MovieChat Forums > The Hilarious House of Frightenstein (1971) Discussion > Did SCTV plagiarize the THHOF?

Did SCTV plagiarize the THHOF?

posted 16 years ago by stevenbyczek
8 replies | jump to latest

I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and there was a campy horror movie host on TV in the 1980's named "Count Scary" who would constantly say: "Ooo! That's scary!" The actor who played "Count Scary" admitted that he "borrowed" elements of his characterization from Joe Flaherty's "Count Floyd" from "SCTV." However, when I watch episodes of "THHOF", I find the mannerisms of "Count Frightenstein" to be very similiar to "Count Floyd." Is it possible that Joe Flaherty stole some ideas from Billy Van's performance on "The Hillarous House of Frightenstein?" After all, "THHOF" came out before "SCTV" and Detroit's "Count Scary."

Thank you in advance!

Cheers!

Sincerely, Steve B.

[–] stevenbyczek 16 years ago

Does anybody have any opinions on this subject?

Cheers!

Sincerely, Steve B.

[–] gtj73 15 years ago

I've gotta say, I think Joe Flaherty's Count Floyd is a direct homage to Billy Van. They're way too similar.

That house is not fit to live in. No one's been able to live in it. It doesn't want people.

[–] stevenbyczek 15 years ago

Thanks "gregjarvis73." I am glad that somebody noticed else noticed the similarities between Flaherty and Van.

Cheers!

Sincerely, Steve B.

[–] jritty 11 years ago

I'd say it def inspired count floyd. no question.

You Suck...now deal with it.

[–] stevenbyczek 11 years ago

I agree. Slightly off-topic, "Count Scary", a Detroit area "horror movie host" ripped off both Van and Flaherty (in the 80's).

http://www.countscary.com/

In the interview, Tom Ryan mentions that much to his surprise, he was never sued by the producers of SCTV. When people approached him about the subject, he always replied with the sarcastic comment: "Imitation is the sincerest form of Flaherty."

Cheers!

Sincerely,

Steve B.

[–] jritty 11 years ago

that'd be one of the best punn/quotes I've ever read! Great stuff.

You Suck...now deal with it.

[–] stevenbyczek 11 years ago

Yes, Mr. Ryan (the performer who plays "Count Scary") could be very flippant and clever at times. :-)

Cheers!

Sincerely,

Steve B.

[–] 11 years ago

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