The Hilarious House of Frightenstein is a Canadian classic television show. The show ran for 130 episodes, filmed over nine months in 1971. Although it was an educational show it wasn't intended to be just for children. The humour appeals to all ages which is how the show is still in syndication over 40 years later.

First shown on CHCH, the Hamilton, Ontario station which used to be channel 11 when I would watch the show. Later I can remember seeing it come on in reruns very early in the mornings during the week. Catching the Hilarious House of Frightenstein was a great start to any school or work day. Even if you had already seen the episode there was still enough silliness, real humour and creativity to make you laugh again.

Do you Remember Billy Van?

The show starred Billy Van (1934 - 2003) as most (18) of the characters. Billy Van continued to create new characters as the show filmed. His picture is on the Canadian Comedy Wall of Fame at the CBC broadcast centre in Toronto, Ontario.

Some characters (actors and puppets) were: Count Frightenstein, Harvey Wallbanger, Super flying Hippie, the Gronk, The Professor, Igor, Grizelda The Ghastly Gourmet, Flying Hippie, Doctor Pet Vet, the Grammar Slammer Bammer, the mosquito, the gorilla suit, The Maharishi, The Oracle, The Wolfman, the Librarian, and the explorer Bwana Clyde Batty.

Vincent Price (1911 - 1993) narrated parts, including the opening and closing of the show. He came to Toronto for the first time, filmed approximately 400 segments over 4 days and bought the crew a couple of cases of beer.

Fishka Rais, (RIP 1974) was a jazz singer from South Africa. He played Igor, Count Frightenstein's sidekick and the Wolfman's dancing partner. No matter how many times he asked, the Count would never let Igor have one of animals which Doctor Pet Vet brought for Igor to see and find out about.

Julius Sumner Miller (1909 - 1987) appeared as The Professor, demonstrating and explaining physics experiments and scientific theory. He really was a professor with a Master's degree and a PhD in physics from Boston University.

Guy Big (Alan Hoffman, 1946 -1978) was originally to play Count Frightenstein but he did not come across as funny when he read the script as the shows began filming. Instead he was kept on and became the mini Count Frightenstein.

The music which began and ended each show, was titled March of the Martians. written by Harry Breuer, Gary Carol, Jean Jacques Perrey and Pat Prilly and played on a Moog synthesizer.