The Headless Horseman Marionette

In the 1950s, toy companies thought a puppet of a decapitated ghost rider was a fantastic idea for kids. The Headless Horseman Marionette came with a spring-loaded detachable head and glowing red eyes. The strings often tangled, causing the toy to lurch unpredictably toward whoever held it.

Children were frequently startled by its jerky, zombie-like movement, and many found it deeply unsettling. Parents reported more screams than laughs, and the marionette was quietly phased out. It now survives in collector markets as a creepy reminder of when horror-themed puppets were considered “child-friendly.”

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