“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “Fiend Without a Face” (1958), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast premiere of a classic sci-fi creature masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “Fiend Without A Face” (1958)

Original 1958 theatrical trailer for the Arthur Crabtree*-Richard Gordon production of “Fiend Without A Face,” originally released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in the United States. Sidebar: For our fellow super SvenPals who have not seen ”Fiend Without A Face” (1958); on the advice of Sven’s recent advertisement, we advise our fellow super SvenPals not to any spoilers for the title creature in the film, you will have to see the entire title creature for yourself during Sven’s big broadcast premiere this Sven Sat.!

“New horrors! Mad science spawns evil fiends!” Original 1958 theatrical trailer for the Arthur Crabtree*-Richard Gordon production of “Fiend Without A Face,” originally released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based sci-fi/creature film host will present his big broadcast premiere of “Fiend Without A Face” (1958), this Sat.; May 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1958 classic sci-fi/creature masterpiece production was directed by veteran British cinematographer/film and television director Arthur Crabtree*.  Some of Crabtree’s* best known productions throughout his film and television career include directing series episodes of the classic mammoth British television mystery masterpiece series with Boris Karloff, “Colonel March of Scotland Yard” (Crabtree worked on the series from 1955-56, “Colonel  March of Scotland Yard” was syndicated for local television stations in the United States by Official Films); according to additional details from IMDB. The same year that he worked on his classic mammoth sci-fi/creature masterpiece feature of “Fiend Without a Face” (1958) Crabtree also worked on 12 episodes of the classic Columbia Pictures/Screen Gems syndicated television masterpiece adaptation of Sir Walter Scott’s novel of Wilfred of Ivanhoe, “Ivanhoe” in 1958 with young Roger Moore in the title role.   One year after “Fiend Without A Face,” Crabtree directed the classic mammoth British “Hypnovista” horror-mystery masterpiece with young Michael Gough, “Horrors of the Black Museum” (1959, released theatrically in Great Britain by Nat Cohen and Stuart Levy; released in the United States by Samuel Z. Arkoff and James H. Nicholson’s distribution firm, American-International Pictures).

Veteran producer/distributor Richard Gordon served as executive producer of Crabtree’s* production of “Fiend Without a Face” (1958).  Gordon later served as executive producer of Lindsay Shonteff’s cult classic thriller feature masterpiece production of “Devil Doll” (1964) with Bryant Haliday, Yvonne Romain, William Sylvester and the vocal stylings of Sadie Corre.  Veteran producer John Croydon also produced the 1958 Gordon-Crabtree* production of “Fiend Without a Face.”  Croydon later served as the producer Ian Curteis’s classic sci-fi/horror masterpiece production with Mary Peach and Norman Wooland, “The Projected Man” (1966, released in the United States by Universal Studios in 1967).  Veteran producer/screenwriter Ronald Kinnoch served as co-producer and veteran/producer screenwriter  Charles F. Vetter also served in an uncredited role an executive producer in the Gordon/Crabtree* production of “Fiend Without a Face.”  Both Kinnoch and Vetter previously co-wrote the screenplay for the cult classic Gordon/Shonteff thriller masterpiece production of “Devil Doll” (1964) with veteran author Frederick Escreet Smith (Kinnoch received credit under the pseudonym of George Barclay for the 1964 production of “Devil Doll,” Lance Z. Hargreaves received credit under the pseudonym of Lance Z. Hargreaves for the 1964 production of “Devil Doll”).

Kinnoch/Barclay previously produced  Wolf Rilla’s classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) sci-fi/horror/thriller masterpiece with George Sanders, Barbara Shelley,  Michael Gwynn and Martin Stephens; “Village of the Damned” (1960, adapted from  John Wyndham/John Harris’ novel, “The Midwich Cuckoos;” Kinnoch/Barclay co-wrote the screenplay adaptation of “Village of the Damned” with veteran screenwriter  Stirling Silliphant). Charles F. Vetter previously produced Robert Day’s classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) British sci-fi masterpiece production of “First Man Into Space” (1959, with Marshall Thompson, Marla Landi and Bill Edwards).

“The unusual pipe found in the tomb of the murdered mayor provides a clue for Marshall Thompson!” Original 1958 tinted lobby card/publicity photo of Marshall Thompson for the Arthur Crabtree*-Richard Gordon production of “Fiend Without A Face.” originally released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

The screenplay for the Gordon/Crabtree* cult classic sci-fi/creature masterpiece production of “Fiend Without a Face” (1958) was written by veteran screenwriter Herbert J. Leder.  Leder’s screenplay was adapted from an original story by veteran author Amelia Reynolds Long. Long’s original story was titled “The Thought Monster.”

“Fiend Without a Face” (1958) was released theatrically throughout Great Britain via Eros Films Ltd., the company was founded by  Phil and Sid Hyams; according to IMDB.  Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) handled the North American theatrical distribution/releasing rights to “Fiend Without a Face.”  The theatrical re-issue, television syndication and home entertainment licensing rights to “Fiend Without a Face” (1958) would later revert to Richard Gordon’s Gordon Films, Inc. (under the estate of Richard Gordon since Gordon’s death in 2011); according to veteran film distributor Kit Parker’s retrospective on veteran film producer Gordon.

Who was in the Richard Gordon-Arthur Crabtree* classic sci-fi/horror masterpiece production of “Fiend Without a Face” (1958)?

