“Svengoolie” presents his big Independence Day broadcast of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966), this Sat. on Me-TV

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.

Original 1966 Embassy Pictures newspaper advertisement for “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula.”

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).

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Village of the Giants” (1965), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals will be jumping for joy from coast-to-coast for his big broadcast return of a cult comedic sci-fi/fantasy classic.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Village of the Giants” (1965)

“Teen-agers zoom to supersize!” Original 1965 Embassy Pictures twinfold exhibitors’ ad for “Village of the Giants.”

Embassy (ca. mid-1980s) Betamax cover art for “Village of the Giants” (originally priced at $59.95, resembling the original 1965 poster art).

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based sci-fi/fantasy film host will present his big broadcast showcase of “Village of the Giants” (1965), this Sat., July 20 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1965 feature was directed by veteran cult film director Bert I. Gordon, who was known for “King Dinosaur” (1955), “Beginning of the End” (1957), “The Amazing Colossal Man” (1957), “Attack of the Puppet People” (1958), “War of the Colossal Beast” (the 1958 sequel to “The Amazing Colossal Man”), “The Magic Sword” (1962) and “Empire of the Ants” (1977).  Gordon was inspired by H.G. Wells’ novel, “The Food of the Gods.”  Gordon’s “Village of the Giants” was released theatrically by veteran film distributor Joseph E. Levine and his Embassy Pictures organization (according to the American Film Institute).

This will mark Sven’s second coast-to-coast big broadcast of Gordon’s 1965 Embassy sci-fi feature on Me-TV.  He previously showcased “Village of the Giants” back in Jan. 2019.  In his hometown of Berwyn/Chicago, Sven previously aired Gordon’s 1965 entry on WCIU-TV 26/”The U” in Sept. 2008 (according to IMDB).

 

 

 

Who was in Gordon’s 1965 Embassy sci-fi/comedy entry?

Original 1965 Embassy Pictures theatrical release trailer for “Village of the Giants.”

The players who appeared in “Village of the Giants” (1965) were Ron “Ronny” Howard (as Genius, Howard’s best-known acting roles include his characters of Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1960-68 and Richie Cunningham on “Happy Days” from 1972-80, with guest cameos in 1983 and in the finale in 1984; he later became a successful film director), Beau Bridges (as Fred, Bridges later appeared in 1971’s  “The Last Picture Show,” 1979’s “Norma Rae” with Sally Field and the remainder of “Stargate: SG-1” from 2005-07), Johnny Crawford (as Horsey, Crawford previously played the role of Mark McCain in the 1958-63 Chuck Connors western series; “The Rifleman”), Tommy Kirk (as Mike, Kirk appeared in numerous live-action Disney and American-International films throughout his career), Joy Harmon (as Merrie),  Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon (as himself, Cannon’s portfolio of hit songs include 1959’s “Tallahassee Lassie,” “Way Down Yonder In New Orleans,” 1962’s “Palisades Park” 1965’s “Action” and his 2016 smash hit song with Svengoolie, “The Svengoolie Stomp”), Toni Basil (as Red, the future dancer-choreographer-singer was later known for her 1981 hit; “Mickey”), The Beau Brummels (as themselves, their portfolio of hit songs include 1964’s  “Laugh, Laugh” and 1965’s “Just a Little” ), Rance Howard (as a deputy, he was the father of Ron Howard), Tim Rooney (as Pete, the junior Rooney was the son of actor Mickey Rooney), Charla Doherty (as Nancy), Robert “Bob” Random (as Rick), Gail Gilmore (as Elsa), Tisha Sterling (as Jean), Joe Turkel (as a sheriff), feline film personality Orangey (in an uncredited role as a giant cat, Orangey previously appeared 1951’s “Rhubarb” and 1955’s “This Island Earth”) and Hank Jones (as Chuck).

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast premiere of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals will be excited about his upcoming big broadcast premiere of a cult horror-western classic with one of cinema’s horror icons.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966)

Original 1966 Embassy Pictures theatrical trailer for “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula.”

