Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic Hammer Films–Universal Studios werewolf horror/creature masterpiece.
“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961)
Original 1961 Hammer Films/Universal Studios theatrical trailer for “The Curse of the Werewolf.”
The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based horror/creature/monster film host will present his big broadcast of “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961), this Sat., June 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.
The 1961 Hammer-Universal horror/creature entry was directed by veteran Hammer Films director Terence Fisher. Fisher’s other classic Hammer horror masterpieces include “The Curse of Frankenstein” (1957, with Hammer legends Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing), “Horror of Dracula” (1958), the Universal/Hammer rendition of “The Mummy” (1959), “The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll” (1960) and “The Gorgon” (1964).
“The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961) was produced by veteran Hammer producers Michael Carreras, Anthony Hinds and Anthony Nelson Keys. Anthony Hinds also wrote the screenplay for Fisher’s 1961 Hammer-Universal werewolf creature production under the pseudonym of “John Elder.” Hinds/Elder’s screenplay was adapted from Guy Endore’s 1933 novel, “Werewolf of Paris;” according to David Sterritt’s Turner Classic Movies online article on the Fisher’s 1961 Hammer-Universal horror entry.
This will mark Sven’s eighth big broadcast of “Curse of the Werewolf” (1961) on Me-TV. He previously showcased Fisher’s 1961 classic Hammer-Universal werewolf-creature-horror masterpiece back in Oct. 2011*, Nov. 2012*, Feb. 2013, Aug. 2013, June 2014, Aug. 2015, and April 2017.**
Who was in Terence Fisher’s Hammer-Universal production of “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961)?
The players who appeared in Terence Fisher’s Hammer-Universal production of “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961) were Oliver Reed (as Leon), Yvonne Romain (as a servant girl), Peter Sallis (as Don Enrique), Catherine Feller (as Cristina), Clifford Evans (as Alfredo), Anthony Dawson (as the Marques Siniestro), Josephine Llewellyn (as the Marquesa), David Conville (as Rico Gomez), Hira Talfrey (as Teresa), Richard Wordsworth (as a beggar), Joy Webster (as Isabel), Michael Ripper (as Old Soak) and Ewen Solon (as Don Fernando).
Oliver Reed’s role of Leon in “The Curse of the Werewolf” marked one of his earliest leading screen appearances. Reed went onto greater fame for his numerous screen roles, including his role of Bill Sikes in the Carol Reed–Columbia screen musical adaptation of “Oliver!” (1968) and his role of Athos in the Richard Lester–Twentieth Century Fox (Twentieth Century Studios) screen adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ “The Three Musketeers” (1973). In addition to her numerous film and TV roles throughout her screen career, Yvonne Romain later played the role of Imogene in Peter Graham Scott’s Hammer/Universal horror-adventure feature with Peter Cushing and Oliver Reed, “Night Creatures” (1962, a.k.a. “Captain Clegg”) and in the title role of Sheila Green in Herbert Ross’ Warner Bros. crime drama-mystery production of “The Last of Sheila” (1973).
Peter Sallis went onto greater fame for his role of Norman “Cleggy” Clegg in the long-running BBC television comedy series, “Last of the Summer Wine” (1973-2010) and for his vocal stylings as Wallace in the critically-acclaimed Nick Park–Aardman “Wallace and Gromit” stop-motion animation masterpieces (1989’s “A Grand Day Out,” 1993’s “The Wrong Trousers,” 1995’s “A Close Shave,” 2005’s feature-length production of “Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit” and 2008’s “A Matter of Loaf and Death”).
“The Curse of the Werewolf:” Hammer Films’ only werewolf creature production
According to IMDB’s trivia section on Terence Fisher’s 1961 Hammer-Universal werewolf monster/creature production, “The Curse of the Werewolf” marked Hammer’s only werewolf-based monster/creature feature film production.
Roy Ashton’s Hammer “werewolf” make-up design for Oliver Reed
Veteran Hammer Films make-up artist Roy Ashton designed the “werewolf” make-up mold for Oliver Reed’s characterization of Leon, according to additional information from IMDB. Ashton was inspired by Jack Pierce’s “Wolf Man” make-up design for Lon Chaney Jr.’s characterization of Larry “Wolf Man” Talbot from George Waggner’s landmark classic Universal monster masterpiece, “The Wolf Man” (1941). It was reported that Reed enjoyed spooking drivers while wearing Ashton’s “werewolf” make-up design on during his drive home after filming.
According to additional findings from David Sterritt’s TCM online article, the fangs for Reed’s werewolf characterization were made of plastic.
