Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will jump for joy during his big broadcast of a classic Universal monster masterpiece with one of silver screen’s horror icons.
“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Mummy” (1932)
Latter Realart theatrical re-issue trailer for Karl Freund’s Universal classic monster production with Boris Karloff, “The Mummy” (originally released in 1932).
The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster film host will present his big broadcast of “The Mummy” (1932), this Sat.; Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.
“The Mummy” (1932) was directed by veteran cinematographer Karl Freund. Freund was also known for his cinematography for Fritz Lang’s German silent sci-fi production of “Metropolis” (1927) and for Tod Browning’s landmark Universal monster adaptation of Bram Stoker‘s “Dracula” (1931) with Bela Lugosi.
In addition to working on numerous feature film productions throughout his career in the field of cinema, Freund later developed the 35mm three-camera film setup for television production (with three simultaneous cameras) in the early 1950s for Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball’s Desilu Productions (for the couple’s popular 1951-57 CBS network sitcom, “I Love Lucy”).
This will mark Sven’s fifth big broadcast of “The Mummy” (1932) on Me-TV. He previously broadcast Karl Freund’s 1932 Universal monster masterpiece back in Aug. 2011*, Aug. 2012*, Nov. 2014 and Feb. 2016.
Who was in “The Mummy” (1932)?
The players who appeared in Freund’s classic 1932 Universal monster masterpiece were Boris Karloff (in the dual roles of Ardath Bey/the “Mummy” Imhotep), Zita Johann (in the dual roles of Helen Grosvenor/ Princess Anck-es-en-Amon), Edward Van Sloan (as Dr. Muller), Kathryn Byron (as Frau Muller), Noble Johnson (as the Nubian), David Manners (as Frank Whemple), Arthur Byron (as Sir Joseph Whemple), Bramwell Fletcher (as Ralph Norton), Leonard Mudie (as Prof. Pearson) and James Crane (as the Pharaoh).
One year earlier, Boris Karloff appeared in the role of Frankenstein’s monster in James Whale’s landmark classic Universal monster adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel, “Frankenstein” (1931). One year after “The Mummy,” Zita Johann played the role of Miss Morgan in Lothar Mendes’ Paramount screen drama with George Brent, “Luxury Liner” (1933). Edward Van Sloan’s previous Universal monster feature appearances were in the role of Van Helsing in Tod Browning’s “Dracula” (1931) and the role of Dr. Waldman in James Whale’s “Frankenstein” (1931). David Manners previously appeared in the role of John Harker in Browning’s “Dracula” (1931).
Carl Laemmle Jr.’s inspiration for “The Mummy” (1932)
According to Frank Miller’s Turner Classic Movies article on the 1932 Karl Freund-Universal production of “The Mummy,” studio executive Carl Laemmle Jr. (son of Universal Studios founder Carl Laemmle) was inspired by accounts of the 1922 archaeological discovery of King Tut (Tutankhamun)’s tomb. It was reported that several members from the 1922 Tut archaeological expedition team died of unusual circumstances, along with rumored “curses” from the “spirit” of Tut.
Freund’s production of “The Mummy” has the distinction of being the first Universal monster feature that was not based off of literary works; compared to the studio’s 1931 screen monster adaptations of “Dracula” and “Frankenstein.”
Jack Pierce’s award-winning “Imhotep”/”Mummy” make-up design for Boris Karloff
According to the American Film Institute’s database article on Freund’s Universal monster production of “The Mummy,” veteran studio make-up artist Jack Pierce constructed the make-up design for Boris Karloff’s dual characterizations of Ardath Bey/the “Mummy” Imhotep. For Karloff, Pierce utilized rubber cement and paint elements to the actor’s make-up. According to additional information from Frank Miller’s TCM article, Pierce added multiple layers of “Fuller’s Earth” clay along with linen bandages and cotton for Boris Karloff’s characterization of Imhotep; the overall “Imhotep” make-up process took eight hours to complete. Pierce won the 1932 Filmograph Award for his Universal “Mummy” make-up effects for Karloff; according to the Jan. 1933 issue of Hollywood Filmograph.