The players who appeared in the Richard Gordon-Arthur Crabtree* classic sci-fi/horror masterpiece production of “Fiend Without a Face” were Marshall Thompson (as Maj. Cummings), Kim Parker (as Barbara Griselle), Kynaston Reeves (as Prof. R.E. Walgate), Stanley Maxted (as Col. Butler), Terence “Terry” Kilburn (as Capt. Al Chester), James Dyrenforth (as the Mayor), Robert MacKenzie (as Constable Gibbons), Peter Madden (as Dr. Bradley), Gil Winfield (as Dr. Warren), Michael Balfour (as Sgt. Kasper), Lala Lloyd (as Amelia Adams), Shane Cordell (as a Nurse), Launce Maraschal (as Melville), E. Kerrigan Prescott (as an Atomic Engineer) and R. Meadows White (as Ben Adams).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “From Hell It Came” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast premiere of a classic Allied Artists creature-fantasy masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “From Hell It Came” (1957)

Original 1957 Allied Artists theatrical release trailer for “From Hell It Came.”

“Frightmare!” “Created by a curse!” Original 1957 Allied Artists theatrical poster artwork for “From Hell It Came.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based film host will present his big broadcast premiere of “From Hell It Came” (1957), this Sat.; May 8 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1957 classic Allied Artists fantasy-creature masterpiece was directed by veteran feature film and television editor Dan Milner.  Milner previously directed the independent crime drama feature film production of “The Fighting Coward” (1935) with Ray Walker, Joan Woodbury, and William Farnum and in the latter part of his career, he directed and edited the cult classic creature masterpiece production of “The Phantom From 10,000 Leagues” (1955) with Kent Taylor, Cathy Downs, Michael Whalen for Samuel Z. Arkoff and James H. Nicholson’s American-International Pictures (“The Phantom From 10,000 Leagues” was one of the early AIP features released under Arkoff and Nicholson’s predecessor name for the distribution company, American Releasing Corporation).  Milner also edited 18 episodes the latter modern Al Brodax–King Features Syndicate/Hearst television syndicated animated cartoon adaptations of “Popeye the Sailor Man” (1960) and edited 52 of the animated “Bozo: The World’s Most Famous Clown” syndicated cartoon shorts for Larry Harmon’s “Bozo the Clown” franchise for local “Bozo the Clown” hosts on local television stations from coast-to-coast in 1962. 

Dan Milner’s production of “From Hell It Came” (1957) was produced by his brother, veteran feature film and TV production sound editor Jack Milner.  Jack Milner previously worked for pioneering television production/syndication firm Ziv Television Productions. He worked as the sound editor on four episodes of the syndicated baseball game show series, “Home Run Derby” (1960), two episodes of Ziv’s popular western masterpiece series with Gene Barry, “Bat Masterson” (1960-61) and 16 episodes of the sea adventure-drama series with Lloyd Bridges, “Sea Hunt” (1960-61).  Jack Milner and veteran screenwriter/producer Richard Bernstein co-wrote the original story idea for the 1957 production of “From Hell It Came.”  Bernstein also wrote the screenplay for Dan Milner’s cult classic 1957 fantasy creature masterpiece. 

Both Dan & Jack Milner’s production of “From Hell It Came” was produced for Allied Artists (formerly known as Monogram Pictures) under the “Milner Brothers Productions” moniker, according to IMDB.

Who was in Dan Milner’s classic Allied Artists creature/fantasy masterpiece production of “From Hell It Came” (1957)?

The players who appeared in Dan Milner’s classic Allied Artists masterpiece creature/fantasy production of “From Hell It Came” (1957) were Tod Andrews (as Dr. William Arnold), Tina Carver (as Dr. Terry Mason*), Linda Watkins (as Mrs. Mae Kilgore), John McNamara (as Prof. Clark), Gregg Palmer (as Kimo), Robert Swan (as Tano), Baynes Barron (as Chief Maranka), Suzanne Ridgway (as Korey), Mark Sheeler (as Eddie), Lenmana Guerin (as Dori), Lee Rhodes (as Norgu), Grace Mathews (as Orchid), Tani Marsh (as Naomi) and Chester Hayes (in the dual roles of Maku/the Tabanga, a.k.a. the “tree creature”).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of Don Knotts in “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966) as part of Me-TV’s “Month of ‘Mayberry’,” this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic mammoth Universal Studios spook comedy masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966) for the start of Me-TV’s “Month of Mayberry”

Original 1966 Universal Studios theatrical trailer of “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” with Don Knotts and Joan Staley.

“Attaboy, Luther!” “Spooks! Kooks! Crooks!” Original 1966 Universal Studios theatrical poster artwork element for “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” with Don Knotts and Joan Staley.

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based comedy film host will present his big broadcast of the classic mammoth Universal ghoul comedy masterpiece, “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966); this Sat., May 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

According to Me-TV’s official “top three” program showcases for this week, Svengoolie’s big coast-to-coast broadcast of “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966) will be the  program to kick off the network’s upcoming month-long tribute to classic episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show,” and numerous guest appearances on Me-TV’s classic TV programs featuring Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, “The Month of ‘Mayberry’!”

The classic 1966 mammoth Universal spook comedy masterpiece was directed by veteran TV director  ​Alan Rafkin​.  Rafkin directed 27 episodes of Andy Griffith’s classic mammoth CBS television comedy masterpiece, “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1964-67 and five episodes of the classic mammoth CBS television spin-off comedy masterpiece series of “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” with Jim Nabors in 1965.  The screenplay for “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” was written by veteran television writers ​Jim Fritzell​ and ​Everett Greenbaum​.  The television writing duo of Fritzell and Greenbaum were known for writing episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1961-64 and for writing episodes of the classic mammoth Twentieth Century Fox (Twentieth Century Studios)/CBS television comedy-drama adaptation masterpiece, “M*A*S*H” from 1974-78. “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966) was produced by veteran MCA/Revue/Universal television and film producer Edward J. Mantagne, who served as producer and executive producer of the studio’s classic mammoth TV comedy masterpiece series, “McHale’s Navy” (1962-66) with  Ernest Borgnine, Tim Conway, Joe Flynn and Gavin MacLeod.

