Commander USA's Groovie Movies

Back in the eighties I loved this show. It was great! The Commander used to show a lot of interesting films, from obscure 1930's poverty row thrillers, to forties classic like I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE, famous and not so famous fifties sci fi's to obscure sixties and seventies cheapies. The Commanders humor wasn't high-brow, but it was funny. He always had fun with the movies he showed, but didn't make fun of them, unlike the overrated and cheaply cynical MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000. The show had a lot of laughs and provided film buffs like me a chance to see and tape a lot of hard to come by films. Back in the eighties, unlike today, T.V. viewers were not yet infected with "Black and White Phobia." So alas, its doubtful any T.V. outlet would bother to produce a show like this today. After all, todays frat boys would not go for it.

Commander USA, Legion of Decency, retired. The only super hero I could relate to. I don't even have the excuse that I was an adolescent when I discovered him. But in spite of or because of my age, I loved those bits during the movies. I wasn't interested in the movies, just the Commander.

The Commander was not only an action hero, he had an artistic side. The Commander loved whipping up one of his culinary masterpieces in a blender, usually featuring his favorite ingredient, Head Cheese.

Of course, the Commander had to make a living. While he endorsed some peculiar products, who could resist the Commander's $14.95 specials? The Commander had a number of guests on the show and generally, they were stranger than he was. He was occasionally befuddled but always at ease. If something didn't work out as planned, "What the heck, have some Head Cheese." An attitude we would all be wise to adopt.

I also think the Commander had a hand in the beginning of the cigar craze. It seemed that his ubiquitous cigar was the highest quality item of his wardrobe. No disrespect intended, but one wouldn't want to patronize the tailor who fitted his super suit.

And finally, Lefty, his right hand man.

Well, Commander, I know you've moved on to bigger and better things but for the loyal viewers of the show (and it is reassuring to know that I was not the only one) you have never been better. With all the remakes and return tos, why not one feature length film starring, Commander USA?

I loved "Commander USA's Groovie Movies." I saw some of the most twisted films at a very young age on that program. Where can I get a copy of the programs? I remember seeing a film with a caveman-like creature hunting people in the woods and they defeated the creature with a trap that consisted of a log with spikes. I miss the program and wish they would play them occasionally late at night on USA.

In these lame times we live, we could really use Commander USA back on the air! I'm a big fan of the Commander. I've got a ton of his movies on tape. Thanks to the Commander, I've seen obscure horror movies I never would have seen. USA was so great back then. Not only with Commander USA, but Saturday Nightmares and Nightflicks as well. Sci-Fi channel should put on programs like these. The question I have: Is Commander USA still alive?

Ah, my first taste of Hammer Horror films... my first encounter with Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, and Lon Chaney, Jr. Thank you, Commander USA! This show was a major part of my formative years, well before I discovered Mystery Science Theater 3000. I'm now a horror writer. Go figure. If only they could bring him back!