Creepy Commercials Countdown: The People’s Court!

The Creepy Commercials Countdown!
October 20th, 2012: “The People’s Court!” (1988)

I was initially surprised to see a series like The People’s Court get such a top-drawer promo — but I bet it’s one of those shows that very quietly rakes in bazillions through sheer force of syndicated volume.

Whatever the case, HEY LOOK, it’s another Frankenstein!

Dr. Frankenstein protects his monster from an angry mob, and at first, I thought they were repurposing shots from a real horror movie. It certainly looks good enough to be more than a damn People’s Court promo, what with the sepia filter, neat monster and dingy mob.

As the feisty group lists the monster’s offenses, his creator is quick to defend him (“He’s just a growing boy!”), and seems perfectly willing to take a torch to the stomach to save the green guy.

But even doting fathers have their limits…

Finally, a guy from the stampede goes for the kill. “He didn’t watch The People’s Court!”

Dr. Frankenstein immediately about-faces, and after confirming the grave sin with his sort-of-son, turns on him. With no allies left, we’re left to assume that poor Frank is about to be torched, dismembered and buried by the mob – all with his father’s consent.

Gotta say, this was a pretty interesting way of getting audiences to watch a TV show.

Throughout the Creepy Commercials Countdown, we’ve seen many spots that have seemed miraculous in their very existence. I think this one takes the cake.

“We’ll have a bunch of townies try to kill Frankenstein because he doesn’t watch Judge Wapner!”

Everyone involved in that decision had chutzpah to spare.