We were so sad to hear earlier this year that a legendary New Orleans television star had passed away at age 90. Sidney Noel Rideau, who created the infamous mad scientist, Dr. Momus Alexander Morgus and turned him into the beloved "Morgus the Magnificent" for more than 60 years, was a New Orleans icon if there ever was one.

Rideau's stage name was Sidney Noel, and his shtick was performing crazy science experiments during segments of horror movies, beginning in 1959 on WWL TV.  And according to WWL the wildly popular show "would be revived in later years on WDSU, WGNO and in national syndication. It also later aired in reruns on WVUE and Cox Cable." Before he passed away in August, Rideau even performed at a sold out one man show at the Orpheum Theater in a tribute to his legendary career.

Well, this Saturday, on Halloween night, you can check out a pretty amazing vintage 1961 episode of "Morgas the Magnificent" on WUPL 54 in New Orleans (Cox Cable Channel 2, Charter Cable Channel 16). The show will air at 10:30 PM, which gives you plenty of time for trick or treating with the kids before you settle in for some seriously spooky nostalgia.

And for all you television buffs, yes that is the exact same TV slot he debuted on in 1959, and continued to entertain on for the next six decades, through various outlets. So make plans to take a sentimental stroll down memory lane this Saturday. And you can get ready by checking out a 1965 Morgus classic below. And trust me, folks - no CGI is ever going to be finer than the "tricks" Morgus had up his sleeve. That's why he was so.....magnificent.

 

 

 

Simple Halloween Costumes in the '70s

 

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