Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals will be jumping for joy for his big Independence Day broadcast of a classic cult vampire-western masterpiece.
“Svengoolie” presents his big Independence Day broadcast of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966)
A snippet from the William Beaudine-Embassy production of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966), with John Carradine.
The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster film host will present his big broadcast of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966), this Sat.; July 4/Independence Day at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.
The 1966 “Dracula” monster-western combination was directed by veteran director William Beaudine. Beaudine had a long directorial career lasting from 1915-76, working on numerous motion pictures and in the latter part of his career, television productions; according to IMDB. Beaudine’s nickname in the industry was known as “One-Shot” Beaudine, as the veteran director was known for completing low-budget productions in a quick amount of time with minimal retakes, according to Frank Miller’s Turner Classic Movies online article on “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966).
The screenplay for “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) was written by veteran screenwriter Carl K. Hittleman and was produced by Carroll Case and his production firm, Circle Productions. Beaudine’s 1966 Dracula-western entry was released theatrically by veteran film distribution executive Joseph E. Levine and his independent/art-house film distribution firm, Embassy Pictures; according to IMDB. The production of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” was originally scheduled as a 1961 production between Carl K. Hittleman, Carroll Case and Hal Roach Jr. (the son of veteran Hollywood film mogul Hal Roach); according to Ivan Spear’s 1961 BoxOffice magazine article.
This will mark Sven’s second big broadcast of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) on Me-TV. He previously aired the 1966 Beaudine-Embassy monster/western entry as a big broadcast premiere back in June 2019.
Who was in William Beaudine’s “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966)?
The players who appeared in Beaudine’s 1966 Embassy vampire western feature were John Carradine (as Count Dracula, the veteran horror actor also appeared in the role of Cruikshank in Earl Bellamy’s classic 1966 Universal feature-length “Munsters” monster comedy masterpiece, “Munster, Go Home!”), Melinda Casey (as Elizabeth “Betty” Bentley, Casey was credited under the name of Melinda Plowman), Chuck Courtney (as William “Billy the Kid” Bonney); Virginia Christine (as Eva Oster, Christine previously appeared in the role of Princess Ananka in Leslie Goodwins’ 1944 Universal classic “Mummy” monster masterpiece with Lon Chaney Jr., “The Mummy’s Curse” and in the role of the lady of the streets in Jean Yarbrough’s 1946 Universal classic thriller masterpiece with Rondo Hatton, “House of Horrors;” in addition to her numerous film and TV roles, she was also known for her role of “Mrs. Olson” in television commercials for Folgers Coffee); Charlita (as Nana), Harry Carey Jr.* (as Ben Dooley, the junior Carey appeared in numerous westerns throughout his screen career; Carey’s father; the senior Harry Carey* appeared in numerous films from 1910 until his death in 1948), Bing Russell (as Dan “Red” Thorpe), Walter Janovitz (as Franz Oster), George Cisar (as Joe Flake), Hannie Landman (as Lisa Oster), Olive Carey (as Dr. Henrietta Hull; she was the mother of the junior Harry Carey*), Roy Barcroft (as Sheriff Griffin), Marjorie Bennett (as Mary Ann Bentley), William Forrest (as “the real” James Underhill), Richard Reeves (as saloonkeeper Pete), Max Kleven (as Sandy Newman), William Challee (as station agent Tom), Jack Williams (as Duffy) and Lennie Geer (as Yancy).
John Carradine’s earlier “Count Dracula” film role appearances Carradine’s experience of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula”
John Carradine previously appeared in the role of Count Dracula in two Universal classic monster masterpieces directed by veteran director Erle C. Kenton. Beginning with “House of Frankenstein” (1944, with Boris Karloff, Glenn Strange, Lon Chaney Jr. and Anne Gwynne) and “House of Dracula” (1945, with Strange, Jane Adams and the junior Chaney).
According to additional information from Frank Miller’s TCM online article, Carradine was not fond of the production of the 1966 “Dracula” western entry. The veteran actor had to have his hair dyed for his latter “Dracula” portrayal, which was different than his earlier Universal “Dracula” appearances; where his hair was dyed with gray elements.
“Billy the Kid vs. Dracula:” Filmed in eight days
William Beaudine’s production of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) was completed in eight days, according to additional details from IMDB. It was noted that John Carradine had problems during certain fight scenes in the 1966 “Dracula” western entry due to his arthritic-related condition, according to additional details from Frank Miller’s TCM article. Due to Beaudine’s reluctance in filming multiple takes and retakes for scenes in “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula,” it was also noted that several actors in the film referred to Virginia Christine’s character as “Mrs. Olson” from the Folgers Coffee commercials, instead of “Mrs. Oster.”
