Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be jumping for joy for his upcoming big broadcast of a Universal Studios cult classic sci-fi monster masterpiece.
“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957)
Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical trailer for “The Monolith Monsters.”
The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster/sci-fi feature film host will present his big broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957), this Sat.; Feb. 29 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.
The 1957 Universal sci-fi monster production was directed by veteran studio director John Sherwood. Sherwood’s other features include “Raw Edge” (1955, with Rory Calhoun and Yvonne De Carlo, later of TV’s “The Munsters” fame) and the finale film in Universal’s “Creature From the Black Lagoon” monster trilogy series; “The Creature Walks Among Us” (1956, with Jeff Morrow, Leigh Snowden, Ricou Browning and Don Megowan). Sherwood died in 1959 after serving an uncredited position as a second unit director for the Universal-Michael Gordon–Ross Hunter comedy “Pillow Talk” (1959, with Doris Day, Rock Hudson and Tony Randall; according to IMDB). The screenplay for “The Monolith Monsters” was written by veteran screenwriters Robert M. Fresco and Norman Jolley. Fresco also co-wrote the story treatment with veteran Universal director Jack Arnold (Arnold directed the original 1954 Universal classic monster masterpiece production of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” with Julie Adams, Ricou Browning, Ben Chapman, Richard Carlson and Richard Denning).
This will mark Sven’s fourth big broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957) on Me-TV. He previously showcased Sherwood’s Universal classic cult monster masterpiece back in Jan. 2014, Feb. 2015 and Oct. 2016.
Who was in “The Monolith Monsters” (1957)?
The players who appeared in John Sherwood’s Universal production of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957) were Grant Williams (as Dave Miller), Lola Albright (as Cathy Barrett), Les Tremayne (as Martin Cochrane), Trevor Bardette (as Prof. Arthur Flanders), Phil Harvey (as Ben Gilbert), William Flaherty (as Police Chief Dan Corey), Harry Jackson (as Dr. Steve Hendricks), Richard H. Cutting (as Dr. E.J. Reynolds), Linda Scheley (as Ginny Simpson), Dean Cromer (as a highway patrol officer), Steve Darrell (as Joe Higgins), young Paul Petersen (in an uncredited role as Bobby the paperboy), young Troy Donahue (in an uncredited role as Hank Jackson), young William Schallert (in an uncredited role as a weatherman) and young Paul Frees (in an uncredited role as the narrator).
That same year, Grant Williams also appeared in the role of Scott Carey in Jack Arnold’s Universal classic sci-fi/thriller masterpiece, “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957); he later played the role of Greg MacKenzie in the Warner Bros. television detective series, “Hawaiian Eye” (Williams appeared in the series from 1960-63). One year after “The Monolith Monsters,” Lola Albright went onto greater fame in the role of Edie Hart in Blake Edwards’ TV detective series with Craig Stevens and Herschel Bernardi, “Peter Gunn” (1958-61). Paul Peterson went onto greater fame in the role of Jeff Stone in Donna Reed’s Columbia-Screen Gems/ABC TV series, “The Donna Reed Show” (1958-66).
Troy Donahue later appeared in the role of Jimmy Flanders in Jack Arnold’s Universal monster classic masterpiece, “Monster on the Campus” (1958) and went onto greater fame in Delmer Daves’ Warner Bros. romantic drama with Sandra Dee and Dorothy McGuire, “A Summer Place” (1959). William Schallert went onto greater fame for his role of Martin Lane on “The Patty Duke Show” with Patty Duke in the dual roles of Cathy Lane and Patty Lane (Duke’s show lasted from 1963-66). Paul Frees was known for his numerous narrations and voice-over recordings for film, television and animated productions, notably for the vocalization of Boris Badenov for Jay Ward’s cartoon, “Rocky and His Friends” from 1959-61 and the original voice of the stop-motion “Pillsbury Doughboy” for Pillsbury’s television ads from 1965 until his death in 1986).
Original working title for “The Monolith Monsters” (1957)
According to the American Film Institute’s database article on Sherwood’s 1957 cult Universal classic sci-fi monster production, the original working title for “The Monolith Monsters” was under the name of “Monolith.”
“The Monolith Monsters:” Originally planned to be directed and produced by another veteran Universal director
John Sherwood was not the first choice to direct the Universal production of “The Monolith Monsters,” according to additional details from AFI’s database article. Veteran Universal director Jack Arnold was originally chosen to direct and produce the 1957 studio sci-fi monster production, but was not able to work on “The Monolith Monster” due to his commitment with directing Universal’s film noir/crime drama; “The Tattered Dress” (1957, with Jeanne Crain, Jeff Chandler, Jack Carson, Gail Russell and Elaine Stewart). Arnold decided to concentrate on the original story treatment of “The Monolith Monsters” with Robert M. Fresco.
