Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his upcoming big broadcast of a classic Universal Studios werewolf monster masterpiece.
“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Wolf Man” (1941) with Lon Chaney Jr.
The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster film host will present his big broadcast of “The Wolf Man” (1941), this Sat.; Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.
The 1941 Universal classic monster masterpiece was directed by veteran film director George Waggner. In addition to his work on “The Wolf Man” and numerous film and TV productions throughout his career, Waggner also directed several episodes of the Twentieth Century Fox/ABC live-action “Batman” TV series with Adam West and Burt Ward from 1966-67. The screenplay for Waggner’s production of “The Wolf Man” (1941) was written by veteran screenwriter and science-fiction author Curt Siodmak. Siodmak’s other Universal screenplays include “The Invisible Man Returns” (1940), “The Invisible Woman” (1940) and “Invisible Agent” (1942), “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man” (1943), “Son of Dracula” (1943), “House of Frankenstein” (1944) and “Curucu, Beast of the Amazon” (1956).
This will mark Sven’s seventh big broadcast of “The Wolf Man” (1941) on Me-TV. He previously showcased Waggner’s 1941 Universal classic monster masterpiece back in Feb. 2013, July 2013, Oct. 2014, Feb. 2016, Sept. 2017 and Aug. 2018.
Who was in George Waggner’s “The Wolf Man” (1941)?
The players who appeared in George Waggner’s 1941 Universal classic monster masterpiece were Lon Chaney Jr. (credited as “Lon Chaney” in the dual title role of Lawrence “Larry” Talbot/the “Wolf Man,” the junior Chaney also appeared in the role of Dan McCormick that same year in Waggner’s 1941 Universal monster-thriller, “Man-Made Monster”), Evelyn Ankers (as Gwen Conliffe, Ankers also appeared in the role of Norma Lind that same year in Arthur Lubin’s 1941 Universal spook comedy with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, “Hold That Ghost”), Claude Rains (as Sir John Talbot, Rains previously appeared in the title role of the 1933 James Whale-Universal classic monster/thriller masterpiece adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man,” Rains also played the role of Capt. Louis Renault in the critically-acclaimed 1942 Michael Curtiz–Warner Bros. wartime drama, “Casablanca” with Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid), Bela Lugosi (as Bela, ten years after his 1931 appearance of the title role of Count Dracula in the 1931 Tod Browning-Universal classic monster masterpiece production of “Dracula;” Lugosi was originally considered for the title role of Lawrence “Larry” Talbot/the “Wolf Man” in Waggner’s 1941 production; according to Jeff Stafford’s article on “The Wolf Man” for Turner Classic Movies’ website), Ralph Bellamy (as Col. Montford, Bellamy previously appeared in the role of Bruce Baldwin in Howard Hawks’ 1940 Columbia romantic comedy classic masterpiece with Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell; “His Girl Friday,” which was adapted from the Ben Hecht–Charles MacArthur stage play of “The Front Page”), Maria Ouspenskaya (as Maleva), Warren William (as Dr. Lloyd), Fay Helm (as Jenny), Patric Knowles (as Frank Andrews), Forrester Harvey (as Twiddle) and J.M. Kerrigan (as Charles Conliffe).
Jack Pierce’s Universal “Wolf Man” monster make-up design
According to the American Film Institute’s database article on “The Wolf Man” (1941), veteran Universal Studios make-up artist Jack Pierce spent five years of research on the study of werewolf lycanthropy. Pierce’s “Wolf Man” make-up facial mold design for the junior Chaney was modeled from a rejected prototype mold that was originally designed for the earlier Stuart Walker-Universal monster masterpiece classic, “Werewolf of London” (1935, with Henry Hull; according to IMDB).
The wolf “silver top” cane that was used by Lon Chaney Jr. in “The Wolf Man”
The wolf “silver top” cane that was used by Lon Chaney Jr. in George Waggner’s Universal monster production of “The Wolf Man” had a unique feature. According to additional details from IMDB, Veteran Universal propmaster Ellis Burman constructed a rubber faux “silver top” to the wolf cane in order to prevent injury to the stunt performers in the production if they were hit by the junior Chaney’s cane.
Evelyn Ankers’ “Wolf Man” misadventures
According to additional information from Jeff Stafford’s article on “The Wolf Man” for TCM’s website, Evelyn Ankers had several misadventures during the filming of Waggner’s 1941 Universal production. Ankers was not amused by the practical jokes/antics of Lon Chaney Jr. in his “Wolf Man” characterization. It was reported that the two did not get along with each other, as both Ankers and the junior Chaney had to share a dressing room. Ankers was also spooked when a 600 lb. bear chased her up a ladder after the bear escaped the trainer; she was pulled to safety by a Universal stage electrician (the bear’s scene was edited out of the final release).