Released theatrically as a double-feature presentation by Embassy with another horror-western production
According to the American Film Institute, William Beaudine’s production of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) was released as a double-feature presentation by Joseph E. Levine’s Embassy pictures with another Beaudine-Case-Hittleman horror-western, “Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter” (1966, with Cal Bolder, Narda Onyx, John Lupton, Nestor Paiva and Jim Davis). The “Frankenstein” western was also part of the original 1961 planned venture of Case, Hittleman and the junior Roach, according to BoxOffice magazine. Levine purchased the rights to the two monster-western features in Aug. 1965 and was released by Embassy in 1966 under the “Shockorama” moniker.
Be sure to watch/record Svengoolie’s big Independence Day/Svendependence Day broadcast of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966), this Sat. on Me-TV!
Original 1966 Embassy Pictures theatrical trailer for “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula.”
With John Carradine, Melinda Casey/Melinda Plowman, Chuck Courtney, Virginia Christine, Charlita, Harry Carey Jr.*, Bing Russell, numerous films from 1910 until his death in 1948), Bing Russell, Walter Janovitz, George Cisar, Hannie Landman, Olive Carey, Roy Barcroft, Marjorie Bennett, William Forrest, Richard Reeves, Max Kleven, William Challee, Jack Williams and Lennie Geer; celebrate Independence Day with Svengoolie and his big broadcast showcase of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966); this Sat. on Me-TV! With Sven’s extra fun facts, Doug Graves’ parody song, Kerwyn’s “home office” mail call and much, much more! You will not be disappointed! Fun for the entire family! Escape from anxiety! Relax and have fun with Sven’s Independence Day big broadcast of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) on the airlanes of Me-TV! Highly recommended for all fellow Svengoolie super SvenPals and monster film aficionados everywhere!
*Note: Not connected to legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray (1914-98). -C.H.
In memoriam: Today’s edition of “Silver Screen Reflections” is dedicated to the memory of the legendary and iconic comedian, actor, writer, producer and director Carl Reiner (1922-2020). Me-TV will be having a tribute to Carl Reiner Sun. evenings throughout the month of July, beginning on July 5 with Reiner’s favorite episodes of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” (containing two back-to-back episodes at 11 p.m. & 11:30 p.m. ET/10 p.m./10:30 p.m. CT, Reiner created”The Dick Van Dyke Show” and played the role of Alan Brady on Van Dyke’s CBS television comedy series from 1961-66).
Svengoolie presents his big Independence Day broadcast of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966)
Sat., July 4/Independence Day 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
Join in on the fun by live-tweeting/relaxing with the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals everywhere on the airlanes of Twitter during #Svengoolie’s big Me-TV broadcast of William Beaudine’s “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) this Sven/Independence Day Sat.! And since Independence Day falls on this upcoming Sat., “Svendependence Day,” the regular Independence Day greetings to all fellow super SvenPals will be merged as Svengoolie Sat./”Svendependence Day” greetings for all fellow super SvenPals on the airlanes of Twitter! -C.H.
To all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals/fellow readers/fellow subscribers of “Silver Screen Reflections” everywhere: Please be safe, kind, courteous and respectful to each other. Put love in your heart. Let’s all look to positive/uplifting wisdom, enlightenment 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 crowd & the entire crowd of fellow super SvenPals of Svengoolie everywhere! And to quote Svengoolie’s executive producer, Jim Roche: “#KeepCalmAndWatchSven!” –C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! Cameo mentions of fellow Svengoolie super SvenPals!
Extra! Extra! Extra! Fellow Svengoolie super Svengoolie SvenPals on the online airlanes of Twitter everywhere jumped for joy when they recognized several new Sven art/motion art collages from two of our fellow Svengoolie super SvenPals! Fellow Svengoolie super SvenPal Sarah Rhodes drew a rubber chicken sketch doodle drawing before one of her KBEC/Waxahachie, Texas radio shows! Sarah inspired fellow Svengoolie super SvenPal Nanette Keir to create art-collage/motion art collage versions of Sarah’s rubber chicken doodle drawing! Nanette recently made multiple Svengoolie-connected photo-motion animated graphics, including her various Sven-themed collage photos with Adobe’s Photoshop app! For Sarah’s rubber chicken sketch doodle, Nanette added filter effects and a mention of Sven’s hometown of Berwyn, plus a static/tape tracking artifact/line interference motion graphic collage version of Sarah’s rubber chicken doodle! Congratulations to Sarah and Nanette from the entire crowd of fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals on their cool Sven rubber chicken collage creations from the entire crowd of fellow Svengoolie super SvenPals everywhere! Fantastic and wonderful Sven art collages! We’re all jumping for joy and we’re proud of you all! Safety first, stay well, keep healthy, three cheers & two thumbs up from all of us fellow super SvenPals everywhere! Keep up the wonderful & excellent work, Sarah & Nanette! A toast from all of us! -C.H.