Background settings were recycled from other Hammer productions
Various background settings for Fisher’s 1961 production of “The Curse of the Werewolf” was originally designed for an unfilmed Hammer production about the Spanish Inquisition, according to additional details from IMDB. Hammer’s untitled Spanish Inquisition film was not filmed due to objections with the Catholic League of Decency. Several background settings from Hammer’s “Horror of Dracula” (1958) were re-used in the 1961 production of “The Curse of the Werewolf.”
Released as a double-feature presentation in the United States with another Hammer-Universal production
Fisher’s Hammer production of “The Curse of the Werewolf” was released in the United States by Universal as a double-feature presentation with another Hammer horror feature (under the “B.H.P. Productions” moniker), “The Shadow of the Cat” (1961, with Barbara Shelley, André Morell and William Lucas); according to a 1961 studio exhibitors’ ad.
Universal officials encouraged exhibitors from coast-to-coast to have tie-ins for the 1961 Hammer double-feature presentation, including a “rock and shock” record hop with disc jockeys from local radio stations and a life-sized cardboard cutout “truck float” poster art display; according to a May 1961 article in Film Bulletin.
Be sure to watch/record Svengoolie’s big broadcast of “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961), this Sat. on Me-TV!
With Oliver Reed, Yvonne Romain, Peter Sallis, Catherine Feller, Anthony Dawson, Josephine Llewellyn, Clifford Evans, Hira Talfrey, David Conville, Richard Wordsworth, Joy Webster, Michael Ripper, Ewen Solon, Roy Ashcroft’s “Werewolf” creature make-up effects and Arthur Grant’s cinematography, you will not want to miss out on Svengoolie’s big broadcast of Terence Fisher’s classic Hammer/Universal monster masterpiece production of “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961), this Sat. on Me-TV! Escape from stress! Look up to uplifting entertainment with the magic of Svengoolie’s big broadcast of “The Curse of the Werewolf” with Sven’s extra fun facts, Doug Graves’ parody tune, Kerwyn’s “home office” mail call segment and much, much more! You will not be disappointed! A perfect treat for all fellow super SvenPals and fellow Hammer horror film aficionados everywhere! Highly recommended!
*Before Me-TV came into the Washington/Frederick area (Me-TV came into the Washington/Frederick broadcast region in early 2013; originally on WJLA-TV and then moved to WTTG-5 in March 2017). -C.H.
**Ed. Note: I missed out on Sven’s April 2017 Me-TV big broadcast of “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961), due to the Washington, D.C./Frederick, Maryland area Me-TV affiliation switch at the time (when Me-TV moved from WJLA to WTTG). At the time (Sven’s April 15, 2017 big broadcast), Me-TV (via WTTG 5.3) was not restored on my cable provider until April 21, 2017 (WTTG’s digital over-the-air signal does not reach the home office of “Silver Screen Reflections”). Good news, I will be able to experience Sven’s big broadcast of the 1961 Hammer-Universal creature/horror classic (for Sat., June 13) with all my fellow SvenPals everywhere! -C.H.
Svengoolie presents his big broadcast of “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961)
Sat., June 13 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 Broadband 194 (also on QAM digital 68.6 for Antietam 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
Escape from anxiety/stress by joining in on the fun by relaxing and live-tweeting with the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals everywhere on the airlanes of Twitter during #Svengoolie’s big broadcast of “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961), this Sat. on the airlanes Me-TV!
To all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals/fellow readers/fellow subscribers of “Silver Screen Reflections” everywhere: Please be safe, courteous, kind and respectful to each other. Put love in your heart. Let’s all look to uplifting/positive enlightenment, wisdom, and encouragement from Svengoolie, all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere, all fellow super Mystery Science Theater 3000 MSTies everywhere and all fellow classic film/television aficinados everywhere. And again, to all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere; safety first, take all precautions seriously, use a sleeve/tissue when coughing/sneezing, wear a face mask/appropriate face covering, avoid touching your face, practice social distancing measures, wash your hands for approximately 20 sec., stay home, keep healthy and stay well. Again, let’s all take preventative measures/steps by being safe, keeping healthy and staying well- And again, we fellow super SvenPals highly recommend watching Kerwyn’s informative coronavirus/COVID-19 prevention public service announcement! Escape from anxiety, chaos and stress by having fun and relaxing with Sven and his Sat. evening big broadcasts of classic monster/creature, horror and sci-fi feature film masterpieces on the airlanes of Me-TV! Join in on the fun with all fellow super SvenPals everywhere by live-tweeting through the Twitter airlanes during Sven’s Sat. evening big broadcasts! Again, safety first, keep healthy and stay well, Sven/Mr. Rich Koz, the entire Sven/Me-TV production team & the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals of Svengoolie everywhere! And again, to quote Svengoolie’s executive producer, Jim Roche: “#KeepCalmAndWatchSven!” –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Cameo mentions of fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals!