The orchestral source music score for Rafkin’s classic mammoth Universal ghoul comedy masterpiece production of “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1964) was composed by veteran composer Vic Mizzy. Mizzy was known for his numerous TV and feature film source orchestral soundtrack score compositions; including the famous title theme song for the classic mammoth 1964-66 Filmways/ABC television live-action sitcom masterpiece adaptation of Charles Addams’ “The Addams Family” (1964-66, with John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan, Ted Cassidy, Lisa Loring, Ken Weatherwax and   Marie Blake) and the score for William Castle’s classic mammoth Universal macabre thriller masterpiece “The Night Walker” (1964, with Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor).

This will mark Sven’s eighth big broadcast of Rafkin’s classic mammoth Universal ghoul/spook comedy masterpiece on Me-TV.  He previously showcased of “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966) back in ​Nov. 2011*​, ​July 2012*​, ​Nov. 2014​, ​April 2015​, ​Oct. 2017​, July 2018 and Feb. 2020.

Who was in Alan Rafkin’s classic mammoth Universal ghoul comedy masterpiece production of “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966)?

The players who appeared in Rafkin’s Universal feature production of “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966) were Don Knotts​ (as Luther Heggs, Don Knotts previously played the role of Mayberry Dep. Barney Fife on Andy Griffith’s hit mammoth CBS television series alongside Frances Bavier and Ron “Ronny” Howard, “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1960–65 with latter cameo guest appearances in 1966, 1967 and 1968; near the conclusion of Griffith’s series. According to IMDB, Knotts’ role of Luther Heggs in “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” marked his first post-“Andy Griffith Show” feature role),  ​Joan Staley​ (as Alma Parker, Staley previously appeared in Edward Bernds’ classic 1961 Columbia Pictures  prehistoric fantasy/sci-fi masterpiece production with Cesare Danova and Sean McClory, “Valley of the Dragons;” Staley also appeared as the villain Annie Okie with Cliff Robertson as the villain “Shame” in two episodes of the classic mammoth Twentieth Century Fox/Twentieth Century Studios-ABC live-action TV adaptation masterpiece of “Batman” in 1966 with Adam West and Burt Ward), ​Dick Sargent​ (as George Beckett, Sargent later played the role of the second “Darren Stephens” with  Elizabeth Montgomery in the the classic Columbia/Screen Gems-ABC fantasy sitcom masterpiece, “Bewitched” from 1969 until the conclusion of the series in 1972; Sargent took over  Dick York’s role of Darrin for the remainder of the series after York left “Bewitched” due to health-related complications in 1969), Hal Smith​ (in an uncredited role as Calver Weems, Smith played the role of Mayberry town drunk Otis Campbell on “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1960-66 and did numerous cartoon voice-overs for Hanna-Barbera and Disney animated productions alongside numerous live-action film & TV appearances in his acting career), Reta Shaw​ (as Mrs. Halcyon Maxwell), ​Dick Wilson​ (in an uncredited role as the town bandleader/bandmaster​, alongside his numerous film and TV appearances throughout his acting career, Wilson was best known for his role of “Mr. Whipple” in television commercials for Procter & Gamble’s “Charmin” toilet paper products from 1964-85, with a cameo finale in the role of Whipple in 1999; the famous Charmin “Mr. Whipple” television commercials with Wilson featured the famous slogan “Please Don’t Squeeze the Charmin!”), ​Liam Redmond​ (as Kelsey), ​Skip Homeier​ (as Ollie Weaver)  Lurene Tuttle (as Mrs. Natalie Miller), Robert Cornthwaite (as lawyer Springer), Philip Ober​ (as Nicholas Simmons), Jesslyn Fax (as Mrs. Hutchinson), James Millhollin (as Mr. Milo Maxwell), Harry Hickox (as police chief Art Fuller),  Nydia Westman (as Mrs. Cobb), Charles Lane (as lawyer Whitlow), George Chandler (as Judge Harley Nast), Sandra Gould (as Loretta Pine), Ellen Corby (as Ms. Neva Tremaine) and Cliff Norton (as Charlie, the bailiff).

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Gargoyles” (1972), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be jumping for joy for the return of a classic mammoth award-winning made-for-TV creature/fantasy film masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Gargoyles” (1972)

A latter highlight preview snippet reel for Bill “B.W.L.” Norton’s “Gargoyles” (1972) with Bernie Casey.

“They’re coming for you!” Cover artwork element from the out-of-print VCI Entertainment DVD edition of “Gargoyles” (1972) with Bernie Casey.  

