Channel Ghoulzette !!!

 

The Ghoulzette is a promo ad featuring The Monster Channel's programming. These two feature las vegas actor Jim Childs as Sicko-Psychotic the King of Ghouls hosting the films The Vampires Night Orgy (1973) and Blood and Roses (1960). Other hosts include Octavian Hallow, Lamia, Horrible Henry and Mad Marty, reviewer Dr. Dread, etc.

TV Horror Host Team-Up !!!

 Promo for one of Sicko-Psychotic the King of Ghoul's team-ups with horror host Bobby Gammonster on Monster Movie Night. Edge of Sanity with Anthony Perkins was the film featured in this episode. Sicko is portrayed by Las Vegas actor Jim Childs.

Horror Host meets a Swamp Monster !!!

Get ready to scream... or maybe even laugh! They kinda sound the same sometimes!! Promo for "Swamp of the Lost Monsters" episode of The Super Shock Show was hosted by actor Jim Childs as Sicko-Psychotic the King of Ghouls. It aired Saturday - JUNE 4th, 2022 on The Monster Channel and various television stations.

Booked It: Comedy-Drama !!!

 So glad gigs are picking up again and I just landed a new role. Looking forward to meeting and working with a whole new cast and crew I haven't worked with before this coming week. This time I get to play someone with a little more empathy towards others than what I normally am cast as (although I do enjoy playing those other roles as well).  This should be fun!

Jim Childs: Actor One-Sheet

 My first actor one-sheet as Jim Childs. Creating this has really helped to reinforce what my brand is and what my types are. 

Jim Childs IMDbPro Starmeter

Thanks to everyone who has checked out my IMDb page. I believe this is the lowest number my starmeter has been (the lower the number, the better the rating). There will be new projects listed for this year, so keep checking periodically for announcements of what I've been working on. And be sure to support your local filmmakers and artists. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7252327/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm 

Drana Badour the Swami (Allen Harvey & Art Hern)

 

DRANA BADOUR (Allen Harvey & Art Hern)

Murder Before Midnight (Jan. 23, 1950-Aug. 24, 1953; WBKB-4; Chicago, Illinois)

During the dawn of the 1950s, local Chicago television station WBKB (Channel 4) was, in all actuality, ahead of its time when it produced and aired a little programmer called Murder Before Midnight. Every week a different movie thriller would be showcased and hosted by an unusual Swami character, who went by the name of Drana Badour. The strange mystic spoke in an eerie voice and wore the appropriate attire and turban. The show's macabre theme music would play as the time grew nearer for the film to begin. Captivated television viewers would then be lured into Drana Badour's crystal ball where the week's mystery or horror thriller would start.

Originally, the man behind the turban was WBKB's very own television announcer Allen Harvey (see top pic). Eventually, actor Art Hern took over the role of the mystic Drana Badour. Hern was a former radio actor, best remembered as one of the cast in the 1939-1949 radio program Captain Midnight. After the cancellation of Murder Before Midnight in 1953, Hern was cast as a regular in the television series The Happy Pirates, a children's program which starred Dick Two Ton Baker. At the time, WBKB changed ownership and was bought by ABC (Channel 7). Over the decades, Art Hern continued to work in various films, such as Simon, King of the Witches (1971), and Transylvania Twist (1989), up until his death at the age of 90.

The Magic of the Knight

From the looming mountains surrounding a little bustling tourist town affectionately called Sin City, to the vast and varying landscape of the the Nevada desert, it is not surprising that film production studios have taken an interest in the state's unique resources.

However, immersed in the middle of it all are the local creatives who seek an opportunity to give authentic representation and be part of the magic that is often reflected back to them on the screen. 

That is where Kight Studios comes in. Spearheaded by the intelligent, ambitious, and talented Alissa Knight and her wife, Melissa Knight, the studio has given actors, production crew, and others alike an opportunity to establish and secure themselves in the entertainment industry.

According to various interviews, testimonials from those who are a part of the Knight world paint a picture of support, creative freedom, and hard work - a place to develop their skills and learn from one another, all in a safe and team-oriented environment.

Moreover, the studio's website (https://www.knightstudios.co/) states it provides a training ground for those seeking a career in film production. That would make it an amazing opportunity for students and other Las Vegas locals to gain hands-on experience with a studio that is ever-evolving and expanding with each new project. 

Because of her professional background in cybersecurity, Alissa Knight has utilized her expertise in telling stories about computer hacking and other cyber crimes as witnessed in Underdog Games, Catastrophe Inc., Heat, Ransom, Dark Ops, Scorched Earth, and the up-and-coming Shadow Unit. 

