My Hallowe'en Guide to Cartoons

When I was much younger, I used to watch several of these cartoons when I came home from school -- right before my candy adventures with friends and family. It's hard to find and purchase some of these Hallowe'en specials due to their age, but if you are able to obtain a copy, they will be an added treasure in your holiday collection.

Cartoons and Animated Specials

• Disney's Halloween Treat (1982) - In kindergarten (yes, that long ago), I came home from school and this special became a staple to my Hallowe'en traditions. A long time ago we had a copy of it on VHS, but it has been lost for over a decade now. From my recollection, the Disney Channel would air this on Hallowe'en Day for the youngsters.  The special played clips from older Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Pluto cartoons.  Again, this was before Disney turned to the dark side. The little ghouls will love this special (and so will the big kids who remember it)!

• Donald Duck's Treat or Treat (1952) - I believe it's part of the Disney's Halloween Treat, but it's one of my favorite cartoons. Donald Duck's nephews come to trick-or-treat at their uncle's house, but they seem to unable to retrieve any treats. A witch and a perky broom come to the little ducks aid! It's a short film and a cute one, at that. 
  
  
• Garfield's Halloween Adventure (1985) - I watch this every Hallowe'en! If you don't already know the lasagna eating cat, this is a perfect introduction to this animated character. Gafield wants candy, candy, candy, candy! He dsesses up as a pirate and drags Odie, the dog, through the streets to obtain is sugary treasure. Based off of the book Garfield in Disguise, you'll definitely get a kick out of this musical special! I also read an hilarious review by X-Entertainment (refer here), which gives a comical in-depth review about Garfield's Halloween Adventure.
  
  
• Halloween is Grinch Night! (1977) - Another favorite! We all know about how the Grinch stole Christmas, but did you know that he had his own special night where he frightens the inhabitants of Whoville? The Whoville citizens lock up their homes on this one, terrifying night when the Sour-Sweet wind blows! However, Euchariah isn't scared! He tries to stall the Grinch in the mountains to protect the Whos. In 1977, the special received an Outstanding Animated Program Emmy Award. Sing along with the Grinch and the Whos this Hallowe'en! 
  
  
• It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! (1966) - This is a Hallowe'en classic and if you haven't seen it before, you need to. Linus believes in the Great Pumpkin, a holiday figure who would be more popular if he had some publicity. As long as you sit in the pumpkin patch on Hallowe'en night, the Great Pumpkin may grace you with presence and some gifts. While most of Charlie Brown's friends believe Linus to be hokey, Sally waits with Linus in the pumpkin patch. Certainly, this is a Hallowe'en staple that my whole family watches every year and you will, too! It's a shame that this is the only animated program they air during Hallowe'en primetime.
  
  
• Raggedy Ann and Andy and The Pumpkin Who Couldn't Smile (1979) - Lost the shadows of time, I believe this animated special should be included still in Hallowe'en tv programming. Who can forget Raggedy Ann and Andy? I love this holiday animated feature! Raggedy Ann and Andy bring together a child and a abandoned pumpkin on Hallowe'en night.  Don't fear Aunt Agatha, she may surprise you. if you can find a copy of it, watch it this Hallowe'en.
  
  
• South Park: Halloween Specials (1997 - 2006) - If you are one for adult humor, you will find South Park's Halloween Specials to satisfy your need for ghoulish comedy. "Pinkeye (1997)," "Spookyfish (1998)," "Korn's Groovy Ghost Pirate Mystery (1999)," and "Hell On Earth (2006)" are awesome episodes that take Stan, Cartman, Kyle, Kenny, and the town of South Park through some strange, creepy adventures. Of course, it's great to watch after the trick-or-treaters turn in for the night and the grown-ups begin their Hallowe'en parties. Reminisce with early South Park and laugh your way through Hallowe'en.

• King of the Hill: "Hilloween" S2E4 (1996) - One of the funniest Hallowe'en animated episodes. Hank wants Bobby, his son, to experience the same fantastic Hallowe'en extravagance as he once did. So Hank, Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer build a haunted house at the middle school. Things go haywire when Junie Harper, an overly opinionated church member, tries to rid of Hallowe'en -- telling the youngsters and teens that it's a Satanist holiday. Hank Hill has none of this! Fun to watch with friends during you Hallowe'en festivities.