Released theatrically as a double-feature presentation with another Universal fantasy production
According to a 1957 Universal Studios exhibitors’ twinfold advertisement, John Sherwood’s production of “The Monolith Monsters” was released theatrically from coast-to-coast as a double-feature presentation with another Universal adventure-fantasy production. Sherwood’s Universal monster sci-fi production was paired with Curt Siodmak’s Eastmancolor production of “Love-Slaves of the Amazon” (1957, with Gianna Segale, Don Taylor, Ana Maria Nabuco, Gilda Nery and Eduardo Ciannelli).
Be sure to watch/record Svengoolie’s big broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV!
With Grant Williams, Lola Albright, Les Tremayne, Trevor Bardette, Phil Harvey, William Flaherty, Harry Jackson, Richard H. Cutting, Linda Scheley, Dean Cromer, Steve Darrell, young Paul Petersen, young Troy Donahue, young William Schallert and the narration of young Paul Frees; you will not want to miss out on Svengoolie’s big broadcast of “The Monolith Monster” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV! You will not be disappointed! A perfect cinematic treat for all fellow super SvenPals and fellow aficionados of classic Universal sci-fi monster feature films with Sven’s additional fun facts, Doug Graves’ parody song and Kerwyn’s “mail call” segment! Highly recommended!
Svengoolie presents his big broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957)
Sat., Feb. 29 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 (via Twitter) with all fellow super SvenPals everywhere during #Svengoolie & his big Me-TV broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1944) this Sat.!
In connection to Lola Albright’s appearance In “The Monolith Monsters:”
The official Figures/Me-TV limited edition Svengoolie “Studio Set” figurine (in limited quantities, with the official Sven figurine, Sven set coffin with the likeness of “Body Sorrell” and an official miniature Archie McPhee rubber chicken is still available for purchase through the official Sven/Me-TV online store! Again, to quote the official Sven/Me-TV online store motto; “no personal checks!” And only purchase official Sven & Me-TV items from the official Sven/Me-TV online store site!
Extra! Extra! Extra! Again, to fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals who have not voted in the 18th annual Rondo Awards yet, you still have time to vote for Svengoolie for the two categories of “Favorite Horror Host” and “Top Event of 2019” for Sven’s 2019 40th anniversary commemoration by the City of Chicago through the efforts of fellow super SvenPal Brian B.A. Bernardoni! Official voting for the “Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards” is taking place from now until Sun. March 29! And again (to those who have not voted in the Rondos yet), be sure to vote for Svengoolie in the two aforementioned Rondo categories and look at the other Rondo categories on the official online Rondo ballot! Once again, enter your ballot and follow all directions on the official Rondo Awards website, vote for Sven for the categories “Favorite Horror Host and “Top Event of 2019” and look at all of the other categories for the official Rondo Awards contest! Again, voting is open from now until Sun., March 29! Many fellow super SvenPals from coast-to-coast, including the writer/author of this blog have entered! Again, to our fellow super SvenPals who have not entered yet, be sure to enter, vote for Sven, look at the other Rondo categories! Follow all directions from the official Rondo website and enter your Rondo Awards online ballot to the webmaster (ballot instructions are on the official Rondo Site) before Sun., March 29! –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals of Berwyn/Chicago and beyond!
Extra! Extra! Extra! Svengoolie will be appearing at the 2020 Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) festival! Sven’s C2E2 events will take place beginning this Fri., Feb 28 as a guest for the C2E2 podcast at 2:15 p.m. (local time) at booth #1677 with meet-and-greet autograph session at table #2 from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. (local time)! Then on Sat., Feb. 29; Sven will be having a celebrity photo-op session from 12:10 p.m.-12:20 p.m. (local time), the Sven 40th anniversary panel at room #S504 (South Building) from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. (local time); followed by a meet-and-greet autograph session at table #1 from 1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m. (local time)! Plus, Sven will be touring the C2E2 convention floor with his production team recording highlights/segments for his “on the road” segments for future big broadcasts! According to Sven’s official Twitter site and the official C2E2 Twitter site, all events for Svengoolie’s appearances at the 2020 Chicago Comic and Entertainment Exposition (C2E2) will take place at McCormick Place; 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601)! Additional details and ticket information are available on the official website of the C2E2 exposition. For fellow super SvenPals of Berwyn/Chicago and beyond who have purchased tickets to the C2E2 event for this weekend, be sure early in the autograph line to meet Sven in-person during his C2E2 appearances!
