Frank Gallop’s Ghoulish Lights Out Persona: Horror Host as Brand Image in Early US Anthology Television

Frank Gallop’s role as the on-screen narrator of Lights Out (NBC, 1949-1952) marked a significant deviation in his presentational career as his image evolved from variety announcer to anthology TV horror host. Becoming the face of Lights Out, Gallop’s ghoulish persona formed a crucial component of the show’s brand image. In so doing, he offers the first distinct example to be inextricably linked to the branding of the early hosted horror anthology show during its emergence in the post-war live era of network US TV. Through analysis of archival materials related to aspects of promotion and publicity, this article examines the impact and legacy of Gallop’s Lights Out persona to the show’s overall identity and his presentational career.