Nashville Remembers a Beloved Late-Night Horror Host
Nashville, Tenn. — It’s not every day that you get to hear about someone who managed to capture the hearts of an entire city, but that’s precisely what happened with Sir Cecil Creape, the cult favorite horror host who entertained Nashvillians in the early 1970s. Picture this: Every Saturday night from 1971 to 1973, families would gather around their television sets, locking in a cozy watch party for the spook-tacular show Creature Feature. With his hunchbacked stance and quirky personality, Sir Cecil Creape quickly became a familiar and cherished figure in homes across Music City.
Creating a Culture of Fun and Frights
The man behind the eerie character, Russ McCown, was not initially a household name—he was a film editor for WSM, the very station that produced the show. However, his unique approach to horror, mixing it with a generous dollop of humor and playfulness, quickly transformed him into a local superstar. From wild skits that spoofed advertisements to offbeat experiments gone wrong, the show was a wild ride.
Local resident Larry Underwood fondly recalls rushing to the TV whenever the show came on. “Back then there were three channels on TV, and when it came on, it was a big deal. He was a native Nashvillian—what he did just absolutely spoke to us. He was our guy,” Underwood said reminiscing. Interestingly, the movies presented during those late-night broadcasts varied in quality, but that didn’t matter to viewers. It was all about the experience of curling up on the couch with family and anticipating what antics Sir Cecil would pull next.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
Even after Creature Feature ended its run in 1973, McCown’s legacy flourished. He saw success on stage and made a notable return to television in 1983 with The Phantom of the Opry on The Nashville Network (TNN), becoming one of the first horror-hosts to grace a nationwide cable channel. McCown’s charisma and wit didn’t go unnoticed; even after his death in January 1994, he was inducted into the Horror Host Hall of Fame, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with icons like “The Cryptkeeper.”
Continuing the tradition, Underwood found inspiration in McCown’s work and stepped into his shoes, donning the title Dr. Gangrene in 1999. “When I started my own TV show back in the late 1990s, he was absolutely the inspiration for me doing my own show, my own horror-host show in tribute to him,” he noted proudly. The program Chiller Cinema quickly developed a following—not only in Nashville but across other cable access stations nationwide.
Honoring a Local Legend
As time passed, the city’s fondness for McCown never waned. In a heartwarming tribute, a historical marker was erected in July at his former home on Richland Avenue, thanks to Underwood’s initiative and the support from the Metro Nashville Historical Commission. “It’s just spotlighting another Nashvillian who made an impact,” Underwood said, emphasizing that many people, not just children, tuned in to enjoy his show.
The marker serves as a nostalgic reminder for those who grew up during that era, offering a glimpse into the life of McCown, whose charm continues to resonate. Even as new generations arrive, the spirit of his whimsical horror shows still lingers, especially around Halloween. Neighborhoods near McCown’s old house now come alive with decorations—skeletons, spiders, and all kinds of spooky trinkets that celebrate the season with the joy and excitement reminiscent of Sir Cecil’s reign.
Continuing the Tradition
“There’s already some plans for pumpkin carving and a little Halloween party in front of the marker,” Underwood shared, full of enthusiasm about community engagement. In a way, it beautifully ties the past and present, creating a sense of connection through shared experiences. No matter how young or old, anyone who hears the name “Sir Cecil Creape” often finds a smile creeping across their face, reflecting on the laughter, the frights, and the memorable Saturday nights spent in front of the screen.
As Underwood wrapped up his visit to the historical marker, he ended with an affectionate nod to his hero: “Good night, sleep tight and don’t let the beddy bugs bite.” It’s a charming farewell that echoes the sentiment of nostalgia and warmth that McCown brought into the homes of so many Nashvillians.