Like most people when they are busy, sometimes my focus and attention are on the projects I am personally involved in at the time, but regardless of that, word of the studio had been buzzing in my ear because of the awards they have been receiving. It wasn't until recently, however, that I had a chance to learn about the company. I must admit, that, whether it's a fault or a blessing of mine, I tend to geek out when I see people that I've worked with in the past on new productions. In this case, actress Johanna Gordon and actor Andrew Chan, (who I appeared with on Space Grandma back in early 2023) have joined the KS team on the series Dark Ops. And, although the episode that Chan appears in hasn't yet been released, I found myself hooked and binge-watched this past week every title KS has released to the public thus far. As a new viewer, I can safely say that I've been pulled into this world that Alissa Knight and her cast and crew created and I look forward to more. 

Also, check out The Alisa Knight Archives on YouTube.

SIDE NOTE: As you may have noticed this blog is undergoing reconstruction. In the last couple of years, my interests have expanded (some revisited like an old friend) and I have decided to include them to reflect what is important to me alongside TV horror hosting (particularly The Super Shock Show). I thank all of you for your support from the very start of this venture and to those who are discovering the show for the first time. 

Mistress Peace Theatre Gets Sick !!!

I created this poster back in 2022 when I made a guest appearance as Sicko-Psychotic the King of Ghouls on Mistress Peace Theatre hosted by the zany and wonderful Mistress Malicious herself. I had such a great time and I am very grateful to have been asked to appear alongside two of my favorite hostesses... the Mistress and her Magic Mirror. 

Cameo was also on board and, as some of you might know, I also puppeteer and do the voice of that wisecracking magic camera obscura. 

You can catch Mistress Peace Theatre on Beta Max TV, The Monster Channel, Otherworlds TV, Tingler Television, The Vortexx, and MAX-TV (Channel 43). For more information visit their website at: https://bordellomistressm.wixsite.com/mistresspeacetheatre/about .

The movie shown in this episode was the film-noir mystery Behind Green Lights (1946) starring Carole Landis and William Gargan. 

The NEW Sin City Horror Club !!!

 

Las Vegas locals who love horror movies have a new platform to network with like-minded fans of the genre and it's called Sin City Horror Club. It's a Facebook group where everyone shares what's what and what's happening in the horror community of Sin City. 

It's run by film director and composer Knik Woods (Clemency Blvd; Shoe Gazer) over at GhostChaser Productions and he's taken the group to another level by hosting the Vintage Horror Screenings (VHS) at the Millennium FANDOM BAR, a wonderous sci-fi/fantasy/horror themed establishment located at 430 Hoover Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101. These events are hosted once a month and it is a great place for group members + friends to meetup and hang out in a casual and friendly environment... must be 18 and over.   

Vintage Horror Screenings was first launched on September 20th, 2023 with a showing of the gore classic "Saw" (2004). All films shown are screened from actual VHS tapes, taking us on a nostalgic trip in time when video stores were often the go-to source for watching all of your favorite movies. As of this post, the other films shown thus far have been An American Werewolf in London, Black Christmas, Candyman, Dawn of the Dead, and a double feature - Child's Play 2 and Bride of Chucky. 

I, and a friend, of mine have been going to VHS since it started and it has been a lot of fun. There is also a trivia session right before the start of the film in which you can win prizes. As you can see in the following pics, I'm goofing off with R2-D2 and showing what I won during trivia. 

You can join the Sin City Horror Club at: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sincityhorrorclub ;

Their Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/sincityhorrorclub/ ;

Follow the Millennium Fandom Bar on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/millenniumfandombar 

You can also follow me, Jim Childs, on Instagram at: 

https://www.instagram.com/officialjimchilds/ 

 

Terrence Sir (a.k.a. John Barclay)

TERRENCE SIR (John Barclay)

Nightmare Theater (Jan. 29, 1958-1958; KRON-TV; channel 4; San Francisco, California)

Voice actor, TV and radio producer John Barclay took over hosting Nightmare Theater as Terrence's father, Terrence Sir. It aired Wednesday nights at 10:35 pm. "To introduce Nightmare Theater on KRON in San Francisco, John Barclay enters as a two-faced monster from studio mummy's tomb wearing a grotesque mask on the back of his head and speaking in sepulchral tones learned during long years as a Shakespearean actor," is how LIFE magazine (May 26, 1958) described the host and the show. 

