YOUR GUIDE: Chiller Theatre gets ready for its New Jersey Halloween bash!

I’ve been a frequent attendee of Chiller Theatre for many years. I’ve met numerous celebrities at the biannual horror and classic-TV convention. From Linda Blair to Ann-Margret to Ralph Macchio and Ernest Borgnine, Chiller always has a motley variety of screen legends. This weekend’s show, which takes place at the Hilton in Parsippany, N.J., is no exception. In fact, I’m not sure if there has ever been a Chiller Theatre with a more varied group of stars.

First off, the sad news. Smokin’ Joe Frazier, the legendary boxer, has canceled his appearance at the three-day convention. Much like his days in the ring, Frazier was the main draw for this October’s Chiller. Having a sports star of such repute sign autographs for fans is rare, and now it unfortunately will remain a dream.

That doesn’t mean fanboys and fangirls should bypass Chiller. There’s plenty of genre actors who will be there to pose for pictures.

Elvira, who is appearing at her last East Coast convention (don’t worry actress Cassandra Peterson will take over the reins), will command a large line. Read Hollywood Soapbox’s interview with Peterson here.

Other top names include Pam Grier, Marky Ramone, Bebe Buell and Sara Karloff, daughter of Boris “Mr. Monster” Karloff.

For those who enjoyed the Saturday Nightmares convention this year, you will see a few familiar faces. Oscar winner Martin Landau and Bruce Dern are coming back to the Garden State. Joining them will be Oscar winner Louise Fletcher (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), Lou Gossett Jr., Barbara Feldon, Richard “Jaws” Kiel, Rocky’s Burt Young and Frank Vincent of The Sopranos.

The oddest entry, and thus the one autograph line that will likely be the longest, is Dolores Hart, star of several Elvis Presley films, including King Creole and Loving You. The reason her appearance is so special is that the former actress is now Mother Dolores, a Benedictine nun. All of the proceeds from her booth will go toward the church. Note: This is the first time she has ever appeared at a convention; expect some long lines.

Reunions at Chiller include: What’s Happening, Revenge of the Nerds and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Ace Frehley will pay a visit on Saturday, as will Michael Graves of The Misfits.

This convention’s Italian Invasion (now dubbed Paura Invasion) includes Jared Martin, Robert Kerman and Ian McCulloch (Zombi 2), among others.

The man of the hour will always be Zacherley, the cool ghoul.

Chiller will be open for business on Friday, Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a few extra clams, you can get in one hour early on Friday or Saturday. There will also be a free concert on Saturday night.

Expect a voluminous vendors room, plus a display by NJ Bat Man Joe D’Angeli.

Note: Chiller can get packed, especially on Saturday. The Hilton is not terribly spacious. Expect cramped hallways and long lines.

Celebrities will charge anywhere from $20-$40 for a scribble, plus a few more bucks for a posed photo. Bring extra cash. The on-site ATM machine usually has a long line and can run out of moola.

The celebrities with the longest lines are usually strategically placed around the hotel. For this show, expect Hart, Elvira, Landau, Ramone, Frehley and Grier to command the most attention.

Going to the show? Leave your opinions and memories in the comment field below. Hollywood Soapbox will be there and expect to see our recap next week.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Click here for more information.

• The Hilton Parsippany is located at 1 Hilton Court in Parsippany.