COMMANDER USA'S GROOVIE MOVIES

JIM HENDRICKS - "COMMANDER USA"
ALAN KALTER - "ANNOUNCER"

"Commander USA's Groovie Movies" was hosted horror and science fiction movie show series that ran weekend afternoons on the USA Network. The show premiered 5 January 1985 and ran through 1989. It was hosted by Jim Hendricks as "Commander USA" (Soaring super hero. Legion of Decency - Retired), a wacky but slightly seedy blue-collar comic book superhero who occasionally displayed powers such as "microwave vision" (usually to prepare a mid-movie meal of fish or eggs).

From IMDB: Born James Hendricks in 1949. In the late 70's Jim started in entertainment as a Disc Jockey working on a radio station in Junction City, Kansas. During his radio show that aired from 8pm to 2 am, he played it as Uncle Willie, a character Hendricks created. In 1981 there were changes in the radio station. When the DJ job ended Jim moved to New York looking to get into some other form of entertainment. Not finding the kind of work he wanted, he got a job as a New York City cab driver. While being a cabbie (1982 - 1984) he would audition for whatever parts he came across. Finally during an audition to play a new host of a show that presented old science fiction and horror movies on the USA Cable Network Jim was offered the part. Originally Jim wanted to do the show as his old character Uncle Willie, but management wanted the host to be a superhero. So Jim played this superhero called Commander USA like his character Uncle Willie. But Uncle Willie was never mentioned on any of the USA shows. But everything about Commander USA, the trench coat, cigar, the way he talked, and his mannerisms were all taken from his old character from radio. Commander USA's Groovie Movies premiered on 5 January 1985. The television show lasted until 1989. During its run clips of the Commander's show could be seen in movies such as The Color of Money (1986) and Scrooged (1988). When USA Network canceled "Commander USA's Groovie Movies" Jim found only a hand full of bit parts to play on television and movies. For a short time he appeared on "Horrible Night at the Movies" (1989) as a cohost and writer. Early 1990's he played a warehouse foreman in a television commercial for the electronics retail outlet, The Wiz, that his fans seem to remember. His last bit part in a movie was in "The Hungry Ghosts" (2009). He did show up in a few plays doing small parts. For a while he played the priest in "Tony n' Tina's Wedding" at a dinner theater. Jim died 17 March 2018. He was 69 still living in New York City, New York.

From IMDB: Alan Kalter was born on 21 March 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He is known for his work on "Late Show" with David Letterman (1993), "USA Saturday Nightmares" (1986) and "Commander USA's Groovie Movies" (1985). Kalter taught English at Baldwin High School on Long Island in the late 60s. He was the voice of the Michelin Man. He was the spokesperson for New York's Mega Millions. After the attacks of 11 September 2001, he began announcing "The Late Show" with David Letterman by saying "From New York, the greatest city in the world..." Kalter was married to Carol Beverly Cepler and later Margaret (Peggy) Masterson. He died on 4 October 2021 in Stamford, Connecticut, USA. Portrait of "Commander USA" by Dave Dunlap.

Alan Kalter was also the announcer for the "USA Saturday Nightmares"
For more information on "USA Saturday Nightmares" use the below link:

Portrait of "Commander USA" by Bradley Beard.

"Commander USA" - biography (taken from Bradley Beard's Facebook page)

It's the Fourth of July weekend, so who else would you expect? Tonight I present Commander USA, host of Commander USA's Groovie Movies on the USA Network, which premiered on January 5, 1985 and ran through the Fall of 1989. It was a five hour show which featured a movie double feature and a two serial chapters. During the week, he was mild mannered Jim Hendricks, but on weekend afternoons he would shed his trench coat and glasses to become your soaring superhero... Commander USA; a retired superhero who had his secret headquarters and video vault hidden away under a New Jersey shopping mall. For years, he fought with the League of Decency, protecting justice and the American way... and always kicking butt! Everyone out there have a great and safe Fourth of July and celebrate what this day really represents. And in the words of Commander USA, "Keep your nose in the air and your tail to yourself". In 2013, James Hendricks - "Commander USA" for "Groovie Movies", was inducted into "The Official Horror Host Hall of Fame". The following are some clips from the show: "Commander USA's Groovie Movies" promos from The Professor on Vimeo.

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