"Monsters We Know And Love" was a hosted Canadian horror movie show, screening on Citytv Channel 7 in Toronto; on Saturday nights at 7:00pm. The show ran from 1974 until maybe 1975/1976. GENE TAYLOR & IGOR The hosts were Gene Taylor and Art Nefsky as "Igor". The show screened horror and monster films, along with bizarre musical numbers and lip-syncs. "Monsters We Know and Love" screened Euro-horror and Japanese monster films, including "Assignment Terror", "Son of Frankenstein", "She Wolf of London", "The Spider Woman Strikes", "Blood of Dracula", "Black Sabbath", "Beast of Morrocco", "War of the Monsters", "Eye Creatures", "The Terror", "Day of the Triffids", "Graveyard of Horror", "Tombs of the Blind Dead", "Dracula Vs. Frankenstein", "The Demon Planet", "The Attack of the Mushroom People", "Beware the Blob", and "Gamera vs. Monster X". GENE TAYLOR From Wikipedia: Gene Taylor (born Eugene Lee Herships on 26 June 1947 in Detroit, USA; and passed away on 6 January 2001) was an American comedian, television and radio host and writer, best known for his on-air work in Toronto and Detroit. In September 1973 joined Toronto television station CITY-TV, giving away prizes during the station's afternoon movie on a program called "Prizewinner's Playhouse". Taylor said CITY initially paid him $14,300 and a car. One of his popular early characters was Victor Voice, a newscaster parody. The afternoon show evolved into an interview and comedy show called Speak Easy, which ran weekdays at 1:00pm with Taylor as host. He also hosted a series of Saturday monster movies on CITY called "Monsters We Know And Love". In September 1974, he became the first host of CITY's Boogie dance program, before turning the reins over to Paul Godfrey. In 1975, Taylor was the host of a comedy club in the Drawing Room at Friar's Tavern in Toronto. Taylor created the satirical Idi Amin Fan Club in July 1975, which generated negative publicity in Canada and internationally. A Toronto Star editorial called it "the most tasteless caper of the month". While continuing to host Speak Easy, Taylor also briefly worked as a weatherman at CITY in September 1975. Early the next year, while still working with CITY, he hosted Bingo on Global on the Global Television Network, calling bingo numbers on a show that ran every weekday at 3:30 with a weekend edition on Saturdays at 7:30. In September 1976, Taylor started a new show on CITY, "Bazaar", which ran 90 minutes every weekday at noon. He wrestled Sweet Daddy Siki in an appearance on the CBLT special "The Cocktail Zone" in April 1977. Three months later, and only 10 months after starting "Bazaar", Taylor announced that he would be leaving CITY to join CBLT, a rival Toronto station. "The Gene Taylor Show", a 30-minute talk and variety show, also featuring the Russ Little band, premiered on 3 October 1977 and aired Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 pm. The show got off to a slow start, but by February 1978 was averaging 60-75,000 viewers a night. In an interview that year, Taylor said he expected to earn a six-figure annual income for the first time in his career. Buffalo, New York and its television personalities were frequent targets of Taylor's humour. He made a bet with Buffalo weatherman Barry Lillis over a Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres game where the person from the losing team's city would have to wear the other team's jersey on-air for a week. After losing the bet, Lillis wore a Leafs sweater for a week in April 1978. Taylor started a second show on CBLT, "Trivia", in September 1978, but during the same season, "The Gene Taylor Show" was cut from three days a week to two. It was cancelled after its second season and Taylor left CBLT, although he had already taped episodes for the 1979-80 season of "Trivia" before he left. Taylor then returned to Detroit, initially hosting a five-day-a-week afternoon talk show on WDIV-TV starting on 22 October 1979. He would continue to make regular appearances in Toronto for years, most notably as a charity telethon host. In Peterborough, Ontario in February 1980, Taylor presented Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark a note signed by 25,000 residents of Detroit expressing gratitude for Canada's help in freeing American diplomats trapped in Iran. Taylor also had a regular trivia segment on Don Daynard's morning show on Toronto radio station CKFM-FM starting in 1981. After Daynard jumped to CHFI-FM in 1987, "Taylor's Trivia" became a regular feature of Daynard's show there until Daynard retired in December 1999. In Detroit, Taylor began working with radio host and Buffalo native Dick Purtan in 1983, and the two would work together for the next 17 years. Taylor became a writer, executive producer and on-air voice talent for Purtan's show. Taylor and Purtan also became prominent supporters of The Salvation Army in Detroit, creating the annual Bed and Bread radiothon fundraiser. Taylor was still working with Purtan when he died at age 53 after a massive asthma attack in January 2001. Taylor was married to Mardi in 1972. They had two sons together, Kelly (born in 1978) and Christian (1984). He later was married to Helen Pasakarnis until his death. ART NEFSKY From Showoffs: From the age of two, Art Nefsky's life has been a tapestry of unexpected adventures and artistic expression. As a toddler, he was found dancing atop a cafeteria table, a moment of pure joy that foreshadowed his future in the spotlight. Art's first official performance came in third grade, reciting the metamorphosis of a tadpole into a frog at the school assembly. Despite the fear of forgotten lines and the absence of his promised off-stage prompter, Art's resolve shone through. The adrenaline fueled his memory, and he delivered each word with precision. His interest in drama