R.I.P. 'Creature Features' Host Bob Wilkins 1932-2009 by RocketJock

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R.I.P. 'Creature Features' Host Bob Wilkins 1932-2009

POSTED BY: ROCKETJOCK
UPDATED: Sunday, January 11, 2009 00:36
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Thursday, January 8, 2009 5:34 PM

I don't know how many Browncoats grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area or the Sacramento Valley during the 60's through the early 80's, but if you number among them, you undoubtedly remember Bob Wilkins. He passed away peacefully yesterday, January 7, apparently from complications resulting from a several-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Bob was unique amongst horror movie hosts; he never affected ghoulish make-up or costume, and while the films his limited budget required him to show might sometimes have insulted the viewer's intelligence, Bob never did. Long before Elvira or MST3K, Bob sat in his rocking chair in a snappy sports coat, neatly knotted tie, and horn rims, smoking a cigar, calmly carving the night's turkey with a dry and sardonic wit. On his very first broadcast in 1964, faced with the prospect of hosting "Attack of the Mushroom People", he faced the camera and read the audience the TV guide listings for other stations, ending with the classic quote "Don't stay up late, it's not worth it."

Despite the sometimes dire nature of the films Bob hosted, the program itself soon became Saturday night must-see viewing, if only for the incredible variety of guests he interviewed during the commercial breaks. You might tune in to find him conversing with Christopher Lee, James Doohan, Forrest J. Ackerman, or Ray Harryhausen. Between films during the double-feature nights that prevailed during the 70's, he would show episodes of classic movie serials--something almost inaccessible during those pre-VCR days.

In that long, dark period when American TV had virtually nothing to offer the Science Fiction Fan, Bob Wilkins helped keep the spark alive.

Bob Wilkins was an American Original, and he will be missed.

"Watch horror films. . . Keep America Strong!" -- Bob Wilkins

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Thursday, January 8, 2009 6:12 PM

KAREL

Flying on duct tape and a damaged registry.

"Can you feature that horrible creature?"

I do remember. Made me what I am today.

But seriously, rest in peace.

"Whatever is wrong with you is so right for me." -- Marillion.

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Thursday, January 8, 2009 9:57 PM

FILLYGIRL

Operative: "Its worse than you know..." Mal: "It usually is."

I too remember, it was the coolest show of the time. So sad, RIP Bob!:) and Thanks!

Chaplain of the 76th Independant Battalion

Do not bother dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!

...it's worse than you know...Operative
...it usually is.....Mal

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Sunday, January 11, 2009 12:36 AM

ROCKETJOCK

Just a passing note; tonight I watched a locally-produced, locally-hosted horror movie show. [For the record,it was "Creepy KOFY Movie Time", on KOFY TV-20, San Francisco.]

It was more in the way of Elvira or the classic ghoulish host type than it was similar to Bob's style, but it was still nice to see that someone appreciates a uniquely American entertainment format.

I found myself wondering how many browncoats have a show of this kind in their area? I know of at least one nationally syndicated example, "Cinema Insomnia", hosted by the inimitable Mr. Lobo. Anyone else have a local-UHF spookshow or two? Or remember one from back when?

"And the Creature's gonna get you tonight/You better not turn out your bedroom light!" -- Theme From "Creature Features"

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