And speaking of fellow Svengoolie SvenPals and “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (Video via fellow Svengoolie super SvenPal David Fuentes’ “Terror From Beyond the Dave” YouTube channel)! Fun Fact: Fellow super Svengoolie SvenPal Sarah Rhodes’ Svengoolie skateboard artwork debuted on Sven’s big June 1, 2019 broadcast premiere of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) during Sven & Kerwyn’s “mail call” segment! Since then, Sarah’s Sven skateboard artwork has made numerous cameo appearances in Sven’s in-studio segments from time-to-time! Congratulations to Sarah from the entire crowd of fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals on her numerous cameo Sven skateboard art appearances from the entire crowd of fellow Svengoolie super SvenPals everywhere! A fantastic and wonderful Sven skateboard art creation! We’re all jumping for joy and we’re all proud of you! Safety first, stay well, keep healthy, three cheers & two thumbs up from all of us fellow super SvenPals everywhere! Keep up the wonderful & excellent work, Sarah ! A toast from all of us! -C.H.
Extra! Extra! Extra! “Come Closer!” “A good cast is worth repeating!” On the evening of June 27, fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere jumped for joy when they witnessed a live reading/live online broadcast adaptation of a cult classic sci-fi masterpiece featuring one of our fellow Svengoolie super SvenPals! Fellow Svengoolie super SvenPal Jamie Lee appeared in the Online Kovid Theatre live reading/big online broadcast adaptation of Ed Wood’s “Plan 9 From Outer Space!” Adapted and directed by Terry O’Brien, The Online Kovid troupe’s adaptation of “Plan 9 From Outer Space” featured Jamie Lee as pioneering TV horror film host Maila “Vampira” Nurmi, Jamie also served as the production assistant for the Online Kovid “Plan 9” adaptation; Dean Griffiths as Bela, Darius Russelle as Jeff, John Haderlein as Danny, John also served as the director for the Online Kovid “Plan 9” adaptation; Monica Stark as Mackie/Mary/Mienna, Madison Mantas as Eros, Meghan Lane as Tanna, Holly Sloan-Parrish as Edith, Don Haderlein as Insp. Clay, Ken Albrecht as Patrolman Larry, Ralph Churchill as Lt. Harper, Annika Churchill as Shirley, Jaime Churchill as Rondo the Ruler, Randy Margison- as Criswell, Patrick Blake as Kelton, Matthew Craig as Lou/Cpl. Gregory/Jamie, Fran Jansta as Col. Edwards Leo Kalisz as Henry/Gen. Roberts/Farmer Caulder! In case you missed out on Jamie and the Online Kovid players’ live online broadcast reading adaptation of “Plan 9 From Outer Space,” the pre-recorded live performance is now avaialble for all to see on the airlanes of YouTube! Recommended by the entire crowd of fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere! Congratulations to Jamie and the entire Online Kovid players on their live reading big broadcast adaptation of Ed Wood’s “Plan 9 From Outer Space” from the entire crowd of fellow Svengoolie super SvenPals everywhere! A fantastic and wonderful adaptation of Ed Wood’s cult classic sci-fi masterpiece! We’re all jumping for joy and we’re proud of you all! Safety first, stay well, keep healthy, three cheers & two thumbs up from all of us fellow super SvenPals everywhere! Keep up the wonderful & excellent work, Jamie and the entire Online Kovid players troupe! A toast from all of us! -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! 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 “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966):
“Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) is available on Blu-Ray and DVD from Kino Lorber’s “KL Studio Classics” imprint (by arrangement with StudioCanal, owners of the worldwide theatrical/licensing rights to the Embassy/Nelson theatrical film library). The 1966 Embassy “Dracula” western is also available for streaming on participating video-on-demand providers through Lionsgate (by arrangement with StudioCanal).
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