Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic Universal monster/sci-fi masterpiece that was adapted from a classic novel.
“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Invisible Man” (1933)
A snippet from the 1933 Universal production of “The Invisible Man.” Note: The Universal and/or latter Realart (re-issue) theatrical trailers are unavailable on YouTube and/or any other online video platform as of this writing. –C.H.
The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster/sci-fi film host will present his big broadcast of “The Invisible Man” (1933), this Sat.; Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.
Adapted from H.G. Wells’ sci-fi thriller novel, the 1933 Universal monster/sci-fi masterpiece adaptation of “The Invisible Man” was directed by veteran Universal director James Whale. Whale was known for his numerous landmark classic mammoth Universal monster screen masterpieces throughout his screen career, including “Frankenstein” (1931, with Boris Karloff) and “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935, with Elsa Lanchester and Karloff). The screenplay adaptation was written by veteran screenwriter R.C. Sherriff, along with uncredited screenplay material by Philip Wylie and young Preston Sturges (Sturges went onto greater fame directing comedies for Paramount throughout the 1940s). “The Invisible Man” (1933) was produced by studio executive/producer Carl Laemmle Jr., son of Universal Studios founder Carl Laemmle.
This will mark Sven’s sixth big coast-to-coast broadcast of “The Invisible Man” (1933) on Me-TV. He previously showcased James Whale’s 1933 classic Universal monster/sci-fi masterpiece back in June 2011*, May 2013, March 2014, July 2015 and March 2016.
Who was in “The Invisible Man” (1933)?
The players who appeared in James Whale’s 1933 landmark Universal monster/sci-fi adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” were Claude Rains (as Dr. Jack Griffin/the “Invisible Man”), Gloria Stuart (as Flora Cranley), Henry Travers (as Dr. Cranley), Una O’Connor (as Jenny Hall), Forrester Harvey (sa Herbert Hall), William Harrigan (as Dr. Arthur Kemp), Holmes Herbert (as the police chief), Dudley Digges (as the chief detective), E.E. Clive (as constable Jaffers), Merle Tottenham (as Millie), Harry Stubbs (as Inspector Bird), Donald Stuart (as Inspector Lane), supporting Universal horror veteran Dwight Frye (in an uncredited role as a reporter), young John Carradine (in an uncredited role as an informer) and young Walter Brennan (in an uncredited role as a bicycle owner).
Alongside his title role in Whale’s 1933 Universal mammoth monster classic; Claude Rains’ other notable screen appearances were in George Waggner’s Universal mammoth monster classic, “The Wolf Man” (1941, in the role of Sir John Talbot with Lon Chaney Jr.); the Michael Curtiz–Warner Bros. classic wartime drama, “Casablanca” (1942, in the role of Capt. Louis Renault with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman) and Arthur Lubin’s Technicolor Universal monster adaptation of “Phantom of the Opera” (1943, in the role of Erique Claudin with Nelson Eddy and Susanna Foster). Gloria Stuart had a long acting career in film and television. Stuart also appeared in Kurt Neumann’s Universal horror-mystery classic, “Secret of the Blue Room” (1934, in the role of Irene von Helldorf). One of her latter film appearances was in James Cameron’s “Titanic” (1997, in the role of elderly Rose).
Two years after her appearance in “The Invisible Man” (1933), Una O’Connor later appeared in James Whale’s mammoth Universal classic monster production of “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935, in the role of Minnie with Lanchester and Karloff). Henry Travers was also known for his Christmastime/Holiday film appearances in Leo McCarey’s “The Bells of St. Mary’s” (1945, in the role of Horace P. Bogardus with Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman) and Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946, in the role of the angel Clarence with James Stewart and Donna Reed).
Claude Rains was not Universal’s first choice for “The Invisible Man” (1933)
According to the American Film Institute’s database article on James Whale’s 1933 Universal monster classic, Boris Karloff was originally considered for the studio’s screen adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel. Before Claude Rains was cast in the title role of Dr. Jack “Invisible Man” Griffin, Paul Lukas was also considered for the title role.
