David Copperfield and the Psycho Shower Scene (1985)

Magic may not immediately come to mind when one thinks of Halloween, but it's not much of a stretch. Consider that during the spiritualism fad of the early 1900s, magicians' tricks were usually behind the ghostly manifestations that awed seance participants. The Search for Houdini, a TV special that aired on October 31, 1987, made the connection to Halloween obvious, though the seance staged that night was a dud.

There have been other magic-related Halloween shows, including multiple editions of Magical, Musical Halloween that aired in the early 80s.

In a previous post I commented that, as a child, I associated Toys 'R Us with magic tricks. The store had a significant selection of both individual tricks and complete magic sets. I received a few from there, including Hat Full of Magic, the Magic World of Blackstone Beginners Magic Set, and my first set—Fisher Price Magic Show.

(On my old Fisher Price set, pictured below, notice that I added a skull Halloween sticker along with labels reading "Houdini" and "David Copperfield.")

My interest in magic spanned most of my elementary school years and even into junior high. And much of that interest came from watching David Copperfield's TV specials that aired each spring. One in particular stands out.

Aired in March 1985, the seventh edition of The Magic of David Copperfield included a tribute to Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic Psycho. Featuring guest star Angie Dickinson, the vignette recreated the "shower scene" from that famous film, but included a disappearance as well as a surprise ending.

As if to put you in a Halloween mood, this segment begins with an excerpt from Michael Jackson's hit song "Thriller." Enjoy!

Punky Brewster: Love Thy Neighbor (1985)

Originally aired November 17, 1985. On Halloween night, a woman named Isabelle Peavy behaves rudely to the children in Punky's building and refuses to give them candy. Punky and Cherie enter her apartment to play a joke on her, but their plans go awry when Brandon accidentally gets left behind. The next day, Henry goes over to retrieve the dog, and he ends up learning some interesting information about Isabelle. (Synopsis from TV.com) Watch episode on NBC.com.

Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show: Great Pumpkin (1985)

Short from the "Snoopy's Brother Spike" episode that aired September 21, 1985. Linus, Sally and Snoopy await the Great Pumpkin's arrival, while Peppermint Patty and Charlie Brown play in the Halloween Bowling Tournament.

Hunter: Killer in a Halloween Mask (1985)

Originally aired October 26, 1985. Hunter and McCall become involved in a string of bizarre murders when they're assigned as technical advisers for a television show. (Synopsis from IMDB.com)

The Jetsons: Haunted Halloween (1985)

Originally aired March 16, 1985. The curator of a museum takes a special interest in Orbitty, wanting to make him his special project in time for Halloween. Will the Jetsons lose their pet alien to the curator's scheme? (Synopsis from TV.com)

Nick Or Treat Halloween Giveaway (1985)

Tales from the Darkside: Halloween Candy (1985)

Originally aired October 27, 1985. A misanthropic old man torments trick-or-treating children and is visited by a terrifying goblin demanding candy.

Night Court: Halloween Too (1985)

Originally aired October 31, 1985. Harry falls for Kim, a beautiful and free-spirited young woman. But then she appears in court, claiming to be a witch, with a tabloid reporter hovering in the background.

American Express commercial with Stephen King (1985)

Garfield's Halloween Adventure (1985)

First broadcast on CBS, October 30, 1985. Garfield fashions himself a pirate costume then takes Odie out trick-or-treating to ensure extra candy. But when attempting to cross a river on a boat, Garfield and Odie end up at a spooky house. The old man living there tells them that they picked the wrong night to visit, for pirates had buried their treasure beneath the mansion's floor long ago and had vowed to return for it 100 years later.

Halloween Safety (1985)

The Cosby Show: Halloween (1985)

With Bill Cosby's 2018 conviction, it may be difficult or impossible to ever enjoy viewing the Cosby Show again. Still, those of us who grew up watching the show considered the Huxtables to be one of the best television families of all time and one that knew how to have some Halloween fun. In this episode, Cliff reluctantly agrees to wear a costume while taking Rudy trick-or-treating. Vanessa is having friends over for a costume party and when Robert ("the coolest boy in seventh grade") arrives, she has a very difficult time being herself in front of him. This fine example of 80s television originally aired Halloween night in 1985.

PM Magazine: Haunted house (1985)

PM Magazine aired this program on 29 October 1985, as part of their "Ghoulies and Ghosts" week leading up to Halloween, with the hosts visiting a haunted attraction aboard the Star of India in San Diego. This segment is about a family living in a house they believe to be haunted. A psychic visits each room in the house, trying to discover who, or what, is causing the disturbances. I videotaped this as a kid and remember being spooked out by it, especially by the point-of-view shot walking down the steps to the basement. The background music, which is spooky in itself, is from the soundtrack to the original Halloween movie.

Vincent Price Easter Seals Halloween commercial (1985)

In October 1985, Vincent Price appeared in this commercial for Easter Seals Safe Halloween Coupons. There are a lot of neat Halloween details in this short commercial: thunder and lightning, a shattering vase, flying bats, disembodied hand, a black cat, and (of course) narration by Vincent Price:

"Halloween doesn't have to be spooky...not with Easter Seals Safe Halloween Coupons, the safe treat that gives treatment. Safe Halloween Coupons are good for treats in stores and restaurants. Give them to trick-or-treaters, or treat yourself. Give Easter Seals Safe Halloween Coupons, because Halloween should be warm and friendly!"


Apparently, Baker's Drive-Thru restaurants, in Southern Californa, are still sponsoring Easter Seals Safe Halloween coupon books after 20 years.