Curt Siodmak’s original screenplay treatment for “The Wolf Man”
Curt Siodmak’s original screenplay treatment for George Waggner’s 1941 Universal production of “The Wolf Man” called for Lon Chaney Jr.’s “Wolf Man” monster transformation appearance not to be shown in the feature, according to additional information from IMDB. Studio executives felt that the “transformation” sequence from Lawrence “Larry” Talbot to the “Wolf Man” monster creature was essential for the production and would draw in more audiences. Siodmak re-wrote the screenplay with the key suggestion from Universal executives.
Be sure to watch/record Svengoolie’s big broadcast of “The Wolf Man” (1941) with Lon Chaney Jr., this Sat. on Me-TV!
Latter Realart/Film Classics theatrical re-issue trailer for the 1941 Universal production of “The Wolf Man.”
Clap for Lon Chaney Jr., Evelyn Ankers, Claude Rains, Bela Lugosi, Ralph Bellamy, Maria Ouspenskaya, Warren William, Fay Helm, Patric Knowles, Forrester Harvey, J.M. Kerrigan, Svengoolie and his additional fun facts, Doug Graves and his parody song of the evening and Kerwyn’s “mail call” segment; you will not want to miss out on Sven’s big broadcast of “The Wolf Man” (1941) this Sat. on Me-TV! A perfect cinematic monster masterpiece for all fellow super SvenPals and all fellow aficionados of Universal Studios’ classic monster features! Ring in the season with George Waggner’s Universal classic monster masterpiece! You will not be disappointed! Don’t miss out on this! Highly recommended! “A-wooo!”
Season’s Greetings, Happy Holidays and in order of the Dec. holiday observances; Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and whatever holiday observance you observe/celebrate to all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere from the author/writer of “Silver Screen Reflections!” –C.H.
Svengoolie presents his big broadcast of “The Wolf Man” (1941) with Lon Chaney Jr.
Sat., Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV (part of “Super Sci-Fi Sat. Night”)
Me-TV’s 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 SvenPals (via Twitter) from coast-to-coast during #Svengoolie’s big Me-TV broadcast of “The Wolf Man” (1941) this Sat. on Me-TV!
Flashback “Silver Screen Reflections” articles on Svengoolie’s Sept. 2017 and Sven’s Aug. 2018 big Me-TV broadcasts of “The Wolf Man” (1941)!
Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals of Berwyn/Chicago and beyond! Early bird tickets are still available for the upcoming May 2, 2020 WDCB “Those Were the Days” 50th anniversary big Chicago vintage radio broadcast celebration with appearances by Sven’s alter-ego, Mr. Rich Koz; current “Those Were the Days” host/“Nostalgia Digest” publisher Steve Darnall, original host of “Those Were The Days” Chuck Schaden, comic actor/writer/performer Trace Beaulieu of MST3K and “The Mads!” fame, comic actor/writer/performer Kevin Murphy of MST3K and “RiffTrax” fame, actress Patty McCormack of “The Bad Seed” fame; announcer of “Those were the Days” Ken Alexander, actor/writer Scott Lowell of Binge Networks’ “Adoptable” fame, actor/writer Tim Kazurinsky of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” fame (1981-85 seasons) and live music by the Dooley Brothers and the West End Jazz Band! Discount early bird tickets are still available for purchase through WDCB’s official website and/or the official Eventbrite platform! Purchase your “early bird” tickets today before time runs out (again, the “Early Bird” ticket offer is good from now until New Year’s Eve/Dec. 31, 2019)! Note: Ticket prices range from $45-$50. The 50th anniversary celebration event of “Those Were the Days” will occur on Sat., May 2, 2020 at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60630) from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (local time)!
Again, to the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals of Berwyn/Chicago, Illinois and beyond who are attending the upcoming the upcoming “Those Were the Days” 50th big broadcast celebration on May 2, 2020; have fun seeing Sven/Mr. Rich Koz, Trace Beaulieu, Kevin Murphy, Steve Darnall, Chuck Schaden, Patty McCormack, Ken Alexander, Scott Lowell, Tim Kazurinsky. the West End Jazz Band and the Dooleys throughout the “Those Were the Days” 50th event in-person! –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Cameo mention of a fellow super SvenPal!