• The Halloween Tree (1993) - Based off of Ray Bradbury's novel The Halloween Tree, Cartoon Network this animated special in the early 90s. Bradbury even narrates the story! Four children, Tom, Jenny, Ralph, and Wally, wait for their dear friend Pipkin to complete their Hallowe'en Night, yet he never shows. They think he may be pulling a prank on him so they go to the edge of town to continue their tricks and treats. On their way, they notice that Pip's house is bare and dark. An omniscient ambulance waits curiously in the shadows. The four friends take a shortcut to the hospital, after the ambulance recedes into the night. Will Pip be alright to enjoy this Hallowe'en? Great for all ages, though it may seem scary to the very little ones. The made-for-TV movie follows the traditions and history of Hallowe'en.

• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949) - When Disney came out with their animated version if Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, they really did a superb job scaring the life out of me! Bing Crosby voices Ichabod Crane. Irving's ghost story is an American Classic and it's become a favorite in my Hallowe'en collection. The story has all the elements of greatness: romance, rivalry, and supernatural occurences -- Disney really recaptures such eerieness with a family-friendly rendition.

• The Simpsons: Tree House of Horror (1990 - 2010) - Of course, there is Tree House of Horror, which I absolutely love and enjoy. There are so many episodes, it is hard to recount each Simpson moment, but I try to rewatch all of them come this time of year. They used to sell a Tree House of Horror compliation, but I suppose it was hard to keep up with the Simpsons series since its an ongoing program. Although I wasn't allowed to view The Simpsons as a child, I am glad I went ahead and discovered them in high school (I know, it's weird).

• Witch's Night Out (1978) - One of the rarest animated Hallowe'en specials to grab a copy that is not an extremely expensive VHS! To my knowledge, they have not released it to DVD yet. Though it aired on NBC, it was created in Canada. Tender and Small, two children who want to go to the Hallowe'en party at an abandoned mansion, encounter a witch who turns them into a werewolf and ghost. She even transforms their babysitter, Bazooey, into a Frankenstein monster! However, an angry mob appears when they uncover the monsters in the town. This movie encourages that we embrace the true spirit of Hallowe'en -- having fun. For the kids and the kids-at-heart, you will enjoy this unique cartoon.

My Hallowe'en Guide to Local Attractions

Local Attractions

Since I live around the greater Philadelphia region, here are some great attractions to visit during October.

Pennsylvania -

• Valley of Fear and The Original Haunted Hayride - Feasterville - My friend is an actual participant in this year's Valley of Fear. It has awesome reviews about the realistic make-up and frightening costumes. They have three haunted attractions: a haunted hayride, two haunted house tour, and a walk through forest maze. They also have a Frightful Family Admission Pack  (four all events tickets for the price of three). Check out their website for more information.
• Terror Behind the Walls - Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia - I am going here for the first time next week! Maybe I'll see you there! This is supposed to be crazily scary. Legends about the Eastern State include several murderers that still haunt the jail including the infamous Al Capone. They also have daytime prison tours for those who don't like haunted houses, but love local history.
• Dracula's Ball - Philadelphia - My friends go to Dracula's Ball every year and every year, they come back bragging about how they have an incredible time. This October 30th, Shampoo will hold their annual ball. All ages welcome. Great DJs, awesome bands, and other wonderful entertainers participate in this event. This year's live performances include Red This Ever and Seraphim. FAQs and pricing are included on their official website. Stay out late this Mischief Night and have a fantastic time at Dracula's Ball. 
• Bates Motel - Glen Mills - My college friends would return from the Bates Motel scared yet, satisfied.  Based off of Hollywood's most fearful movies, the Bates Motel brings them to life in this high-tech attraction. Although the Bates Motel is the main show, they also feature a haunted hayride and corn maze. One of the best haunts in the area; feel free to check them out.
• Brat Productions - Halloween Performances - Philadelphia  Last year I saw Haunted Poe and I was so impressed, I recommend Brat Productions Hallowe'en inspired performances to every person I encounter. For October 2010, Brat Productions will be staging Stephen King's Carrie, but with a comic and musical twist! They encourage those interested to come dressed in PROM ATTIRE! You may check out reviews and previews on their official website. Get your ticket before the sell out!

New Jersey -

• Indian Acres Tree Farm - Haunted Attractions - Medford - Indian Acres adds more exciting attractions each year. They have a haunted cornfield, a graveyard, and a terrifying hayride. Attractions for the little kiddies include pumpkin picking, bouncy playground, wagon rides, and much more. They also have great group rates.
• The Witches Ball - Mount Holly - Last year, we planned to go to The Witches Ball since Hallowe'en was on a Saturday. This year, they planned the event earlier (a surprise by some). I hear rave reviews about this event and how much fun it is. You must be 21 to enter and decked in costume attire. There is a costume contest, music, dancing, and even a movie showing. Great for people who love masquerading!
  
• Psycho Trail - Lumberton - Right in the heart of Lumberton sits a creepy trail that only weirdos dare to tread. Free parking included on site. You are lead through four horrifying attractions and on certain dates during October. If you go to the website, under the Events section you will find information about special rates including a schedule of exciting visits by a ghost research society and live bands!
• Halloween Parade - Medford - On Mischief Night, visit Medford and their Hallowe'en lights! When I was little, I would go to this event every year with my family and it was magical. Sponsored by the Medford-Vincentown Rotary, the parade starts around 7:00 pm and the route follows down Main Street. The parade is approximately 2h30  long (judging by last years itinerary). The parade includes individual marchers, group marches, floats, antique cars, fire trucks, and bands from around the area. Make this Mischief Night fun by visiting Medford's Halloween Parade!
• Johnson's Corner Farm - Medford - For every age! Pumpkin picking, apple picking, corn mazes, apple cider donuts, and apple cider slushies! A fun time by all. They even have a petting farm. Reasonable prices and great group rates! Check them out this October.
• Springdale Farms - Cherry Hill - Corn Mazes, pumpkin picking hayrides, perfect pies, and wonderful Hallowe'en decorations! Our school would participate on an evening hayride and a bonfire for s'mores. Great place to bring the children!
• Night of Terror - Mullica Hill - My friend goes to Creamy Acres every year to experience Night of Terror. Voted Best Haunted Attraction the last five years by People's Choice, this place is highly recommended for those who crave terror's rush. They have six attractions frightful attractions including a haunted hayride and corn maze. You will definitely experience your money's worth while visiting Night of Terror at Creamy Acres.
• Prison Haunt - Mount Holly - Made famous by SyFys Ghost Hunters, the Mount Holly's Historical County Prison will be holding their annual Haunted Prison attraction. Each night they will have ghost researchers on site. Visit this famous prison and check out their website to see their upcoming special events!  

Databases for Festivals and Haunted Houses:

Festivals by State and Month

Haunted World 

Check out to see if your state has any hauntings! Shadowlands Haunted Places Index

My Hallowe'en Guide to Not-So-Scary Movies

I am a huge Hallowe'en fanatic. It may seem pathetic, but I look forward to the foliage, the pumpkin carving, the apple picking, and the holiday's gravitas each year. As the autumn approaches, I rekindle my youth -- embracing all that bumps in the night. I would like to share my collection of ghoulish staples including books, short stories, movies, television shows, cartoons, and other spirited festivities. Each week, leading up to this enjoyable day, I will post my favorite collections.

In celebration of Alban Elved, the first day of autumn, here is my first list.

Movies

Most people I know who love Hallowe'en incorporate some type of horror film during their ritual viewing pleasure. If you ask them, Halloween 1 - 2000, Friday the 13th, Hellraiser, and A Nightmare on Elm Street top their queue. Even though these movies are modern classics, here is an array of amusing movies for those of the more squeamish kind.

Childhood and Adolescent Watched Movies (in no particular order)

• Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) -Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson headline in this Disney Classic. I watched this movie over and over again at my grandparents' house. During the London air raids, three orphan children are taken in by a witch. There is singing, dancing, and animated cartoons! Great for the kiddies! 

• Beetlejuice (1988) - Another classic with Michael Keaton, Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara. After dying in a tragic accident, a young ghostly couple try keep their house by frightening away its newest inhabitants. When nothing else works, they hire a "bio-exorcist" named Betelgeuse. Director, Tim Burton.

• Casper (1995) - Bill Pullman, Christina Ricci, Cathy Moriarty, Eric Idle, and a guest appearance by the young Devon Sawa star in this Hollywood remake of the Casper cartoon series. Of course, Hollywood puts an interesting twist on everything -- the 100 year old spirit who falls in love with a young teenager. Have you ever noticed how the dance scene in Backstreet Boys music video "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" resembles the Whipstaff foyer? Anyway, It has comedy, romance, and a Halloween dance; and who can forget Little Richard's rendition of "Casper the Friendly Ghost"?  

• Donnie Darko (2001) - A cult classic that some dislike due to its overrated storyline of the unexplained or how teenage angst overwhelms the movie's main idea. Some blame it on a young filmmaker's overzealous attempt to try to make a muddled movie meaningful. At least watch it for Frank the Rabbit! Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggic Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, James Duval, and Patrick Swayze. Directed by Richard Kelly. 

• Frankenweenie (1984) - I remember seeing this on the Disney Channel late at night. Director Tim Burton shows how the love for a family pet goes beyond the cemetery. Although Victor Frankenstein revives his beloved dog, man's best friend reeks havoc on the neighborhood. Victor must then convince his family and friends that Sparky isn't an evil mutt, but a misunderstand canine. Starring Shelley Duval, Daniel Stern, and Barret Oliver.

•  Ghost Story (1981) - This movie, well, is just odd and out-of-place. Although it stars one of the best, Fred Astaire, it's just a weird movie overall. If you want to watch something that is absurd, weird, and unsettling, I highly recommend Ghost Story. Starring Fred Astaire, Patricia Neal, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Melvyn Douglas, and Alice Krige. Viewer beware: confusion may ensue. 

• Halloweentown (1998) - Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, and Philip Van Dyke partake in this wacky, corny, Halloween extravaganza! If young Marnie doesn't help grandmama Aggie Cromwell stop an evil spell that tranforms the Halloweentown citizens into drab, gray beings, (pause) then the town may be lost forever! 

• Hocus Pocus (1993) - "Amok, amok, amok, amok!" They showed this movie to us during a Halloween themed church event. Winifred, Sarah, and Mary -- the 300 year old Sanderson sisters who needed a virgin boy to bring them back from the dead! Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, and Sean Murray (Thackery Binx!) star in this movie about three witches who make Max (a.k.a Hollywood) a believer of Salem City lore. Max needs the help of Binx (the 300 year old black cat), his sister Dani, and the Winifred's dead ex-lover, Billy, to put the sisters back in their graves. It's a shame the director didn't use Sean's voice for the movie.

• Interview with the Vampire (1994) - Saw this late one night on TNT, the "non rated version." Saw it again in high school and now it's a current favorite for the Halloween play list. Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Christian Slater, Kirsten Dunst, and Antonio Banderas star in this Anne Rice adaption of her first Vampire Chronicles novel. A journalist sits down and interviews Louis, a three-century old vampire who reveals his life story as both human and monster. This is definitely better than any Twilight Saga movie! Rice is the real queen of the vampire story (she even wrote the script for the movie)! This movie is not meant for weak-stomaches. 

• Mr. Boogedy (1986) and The Bride of Boogedy (1987) - Ah yes, one of my mother's favorites! Boogedy Boogedy Boo! Carleton Davis moves his wife and family to Lucifer Falls to open a new novelty shop in town. Lo and behold, the house is haunted by Widow Marion and her son, Jonathon, who are trapped by the evil likes of William Hanover (Mr. Boogedy)! The music always gave me the creeps as a kid! The sequel, The Bride of Boogedy extends the plot when Eloise, Carleton's wife, is captured by Mr. Boogedy! This was a telefilm made by Disney for ABC Sunday Night Movie. Starring Richard Masur, Mimi Kennedy, David Faustino, Benji Gregory, Kristy Swanson, and John Astin.

• Practical Magic (1998) - Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Diane West, and Stockard Channing star in this lovely comedy about two very different sisters bound together by a family curse where they experience magical adventures and tribulations. I watch this movie every Hallowe'en! One of my favorites and it will be one of yours, too. Movie's songs include music by Stevie Nicks ("Crystal" and "If You Ever Did Believe..." featuring Sheryl Crow). Check out the soundtrack! 

• Sleepy Hollow (1999) - "The pickety witch! The pickety witch! Who has a kiss for the pickety witch?" Directed by Tim Burton. Starring Johnny Depp (of course!) and Christina Ricci. Burton takes an interesting spin on Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod Crane isn't a school teacher, but a city detective who is assigned to investigate murders occurring in Sleepy Hollow. There, he meets the vivacious Katrina, who he falls for immediately. As he delves further into the town's history, he uncovers a dark secret about the town's gentry. I've watched every version of Sleepy Hollow, from cartoon to poor television reproduction, and this movie is really good. 

• Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) - Another movie I saw on the old Disney Channel, before Halloweentown and Hannah Montana. Even though Ray Bradbury wanted Christopher Lee or Peter O'Toole to play the bad guy, Jonathan Pryce (Pirates of the Carribean) stars as Mr. Dark who brings his Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show to Green Town. The carnival arrives at midnight in the last days of October and it subdues everyone in the town. Young Will Holloway and Jim Nightshade know that this carnival is anything, but ordinary.  When townsfolk begin to disappear, the two boys become suspicious and take matters into their own hands. Based off of Bradbury's novel, this movie has frightening scenes so viewers under age ten may have nightmares later.

• The Addams Family (1991) - How could I forget Angelica Huston, Christopher Lloyd, and the late Raul Julia starring in this wonderful adaptation of the Addams Family? Also featuring a young Christina Ricci as Wednesday (I believe I chose her character as a Hallowe'en Costume: headless doll and all). Con artists try to swindle a strange family out of their fortune by using an outsider to act as their long lost relative. One of the best scenes in the movie include a gory, yet comedic interpretation of Hamlet. If you haven't already seen it, make Hallowe'en special by watching it this year! 

• The Canterville Ghost (1986) - So many wonderful eerie classics! Based off of Oscar Wilde's short story, Paul Bogart's version is my favorite! An American family moves to England to claim their inheritance: a majestic castle. Although the family's very distant cousins welcome them wholeheartedly, one cousin does not -- the late Sir Simon de Canterville. Starring John Gielgud, Ted Wass, Andrea Marcovicci, and Alyssa Milana. A great Saturday late-night movie!

• The Craft (1996) - Two talented actresses in the same movie. Fairuza Bulk (see The Worst Witch) and Robin Turney (Empire Records) star in this sinister cult classic. A new girl joins group of derelict girls at a Catholic prep school. The girls begin to practice the occult, casting enchantments and hexing enemies. Things go well until the spells backfire, creating hostility within the group. Also starring Neve Campbell. 

• The Halloween That Almost Wasn't (1979) - "Teeny, tiny bat!" This one is hard to find anywhere! The King of Halloween Night, Count Dracula, demands his monsters to become more terrible and horrible for this year's festivities. Well, Winnie the Witch won't have it! When Dracula won't give Winnie a promotion in her duties, she threatens to resign her annual broom ride over the full moon. Will Dracula have to cancel Halloween? Lots of disco and lots of family fun! Starring Judd Hirsch, Mariette Hartley, and Henry Gibson.

• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - When does Tim Burton not mix the disturbing with snow and merriment? Again, a kid's classic with music by Danny Elfman. Jack Skellington tires of his pumpkin king crown and ventures into the holiday forest to find what's missing in his life. He accidentally hijacks Christmas, but with good intentions, and learns about the true meaning of Hallowe'en and Christmas. Great for either holiday!    

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) - Starring Richard O'Brien, Tim Curry,  and Meat Loaf. Musical turned movie, I watched this a week before Hallowe'en on VH1. Brad and Janet, recently married, try to find somewhere to stay during a terrible storm. They happen upon a mansion full of sexual exploring transvestites. Time Warp is a party classic. Check out the soundtrack! Also featuring Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn, and Nell Campbell.

• The Watcher in the Woods (1980) - Bette Davis. Enough said. My mother rented this one night from the old Movies Unlimited down the street. I peered mostly through my fingers as I watched this one! In this awe-inspiring Disney classic, a young family moves into a little country town that has many buried secrets. When the girls begin experiencing strange things in their home, they discover a link between their house and a tragic event. Starring Bette Davis, Carroll Baker, and David McCallum (The Great Escape).  

• The Witches (1990) - What happens when children turn into rodents? Based off of Roald Dahl's children's book, Angelica Huston stars in this unnerving movie as the leader of the witches. An orphan boy, Luke, stays at a hotel with his grandmother.  There, they discover an evil plot by a group of women having a convention. Their main objective: to eliminate all the children in the world. Luke must stop them before it's too late. 

• The Worst Witch (1986) - My top favorite Hallowe'en classic! I watch every year. I know the movie, inside and out. I even know every line by heart! Yes, I love it, though many really hate it (refer to this hilarious review by X-Entertainment). Starring Fairuza Bulk, Charlotte Rae, Diana Rigg, and Tim Curry, this made for T.V. movie is based on the children's series, The Worst Witch by Jillian Murphy. Love it or hate it, any kid will appreciate this silly movie after all that trick-or-treating! Mildred Hubble is the worst witch at Miss Cackle's academy. She is tormented daily by her classmates and the wicked HB (Miss Hardbroom). For the Halloween festivities, Cackle's school will be visited by the Grand Wizard, but Cackle's evil twin sister, Agatha, has plans to take over the school! There are musical numbers and terrible 80's graphics, but a fun time by all.  

• Trilogy of Terror (1975) - A scream to watch! I believe this was terrifying to watch in the 70s, but nowadays, it is downright funny. There are three bizarre stories that star Karen Black. I believe what makes it infinite in all it's glory is the last story about a homicidal Zuni doll. Did you know that Black contributed to the doll's design? If you love B-rated horror movies, this is definitely a must-see.