The Daily Independent Journal (Feb. 7, 1958) revealed much more information about the new host's debut and take over of Nightmare Theater: "Fans of the 'Nightmare' TV show have been startled the last two weeks to see a new face - and a bearded one at that. It belongs to Terrence Sr., father of Terrence Jr. who has been acting as host of the horror program on KRON. Senior stirred his creaky bones and left the comfortable dampness of his mummy's cage, just to return to life and see how Junior was making out with the television audience. During the course of a chat last Wednesday, Pop learned Son was doing fine, only he was getting a bit tired and and could use a little vacation. Now, you'll be seeing Senior on 'Nightmare' every Wednesday while Junior rests his creaky joints in the family tomb. Oh, yes, Terrence Sr. is really John Barclay of Sausalito, whose mannerisms on the air are faintly reminiscent of Boris Karloff. Barclay has had a long career as an... opera singer, dramatic actor and radio-TV writer [and] producer." The films shown were from the Shock! package.

FILMS SHOWN: The Black Cat (1934); Calling Dr. Death (1943); Chinatown Squad (1935); Dead Man's Eyes (1944); Dracula (1931); Dracula's Daughter (1936); Enemy Agent (1940); Frankenstein (1931); The Frozen Ghost (1945); The Invisible Man (1933); The Mummy (1932); The Mummy's Ghost (1944); The Mummy's Tomb (1942); The Mystery of Marie Roget (1942); Mystery of the White Room (1939); Sealed Lips (1942); The Strange Case of Doctor Rx (1942)

Dwarf Star Films Presents STUCK !!!

Wanted to give you all a heads-up on a new film I was involved in called STUCK. It was filmed here in Las Vegas and I got to play a deliciously wicked role in it. Great script by producer/writer Ricky Gray Jr. and directed by local talent Danielle Patton. It also stars Yisrael Dubov and Brad Stein. Currently in post-production, keep your eyes open for this new psychological thriller by Dwarf Star Films. Many thanks to all for casting me and the fun I had working with the cast and crew. 

Jim Childs =  https://www.instagram.com/officialjimchilds/ 

April Fools Frights !!!

I wonder how many of you sickies actually fell for this April Fool's prank? Hahah!!! Courtesy of The Monster Channel of course. Horrible Henry and Mad Marty, the Bone Jangler, and myself - Sicko-Psychotic - all presented classic monsters, but they were public domain versions (e.i. "Count Dracula and His Vampire Brides") heheh. Still, a good time was shared by all. Make sure you tomb into the Monster Channel to watch all of your favorite hosts 24/7. Now available on roku!

 

Create Your Own Mad Monster Party !!!

The Mad Monster Party is slowly growing on the Sick Shack's shelf. Grow your mini-horror host collection at:

www.etsy.com/shop/PhoenixComicsToys?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1131044927  

Featured above are Penny Dreadful (Danielle Gelehrter; Shilling Shockers), Dr. Wolfenstein (Gregg Gibbs; House of 1000 Corpses), Sicko-Psychotic (Jim Childs; Super Shock Show), Magic Mirror & Mistress Malicious (Scarlett Kaiju & Jamie Lynn Mason; Mistress Peace Theatre), Vincent Grimmly & Phydeaux (Darren T. Knaus; Night Chills Theatre), Bobby Gammonster & Boris T. Buzzard (Monster Movie Night), Mr. Lobo (Cinema Insomnia), Sally the Zombie Cheerleader (Nicole M. King; The Zombie Cheerleader's School of Horror). Papa Fleckba is a special collector's edition. This alternate Freakshow (Bordello of Horror) figurine is sold exclusively through https://barabootoysoldiershoppe.com/ 

Preview of Episode 4 !!!

 

While Sicko and Mr. Nasty are up on the Sick-Shack's roof changing Aunt Clarice's diaper, Cameo and Silky Harlot avoid the Mail Mummy who is attempting to deliver an eviction notice. Later, it is revealed that Silky is a descendant of the Spider Goddess Teotihuacan and is an Aztec Princess. 

Las Vegas TV horror host Sicko-Psychotic presents the 1957 film Attack of the Aztec Mummy (a.k.a. Attack of the Mayan Mummy; La Momia Azteca) featuring Ramón Gay, Rosita Arenas, Crox Alvarado, Emma Roldán, Steve Conte, and Jorge Mondragón.

The English version was re-edited by Jerry Waren who filmed additional footage. 

This preview is from one of the host segments featuring Sicko-Psychotic (Jim Childs), Cameo, Mr. Nasty, and Silky Harlot.