Svengoolie Season 1 Episode 1 House on Haunted Hill

Svengoolie is a horror-comedy television show that has been around for nearly 40 years. The series follows a character named Svengoolie who hosts black-and-white horror films from the 1950s to 1970s. His corny jokes and campy hijinks have made him a cult favorite among horror fans.

In the first episode of season 1, Svengoolie presents House on Haunted Hill, a classic horror-thriller from 1959. The film follows a millionaire named Frederick Loren (played by Vincent Price) who invites five people to a supposedly haunted house for a party. In order to make things more interesting, Loren offers his guests $10,000 each if they can survive the night. As expected, things quickly go awry and the guests begin to experience supernatural occurrences that threaten their lives.

Svengoolie introduces the film with his trademark wit and humor, making fun of the film's budget and special effects while also offering some insightful trivia. He shows off his famous rubber chicken, which he uses to poke fun at the film's creepy scenes.

As the film begins, Svengoolie takes a back seat and lets House on Haunted Hill do the talking. The movie is a classic example of horror from the late 1950s and features all of the tropes that have become synonymous with the genre. Jump scares, creaky doors, and unexplained noises all play a role in the tension that builds throughout the film.

Vincent Price, who was known for his roles in horror films, is excellent as Frederick Loren. He is charming and charismatic but also menacing and cruel, making him the perfect villain for the film. Other notable performances come from Carolyn Craig, who plays Nora Manning, and Elisha Cook Jr., who plays Watson Pritchard. Craig is convincing as the terrified young woman who becomes the target of the supernatural occurrences, and Cook Jr. adds some comic relief as the eccentric caretaker of the house.

Despite its age, House on Haunted Hill remains a classic horror film that has stood the test of time. The pacing is brisk and the tension is constant, giving viewers a thrill ride that they won't soon forget. The film's climax is particularly satisfying, with a twist ending that has become legendary in the horror genre.

Svengoolie returns at the end of the film to offer his final thoughts and to remind viewers of his upcoming episodes. He signs off with a cheesy joke and a wave of his rubber chicken, leaving viewers with a smile on their faces.

In conclusion, the first episode of Svengoolie is a fun and entertaining tribute to classic horror films. House on Haunted Hill is a great choice for the show's first installment, showcasing a timeless film that will appeal to horror fans of all ages. If you're a fan of horror films and enjoy a good laugh, then you won't want to miss this episode of Svengoolie.