The legendary Berywn/Chicago-based creature/fantasy film host will present his big broadcast of “Gargoyles” (1972), this Sat.; April 24 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic 1972 mammoth made-for-TV creature film production of “Gargoyles” was directed by veteran TV director Bill Norton.   Norton received screen credit under the name of “B.W.L. Norton.” Other productions that Norton worked on throughout his directorial career  include several episodes of “Tour of Duty” (from 1987-89), “SeaQuest: DSV” (two episodes in 1993) with Roy Scheider and the Sci-Fi Channel (pre- “SyFy”) cable miniseries adaptation production  of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” (three episodes in 2001).   The teleplay for Norton’s production of “Gargoyles” (1972) was written by the real-life husband-and-wife screenwriting duo of Stephen Karpf and Elinor Karpf.  The Karpfs also worked on the teleplay of Gordon Hessler’s Universal Studios–ABC television made-for-TV thriller production with George Kennedy, Joanna Pettet, Lee Montgomery and Bing Russell, “A Cry in the Wilderness” (1974), one episode of the brief Paramount Pictures TV adaptation of “Love Story” (1973’s “The Youngest Lovers,” adapted from the 1970 Paramount feature film of the same name).  Later in their career, the Karpfs created a television soap opera production for CBS with Constance Towers, Debrah Farentino and Rory Calhoun; “Capitol” (1982-87).   According to the Feb. 1973 article on Bill Norton’s 1972 made-for-TV production of “Gargoyles” (1972) for The Monster Times, Karpf recalled that his wife; Elinor was inspired by a nightmare that she experienced of Gargoyle-style creatures taking over the world.  Elinor was interested in the topic of Gargoyles and Stephen elaborated on her accounts for Norton’s classic 1972 made-for-TV creature masterpiece.

Norton’s classic 1972 creature telefilm masterpiece was produced by veteran television producers Robert W. “Bob” Christiansen, Roger Gimbel and Rick Rosenberg.  “Gargoyles” (1972) was produced by Tomorrow Entertainment, the film production arm of industrial giant General Electric; according to IMDB and Broadcasting (Broadcasting and Cable) Magazine; the production firm was set up by GE in 1970 for the three major television networks’ original “movie of the week” broadcasts and for television syndication purposes for local television stations.   GE’s Tomorrow Entertainment subsidiary was also involved in Rankin/Bass Productions (a.k.a. Videocraft International); the legendary animation studio that was founded by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass; the junior Rankin and Bass were known for their classic “Animagic” stop-motion animation holiday masterpiece specials on television.  Norton’s Tomorrow/GE production of “Gargoyles” (1972) premiered on the CBS television network as part of the “New CBS Tuesday Night Movies” on Nov. 21, 1972; according to IMDB and a according to a 1972-73 production leaflet for Tomorrow Entertainment in Broadcasting Magazine.

This will mark Sven’s fourth big broadcast of Bill Norton’s classic 1972 made-for-TV creature “movie of the week” masterpiece on Me-TV. Sven previously showcased “Gargoyles” (1972) back in May 2017 (as a big Me-TV broadcast premiere), Nov. 2018 and May 2020.

Who was in Bill Norton’s classic mammoth made-for-TV creature masterpiece production of “Gargoyles” (1972)?

The players who appeared in Bill Norton’s made-for-TV movie production of “Gargoyles” (1972) were Bernie Casey (as the lead Gargoyle), Jennifer Salt (as Diana Boley), Cornel Wilde (as Dr. Mercer Boley), Woody Chambliss (as Uncle Willie), Scott Glenn (as James Reeger), Grayson Hall (as Mrs. Parks), John Gruber (as Jesse), Mickey Alzola, Rock Walker and Greg Walker (the three aforementioned actors played other Gargoyle creatures in the 1972 made-for-TV feature), Timothy “Tim” Burns (as Morris Ray), Vic Perrin (in an uncredited role as the voice of the lead Gargoyle, dubbing in Bernie Casey’s dialogue) and Jim Connell (as Buddy).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “The Crawling Eye” (1958) from coast-to-coast, this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big coast-to-coast broadcast premiere of a cult classic sci-fi creature masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big coast-to-coast broadcast premiere of “The Crawling Eye” (1958)

Truncated theatrical trailer for “The Crawling Eye” (1958).

“The nightmare terror of the slithering eye that unleashed agonizing horror on a screaming world!” The company that brought you “Rodan!” Original Distributors Corporation of America (DCA) theatrical poster artwork for “The Crawling Eye” (1958). 

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based sci-fi/creature film host will present his big coast-to-coast broadcast premiere of “The Crawling Eye” (1958), this Sat.; April 17 @ 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1958 production of “The Crawling Eye” was directed by veteran British television director Quentin Lawrence.  Lawrence was known for directing episodes of numerous British television series throughout his career, including six episodes of the made-for-TV sci-fi mammoth television masterpiece adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” in 1959, one episode of the classic mammoth spy/secret agent adventure series with Diana Rigg and Patrick Macnee; “The Avengers” (the 1965 episode, “The Gravediggers”), several episodes of the long-running Granada/ITV soap opera series; “Coronation Street” (Lawrence directed episodes from 1974-77, including filmed sequences) and 20 episodes of the Granada/ITV comedy series with Peter Sallis (of “Last of the Summer Wine” and “Wallace and Gromit” fame) and  Arthur English (of “Are You Being Served?” fame), “The Ghosts of Motley Hall” (1976-78).

The screenplay for Lawrence’s 1958 classic sci-fi/creature masterpiece production was written by veteran screenwriter Jimmy Sangster and was based off of an original story idea by veteran screenwriter/author Peter Key.  Sangster was best known for his screenplays for Britain’s Hammer Films, including Terence Fisher’s classic mammoth Hammer-Warner Bros. horror/monster masterpiece with Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Hazel Court and Robert Urquhart; “The Curse of Frankenstein” (1957); Fisher’s classic mammoth Hammer-Universal Studios monster/horror masterpiece with Lee, Cushing, Melissa Stribling, Valerie Gaunt  and Michael Gough; “Horror of Dracula” (1958) and Fisher’s classic Hammer-Columbia Pictures monster/horror masterpiece with Cushing, Michael Gwynn, Eunice Gayson and  Francis Matthews,  “The Revenge of Frankenstein” (1958).