“Karloff: The Uncanny”
In Universal publicity materials and theatrical posters for the 1932 production of “The Mummy,” Boris Karloff was billed as “Karloff: The Uncanny.” Studio executives wanted to publicize Karloff in a similar style to Greta Garbo at rival studio Metro-Goldywn-Mayer; according to details from Frank Miller’s article for TCM.
Karl Freund’s famous visual “eye” effect for Boris Karloff in “The Mummy”
No stranger to the art of cinematography, Karl Freund utilized a technique for a close-up shot of Boris Karloff’s eyes in “The Mummy,” according to additional details from Frank Miller’s TCM article. With the majority of studio lights dimmed on the set, Freund used miniature spotlights to focus on Karloff’s eyes for the characterization of Ardath Bey; giving the veteran actor an “unholy” look for his eyes in the feature. Freund was inspired by his earlier cinematography work for Bela Lugosi’s close-ups in Tod Browning’s Universal production of “Dracula” (1931).
Be sure to watch or record Svengoolie’s big broadcast of Boris Karloff in “The Mummy” (1932); this Sat. on Me-TV!
With Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, Edward Van Sloan, Noble Johnson, Kathryn Byron, David Manners, Arthur Byron, Bramwell Fletcher, Leonard Mudie and James Crane; along with Karl Freund’s direction/cinematography and Jack Pierce’s make-up effects; you will not want to miss out on Svengoolie’s big broadcast of “The Mummy” (1932), this Sat. on Me-TV! One of many definitive pre-Halloween classic cinema treats with Sven’s extensive fun facts, Doug Graves’ evening parody song and Kerwyn’s “mail call” segment! You will not be disappointed! Highly recommended to all fellow super SvenPals and fellow aficionados of the classic Universal Studios monster features!
*Before Me-TV came into the Washington/Frederick area (Me-TV came into the Washington/Frederick broadcast market in early 2013; originally on WJLA-TV and then moved to Fox O&O WTTG-5 in March 2017). -C.H.
“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Mummy” (1932)
Sat., Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV (part of “Super Sci-Fi Sat. Night”)
Me-TV’s official coast-to-coast affiliation finder
In the Frederick, Maryland/Washington, D.C. area: WTTG-5.3/Cable 196/FiOS 489/Antietam Cable 194 (also on QAM digital 68.6 for Antietam cable subscribers)
In the Baltimore, Maryland area: WBAL-TV 11.2/Cable 208/FiOS 460
In the Hanover/Gettysburg/York, Pennsylvania area: WGAL-TV 8.2/Cable 248/FiOS 460
Live-tweet with all fellow super #Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere from coast-to-coast (via Twitter) this Sat. during Sven’s big Me-TV broadcast of Boris Karloff in “The Mummy” (1932)!
Extra! Extra! Extra! The Fall 2019 issue of “Retro Fan Magazine” with Svengoolie is now available!
During a recent visit to one of the book retailers in my neck of the woods, I purchased a copy of the Fall 2019 issue of “Retro Fan” magazine with Dan Johnson’s interview-based article on Svengoolie and Sven’s alter-ego, Mr. Rich Koz! Johnson’s “Retro Fan” article is titled “Retro Television: Saturday Nights with Svengoolie” and contains in-depth tidbits on Sven/Mr. Rich Koz’s career in television (for his 40th anniversary on the Berwyn/Chicago television airlanes), Sven’s various guests throughout the years, Sven’s many in-person appearances, Mr. Rich Koz’s work with the senior Sven ; Jerry G. Bishop, retrospectives of Sven/Mr. Rich Koz’s WFLD days as the “Son of Svengoolie” and his characterization of “Svengoolie” on the airlanes of WCIU-TV “The U” and Me-TV! the classic Universal monster features and much more! The latest issue of “Retro Fan” magazine is now available at your favorite bookstore, comic book store and/or supermarket!
