Fans of Universal Studios’ vintage “monster” films will be in for a treat this weekend, as another definitive horror classic will be shown on TV.
“Svengoolie” to showcase “The Mummy” (1932)
The 1932 version of “The Mummy” will be shown on Svengoolie’s Saturday evening showcase of classic horror films on Me-TV Network.
“A Good Cast is Worth Repeating”
The film features Boris Karloff, David Manners , Edward Van Sloan, James Crane, Zita Johann, Henry Victor and Arthur Byron.
Aside from Karloff’s roles (as Imhotep and the Mummy), both Manners and Van Sloan were no strangers to Universal’s horror franchise. The two actors appeared in the studio’s 1931 version of “Dracula” with Bela Lugosi in the title role (in “Dracula,” Van Sloan played appeared as vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing and Manners appeared as Jonathan Harker).
Karl Freund’s directorial debut
Karl Freund, who worked as a cinematographer on “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” for Universal was chosen by studio head Carl Laemmle, Jr. to direct “The Mummy.” Freund was best known for his advancements in cinematography and visual effects, notably on improving a trick that he had tried previously with Karloff.
The director gave the actor’s eyes an unusual lighting technique. This was done when Freund focused on placing miniature lamps to focus on Karloff’s eyes during close-up shots (in his Imhotep character), while the rest of the lights were dimmed. The rest is cinematic history, as Freund’s visual effects in the film have been praised by many over the years.
Why you should see the 1932 version of “The Mummy” on “Svengoolie” (to those that haven’t seen it)
“The Mummy” (1932) is one of many definitive cinema horror classics, which has spawned numerous sequels and adaptations over the years. You will not be disappointed by Karloff’s acting, Freund’s direction and in the case of “Svengoolie,” some wit and wisdom direct from Berwyn!
“Svengoolie” Presents: “The Mummy” (1932)
Sat., Feb. 27 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern/9:00 p.m. Central on Me-TV Network
In the Washington, D.C./Frederick area: WJLA-TV 7.2/Comcast 204
In the Baltimore, Maryland area: WBAL-TV 11.2 (over-the-air)/Comcast 208 (“Svengoolie” may be tape-delayed due to TV-11’s 10:00 p.m. newscast on their Me-TV sub-channel)
Questions? Comments? Drop a line at the comments section!