Growing up in northeastern Ohio, Ghoulardi was the King of Saturdays. What could compare to watching B&W "sci fi" monster movies overdubbed with the Rivington's "Papa Oom Mow Mow"? Or a scene of an exploding Plasticville "five & dime" cut into a rampaging Japanese Gojira?
When compared to the other "personalities" on offer (Dorothy Fuldheim and Jungle Larry were leading lights), Ernie was the only talent who could make a Cleveland TV station watchable. How I wish I still had my bilious green and lavender "Turn Blue" sweatshirt -- and a set of all the "Shock Theater" broadcasts on DVD (PLEASE, Channel 8, think of the potential revenue)... Although the residents of Parma probably enjoyed Ernie less than this Cantonian. But who could respect the opinion of any polka fan with white socks and a plastic flamingo in their front yard?
Hoolihan & Big Chuck could never fill his boots. And I will never forget the master of the low-budget Saturday SciFi double-feature.