Congratulations to Sven/Mr. Rich Koz, Dan and to “Retro Fan magazine team on the recent Sven 40th anniversary article! Kudos/two thumbs up/three cheers/peace and “Hi-Keeba” from all of us fellow SvenPals everywhere! –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Official updates from Sven (via Twitter) on his upcoming DC Comics-Justice League crossover (print) appearances and his latenight WLS-AM 89 (890 AM) appearance on the premiere of the Jennifer Weigel show!
Extra! Fellow Berwyn/Chicago/Volo/Countryside, Illinois & Valparaiso, Indiana super Svengoolie SvenPals!
Extra! Extra! Extra! Two Sven events in one day (Oct. 12)! Svengoolie will be making an upcoming meet-and-greet autograph/photo appearance at Chicago’s legendary costume store, Fantasy Costumes on Sat. Oct 12 (4065 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60641) from 2-4 p.m. (local time)! Later that evening, Sven will be appearing for his meet-and-greet session starting at 6 p.m. (local time) at the Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso, Indiana (154 W. Chicago St., Valparaiso, Indiana 46383)! In addition to Sven’s appearance, the Chicago Street ensemble will be performing their rendition of “Toxic Avenger: The Musical;” followed by a 21-and-over costume party/contest including “spooktacular” food, a cash bar and more! Tickets can be purchased through the Vendini platform (with pricing information).
Sven will also be making an upcoming appearance at the Ghostcon Paranormal Convention on Fri., Oct. 18 (from 6:30-8 p.m., local time) at the Holiday Inn (Holiday Inn/William Tell) Chicago Southwest Countryside Conference Center (6201 Joliet Rd., Countryside, Illinois 60525)! Tickets range from $15-$140 (according to the official Eventbrite platform for Ghostcon). Sven will also be making an upcoming meet-and-greet autograph/photo appearance at the “Nightmare on Chicago Street 2019”/”Zombie Defense Initiative Safe Zone” event in Elgin, Illinois On Sat., Oct. 19 from 8-9 p.m. (local time)! Note: As of this writing, the Elgin location/address for the upcoming “NOCS” event is not showing up on the official NOCS website. Check back soon to Sven’s official site/social media feeds, the official NOCS site and “Silver Screen Reflections” for additional details! And Sven will be making a meet-and-greet/professional photo appearance at the Volo Auto Museum’s “Halloween at Volo” event on Sat., Oct. 26 from Noon-2 p.m. (local time, 27582 Volo Village Rd., Volo, Illinois 60073)! A professional photographer will be on hand to take your photo with Sven! Sidebar: Personal cameras/photos are forbidden from the Sven/Volo meet-and-greet event. And in honor of Sven/Mr. Rich Koz’s 40th anniversary in television, Sven will be appearing at Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications (360 North State St., Chicago, IL 60654) on Sat., Oct. 26 from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. (local time, doors are open for the general public at 6:30 p.m. local time) for the museum’s re-dedication of the Svengoolie exhibit (in time for Halloween)! Presented in conjunction with Me-TV (according to the official press release from the Museum of Broadcast Communications), a 40th anniversary Sven event will be held along with a costume contest, food/beverages and much more will also be on hand during Sven’s 40th/MBC event! General admission tickets are $50. Plus, a private VIP reception with Sven’s alter-ego, Mr. Rich Koz from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. (local time) at the museum (plus admission to the MBC’s Sven 40th event)! Tickets for the Sven/Mr. Rich Koz VIP private event are $150. All proceeds (from the two event levles) will benefit the Museum of Broadcast Communications. Tickets can be purchased online (via registration) through the MBC’s DoubleKnot online ticket platform!
To all fellow super SvenPals of Berwyn/Chicago/Volo/Countryside, Illinois; Valparaiso, Indiana and beyond who are attending any of Sven/Mr. Rich Koz’s Oct. in-person appearances, have fun seeing Sven in person throughout the month of Oct.!
Extra! Extra! Extra! Cameo mentions of fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals!