John P. Fulton’s “Invisible Man” cinematography and special visual effects for Claude Rains
According to Pablo Kjolseth’s article on “The Invisible Man” (1933) for Turner Classic Movies’ website, veteran cinematographer John P. Fulton worked on the visual effects for Claude Rains’ character of Dr. Jack “Invisible Man” Griffin in “The Invisible Man.” Fulton combined matte and double-exposure photographic effects, along with filming Rains with a black velvet suit, headpiece and mask against a black velvet background to emulate the “invisible” visual effect. Wires were used for the “flying object” effects in Whale’s production, according to additional details from AFI’s database article.
Claude Rains’ latter cameo in-person “Invisible Man” appearance during a re-issue theatrical screening of “The Invisible Man” in Pennsylvania
According to accounts from Claude Rains’ daughter, Jessica Rains in the 2000 Universal “Invisible Man” DVD featurette; “Now You See Him: ‘The Invisible Man’ Revealed!,” she recalled that her father took her to a re-issue screening of James Whale’s 1933 Universal monster classic in Downington, Pennsylvania (ca. 1948). Due to the winter temperatures, Claude Rains dressed himself with a scarf, overcoat and Homburg hat. The theater’s manager immediately recognized Rains because of his “Invisible Man” outfit and vocal delivery. The management insisted that the actor would have free admission to the screening. Rains insisted that he wanted to pay full admission. Jessica Rains remarked that the “Invisible Man” re-issue was the first time that she saw her father on the silver screen at the age of 10 (Claude Rains’ daughter was born in 1938, according to IMDB).
Be sure to watch/record Svengoolie’s big broadcast of “The Invisible Man” (1933) with Claude Rains, this Sat. on Me-TV!
With Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, Henry Travers, Una O’Connor, E.E. Clive, Forrester Harvey, William Harrigan, Holmes Herbert, Dudley Digges, Merle Tottenham, Harry Stubbs, Donald Stuart, Dwight Frye, young John Carradine and young Walter Brennan along with John P. Fulton’s visual effects; be sure to watch Svengoolie’s big broadcast of “The Invisible Man” (1933), this Sat. on Me-TV! Be sure to see the film that made Claude Rains a household name in cinema! One of many perfect Universal monster sci-fi classics for all fellow super SvenPals everywhere with Sven’s extra fun facts, Doug Graves’ parody tune and Kerwyn’s “mail call!” You will not be disappointed! Highly recommended to all fellow super SvenPals from coast-to-coast!
A happy and safe Halloween to all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere from the writer of “Silver Screen Reflections!” –C.H.
*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 Invisible Man” (1933) with Claude Rains
Sat., Nov. 2 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 coast-to-coast super SvenPals everywhere (via Twitter) this Sat. during #Svengoolie’s Me-TV big broadcast of “The Invisible Man” (1933)!
Extra! Extra! Extra! This Wed. (Oct. 30)! The arrival of issue #1 of Dan DiDio’s DC Comics’ “Svengoolie Meets the DC Universe” insert with Christopher Jones’ art will be featured in DC Comics at your favorite local comic book store, book retailer and/or supermarket! This will be the first of a four-part weekly series! ***Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow super SvenPals! And speaking of “Sven Meets the DC Universe,” be on the lookout on my official Twitter site this Wed. evening (Oct. 30) for a tweet update in connection to Sven, one of our fellow super SvenPals & “Sven Meets the DC Universe!” –C.H.***
Extra! Extra! Extra! “Chicago’s very own” meets “Berwyn’s very own!” Svengoolie/Mr. Rich Koz will be making a Halloween-eve appearance on WGN Radio with WGN’s Roe Conn and Anna Davlantes for their “News or Ruse?” game during “The Roe Conn Show”on WGN Radio 720 AM and wgnradio.com on Wed., Oct. 30 (shortly after 6 p.m. CT/7 p.m. ET, according to Sven’s site)! Plus, Sven/Mr. Rich Koz will also be making a Halloween appearance with WGN Radio’s Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder on the “Bill and Wendy Show” (Thurs., Oct. 31 around 10:30 a.m. CT/11:30 a.m. ET on WGN Radio 720 AM in Chicago/Berwyn and wgnradio.com from coast-to-coast)!
Extra! Extra! Extra! Cameo mentions of fellow super SvenPals!
Congratulations, Gary from the entire crowd of fellow coast-to-coast super SvenPals on having your joke featured in Kerwyn’s “Joke of the Week” segment on Sven’s official website! We’re all proud of you! Kudos, three cheers, two thumbs up, peace and “Hi-Keeba” from all of us fellow super SvenPals everywhere! –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPal David Fuentes and his “Terror From Beyond the Dave” blog recently published highlights of Svengoolie/Mr. Rich Koz’s Bridgeview Paranormal Convention appearance and an in-depth interview article with David Dastmalchian and his Dark Horse “Count Crowley” comic; including David Dastmalchian’s recollections of classic horror hosts and his encounters with Svengoolie!
Congratulations to David and Sven from the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals from coast-to-coast on witnessing Sven’s Bridgeview Paranormal Keep up the wonderful/excellent work on “Terror From Beyond the Dave,” sir! Three cheers, two thumbs up, kudos, peace and “Hi-Keeba” from all of us fellow super SvenPals everywhere! –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPal Jamie Lee will be appearing with the Corn Productions players ensemble for their fifth and Halloween/finale week of their comedy-horror stage production, “Nightmares on Lincoln Ave.: Slasher High!” Jamie will be appearing in the role of Tot in the Corn Productions play! Jamie and the Corn ensemble’s remaining “Nightmares on Lincoln Ave.: Slasher High” series of stage shows will take place this Thurs., Halloween night/Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. (local time), Fri., Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. (local time) and the finale show on Sat., Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. (local time) at Corn Productions’ Cornservatory Theatre (4210 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60618)! Discount tickets from the Goldstar online ticketing platform can be purchased for $5 (Halloween/Thurs. show), $10 (for the Fri. show and Sat./finale show) and $20 (for each show) directly from the Cornservatory box office. Tickets are going fast, be sure to purchase yours today before the finale!
Extra! Extra! Extra! This upcoming Sat. will mark Jamie Lee’s 200th big broadcast of her Sat. morning weekly jam session radio program on the airlanes of Northwestern University Radio/WNUR, “Jammin’ with Jamie!” The entire crowd of fellow super jammers and fellow super SvenPals from coast-to-coast are all jumping for joy for her upcoming 200th big broadcast jam session cavalcade! We fellow jammers and fellow super SvenPals highly recommend listening to Jamie’s Sat. big broadcast radio jam sessions! Celebrate with Jamie and the entire crowd of fellow super jammers and fellow super SvenPals with recollections/celebratory greetings from us fellow super jammers/super SvenPals, fantastic music/additional Halloween songs, fun facts and much more! Jamie’s Sat. morning jam session big broadcasts are wonderful for all generations! Be sure to commemorate Jamie’s upcoming 200th jam session celebration by sending Jamie a celebratory message, audio/video-based greeting to her official Twitter site or Jamie’s official website before this Sat.! Jamie’s live 200th “Jammin’ with Jamie” big broadcast jam session will be 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 on your 200th upcoming “Jammin’ with Jamie” big broadcast jam session on the airlanes of WNUR/Northwestern University Radio, Jamie and congratulations to you and the entire Corn Productions troupe on the upcoming Halloween/finale week of “Nightmares on Lincoln Ave.: Slasher High” from the entire crowd of fellow super jammers and fellow super SvenPals everywhere! Break a leg and have plenty of fun during the Halloween/finale week of “Nightmares on Lincoln Ave.!” And here’s to many more “Jammin’ with Jamie” Sat. morning big broadcast jam sessions on the WNUR.org airlanes! We fellow super jammers and fellow super SvenPals are excited for your 200th “Jammin’ with Jamie” jam session cavalcade/big broadcast and future big broadcast jam sessions! We’re all jumping for joy! Keep up the wonderful and excellent work! We’re all proud of you! Three cheers, two thumbs up, peace kudos & “Hi-Keeba” from the entire crowd of fellow super jammers/fellow super SvenPals everywhere, Jamie! –C.H. Also be sure to donate generously /spread the word to help one of Jamie’s friends from the PM&L players ensemble through her friend’s official “GoFundMe” site (to help offset expensive health costs)! Any amount helps! –C.H.
In connection to “The Invisible Man” (1933):
“The Invisible Man” (1933) is also available on Blu-Ray and DVD from Universal Studios. James Whale’s 1933 classic Universal monster masterpiece adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel is also available in “The Invisible Man: The Complete Legacy Collection” multi-film Blu-Ray and DVD anthology set. 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 Invisible Man” (1933) is also available to purchase for streaming from Universal through participating video-on-demand/digital streaming providers.
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