Extra! Extra! Extra! Hold on, there’s more! 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, Trace Beaulieu of MST3K and “The Mads!” fame, Kevin Murphy of MST3K and “RiffTrax” fame, actress Patty McCormack of “The Bad Seed” fame; “Those Were the Days” announcer Ken Alexander, actor/writer Scott Lowell of Binge Networks’ “Adoptable” fame, Tim Kazurinsky of “Saturday Night Live” fame (1981-85) plus live music by the Dooley Brothers and the West End Jazz Band! Remaining tickets are still available for purchase through WDCB’s official website via the official Eventbrite platform! Purchase your tickets today! Note: Ticket prices for the event are $50. The 50th anniversary celebration of “Those Were the Days” will take place 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 all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals in the greater Berwyn/Chicago region and beyond, have fun seeing Sven during his Chicago 2020 C2E2 appearances this week and Sven/Mr. Rich Koz’s May appearance for the 50th anniversary of “Those Were the Days!” –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Cameo mentions of fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals!
Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast jumped for joy when they heard Svengoolie’s cameo mention of fellow super Svengoolie SvenPal Brian “B.A.” Bernardoni with a family photo of the Bernardoni family at Dolly Parton’s “Dollywood” amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; featuring Brian/B.A. with his Me-TV edition of the official Sven “It Came From Berwyn” T-shirt for Sven in the “mail call” segment with Kerwyn during Sven’s Feb. 22,, 2020 big broadcast of Leslie Goodwins’ Universal classic “Mummy” monster masterpiece installment with Lon Chaney Jr., “The Mummy’s Curse” (1944) on Me-TV! Congratulations to Brian/B.A. & the Bernardoni family from the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals for being featured with your official Sven “It Came From Berwyn T-Shirt” during your visit to “Dollywood”/Pigeon Forge on Sven & Kerwyn’s “Mail Call” segment! All of us are proud of you and we’re all jumping for joy! Three cheers, two thumbs up, peace, kudos and “Hi-Keeba” to you and your family from the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals everywhere! –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPal Jamie Lee will be having her Sat. morning big broadcast jam session radio show serenade/cavalcade on the airlanes of Northwestern University Radio/WNUR, “Jammin’ with Jamie!” Jam along and tune into Jamie’sbig broadcast jam session this Sat. morning, Feb. 29 at 6 a.m. Central/7 a.m. Eastern on the airlanes of Northwestern University Radio/WNUR-FM 89.3/WNUR 89.3-HD1 in the greater Evanston/Berwyn/Chicago listening region and from coast-to-coast, around the globe and throughout the universe on WNUR.org and through the TuneIn platform! Note: Northwestern University Radio/WNUR-FM is currently holding their “Phone-A-Thon” phone and online radio pledge fundraiser season at the present moment and is offering several pledge premiums for those who pledge to the station to help keep Jamie’s radio show and WNUR on the air! Stay tuned to Jamie’s official Twitter site and Jamie’s official site for additional details on this week’s big broadcast jam session cavalcade! And if you have a favorite tune request for Jamie’s jam session, be sure to send in your song nomination/request to Jamie’s official Twitter site or Jamie’s official website before this Sat.!
Two thumbs to Jamie & entire crowd of fellow super jammers and fellow super SvenPals everywhere! All of us fellow super jammers and fellow super SvenPals are looking forward to this week’s big broadcast “Jammin’ with Jamie” jam session! All of us are proud of you and again, keep up the excellent and wonderful work! Peace, congrats kudos and “Hi-Keeba” to Jamie and the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals and fellow super jammers everywhere! –C.H.
Be sure to give generously/spread the word to help out one our fellow super SvenPals’ friends: Be sure to donate generously/help out one of fellow super SvenPal Jamie Lee’s friends from the PM&L players troupe by donating whatever you can to her friend’s official GoFundMe fund site to help offset the expensive costs of additional medical treatments. Help out one of Jamie’s friends by donating generously/spreading the word! Any amount helps!–C.H.
In connection to “The Monolith Monsters” (1957):
“The Monolith Monsters” (1957) is also available on Blu-Ray through Shout! Factory and their “Scream Factory” imprint (by arrangement with Universal Studios). The 1957 film is also available on DVD in Universal’s cult sci-fi classic monster/creature feature anthology set, “The Classic Sci-Fi Ultimate Collection” (Vol. 1). The Universal production of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957) is also available as a standalone manufactured-on-demand DVD release in the studio’s “Vault Series.”
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