Extra! Extra! Extra (begins at the 0:42 mark)! Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast jumped for joy when fellow super SvenPal “Caveman” Chris A. Filippone had a cameo photo appearance with his Sven “official chicken thrower” T-Shirt on during a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! The official Sven T-shirt that Chris wore to the Phillies game was a sign of good luck, as the Phillies won the game in the 11th inning! Chris’ cameo Sven T-shirt/Phillies appearance was shown during Sven & Kerwyn’s “mail call” segment on Sven’s big Oct. 5, 2019 broadcast of Seymour Friedman’s classic Columbia monster thriller, “The Son of Dr. Jekyll” (1951) on Me-TV!
Congratulations to Chris from the entire crowd of fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast for being featured in Sven & Kerwyn’s “mail call” segment! We’re all proud of you and all of us are jumping for joy! Three cheers, two thumbs up, peace, kudos and “Hi-Keeba” from the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals everywhere!
Extra! Extra! Extra! This week will mark the second big week of fellow super Svengoolie SvenPal Jamie Lee and the Corn Productions players’ live comedy-horror-Halloween stage show productions of “Nightmares on Lincoln Ave.: Slasher High!” The upcoming “Nightmares on Lincoln Ave.: Slasher High” shows for this week will occur on Thurs., Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. (local time), Fri., Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. (local time) and Sat., Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. (local time)! Additional “Nightmares on Lincoln Ave.” comedy-horror stage shows from the Corn Productions ensemble will take place on Thurs. (Oct. 17, Oct. 24 and Halloween night/Oct. 31 at 8 p.m., local time), Fri. (Oct. 18, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 at 8 p.m., local time), Sat. (Oct. 19, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 at 8 p.m., local time) at Corn Productions’ Cornservatory Theatre complex (4210 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60618)! Tickets are available for purchase through Corn Productions’ official “Goldstar” online ticket platform (ticket prices are now on sale from $5 for Thurs. show performances, $10 for Fri. and Sat. show performances).
And speaking of Sven and Halloween, fellow super SvenPal Jamie Lee will be playing Halloween songs for her upcoming live Sat. morning “Jammin’ with Jamie” big broadcast radio jam sessions throughout the month of Oct.! If you have a Halloween or Sven song in mind to add to Jamie’s portfolio of Halloween jams, be sure to send your request to Jamie’s show via Jamie’s official Twitter page or official website! Jamie’s live “Jammin’ with Jamie” big broadcast jam sessions are on the airlanes of WNUR-FM 89.3/Northwestern University Radio (in the greater Evanston/Berwyn/Chicago listening area) and on the online airlanes of WNUR.org Sat. mornings at 6 a.m. Central/7 a.m. Eastern!
Congratulations to Jamie and the entire Corn players ensemble crowd on their upcoming second week of the Berwyn/Chicago stage productions of “Nightmares on Lincoln Ave.: Slasher High” from the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals everywhere! Have fun and break a leg! And we fellow super jammers and super SvenPals are looking forward to the upcoming Halloween “Jammin’ with Jamie” jam sessions throughout Oct.! We’re all proud of you and we’re all cheering/rooting for you and the entire Corn players ensemble! Break a leg! Kudos, three cheers, two thumbs up, peace and “Hi-Keeba” from all of us! –C.H. And be sure to give generously /spread the word to help one of Jamie’s friends from the PM&L players troup through her friend’s official “GoFundMe” site (to help offset expensive health costs)! Any amount helps! –C.H.
In connection to “The Mummy” (1932):
“The Mummy” (1932) is also available on Blu-Ray and DVD disc from Universal. The feature is also available in Universal’s “Mummy” monster franchise multi-feature Blu-Ray and DVD anthology set, “The Mummy: The Complete Legacy Collection.” The film is also available in Universal’s “Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection“(“Universal Monsters: The Essential Collection“) Blu-Ray anthology film compilation set. “The Mummy” (1932) is also available for streaming from Universal through participating online streaming/video-on-demand service providers.
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