Cult Corner: Reviving a horror tradition

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, gained notoriety cracking corny jokes and camping it up as a horror movie host on television before she starred in commercials galore, a feature film bearing her own name and was the basis for not one but three pinball machines.

The horror host tradition dates back to the 1950s and is now coming regularly to the Palouse. The Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre kicks off its Hosted Horr or series Thursday, June 26, with a screening of horror comedy “Evil Dead 2,” and I’m honored to be the inaugural host.

I was skeptical when Kenworthy film booker Devin Mendenhall extended the invitation, given the “controversy” surrounding a screening of the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” last fall, when University of Idaho film professor Russell Meuff questioned my credentials in a (for-fun) academic showdown. Mendenhall quickly calmed my nerves.

“I want someone who can set the tone for the series,” he said. “I know you’ll do a great intro and bring something extra to the screening.”

Flattery will get you somewhere, at least. Still, I wanted more info. What’s the series all about?

“Local horror aficionados will ‘host’ each screening by picking the film, introducing it and doing whatever else they’d like,” Mendenhall said.

Naturally, I said yes. It’s been three years since I started hosting at the Kenworthy with the VHS Mania screenings, and I was curious what ignited the idea for Hosted Horror.

“People who love horror films really love them,” Mendenhall said. “This series is a perfect way to host films for that audience on a more regular basis and showcase some great titles.”

But regular screenings of horror movies? As many folks as there are who love horror, it’s also a major turn-off for many filmgoers.

“I think people aren’t into horror films for many different reasons,” Mendenhall said. “Now that we’re showing horror films more often, we get to showcase a wider variety of styles. So, if you think horror should be more fun but still scary, you have to come to ‘Evil Dead 2.’ It’s the best horror comedy of all time.”

I couldn’t agree more, though I won’t argue with anyone making the case for “Shaun of the Dead” or maybe “Cabin in the Woods” to take the horror comedy crown. Mendenhall, though, has a broad vision for Hosted Horrors.

“Later on, maybe we’ll show something from the 1960s, which naturally won’t have as much gore but will likely offer more of a haunting atmosphere,” he said. “That could bring in a different audience, and hopefully we can convert a few nonbelievers along the way.”

The plan is to have a Hosted Horror screening once a month, and the second film already is booked. Amanda Bronowski, film fan and resident of the Palouse, is hosting “The Lost Boys” on July 22. Anyone interested in hosting can speak with Mendenhall.

“The best way is to come to screenings and talk to me in person,” Mendenhall said. I really want this series to be about the filmgoing community, so I’m more likely to ask someone to host if they’re coming to the Kenworthy and seeing movies.”

Interested parties also can email Mendenhall at moscowfilmsociety@gmail.com
Finally, in the words of the Deadites in “Evil Dead 2,” I cordially invite you to “JOIN US.”

Thompson, VHS.D, holds a doctorate of cult media in pop culture from University of Maine at Castle Rock. He delivers lectures on movies and other pop culture topics under the moniker Professor VHS. Find him on Instagram as @professorvhs.