Reunion 2005

Fitting, I think, that it was cold, cloudy, and rainy on the day of the first Hilarious House of Frightenstein reunion. Anybody travelling from Frankenstone would have felt right at home.

I'm a solitary soul and, like oil separating from water, I tend to end up at the back corner of a room where I can stand motionless observing everything like some overgrown owl. I thought to myself many times that it was incredible that this room full of people was here because of Frightenstein and Billy Van. Years ago, when they were much younger, these people all were in front of their televisions being affected by this show. It was probably on a Saturday or Sunday morning, and probably with a bowl of cereal in hand or in belly — but whenever or wherever they were, these minds were all being touched by a creepy librarian, an eccentric professor, and a psychadelic werewolf. The results were actually visible. Many of the people in attendance were fans of the horror genre, as seen by the way they were dressed, or the picture on their T-shirts, or their hair, etc. It wouldn't surprise me that Frightenstein was, for many, one of their first tastes of that genre, and they have spent their lives ever since as horror fans. Others were affected in more subtle ways. Many people with related jobs (artists, movie makeup people, moviemakers, writers etc.) introduced themselves to me and cited Frightenstein as an influence.

My doc “Return to Transylvania” was well received. Thanks to everybody who took the time to give me your comments — I really do appreciate it. It is a very great feeling; that of being in a room with my film playing for hundreds of people. It is one that I haven't had since I was in school, and it was welcome.

Overall, it was fun. Brucie still lives.