According to IMDB, “The Crawling Eye” (1958) was produced by Tempean Films.  Lawrence’s cult classic 1958 sci-fi masterpiece was released in Great Britain through Phil and Sid Hyams’ production-exhibition-distribution company Eros Films Ltd.  The North American theatrical releasing rights to Lawrence’s production of “The Crawling Eye” were handled by independent releasing firm Distributors Corporation of America, or DCA.   DCA was known for releasing the 1957 North American dub of Ishiro Honda’s classic mammoth kaiju monster-creature masterpiece from Toho Studios of Japan with Kenji Sahara, Yumi Shirakawa, Akihiko Hirata, veteran Toho Studios stunt performer Haruo Nakajima and Akio Koboril;  “Rodan” (1956), the release of Will Price’s classic mammoth rock-and-roll revue masterpiece with Little Richard, Tuesday Weld, La Vern Baker and pioneering disc jockey Alan Freed; “Rock Rock Rock!” (1956) and Ed Wood’s cult classic low-budget sci-fi masterpiece with Bela Lugosi, pioneering Los Angeles TV horror film host Maila “Vampira” Nurmi, Criswell and wrestler Tor Johnson; “Plan 9 From Outer Space” (1957).  The rights to “The Crawling Eye” (1958) were later acquired by veteran independent feature film producer-distributor-exhibitor Wade Williams, whose Wade Williams Distribution/The Wade Williams Collection currently handles the theatrical re-release, television syndication, home entertainment licensing and streaming platform distribution/licensing rights to Lawrence’s 1958 production, according to Williams’ official website.

In Sven’s home area of Berwyn/Chicago, he previously showcased “The Crawling Eye” (1958) back in 2004 on his hometown television station, WCIU-TV 26; according to IMDB.

Who was in “The Crawling Eye” (1958)?

The players who appeared in Quentin Lawrence’s cult classic sci-fi masterpiece production of “The Crawling Eye” (1958) are Forrest Tucker (as Alan Brooks), Jennifer Jayne (as Sarah Pilgrim), Laurence Payne (as Philip Truscott), Janet Munro (as Anne Pilgrim), Warren Mitchell (as Crevett), Andrew Faulds (as Brett), Stuart Saunders (as Dewhurst*), Colin Douglas (as Hans), Derek Sydney (as Wilde), Richard Golding (as the first villager), George Herbert (as a second villager), Anne Sharp (as a German woman), Leslie Heritage (as Carl) and Jeremy Longhurst (as the first student climber).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic mammoth Universal Studios sci-fi/fantasy/visual effects masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957)

Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical release teaser trailer for Jack Arnold’s “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” narrated by Orson Welles.

“A fascinating adventure into the unknown!” Original 1957Universal Studios theatrical poster art for Jack Arnold’s “The Incredible Shrinking Man.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago sci-fi film host will present his big broadcast of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) this Sat., April 10 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic mammoth 1957 Universal sci-fi/fantasy masterpiece was directed by veteran studio director Jack Arnold.  Some of Arnold’s best-known classic mammoth Universal Studios monster, sci-fi and fantasy feature film masterpiece productions include  “It Came from Outer Space” (1953, one of Universal’s first 3-D feature film productions, with Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, a pre-“Gilligan’s Island” Russell Johnson, Kathleen Hughes and Charles Drake); his classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece production of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954, with Julie Adams, Ricou Browning, Ben Chapman, Richard Carlson, Richard Denning, Nestor Paiva and Whit Bissell), his classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster sequel masterpiece production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, with Lori Nelson, Ricou Browning, Tom Hennesy, John Agar, Nestor Paiva, young Clint Eastwood and Grandon Rhodes), “Tarantula” (1955, with Mara Corday, John Agar, Leo G. Carroll, Nestor Paiva, young Clint Eastwood and young Bing Russell) and “Monster on the Campus” (1958, with Eddie Parker, Joanna Moore, Troy Donahue, Arthur Franz, Nancy Walters and  Whit Bissell).

Arnold’s Universal production of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) was produced by veteran producer Albert Zugsmith.  One year after “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” Zugsmith produced  Orson Welles’ classic mammoth critically-acclaimed Universal drama/film noir feature film masterpiece adaptation of Whit Masterson’s novel, “Badge of Evil;” “Touch of Evil” (1958, with Janet Leigh, Orson Welles, Charlton Heston, Joanna Moore, young Dennis Weaver and Ray Collins).  Zugsmith also directed the classic Universal drama masterpiece production of “College Confidential” (1960, with  Steve Allen, Jayne Meadows; both Allen and Meadows were married in real life from 1954 until Allen’s death in 2000; Mamie Van Doren, country/western singing legend Conway Twitty, Mickey Shaughnessy, Walter Winchell  and boxer Rocky Marciano).  The screenplay for Arnold’s classic 1957 mammoth Universal sci-fi/fantasy/visual effects masterpiece was adapted for the screen from veteran sci-fi/horror author Richard Matheson’s original story, “The Shrinking Man.”  Matheson co-wrote the screenplay adaptation of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” with veteran screenwriter Richard Alan Simmons.

This will mark Sven’s  sixth big broadcast of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) from coast-to-coast on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi/fantasy masterpiece back in May 2011*, Oct. 2011*, Oct. 2014, May 2016 and Nov. 2017.

Who was in Jack Arnold’s classic Universal mammoth sci-fi/fantasy/visual effects masterpiece production of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957)?

The players who appeared in Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi/fantasy visual effects masterpiece production of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) were Grant Williams (as Scott Carey), Randy Stuart (as Louise Carey), April Kent (as Clarice Bruce), Paul Langton (as Charlie Carey), Raymond Bailey (as Dr. Thomas Silver), William Schallert (as Dr. Arthur Bramson), Frank J. Scannell (as a barker), Helene Marshall (as a nurse), Diana Darrin (as a nurse), Lock Martin (in an uncredited role as a giant) and Orangey the Cat (in an uncredited role as Butch the Cat).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “The Undead” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast premiere of a classic horror-fantasy masterpiece from the “father of drive-in cinema.”

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “The Undead” (1957)

Original 1957 American-International Pictures (AIP)* theatrical release trailer for Roger Corman’s “The Undead.”

“A thousand years of ‘naked terror’!” Original 1957 American-International Pictures poster art for Roger Corman’s “The Undead.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based horror film host will present his big broadcast premiere of “The Undead” (1957), this Sat.; April 3 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1957 production of “The Undead” was directed and produced by legendary veteran feature film director-producer Roger Corman.  Some of Corman’s best-known classic mammoth feature film masterpiece productions that he worked on include “The Fast and the Furious” (1954, with John Ireland and Dorothy Malone), “It Conquered the World” (1956, with Peter Graves, Beverly Garland and young Lee Van Cleef), “Attack of the Crab Monsters” (1957, with Russell Johnson and Pamela Duncan), “A Bucket of Blood” (1959), the classic mammoth American-International Pictures* masterpiece thriller adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s “House of Usher” (1960, with Vincent Price), “The Little Shop of Horrors” (1960, with young Jack Nicholson; Corman’s 1960 production inspired Howard Ashman’s latter 1982 Broadway musical-comedy, “Little Shop of Horrors” and Frank Oz’s modern classic mammoth 1986 Warner Bros. feature musical-comedy film adaptation of “Little Shop of Horrors”), the AIP* adaptation of Poe’s “Pit and the Pendulum” (1961, with Vincent Price and Barbara Steele), “Tales of Terror” (1962 AIP* adaptation of Poe’s short stories with Vincent Price, Maggie Pierce, Peter Lorre and Basil Rathbone), the AIP* adaptation of Poe’s “The Raven” (1963, with Vincent Price, ), “The Wild Angels” (1966, with Peter Fonda, Nancy Sinatra and Bruce Dern), “Death Race 2000” (1975, with David Carradine,  Simone Griffeth, young Sylvester Stallone and legendary Los Angeles radio disc jockey “The Real” Don Steele), Ron Howard’s “Grand Theft Auto” (1977, with Howard, Nancy Morgan, Marion Ross, Clint Howard and “The Real” Don Steele) and Allan Arkush and Joe Dante’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” (1979, with legendary rock group The Ramones; along with P.J. Soles, Vincent Van Patten and “The Real” Don Steele). 

Roger Corman’s classic horror-fantasy masterpiece production of “The Undead” (1957) was released theatrically through  Samuel Z. Arkoff and James H. Nicholson’s independent distribution/releasing firm, American-International Pictures (AIP)*; according to details from IMDB.  Corman’s 1957 AIP horror-fantasy feature production was produced under the moniker of “Balboa Productions.” 

The screenplay for Corman’s production of “The Undead” (1957) was written by veteran screenwriters Charles B. Griffith and Mark Hanna.  Griffith wrote for many of Corman’s feature film productions, including “It Conquered the World” (1956), “Attack of the Crab Monsters” (1957), “The Little Shop of Horrors” (1960), “The Wild Angels” (1966) and “Death Race 2000” (1975).  Mark Hanna also wrote the screenplay for Bert I. Gordon’s cult classic American-International Pictures sci-fi masterpiece, “The Amazing Colossal Man” (1957).

Who was in Roger Corman’s classic horror-fantasy masterpiece production of “The Undead” (1957)?

The players who appeared in Roger Corman’s classic American-International horror-fantasy production were Pamela Duncan (in the dual roles of Diana Love/Helene), Richard Garland (as Pendragon), Allison Hayes (as Livia, a witch), Dorothy Neumann (as Meg Maud, a witch), Billy Barty (as an imp), Val Dufour (as Quintus Ratcliff), Mel Welles (as Smolkin, a gravedigger), Bruno VeSota (as Scroop, the innkeeper), Dick Miller (as a leper, Miller received screen credit under his full name of Richard Miller), Maurice Manson (as Prof. Ulbrecht Olinger), Don Garrett (as a knight), Richard Devon (as Satan), and Aaron Saxon (as Gobbo, the jailer).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “The Beast Must Die” (1974), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast premiere of a classic Cinerama Releasing/Amicus Productions werewolf monster-thriller-mystery masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “The Beast Must Die” (1974)

Original 1974 Cinerama Releasing Corporation/Amicus Productions theatrical release trailer for Paul Annett’s production of “The Beast Must Die,” with Calvin Lockhart and Peter Cushing.

“When the moon is full!” Original 1974 Cinerama Releasing Corporation/Amicus Productions theatrical poster artwork for “The Beast Must Die” with Calvin Lockhart and Peter Cushing.

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster/thriller/mystery film host will present his big broadcast premiere of “The Beast Must Die” (1974), this Sat.; March 27 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The production of “The Beast Must Die” (1974) was directed by veteran British film and television director Paul Annett.   Some of Annett’s best-known productions include seven episodes of the BBC television drama adaptation of Winston Graham’s “Poldark” featuring Robin Ellis (Annett directed seven episodes from 1975-76), the BBC television wartime drama series, “Secret Army” (Annett directed seven episodes from 1977-78), two episodes of London Weekend Television’s thriller anthology series, “Saturday Night Thriller” (1982), three episodes of Roald Dahl’s supernatural/sci-fi/fantasy series, “Tales of the Unexpected” (for the 1987-88 rendition of the series) and numerous episodes of the long-running BBC television soap drama series, “EastEnders” (Annett directed 87 episodes of the long-running series between 1998-2009).  According to the American Film Institute’s online film database, “The Beast Must Die” (1974) was the first feature film production that Paul Annett worked on, as the veteran director exclusively worked on numerous British television productions/television miniseries throughout his directorial career.

Annett’s production of “The Beast Must Die” (1974) was produced by veteran producers John Dark, Robert H. Greenberg, Max Rosenberg and Milton Subotsky.  John Dark previously produced the classic mammoth Ray Harryhausen–Don Chaffey–Charles H. Schneer–Columbia Pictures Dynamation adventure-fantasy stop-motion masterpiece, “Jason and the Argonauts” (1963).  The same year that he co-produced “The Beast Must Die,” Robert H. Greenberg and Max Rosenberg produced Kevin Connor’s production for Samuel Z. Arkoff’s American-International Pictures of the classic mammoth fantasy-adventure masterpiece adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “The Land That Time Forgot” (1974) with Doug McClure, John McEnery and Susan Penhaligon.  Max Rosenberg also previously produced the classic Universal Studios retrospective compilation feature of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello’s classic Universal feature film comedy masterpiece moments, “The World of Abbott and Costello” (1965)  and the two classic Amicus-Peter Cushing “Doctor Who” sci-fi masterpiece film adaptations, “Dr. Who and the Daleks” (1965) and “Daleks’ Invasion Earth: 2150, A.D.” (1966).  Milton Subotsky also produced the classic mammoth Freddie Francis-Amicus horror-thriller film production adaptation of William M. Gaines’ classic mammoth EC Comics horror comic series, “Tales From the Crypt” (1972), which featured Joan Collins, Peter Cushing,  Ian Hendry and Sir Ralph Richardson as the “Crypt Keeper.”

The screenplay for “The Beast Must Die” (1974) was written by veteran screenwriters Michael Winder and Scot Finch, Paul Annett also contributed to Winder and Finch’s screenplay.  Winder, Finch and Annett’s screenplay was adapted from an original story idea by James Blish.

Annett’s production of “The Beast Must Die” (1974) was produced by Amicus Productions, according to IMDB. Amicus was a British production company that was founded by Milton Subotsky and Max J. Rosenberg in 1962, according to the British Film Institute’s database entry on Amicus Productions.  “The Beast Must Die” (1974) was released theatrically throughout Great Britain through the British Lion Film Corporation, according to additional information from IMDB.  For the United States theatrical release of the Amicus-Annett production,   “The Beast Must Die,” the classic 1974 werewolf-mystery-thriller masterpiece was released theatrically in the United States through Cinerama Releasing Corporation, according to additional details from IMDB.  Cinerama Releasing was the distribution arm of Cinerama, Inc.,; the same company behind the 3-projector widescreen theatrical process of the same name that was developed in 1952, according to the Cinerama tribute site; “In Cinerama.”  In addition to releasing independent productions, Cinerama Releasing also handled theatrical distribution of feature-length theatrical film productions produced by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC)’s film production division.

Who was in “The Beast Must Die” (1974)?

The players who appeared in Paul Annett’s Amicus production of “The Beast Must Die” (1974) were Calvin Lockhart (as Tom Newcliffe) , Peter Cushing (as Dr. Christopher Lundgren), Marlene Clark (as Caroline Newcliffe), Charles Gray (as Bennington), Anton Diffring (as Pavel), Ciaran Madden (as Davina), Tom Chadbon (as Paul Foote), Michael Gambon (as Jan), Sam Mansary (as a Butler), Andrew Lodge (as a Pilot), Carl Bohen (as a hunter), Eric Carte (as a hunter), Annie Ross (in an uncredited role for the dubbing of Marlene Clark’s characterization of Caroline Newcliffe) and Valentine Dyall (in an uncredited role as the narrator for the “break” sequence).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic Hammer Films–Universal Studios horror/mystery masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961)

Original 1961 Universal Studios tinted publicity photo/lobby card for the Hammer/B.H.P. production of  “The Shadow of the Cat.”

Note: As of this writing, the original Universal theatrical and/or TV teaser trailer(s) for “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961) is unavailable on YouTube and/or any other video streaming platform. –C.H.

“Stare into these ‘eyes’ if you dare!” Original 1961 Universal Studios poster artwork for the Hammer/B.H.P. production of  “The Shadow of the Cat.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based horror film host will present his big broadcast of “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961), this Sat.; March 20 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1961 classic Hammer/Universal horror-mystery masterpiece was directed by veteran screenwriter and feature film and television director John Gilling.  Gilling previously directed the classic Columbia Pictures crime drama masterpiece production of “The Man Inside” (1958) with Jack Palance, Anita Ekberg, Anthony Newley and Donald Pleasence.  Gilling also directed the classic British independent horror-thriller-mystery masterpiece production of “The Flesh and the Fiends” (1960) with Hammer horror legend Peter Cushing, June Laverick, Donald Pleasence, Renee Houston and George Rose.

Produced by Hammer Films under the company’s “B.H.P. Productions” moniker, the 1961 production of “The Shadow of the Cat” was produced by veteran film producer-screenwriter Jon Pennington.  Two years before working on “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961), Pennington served as an associate producer for Jack Arnold’s classic Columbia Pictures comedy masterpiece, “The Mouse That Roared” (1959) with Peter Sellers, Jean Seberg, a pre-“Doctor Who” William Hartnell, Leo McKern and David Kossoff.   Four years after working on Gilling’s classic 1961 Hammer (B.H.P.)/Universal horror-mystery masterpiece, Pennington served as a producer for Jack Cardiff’s classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) action/adventure/spy comedy-spoof masterpiece film adaptation of John Gardner’s novel, “The Liquidator” (1965) with Rod Taylor, Jill St. John, Trevor Howard, Wilfrid Hyde-White and Eric Sykes.

The screenplay for Gilling’s classic Hammer/B.H.P./Universal horror-mystery masterpiece production of “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961) was written by veteran film and television screenwriter George Baxt.  Three years before “The Shadow of the Cat,” Baxt wrote additional dialogue with veteran screenwriter Hurford Janes for Jimmy Sangster’s screenplay for Terence Fisher’s classic mammoth Hammer-Columbia monster/horror masterpiece production of “The Revenge of Frankenstein” (1958) with Peter Cushing, Michael Gwynn, Eunice Gayson and Francis Matthews.

This will mark Svengoolie’s fourth big broadcast of “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Gilling’s classic Hammer/B.H.P./Universal horror-mystery masterpiece back in June 2014, July 2015 and Jan. 2017.

Who was in “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961)?

The players who appeared in Gilling’s classic Hammer (B.H.P.)-Universal horror/mystery masterpiece production of “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961) were Barbara Shelley (as Ruth Venable), André Morell (as Walter Venable), William Lucas (as Jacob Venable), Freda Jackson (as Clara), Conrad Phillips (as Michael Latimer), Richard Warner (as Edgar Venable), Vanda Godsell (as Louise Venable), Alan Wheatley (as Inspector Rowles), Andrew Crawford (as the butler Andrew), Catherine Lacey (as Ella Venable) and Kynaston Reeves (as the grandfather).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast premiere of a classic mammoth Warner Bros. pioneering two-strip Technicolor horror masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933)

Latter VHS preview trailer for Michael Curtiz’s classic mammoth Warner Bros. pioneering two-strip Technicolor horror masterpiece production of “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933).

“Images of wax that throbbed with human passion!” Original 1933 Warner Bros. theatrical poster art for Michael Curtiz’s “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933).

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago classic horror film host will present his big broadcast premiere of “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933), this Sat.; March 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic 1933 mammoth Warner Bros. horror masterpiece production was directed by veteran studio director Michael Curtiz.  One year before “Mystery of the Wax Museum,” Curtiz directed the classic mammoth Warner Bros. pioneering two-strip Technicolor horror masterpiece production of “Doctor X” (1932, produced under the “First National Pictures” moniker; Warners acquired First National and their Burbank, California studio complex in 1928; which would become the de facto headquarters of Warner Bros.).  Some of Curtiz’s other best-known productions include his classic mammoth Warner Bros. three-strip Technicolor adventure masterpiece production of “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938) with Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland and Basil Rathbone; his classic mammoth Warners musical biopic masterpiece of George M. Cohan, “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942) with James Cagney; his critically-acclaimed Warners wartime drama masterpiece production of “Casablanca” (1942) with Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Dooley Wilson, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, S.Z. “Cuddles” Sakall, Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Conrad Veidt, his classic Warners drama masterpiece production with Joan Crawford, “Mildred Pierce” (1945) and his classic Paramount Pictures Holiday/Christmastime musical-comedy masterpiece with Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen and Dean Jagger, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” (1954); which was Paramount’s first “VistaVision” widescreen film production.

Adapted for the screen from Charles S. Belden’s original story, the screenplay for “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933) was written by veteran Warner Bros. screenwriters Carl Erickson and Don Mullaly.  Curtiz’s classic 1933 mammoth Warners horror masterpiece production was produced by veteran studio producers Henry Blanke and Hal B. Wallis.  Both Blanke and Wallis were uncredited for their work in “Mystery of the Wax Museum.”  The cinematography for “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933) was done by pioneering Technicolor cinematographer Ray Rennahan, who was one of the first Technicolor camera operators and did experimental color motion picture photography when the Technicolor Company was established in 1915, according to Jennifer Rhee’s UCLA Film & Television Archive blog interview with UCLA Film & Television Archive head of preservation Scott MacQueen on the production of “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933)

Who was in Michael Curtiz’s classic Warner Bros. mammoth horror masterpiece production of “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933)?

The players who appeared in Michael Curtiz’s classic mammoth Warner Bros. horror masterpiece production of “Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933) were Fay Wray (as Charlotte Duncan), Lionel  Atwill (as Ivan Igor), Glenda Farrell (as Florence), Frank McHugh (as Jim), Monica Bannister (as Joan Gale), Allen Vincent (as Ralph Burton), Gavin Gordon (as George Winton), Edwin Maxwell (as Joe Worth), Holmes Herbert (as Dr. Ramussen), Claude King (as Mr. Galatalin), Arthur Edmund Carewe (as Prof. Darcy), Thomas E. Jackson (as a detective), DeWitt Jennings (as the police captain), Matthew Betz (as Hugo) and Robert Emmett O’Connor (in a uncredited role as policeman Joe).