"Hi There, Horror Movie Fans"
A new documentary celebrating the career and impact of Richmond area broadcaster, Bill Bowman and his television horror movie host persona, The Bowman Body, will air on Thursday, December 1.
The film is called Hi There, Horror Movie Fans after Bowman’s famous TV greeting. In a black cape, borrowed tuxedo and tennis shoes, his wry sense of humor and willingness to try anything made him a beloved figure in the region.
Well known to Virginia viewers, the Bowman Body’s first incarnation came in the summer of 1970 as the host of a week’s worth of black and white horror classics including The Mummy, The Invisible Man and Frankenstein.
After several repeat performances by popular demand, on February 19, 1971, The Bowman Body had his own show called “Shock Theater” every Friday night on channel 8, WXEX (now WRIC) launching a career as one of the most beloved TV horror hosts in history.
Bill Bowman is directly involved in the documentary, which also explores his role behind the scenes in television as well as Bowman’s other shows, Cobweb Theater on WVIR 29 in Charlottesville and Monsterpiece Theater on WNVC 56 in Fairfax.
Did you tune in for Shock Theatre with Bill Bowman during the 70s? Feel free to share your Bowman Body memories.
AIRS: Thursday, December 1 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on WCVE PBS/WHTJ PBS
The only time I ever had the privilege of seeing The Bowman Body was a defining moment in my life. It was 1983 and he was hosting Monsterpiece Theater. The movie that night was Night of the Living Dead, which would eventually become my favorite horror movie and inspire me to begin my journey toward becoming a horror filmmaker. I recall his intro, his mid-movie break and his wrap-up to be funny, but oddly creepy as well. The movie, of course, scared the living crap out of me, plus the fact that I was watching it on a UHF station so it was complete and uncut, interrupted only by Bowman's mid-movie break. It is one of the most vivid memories from my childhood, one that I would love to go back and relive. We got cable TV just weeks after that and I never did get a chance to see The Bowman Body again. Thank goodness for YouTube!!!
um i hate to be a slight nitpicker and all but IS there a chance of a RE-airing of the bowman body documentry i missed it could ya'll PLEASe re-air it
Hi there - there is a chance that we will re-broadcast the Bowman Body next year, possibly in February or March; however, we have not finished scheduling those months yet. Keep your fingers crossed!
In the meantime, if you simply can't possibly wait, the official Bowman Body site has video trailers, clips from the movie and DVDs available for sale.
Ami Kim, social media manager and cat wrangler
times are difficult finacially but i really enjoyed watching some of the clips of the yester year throwback show of Bowman Body shock night tv. l was able to get my teenage kids too watch these great old footages with me from the days of black and white tv and my youth. Great stuff really great memories. I loved the t-shirt as well, great t-shirt, if times where better id have to have one! to where around town, my l8 yr old boy said he would wear it to school as well. its classic! it really is! thanks for the throw back years.
absolutely classic memories!!!!
Hi Hita -thanks for watching the Bowman Body documentary! Bill Bowman's old show created a lot of fun memories for movie fans, and we're glad you were able to re-experience those good times with us.
Thanks for sharing!
Ami Kim, social media manager and cat wrangler
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