The popularity of crime novels during the 20's and 30's was big I tell ya. Real big! As a result hardened pulp fiction writers like Dashiell Hammett (The Maltese Falcon), James M. Cain (Double Indemnity), and Raymond Chandler (The Big Sleep) all had successful careers. Because of their success it was inevitable that filmmakers would direct their lens toward this befitting merger – crime fiction and psychological thriller story lines were well coupled with the moody aesthetic
Back in 1963 a NYC actor named Adam Keefe began hosting late night movies following the news on the ABC affiliate in Buffalo, NY. At the time these types of programs were popular in many cities throughout the nation. LA had Vampira, Chicago had Marvins Shock Theatre, Cleveland had Ghoulardi, NYC and Philly had Zacherley and dozens more throughout the nation. All had similar programming that centered around a “character host” screening horror films. But by the end of the 80's,