Joseph (Joe) Zawislak made a strong impression on me as a kid, even though I didn't know him by that name. To me, and most children and adults who tuned into Philadelphia's Channel (PHL) 17, he was (and still is) Dr. Shock.
He was our John Zacherle/Roland inspired horror host for a hardy decade, his reign halted by his untimely death in 1979 (the result of a heart attack at age 42). While he lived, he earned widespread fame in the tri-state area with his atmospheric and comical lead-ins, tipped by his signature "Let There Be Fright!" Those who knew him, admired and respected his jubilant nature and still miss him.
John Skerchock's biography, "The Frightful Dr. Shock!" (published by Dark Dungeon Enterprises), captures that precious period when Zawislak haunted our living rooms, capturing our imaginations with his magic tricks, goofy humor and of course, horror and science-fiction films, which ranged from Universal classics to a slew of heart-in-the-right-place, B products.
Dr. Shock was accompanied by his wee daughter, Bubbles (Doreen), who became as popular a celebrity as Zawislak's alter ego, assisting with his joyful "experiments". She added cuteness to the show as she grew up before our eyes and was someone with whom kids could identify between the jolts, not that any of Dr. Shock's viewers were ever truly scared. In the '70s, kids were tough and appreciative of any form of clever, dark fantasy.
Zawislak, as Sherchock points out, was first and foremost a magician. In fact, that's how he got his UHF hosting gig, giving an impromptu performance while at a barber shop. He also reputedly doubled for Zacherle on several occasions in his teens. For the record, Zacherle gave Zawislak permission to emulate his macabre semblance, being content to dominate the NY area, leaving Dr. Shock to rule Philly and its various, linking locations.
Zawislak was a funny, full-of-life man, which shined through his performances. Dr. Shock would never dare freak out his viewers, though sometimes his exuberant stunts, which often utilized a rubber chicken, put off some parents, as well as PHL 17 execs. Then again, one needed a childlike giddiness to appreciate such wry spunk: something that PHL's management seems to have lacked.
Much to the chagrin of his fans, Dr. Shock's schedule was juggled about, even to the point of being relegated to Sunday nights for a spell: a pain for kids who wished to stay up beyond their bedtimes, but couldn't 'cause of school the next day. Saturdays, however, were the traditional slot for Dr. Shock, initially during the evenings with "Scream In" and then later during the afternoons with the double feature, "Horror and Mad Theater".
Still, when it came to local sports, Channel 17 had no qualms about postponing its most popular personality. For example, it was hard to catch Dr. Shock in the summers since he was generally preempted by Phillies games, which would have been fine and dandy if only he had been awarded back-up intervals. The station would have benefited from such and yet...
Though Skerchock acknowledges these perplexing obstacles, he also counters them, listing each movie that aired, along with its specific date. Looking over the lengthy list, I found myself going down memory lane, recalling that wondrous, December afternoon when the doubleheader of "The Frozen Ghost" and "The Saga of the Viking Women and Their Voyage to the Waters of the Great Sea Serpent" bewitched me.
Thanks to Skerchock's research, I also recalled when Dr. Shock interviewed John Carradine and when George "Goober" Lyndsey and Harry Blackstone Jr. paid congenial visits. Skerchock also reminded me that Dr. Shock was consistently visible at any number of charity events, rubbing elbows with such entertainment giants as Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis.
The author complements these prized interludes with insightful chats with Zawislak's children, Doreen and Joe Jr. Getting their perspectives on Zawislak is most moving: their love for their father as strong as ever. They can only now lament why no reliable source has yet stepped forth to revive their dad's footage (along with its related films) for a new generation to watch and enjoy.
In this regard, Skerchock speculates how far Dr. Shock's popularity would have gone if Zawislak had lived into the cable era. (Consider, for example, how popular "WWF Wrestling" became in the '80s: a program that usually followed Dr. Shock on Saturday afternoons.) For what it's worth, there's no telling how far Dr. Shock would yet go if his programs were rerun on nostalgic channels or general Internet sources.
We are, after all, in a new, blossoming phase of horror hosts, with personalities like Svengoolie and Mr. Lobo leading the charge. Keep in mind also that such popular performers as actor Daniel Roebuck and '80s sensation Stella (Karen Scioli) of "Saturday Night Dead" have credited Dr. Shock's influence to their success. Zawislak's cultural impact was more expansive, therefore, than many may have realized, and as the decades pass, it doesn't seem inclined (thank goodness) to fade, but a sincere push toward further exposure could only ensure it.
For those who remember Zawislak and wish to unearth some of those old, sweet memories, "The Frightful Dr. Shock!" (now in a beautiful, revised, 194-page edition) is a lovely way to indulge. For those unfamiliar with Zawislak's character, but who hold an interest in the horror-host scene, this adoring labor of love is still a must-have, if only to demonstrate how one generous, affable man made Halloween a year-round celebration for so many.
"The Frightful Shock!" can be purchased through oldies.com (where I obtained an author-autographed copy), Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For the price (about $25), the expanded edition is a ghoulish gem one will cherish for years to come.
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