Not long after the Screen Gems SHOCK TV package of classic monster movies was unleashed upon an unsuspecting world in 1957, horror personalities hosting local programs sprouted like mushrooms across the country. One such character out of Louisiana was named Morgus the Magnificent (aka Dr. Morgus) played by Sid Noel.
Dr. Morgus' first appearance was on 3 January 1959, on the "House of Shock" late-night show aired on WWL-TV in New Orleans. In 1963, he packed up his coffin and moved to Detroit where he hosted "Morgus Presents" on Sundays, and on weeknights had a 5-minute spot as a news weatherman (!). Ratings eventually fell off up north so he moved back to New Orleans in 1965 and again hosted there for a couple more years.
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In 1962, Morgus starred in his own feature-length film, THE WACKY WORLD OF DR. MORGUS. I may be wrong, but I believe the only other horror host to accomplish this is Elvira. As expected, the movie is a mash-up of humor and campy horror (see the link below if you've got some time to either reminisce and/or burn). Morgus even pressed a 45 rpm single in 1959.
Morgus the Magnificent was one of the more popular of his ilk and his name is often included with the likes of Vampira and Zacherley (aka Roland) whenever the subject is discussed.
Noel/Morgus passed away on 27 August 2020 at the age of 90.
See his obituary HERE.
Below: An Evening With Sid Noel: Recollections of a Mad Scientist | Morgus the Magnificent.
Morgus And The Ghouls: "Morgus the Magnificent"
Vin Record Co., 1959, 45 rpm
- Written-By – Jeannine Clesi, Lester Bayhi
- Vocals –Mac Rebennack and Frankie Ford
- Guitar – Mac Rebennack
- Bass Guitar – Earl Stanley
- Drums – Paul Staehle
- Saxophone, Vocals – Leonard James
- Recorded By – Cosimo Matassa
I've never heard of this guy before. I'll definitely give this movie a look. THanks.
ReplyDeleteAs to be expected, it's pretty kooky so lower the bar on this one. Zany entertainment, though.
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