Jamie and the Fox River Trolley Museum players’ finale trolley ride production series of “The Christmas City Express” trolley ride production (adapted from an original story) will take place on Fri., Dec. 20 (at 4:25 p.m., 5:35 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., all times are local and all tickets are $35 per person), Sat., Dec. 21 (at 3:15 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 5:35 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.; all times are local and all tickets are $35 per person) and the finale Fox River trolley production showcase of “The Christmas City Express” on Sun., Dec. 22 (at t 3:15 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 5:35 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.; all times are local and all tickets are $35 per person); there will be entertainment with numerous Holiday/Christmas carols and tunes, hot chocolate and cookies along with a “surprise guest” from the North Pole, surprise gifts and much, much more! Jamie and the Fox River Museum troupe’s remaining Holiday/Christmastime trolley ride production editions of “The Polar Express” (adapted from Chris Van Allsburg‘s book and the 2004 Robert Zemeckis/Tom Hanks/Warner Bros. CGI feature film adaptation) will take place on Christmas eve/Tue., Dec. 24 (at at 3:15 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 5:35 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.; all times are local and all tickets are $50 per person), Sat., Dec. 28 (at 3:15 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 5:35 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.; all times are local and all tickets are $35 per person) and the Fox River finale of “The Polar Express” on Sun., Dec. 29 (t 3:15 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 5:35 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.; all times are local and all tickets are $35 per person); there will be Holiday/Christmas carols, music, sing-along sessions with professional musicians, hot chocolate and cookie treats, a “Polar Express” appearance by Santa Claus at the “North Pole” trolley/train stop and much, much more! Both Fox River South Elgin trolley shows of “The Christmas City Express” and “The Polar Express” will be departing from and returning to the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve (35W003 IL Route 31, South Elgin, Illinois 60177)! Tickets are still available for purchase, be sure to purchase your tickets today before time runs out! A fun-filled Holiday event for the entire family and for all ages!
Extra! Extra! Extra (Updated)! Fellow super SvenPal Jamie Lee will be having a holiday edition of her weekly Sat. morning Northwestern University/WNUR radio program, “Jammin’ with Jamie!” Ring in the remainder of the season with Jamie’s upcoming Sat. big broadcast jam session cavalcade/serenade of extra Holiday jams with a twist! Jamie’s live “Jammin’ with Jamie” big jam session broadcast cavalcade of extra Holiday jams will air this upcoming Sat., Dec. 28 at 6 a.m. Central/7 a.m. Eastern on the airlanes of WNUR-FM 89.3 in the greater Berwyn/Chicago/Evanston, Illinois listening region; from coast-to-coast, around the world and throughout the universe on WNUR.org and on the TuneIn platform! If you have a favorite Holiday tune request to add to Jamie’s portfolio of Holiday jams for her upcoming big broadcast Holiday jam session cavalcade/serenade for Sat., Dec. 28; be sure to send your request nomination to Jamie’s official Twitter site or Jamie’s official website before her big broadcast Holiday jam session cavalcade of Holiday jams with a twist on Sat., Dec. 28!
Three cheers, two thumbs up and congratulations to Jamie & the entire Fox River Trolley Museum troupe on their Dec. South Elgin trolley ride productions/narrations of the trolley ride finale series of “The Christmas City Express” and the remainder of the upcoming trolley ride productions/narrations of “The Polar Express” “from the entire crowd of fellow super jammers and super SvenPals everywhere! All of us are jumping for joy and we’re all proud of you! And we fellow super jammers and fellow super SvenPals everywhere are looking forward to your “Jammin’ with Jamie” big broadcast jam session serenade/cavalcade of Holiday tunes with a twist this upcoming Sat., Dec. 28 on the WNUR.org airlanes! Keep up the wonderful and excellent work! Peace, “Hi-Keeba” and “keep on jammin’,” Jamie and the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals, fellow super jammers & to the entire Fox River Trolley Museum players everywhere! -C.H.
In connection to “The Wolf Man” (1941):
“The Wolf Man” (1941) is also available from Universal Studios on Blu-Ray, DVD , in the studio’s multi-disc “Wolf Man” monster film anthology, “The Wolf Man: The Complete Legacy Collection Blu-Ray and DVD sets” and Universal’s “Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection“(“Universal Monsters: The Essential Collection“) Blu-Ray anthology film compilation set. “The Wolf Man” (1941) is also available to stream from Universal on participating streaming/video-on-demand service providers.
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