https://twitter.com/DoctorRhodes/status/1269983953953357827
Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPal Sarah Rhodes reminded all of us fellow super SvenPals from coast-to-coast on the airlanes of Twitter that next Tue., June 16 will mark the 41st anniversary of Rich Koz’s debut of (Son of) Svengoolie in the Berwyn/Chicago big broadcast airlanes (the “Son of Svengoolie” made his big Berwyn/Chicago broadcast debut on June 16, 1979)! Celebrate Sven/ Rich Koz’s 41st anniversary in the Berwyn/Chicago big broadcast airlanes through the airlanes of Twitter on Tue., June 16 by showcasing yourself with an official Sven tee/apparel piece on (the “official chicken thrower tee,” any of the limited edition Sven 40th anniversary tee designs, the Sven tuxedo tee, Sven’s “It Came From Berwyn” tee, the limited “Sven 40th surprise box tee, etc.), any Sven merchandise (Sven buttons, the Figures Toy Co. Sven limited edition figurines, the Sven magnet set, DC Comics’ “Svengoolie Meets the DC Universe,” the Sven “It Came From Berwyn” poster, etc.), Sven memories, past Sven photos, custom Sven artwork, Sven stories, Sven animated .gifs or any connection to rubber chickens, Kerwyn, Doug Graves/Doug Scharf, Zalman T. Tombstone, Body Sorrell, Berwyn/Chicago, classic horror/monster/creature/sci-fi film masterpieces, etc.! Sarah’s recent Sven 41st anniversary announcement was inspired by a recent conversation/compliment on the upcoming 41st anniversary of Rich Koz’s (Son of) Sven character that we fellow super SvenPals had with fellow super Svengoolie SvenPal Nanette Keir in connection to a tweet message featuring one of Nanette’s Sven 40th anniversary tees featuring Kerwyn! And “Silver Screen Reflections” will be commemorating/celebrating Sven/Rich Koz’s 41st anniversary that evening in the article for Sven’s upcoming big broadcast feature film classic masterpiece of the week!
Three cheers & two thumbs up to Sarah and Nanette from all of us fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere! Thank you for reminding us fellow super SvenPals from coast-to-coast about Svengoolie/Rich Koz’s upcoming 41st anniversary in the Berwyn/Chicago big broadcast airlanes! We fellow super SvenPals will be celebrating Sven/Mr. Rich Koz’s 41st on the airlanes of Twitter on Tue., June 16! Congratulations to Sarah, Nanette and all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere! We’re proud of you all and we’re all jumping for joy! Safety first, stay well, keep healthy, peace and “Hi-Keeba,” Sarah, Nanette and all fellow super SvenPals everywhere! –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPal Jamie Lee’s archival/pre-recorded editions of “Jammin’ with Jamie” are playing in rotation on the airlanes of Northwestern University Radio/WNUR-FM 89.3/FM 89.3-HD1 in the greater Berwyn/Chicago listening area, WNUR.org and the TuneIn platform from coast-to-coast, around the world and throughout the universe! Again, stay tuned to Jamie’s official Twitter site and/or Jamie’s official website for updates and additional information in connection to “Jammin’ with Jamie!” Again, fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals/fellow super jammers can also listen to archival/pre-recorded editions of Jamie’s past “Jammin’ with Jamie” programs (2016-present), additional details/information can be found via Jamie’s official Twitter site and/or official website!
Three cheers & two thumbs up to Jamie from all of us fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere! Congratulations to Jamie and all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals and all fellow super “Jammin’ with Jamie” jammers everywhere! We’re proud of you all and we’re all jumping for joy! Safety first, stay well, keep healthy, peace and “Hi-Keeba,” Jamie and all fellow super SvenPals and all fellow super jammers everywhere! –C.H.
And again, be sure to help out one of Jamie’s friends by donating/spreading the word to help offset costly medical costs! –C.H.
In connection to “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961):
“The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961) is available on Blu-Ray disc from Shout! Factory and their “Scream Factory” imprint; mastered from Universal’s recent 4K restoration of Fisher’s 1961 Hammer production from the original interpositive film release negative, plus audio commentary with Yvonne Romain, a new “The Men Who Made Hammer” featurette on veteran Hammer make-up effects artist Roy Ashton and much, much more (by arrangement with Universal Studios). The 1961 Terence Fisher Hammer-Universal classic werewolf creature-horror feature masterpiece is also available on DVD from Universal as part of the Hammer-Universal classic horror/monster multi-film anthology set, “The Hammer Horror Series: 8-Film Collection.” “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961) is also available for streaming from Universal through participating streaming/video-on-demand service providers.
Note: The author of “Silver Screen Reflections” does not endorse any advertisers on WordPress’ site platform and/or YouTube’s site platform. Also, the author does not endorse any political advertisements.