Happy Halloween 2010!

To all those who viewed my blog this year, and especially to followers of my blog: thank you for visiting The Ghosts of Halloweens Past, and I hope these posts have added to your enjoyment of the holiday.

I realized that even though there are enough TV episodes and specials to keep one entertained throughout the month of October, there is nothing you can find on the big or small screen that beats spending a fun Halloween evening in the company of family and friends. Had a wonderful time tonight, donning an impromptu costume courtesy of my brother-in-law (who came at me with a makeup pencil, beret, and flowery shirt), eating chili and bread pudding, sampling candy and cookies, admiring the glow of jack-o-lanterns on the front porch, and engaging in joyful conversation, all backed by a spooky soundtrack of Halloween favorites.

Hope you all had a great night!

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Commercial (1993)

Toys R Us Halloween Catalog

Today Show: Star Wars Halloween (2006)

Aired Halloween 2006. A big-budget, Star Wars-themed Today Show goes downhill very quickly when the drunk Ewoks show up.

The Story and Song from the Haunted Mansion (1969)

In 1969, this Disneyland Records Storyteller album was released to commemorate the opening of Haunted Mansion. Intended as a simple promotional album, this recording has become a cherished childhood memory for many a Disneyland guest. "The Story and Song from The Haunted Mansion" includes original scenes and effects that never made it into the final attraction as it follows the story of two teenagers (voiced by Robie Lester and a young Ron Howard) who take refuge inside the eerie mansion during a rainstorm. (Synopsis from DisneyStore.com) The picture above shows Ron Howard in the Happy Days episode "Haunted", made about 5 years after the album.

Laverne and Shirley: The Haunted House (1977)

The gang heads to an old abandoned house in which Carmine informs the girls they could pick up a couch for free. But their friends seem to disappear one by one while inside the haunted mansion. (Synopsis from ShareTV.org) Originally aired March 22, 1977.

The episode isn't readily available online, but here's a recap and analysis from the Night After Night Podcast:

Andy Griffith Show: The Haunted House (1963)

After Opie and his friend Arnold hit a baseball into the window of the old Rimshaw house, they hear noises and run to Andy and Barney for help. Andy sends Barney up to the house to get the ball with Gomer. They also hear noises and run away. Andy decides for all three of them to go together. The ghosts turn out to be Otis and his moonshiner friend. (Synopsis from TV.com) Originally aired October 7, 1963.

The Screaming Skull (1958)

A newlywed couple arrives at the home of the husband's late wife, where the gardens have been maintained by a gardener faithful to the dead woman's memory. Soon eerie events lead the new wife to think she is going out of her mind. (Synopsis from IMDB.com)

Ozzie and Harriet: Halloween Party (1952)

On Halloween night, Ozzie and Thorny make plans to attend a non-costume party as Satan and a Scotsman. Meanwhile Ricky and David attend a Halloween Party at school and the Nelson household is besieged by children demanding candy - or else. (Synopsis from IMDB.com) Originally aired October 31, 1952.

Drive-In Theater Doomsday Promo

Here is another vintage drive-in promo film.

Drive-In Theater Spookathon Promo

Here is a vintage promo film that drive-in theater owners would use to advertise a marathon of horror movies. I am not sure when this was produced, but it was likely from the early 60s.

Tales From The Far Side I and II (1994, 1997)

Bizarre TV specials based on the "Far Side" comic strip by Gary Larson.

Excerpts from Tales From The Far Side I and II: