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

Posted by Chris Hamby on April 8, 2021
Posted in: Svengoolie, Uncategorized, Universal Sci-Fi, Universal Studios. Tagged: April Kent, Berwyn, Billy Curtis, Chicago, Classic Fantasy, Classic Film, Classic Sci-Fi, Diana Darrin, Doug Graves, Doug Scharf, Fantasy, Frank J. Scannell, Grant Williams, Helene Marshall, Horror, Horror Films, Illinois, Jack Arnold, Kerwyn, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Orangey, Orangey (the cat), Paul Langton, Randy Stuart, Raymond Bailey, Rich Koz, Richard Alan Simmons, Richard Matheson, Sci-Fi, Science Fiction, Svengoolie, Universal Sci-Fi, Universal Studios, Visual Effects, William Schallert. Leave a comment

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.

Original_1957_Universal_Studios_Theatrical_Poster_Artwork_Variant_The_Incredible_Shrinking_Man

“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).

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

Posted by Chris Hamby on March 31, 2021
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: "The Undead" (1957), Aaron Saxon, Adventure, AIP, Allison Hayes, American-International Pictures, Berwyn, Billy Barty, Bruno VeSota, Charles B. Griffith, Chicago, Classic Adventure, Classic Fantasy, Classic Film, Classic Horror, Classic Mystery, Dick Miller, Don Garrett, Dorothy Neumann, Doug Graves, Duog Scharf, Fantasy, Horror, Illinois, James H. Nicholson, Kerwyn, Mark Hanna, Maurice Manson, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Mel Welles, Mystery, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Pamela Duncan, Rich Koz, Richard Devon, Richard Garland, Roger Corman, Ronald Stein, Samuel Z. Arkoff, Shout! Factory LLC, Svengoolie, Val Dufour, Walter Mirisch. Leave a comment

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.”

Original_1957_American_International_Pictures_Poster_Artwork_The_Undead_Roger_Corman_Selma_Enterprises

“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).

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

Posted by Chris Hamby on March 25, 2021
Posted in: Svengoolie, Uncategorized. Tagged: AMC Film Holdings LLC, Amicus Productions, Andrew Lodge, Annie Ross, Anton Diffring, Berwyn, British Cinema, British Horror, British Mystery, British Thriller, Calvin Lockhart, Carl Bohen, Charles Gray, Chicago, Ciaran Madden, Cinerama Releasing, Cinerama Releasing Corporation, Classic Film, Classic Horror, Classic Mystery, Classic Thriller, Doug Graves, Doug Scharf, Eric Carte, Horror, Illinois, James Blish, John Dark, Kerwyn, Lycantrophy, Marlene Clark, Max Rosenberg, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Michael Gambon, Michael Winder, Milton Subotsky, Mystery, Paul Annett, Peter Cushing, Rich Koz, Robert H. Greenberg, Sam Mansary, Scott Finch, Shout! Factory LLC, Svengoolie, Thriller, Tom Chadbon, Valentine Dyall, Werewolves. Leave a comment

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).

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

Posted by Chris Hamby on March 17, 2021
Posted in: Hammer Films, Hammer Horror, Svengoolie, Uncategorized, Universal Horror, Universal Mystery, Universal Studios. Tagged: "The Shadow of the Cat" (1961), Alan Wheatley, André Morell, Andrew Crawford, Arthur Grant, B.H.P. Productions, Barbara Shelley, Berwyn, British Cinema, Catherine Lacey, Chicago, Classic Film, Classic Horror, Classic Mystery, Conrad Phillips, Doug Graves, Doug Scharf, Freda Jackson, George Baxt, Hammer Films, Hammer Horror, Hammer Mystery, Horror, Illinois, John Gilling, Jon Pennington, Kerwyn, Kynaston Reeves, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Rich Koz, Richard Finlay Hatton, Richard Warner, Rondo Awards, Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards, St. Patrick's Day, Svengoolie, Universal Horror, Universal Mystery, Universal Studios, Vanda Godsell, William Lucas. Leave a comment

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).

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

Posted by Chris Hamby on March 11, 2021
Posted in: Svengoolie, Uncategorized, Warner Bros. Horror. Tagged: "House of Wax" (1953), "Mystery of the Wax Museum" (1933), Allen Vincent, Arthur Edmund Carewe, Berwyn, Chicago, Claude King, DeWitt Jennings, Doug Graves, Doug Scharf, Edwin Maxwell, Fay Wray, Film Preservation, Frank McHugh, Gavin Gordon, George Lucas Family Foundation (Restoration Funding), Glenda Farrell, Holmes Herbert, Illinois, Jack L. Warner, Kerwyn, Leo F. Forbstein, Lionel Atwill, Matthew Betz, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Michael Curtiz, Monica Bannister, Pre-1948 Warner Bros. Features, Ray Rennahan, Rich Koz, Robert Emmett O'Connor, Rondo Awards, Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards, Svengoolie, Technicolor, The Film Foundation, Thomas E. Jackson, Turner Entertainment, Two-Strip Technicolor, UCLA Film Archive, Vitaphone, Vitaphone Orchestra, Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Entertainment, Warner Bros. Horror, Warner Bros. Pictures. Leave a comment

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).

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“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” (1958), this Sat. on Me-TV

Posted by Chris Hamby on March 3, 2021
Posted in: Svengoolie, Uncategorized, Universal Studios. Tagged: Andra Martin, Berwyn, Carolyn Kearney, Charles Horvath, Chicago, Classic Film, Classic Horror, David Duncan, Doug Graves, Doug Scharf, Forrest Lewis, Henry Mancini, Horror, Illinois, James Anderson, Jeffrey Stone, Kerwyn, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Peggy Converse, Phil Harvey, Rich Koz, Robin Hughes, Svengoolie, Universal Horror, Universal Studios, Will Cowan, William Reynolds. Leave a comment

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

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” (1958)

Original 1958 Universal Studios theatrical release trailer for “The Thing That Couldn’t Die.”

“Nothing human can stop it!” Original 1958 Universal Studios theatrical poster art for “The Thing That Couldn’t Die.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based horror film host will present his big broadcast of “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” (1958), this Sat.; March 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1958 classic Universal horror masterpiece was produced and directed by veteran Universal Studios producer-director Will Cowan.  Cowan was known for producing numerous Universal short subject productions for theatrical release throughout his film production career, including Universal’s classic mammoth 3-D musical short subject masterpiece with legendary crooner Nat “King” Cole and orchestral composer Russ Morgan, “Nat ‘King’ Cole and Russ Morgan and His Orchestra” (1953); Cowan’s 1953 production with Cole and Morgan was the studio’s first live-action 3-D theatrical short subject production.  The same year that he worked on “The Thing That Couldn’t Die,” Cowan also directed the classic mammoth Universal music revue masterpiece of “The Big Beat” (1958) with legends Fats Domino, Rose Marie, The Mills Brothers, The Diamonds, Cal Tjader, The Del-Vikings, young Vince Guaraldi  (Guaraldi composed the music for Charles M. Schultz’s classic Charlie Brown/Peanuts animated television masterpiece specials, the veteran jazz pianist/composer composed the music for the Peanuts specials from 1965 until his death in 1976) and Hans Conreid.

The screenplay for “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” (1958) was written by veteran author-screenwriter David Duncan.  Duncan’s screen treatment was based off of his original story creation, “The Water Witch.”  Duncan previously wrote the screenplay for the classic mammoth Edward Ludwig–Willis H. O’Brien–Warner Bros. stop-motion sci-fi creature masterpiece production of “The Black Scorpion” (1957).  The veteran author/screenwriter also worked on the screenplays for Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal monster sci-fi masterpiece production of “Monster on the Campus” (1958), Edward Dein’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi production of “The Leech Woman” (1960, adapted from Ben Pivar’s original story idea) and George Pal’s classic mammoth Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) sci-fi masterpiece adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine” (1960).

This will mark Svengoolie’s third big broadcast of the classic 1958 Universal horror masterpiece on Me-TV.  He previously showcased “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” (1958) back in Sept. 2014 and August 2015.

Who was in “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” (1958)?

The players who appeared in Will Cowan’s classic mammoth Universal horror production of “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” (1958) were Robin Hughes (as Gideon Drew), Andra Martin (as Linda Madison), William Reynolds (as Gordon Hawthorne), Jeffrey Stone (as Hank Huston), Carolyn Kearney (as Jessica Burns), Peggy Converse (as Flavia McIntyre), James Anderson (as Boyd Abercrombie), Charles Horvath (as Mike), Phil Harvey (in an uncredited role as Trooper Kennedy) and Forrest Lewis (as Julian Ash).

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“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “Devil Doll” (1964), this Sat. on Me-TV

Posted by Chris Hamby on February 25, 2021
Posted in: MST3K, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Svengoolie, Uncategorized. Tagged: Alan Gifford, Associated Film Distributing Corp., Barbara Thomas, Berwyn, Bryant Haliday, Charles F. Vetter, Chicago, Classic Film, Classic Horror, Classic Thrillers, Cult Classics, Doug Graves, Doug Scharf, Francis De Wolff, Frederick E. Smith, Galaworldfilm Productions, George Barclay, Gerald A. Fernback, Gordon Films, Gordon Films Inc., Horror, Illinois, Karel Stepanek, Kenneth Rive, Kerwyn, Lance Z. Hargreaves, Lindsay Shonteff, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Nora Nicholson, Rich Koz, Richard Gordon, Ronald Kinnoch, Sadie Corre, Sandra Dorne, Svengoolie, Thriller, William Sylvester, Yvonne Romain. Leave a comment

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast premiere of a cult classic horror-thriller masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “Devil Doll” (1964)*

Original 1964 Richard Gordon/Associated Film Distribution Corp. theatrical release trailer for “Devil Doll” (1964).

“What is the strange, terrifying evil secret of the ‘dummy’?” Original Associated Film Distribution Corp./Richard Gordon theatrical poster artwork for “Devil Doll” (1964)*.

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based horror film host will present his big broadcast premiere of “Devil Doll” (1964)*, this Sat., Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1964 production of “Devil Doll”* was directed by veteran director-producer-writer Lindsay Shonteff.  Shonteff’s produced his production of “Devil Doll” (1964)* with veteran independent executive producer-exhibitor-distributor Richard Gordon.  One year after the 1964 production of “Devil Doll,”* Gordon and Shonteff worked on the cult classic British independent horror masterpiece production of “Curse of the Voodoo” (1965, a.k.a. “Voodoo Blood Death”).  Veteran producers Kenneth Rive and Gerald A. Fernback also served as executive producers on the 1964 production.  Eight years after the production of “Devil Doll” (1964)*, Rive later worked as an executive producer for Eugenio “Gene” Martín’s classic independent horror masterpiece feature production with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, “Horror Express” (1972).  Gerald A. Fernback later served in an uncredited position as executive producer on Terence Fisher’s classic sci-fi/horror masterpiece with Peter Cushing, Carole Gray, Edward Judd and Eddie Byrne; “Island of Terror” (1966, released in the United States in 1967 by Universal Studios).

The screenplay for the Gordon-Shonteff production of “Devil Doll” (1964)* was written by veteran producer/screenwriter Ronald Kinnoch (credited under the pseudonym of George Barclay), veteran producer/screenwriter Charles F. Vetter (credited under the pseudonym of Lance Z. Hargreaves) and veteran author Frederick Escreet Smith.  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) and later produced Montgomery Tully’s  classic MGM sci-fi/thriller masterpiece production of “Battle Beneath the Earth” (1967, with Kerwin Mathews, Viviane Ventura and Robert Ayres).  Around the same time that “Devil Doll” (1964)* was in production, Frederick Escreet Smith’s wartime-themed novel; “633 Squadron” was also adapted into a feature film of the same name, “633 Squadron” (1964, with Cliff Robertson, Suzan Farmer and George Chakiris ), which was directed by Walter Grauman for Walter Mirisch’s Mirisch Corporation and distributed through United Artists.

Produced under the Galaworldfilm Productions moniker with Richard Gordon’s production/distribution exhibition firm, Gordon Films; the production of “Devil Doll” (1964) was released theatrically throughout Great Britain and the United Sates through the Associated Film Distributing Corp., according to IMDB.  Richard Gordon’s distribution firm, Gordon Films would later assume certain distribution and syndication rights to the 1964 production of “Devil Doll,”* according to a 1976 correspondence letter between Richard Gordon’s Gordon Films and 16mm non-theatrical distributor Keith T. Smith’s Modern Sound Pictures; which was recently unearthed on the Internet Archive’s Modern Sound Pictures correspondence collection.

Who was in the Gordon/Shonteff production of “Devil Doll” (1964)*?

The players who appeared in the Richard Gordon-Lindsay Shonteff production of “Devil Doll” (1964)* were Bryant Haliday (as the “Great Vorelli”), Sadie Corre (in an uncredited role as the voice of the dummy “Hugo”), Yvonne Romain (as Marianne Horn), William Sylvester (as Mark English), Sandra Dorne (as Magda), Nora Nicholson (as Aunt Eva), Alan Gifford (as Bob Garrett), Karel Stepanek (as Dr. Heller) and Francis De Wolff (as Dr. Keisling).

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Svengoolie presents his big broadcast of Vincent Price in “The Invisible Man Returns” (1940), this Sat. on Me-TV

Posted by Chris Hamby on February 17, 2021
Posted in: Svengoolie, Universal Monsters, Universal Studios. Tagged: "The Invisible Man Returns" (1940), Academy Awards, Alan Napier, Bernard B. Brown, Berwyn, Billy Bevan, Cecil Kellaway, Chicago, Classic Film, Classic Horror, Classic Monsters, Classic Sci-Fi, Curt Siodmak, Doug Graves, Doug Scharf, Ernie Adams, Forrester Harvey, H.G. Wells, Horror, Illinois, Joe May, John Fulton, John Sutton, Ken Goldsmith, Kerwyn, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Monsters, Nan Grey, Rich Koz, Sci-Fi, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Svengoolie, The Invisible Man, Universal Horror, Universal Monsters, Universal Sci-Fi, Universal Studios, Vincent Price, William Hedgcock. 2 Comments

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic Universal Studios mammoth “Invisible” monster sequel masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of Vincent Price in “The Invisible Man Returns” (1940)

Altered trailer for Joe May’s classic mammoth Universal “Invisible Man” monster sequel masterpiece with Vincent Price, “The Invisible Man Returns” (1940).

Original 1940 Universal Studios theatrical poster art for “The Invisible Man Returns” with Vincent Price.

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster/horror/sci-fi film host will present his big broadcast of “The Invisible Man Returns” (1940), this Sat.; Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

Produced as a sequel to James Whale’s earlier classic mammoth Universal monster masterpiece adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” (1933, with Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, Una O’Connor and Henry Travers); the 1940 Universal classic “Invisible Man” monster masterpiece sequel installment was directed by veteran director Joe May.  May also directed the classic Universal crime-mystery-drama production of “The House of Fear” (1939) with Irene Hervey, William Gargan, Dorothy Arnold and Walter Woolf King and the classic Universal action-adventure-comedy production of “Hit the Road” (1941) with Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Bernard Punsly, Evelyn Ankers, a pre-“Three Stooges” Shemp Howard,  Barton MacLane and Gladys George.  Inspired by Wells’ novel, May also wrote the original story idea with veteran sci-fi writer Curt Siodmak, who later wrote the screenplay for George Waggner’s classic mammoth Universal werewolf monster masterpiece production of “The Wolf Man” (1941) with Lon Chaney Jr., Evelyn Ankers, Claude Rains and Ralph Bellamy.  Siodmak also co-wrote the screenplay adaptation from his own original story idea with veteran screenwriter from his original story idea with May.

May’s classic 1940 Universal “Invisible Man” monster sequel masterpiece was produced by veteran studio associate producer Ken Goldsmith.  Three years after the original 1940 theatrical release of “The Invisible Man Returns,” Goldsmith died in 1943 after completing the production of Erle C. Kenton’s Universal musical comedy production, “Always A Bridesmaid” (1943) with the popular singing trio of The Andrews Sisters/Patty Andrews, Maxene Andrews and Laverne Andrews.

This will mark Sven’s fifth big broadcast of “The Invisible Man Returns” (1940) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased May’s classic mammoth 1940 Universal “Invisible Man” monster sequel back in July 2011*, March 2013, Dec. 2014 and Jan. 2017.

Who was in Joe May’s classic Universal mammoth monster sequel masterpiece production of “The Invisible Man Returns” (1940)?

The players who appeared in Joe May’s Universal production of “The Invisible Man Returns” (1940) were Vincent Price (as Geoffrey Radcliffe), Sir Cedric Hardwicke (as Richard Cobb), Nan Grey (as Helen Manson), Alan Napier (as Willie Spears), John Sutton (as Dr. Frank Griffin), Cecil Kellaway (as Sampson), Forrester Harvey (as Ben Jenkins) and Billy Bevan (in an uncredited role as Jim).

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“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of Claude Rains in “The Invisible Man” (1933), this Sat. on Me-TV

Posted by Chris Hamby on February 10, 2021
Posted in: Svengoolie, Universal Monsters, Universal Studios. Tagged: Berwyn, Carl Laemmle, Carl Laemmle Jr., Chicago, Classic Film, Classic Monsters, Classic Sci-Fi, Classic Thriller, Claude Rains, Donald Stuart, Doug Graves, Doug Scharf, Dudley Digges, Dwight Frye, E.E. Clive, Forrester Harvey, Gloria Stuart, H.G. Wells, Halloween, Harry Stubbs, Henry Travers, Holmes Herbert, Illinois, James Whale, John Carradine, John P. Fulton, Kerwyn, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Merle Tottenham, Philip Wylie, Preston Sturges, R.C. Sherriff, Rich Koz, Sci-Fi, Svengoolie, The Invisible Man (1933), Thriller, Una O'Connor, Universal Monsters, Universal Studios, Walter Brennan, William Harrigan. Leave a comment

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic mammoth Universal Studios monster/sci-fi feature adaptation masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of Claude Rains in “The Invisible Man” (1933)

A snippet from James Whale’s classic Universal Studios mammoth monster masterpiece adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” (1933) with Claude Rains. Note: As of this writing, the original Universal theatrical trailer and the latter Realart re-issue trailer is unavailable.

“Fantastic sensation!” Original 1933 Universal Studios theatrical poster art variant for James Whale’s classic mammoth monster masterpiece adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” (1933) with Claude Rains.

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster/sci-fi film host will present his big broadcast of “The Invisible Man” (1933), this Sat.; Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1933 classic mammoth Universal monster/sci-fi masterpiece adaptation was directed by veteran studio director James Whale.  Whale’s other classic mammoth Universal monster masterpieces include “Frankenstein” (1931) with Boris Karloff, “The Old, Dark House” (1932) with Karloff, Lilian Bond, Charles Laughton, Melvyn Douglas and Raymond Massey and “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935) with Elsa Lanchester and Karloff.  Adapted for the screen from H.G. Wells’ 1897 novel of the same name, the screenplay adaptation of Whale’s classic mammoth Universal monster masterpiece production of “The Invisible Man” (1933) was written by veteran screenwriter R.C. Sherriff, along with uncredited screenplay material by Philip Wylie and young Preston Sturges.  Sherriff wrote additional dialogue for Whale’s earlier classic Universal horror masterpiece production of “The Old Dark House” (1932) and served as a contributing writer for Lambert Hillyer’s classic Universal “Dracula” monster masterpiece installment of “Dracula’s Daughter” (1936) with Gloria Holden.  Sturges went onto greater fame writing comedies for Paramount Pictures throughout the 1940s, including “Remember the Night” (1940), “The Lady Eve” (1941), “Sullivan’s Travels” (1941), “The Palm Beach Story” (1942), “The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek” (1943)  and “Hail the Conquering Hero” (1944).   “The Invisible Man” (1933) was produced by veteran Universal producer/executive Carl Laemmle Jr., son of Universal Studios founder Carl Laemmle.(the senior Laemmle founded Universal as a merger of several pioneering film production/distribution firms in 1912).

This will mark Sven’s seventh big broadcast of “The Invisible Man” (1933) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Whale’s classic mammoth 1933 Universal monster/sci-fi masterpiece adaptation of Wells’ novel back in June 2011*, May 2013, March 2014, July 2015, March 2016 and Nov. 2019.

Who was in “The Invisible Man” (1933)?

The players who appeared in Whale’s classic mammoth Universal monster/sci-fi masterpiece adaptation of Wells’ “The Invisible Man” (1933) were Claude Rains (as Dr. Jack Griffin/the “Invisible Man;” some of Rains’ other notable feature film appearances include his role of Sir John Talbot in George Waggner’s classic 1941 Universal mammoth monster masterpiece, “The Wolf Man” with Lon Chaney Jr.; the role of Capt. Louis “Louie” Renault in Michael Curtiz’s classic critically-acclaimed 1942 Warner Bros. wartime drama masterpiece with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, “Casablanca” and the role of Erique Claudin in Arthur Lubin’s 1943 classic Universal Technicolor monster masterpiece adaptation of “Phantom of the Opera” with Nelson Eddy and Susanna Foster), Gloria Stuart (as Flora Cranley; alongside her numerous film and television appearances throughout her screen career, Stuart previously played the role of Margaret Waverton in James Whale’s classic 1932 Universal horror-thriller masterpiece, “The Old, Dark House;” she also appeared in the role of Irene von Helldorf in Kurt Neumann’s classic 1934 Universal mystery-horror masterpiece, “Secret of the Blue Room;” in the latter part of her screen career, she later played the role of elderly Rose in James Cameron’s 1997 production of “Titanic”), Una O’Connor (as Jenny Hall, O’Connor later appeared in the role of Minnie in James Whale’s classic 1935 mammoth Universal monster masterpiece production of “Bride of Frankenstein” (with Lanchester and Karloff), Henry Travers (as Dr. Cranley; Travers was also known for his Holiday/Christmastime film appearances, including the role of  Horace P. Bogardus in Leo McCarey’s 1945 production of “The Bells of St. Mary’s” with Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman and the role of the angel Clarence in Frank Capra’s 1946 production of  “It’s A Wonderful Life” with James Stewart and Donna Reed), E.E. Clive (as constable Jaffers), Forrester Harvey (as Herbert Hall), William Harrigan (as Dr. Arthur Kemp), Holmes Herbert (as the police chief), Dudley Digges (as the chief detective),  Merle Tottenham (as Millie), Harry Stubbs (as Inspector Bird), Donald Stuart (as Inspector Lane), supporting Universal horror veteran Dwight Frye (in a role as a reporter), young Walter Brennan (in an uncredited role as a bicycle owner) and young John Carradine (in an uncredited role as an informer).

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

Posted by Chris Hamby on February 4, 2021
Posted in: Svengoolie, Warner Bros. Creatures. Tagged: "The Black Scorpion" (1957), Amex Productions, Arturo Martínez, Berwyn, Bob Johnson, Carlos Múzquiz, Carlos Rivas, Chicago, Classic Creatures, Classic Monsters, Classic Movies, Classic Sci-Fi, David Duncan, Doug Graves, Doug Scharf, Edward Ludwig, Fanny Schiller, Frank Melford, Illinois, Jack Dietz, Kerwyn, Mara Corday, Mario Navarro, Me-TV, Me-TV Network, Monsters, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Pascual García Peña, Paul Yawitz, Pedro Galván, Peter "Pete" Peterson, Rich Koz, Richard Denning, Robert Blees, Sci-Fi, Svengoolie, Wah Chang, Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Creatures, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Warner Bros. Horror, Warner Bros. Monsters, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Sci-Fi, Willis H. O'Brien. 2 Comments

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

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

Original 1957 Warner Bros. theatrical trailer for Edward Ludwig’s production of “The Black Scorpion” (1957).

“Every horror you’ve seen on the screen grows pale beside the horror of ‘The Black Scorpion’!” Original 1957 Warner Bros. theatrical poster artwork for Edward Ludwig’s production of “The Black Scorpion.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based sci-fi creature film host will present his big broadcast premiere of “The Black Scorpion” (1957), this Sat.; Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1957 classic Warner Bros. sci-fi creature masterpiece was directed by veteran director Edward Ludwig.  Before Ludwig worked on “The Black Scorpion,” he directed several features for Republic Pictures, including the wartime drama with John Wayne, Susan Hayward and a pre-“I Love Lucy”/”My Three Sons” William Frawley, “The Fighting Seabees” (1944). Ludwig also directed the Republic action-adventure feature with Wayne, Gail Russell and Gig Young; “Wake of the Red Witch” (1948).  “The Black Scorpion” was produced by veteran producers Jack Dietz and Frank Melford; Dietz previously produced the Eugène Lourié–Ray Harryhausen-Warner Bros. mammoth stop-motion creature masterpiece with Paula Raymond, Paul Hubschmid/Paul Christian, Cecil Kellaway, Kenneth Tobey and young Lee Van Cleef; “The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms” (1953).  Melford previously produced Leslie Goodwins’ RKO Radio Pictures feature comedy adaptation of the “Lum and Abner” radio series with Chester Lauck, Norris Goff and a pre-“Perry Mason” Barbara Hale, “Goin’ To Town” (1944).  Ludwig’s classic sci-fi creature production was produced under the moniker of Amex Productions.

The stop-motion creature effects for Ludwig’s 1958 classic Warner Bros. mammoth sci-fi creature insect masterpiece were supervised by veteran stop-motion animators Willis H. O’Brien, Wah Chang and Peter “Pete” Peterson.  O’Brien previously worked on the stop-motion visual effects for the classic mammoth Ernest B. Schoedsack–Merian C. Cooper-RKO Radio Pictures stop-motion creature masterpiece, “King Kong” (1933) and for the two RKO “Kong” follow-up films, “Son of Kong” (1933) and “Mighty Joe Young” (1949, co-produced by veteran director John Ford); the aforementioned 1949 RKO production was one of the first major stop-motion film assignments for young Ray Harryhausen, who worked as a first technician under O’Brien.  Three years after the production of “The Black Scorpion” (1957), Wah Chang worked with veteran special effects technician Marcel Delgado with special effects artists Tim Baar and Gene Warren on the classic Jack H. Harris–Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.–Universal Studios mammoth stop-motion prehistoric creature masterpiece, “Dinosaurus!” (1960).  Peter “Pete” Peterson previously worked with O’Brien and young Harryhausen on “Mighty Joe Young” (1949).  The screenplay for  the classic 1957 Ludwig-O’Brien-Warner Bros. mammoth sci-fi creature masterpiece was written by veteran screenwriter David Duncan, who wrote the screenplay for George Pal’s classic mammoth Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) sci-fi adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine” (1960, with Rod Taylor) and Robert Blees, who wrote the screenplay for George McCowan’s American-International Pictures (AIP) cult classic sci-fi thriller masterpiece, “Frogs” (1972) with Ray Milland, Sam Elliott and Joan Van Ark and co-wrote the screenplay with Robert Fuest for his classic AIP “Dr. Phibes” sequel masterpiece featuring Vincent Price, “Dr. Phibes Rises Again” (1972).  Duncan and Blees’ screenplay for “The Black Scorpion” was adapted from screenwriter Paul Yawitz’s original story idea.

Who was in “The Black Scorpion” (1957)?

The players who appeared in “The Black Scorpion” (1957) were Richard Denning (as Henry “Hank” Scott), Mara Corday (as Teresa Alvarez), Carlos Rivas (as Artur Ramos), Mario Navarro (as Juanito), Carlos Múzquiz (as Dr. Velazco), Pascual García Peña (as José de la Cruz), Pedro Galván (as Father Delgado), Arturo Martínez (as Maj. Cosio), Fanny Schiller (as Florentina) and Bob Johnson (in uncredited roles as the narrator/Police Radio dispatcher /Radio newscaster /public address announcer).

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