truly took hold in ninth grade at Willowdale Jr. High School. Encouraged by his English teacher to join the drama club, Art found solace and expression in the arts amidst a challenging childhood. His portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Past in "A Christmas Carol" was visceral and raw, complete with a tattered t-shirt, soaked with ketchup-blood, and a memorable scent, (reported in that year's yearbook), that lingered in the air. As Art stepped into high school, his passion for drama only intensified. He swiftly became an integral part of the Northview Heights Secondary School drama club, eventually leading as its President for two consecutive years until 1972. In his final year of high school, Art Nefsky ventured into the captivating world of magic as a magician’s assistant, where he embraced the magician's oath and performed at the Metro Theatre on Bloor St. West. in Toronto. Art Nefsky's artistic journey continued in 1973 at the Ryerson Theatre Program in Toronto, where he honed his skills in theatre, acting, voice, and mime. His creative talent manifested in the creation of "Igor", a character that captivated audiences and won "best costume" at Ryerson's Halloween event. This character's debut at Gene Taylor’s night at the Improv at the Friars Club marked the start of Art's journey in comedy. Sharing the stage with notable performers like Larry Horowitz, Peter Gross, Marla Lukofsky, Rick Moranis, Dan Hill, Gino Vanelli, and Steve Shuster, Art became a feature act in the vibrant Toronto comedy scene. Within six weeks, Art co-hosted "Monsters We Know and Love" on CityTV with Gene Taylor, further establishing his comedic presence. From there, Art became one of the first comedians to appear on a Yuk Yuks stage, and again, shared the stage with up-and-coming comedians like Howie Mandel, Mike MacDonald and Bob Saget, contributing to the burgeoning comedy landscape. His experiences with Gene Taylor and the early days at Yuk Yuks were instrumental in shaping his path as an entertainer. Art's comedic talent also led him to tour as the opening act for legendary Elvis tribute artists Douglas Roy and Bobby Fisher, where he delighted audiences with his unique blend of humor and performance. This tour was a significant highlight of his early career, showcasing his ability to entertain and connect with diverse crowds. Inspired by his transformative experiences in numerous Mastery Weekend Workshops and the profound teachings of their New York leaders, Art founded Showoffs Studio for Performers in 1987. The studio was born from a recognition of the need for a space where performers could conquer their fears and hone their craft. As Director of Showoffs, Art has been instrumental in guiding performers through their unique challenges, utilizing his expertise to help them overcome performance anxiety, shyness, and self-consciousness. As director of Showoffs, Art provides private or group performance classes, intensive weekend workshops, as well as vocal technique instruction to kids 8+, as well as adults. From beginner to experienced singers, to public and corporate speakers, to theatrical professionals, and even non-performers preparing for a speech or business presentation, Art addresses each student's unique difficulties, helping them improve their vocal technique while breaking through insecurity, nervousness, stage fright, perfectionism, and a myriad of other obstacles. As a professional actor and member of ACTRA for 18 years, he played a guest role as an alien janitor in the television series, "War Of The Worlds" and has appeared in a number of television commercials, including "Shake N Bake", "Coffee Crisp", and "Skippy Peanut Butter". He also performed throughout the 1980s and 1990s as an actor, comedian, singer and mime with some of Toronto's top improv artists in dinner theatre murder mysteries, cabaret and corporate events across Canada and the United States. Art's journey into the intriguing world of live-action mystery comedy/improv began when he walked into Zaidlin's Restaurant, a venue known for its murder mystery dinners run by Larry Zaidlin. Art's curiosity was piqued by the pictures of entertainers adorning the walls. After a conversation with Larry, Art found himself cast in a murder mystery two days later, playing the role of the first victim. This unexpected turn of events brought "Art Nefsky’s Showoffs" to Zaidlin's restaurant on Tuesday nights. Here, Art showcased the talents of his students and introduced notable artists like country singer/recording artist David McLaghlan, and comedian actors Rob Trick, and Tim Progosh. This collaboration with Larry Zaidlin flourished, leading to the creation of the first murder mystery dinner-train in Gowanda, New York, run by Bob Dingman performing the show in five cars simultaneously and often staging his death five times in one evening. Art has also appeared on numerous television and variety talk shows, including CTV's "The Shirley Show", CFTO's "Eye On Toronto", CityTv's "Lunch Television", TV Ontario's "More To Life" as well as MTV's "The After Show" preparing Jessi Cruikshank for her live singing debut challenge. His contributions extend beyond the stage to the world of film festivals. He was invited by Frank Caruso to be one of the four jury members at the 2023 Ekran Toronto Polish Film Festival, deliberating on the top 7 feature films. Additionally, Art played a significant role as a juror at the 2022 Toronto "Films for Peace" International Film Festival, where he viewed and rated over 500 entries from around the world, offering his insights and expertise. His appreciation for the art of filmmaking and his insights as a juror have added another dimension to his multifaceted career. Below is a clip from the show:

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