Original 1966 Embassy Pictures poster artwork for “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based horror film host will present his big broadcast premiere of “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966), this Sat., June 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) was directed by William Beaudine; who had a long directorial career spanning from 1915-76 (according to IMDB).

In the latter part of his career, he worked on low-budget productions.  Beaudine specialized in multiple film genres, earning him the nickname of “one-shot;” according to the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s article on Beaudine.

Beaudine’s 1966 horror-western production was written by Carl K. Hittleman and was produced by Carroll Case; under the “Circle Productions” moniker.  “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966) was released theatrically by Joseph E. Levine and his art-house/independent distribution firm, Embassy Pictures; according to IMDB.

That same year, Beaudine also worked on another Circle-Embassy horror/western, “Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter” (1966).

Who was in “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” (1966)?

The players who appeared in the 1966 William Beaudine-Circle-Embassy horror/western production were John Carradine (as Count Dracula), Chuck Courtney (as William “Billy the Kid” Bonney); Virginia Christine (as Eva Oster), Walter Janovitz (as Franz Oster), Hannie Landman (as Lisa Oster), Harry Carey Jr.* (as Ben Dooley) Melinda Casey (as Elizabeth “Betty” Bentley, Casey was billed as Melinda Plowman in the film), George Cisar (as Joe Flake), Bing Russell (as Dan “Red” Thorpe), Olive Carey (as Dr. Henrietta Hull), Roy Barcroft (as Sheriff Griffin), Richard Reeves (as saloonkeeper Pete), Marjorie Bennett (as Mary Ann Bentley), William Forrest (as “the real” James Underhill), Lennie Geer (as Yancy), Charlita (as Indian maiden Nana), Max Kleven (as Sandy Newman), William Challee (as station agent Tom) and Jack Williams (as Duffy).

“Svengoolie” to premiere “Village of the Giants” (1965), this Sat. on Me-TV from coast-to-coast

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be excited about his upcoming showcase of a cult classic sci-fi/fantasy/comedy feature from one of cinema’s cult sci-fi film directors.

“Svengoolie” presents his big coast-to-coast broadcast premiere of “Village of the Giants” (1965)

Original 1965 Embassy Pictures theatrical trailer for “Village of the Giants.”

Original 1965 Embassy Pictures poster artwork for “Village of the Giants.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago based-sci-fi film host will present his big coast-to-coast broadcast premiere of “Village of the Giants” (1965), this Sat., Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“Village of the Giants’ (1965) was directed by cult sci-fi film director Bert I. Gordon.  Gordon also directed “King Dinosaur” (1955), “Beginning of the End” (1957), “The Amazing Colossal Man” (1957), “Attack of the Puppet People” (1958), “War of the Colossal Beast” (1958, the sequel to “The Amazing Colossal Man”), “The Magic Sword” (1962) and “Empire of the Ants” (1977).  Gordon’s “Village of the Giants” (1965) was loosely adapted from H.G. Wells’ novel, “The Food of the Gods” (according to Jeff Stafford’s article on Gordon’s 1965 feature for Turner Classic Movies).

The adaptation was written by Gordon and Alan Caillou.  Nine years after “Village of the Giants,” Gordon directed a true adaptation of Wells’ “The Food of the Gods” (1976, for American-International Pictures). “Village of the Giants” was released theatrically by film distributor Joseph E. Levine and his independent/art-house distribution firm, Embassy Pictures in 1965 (according to IMDB).

Sven previously aired “Village of the Giants” on his hometown television station in Berwyn/Chicago, WCIU-TV 26/”The U” in Sept. 2008 (according to additional details from IMDB).

Who was in “Village of the Giants” (1965)?

The players who appeared in Gordon’s 1965 fantasy feature were Ron Howard/Ronny Howard (as Genius), Tommy Kirk (as Mike), Joy Harmon (as Merrie), Beau Bridges (as Fred), Toni Basil (as Red), Johnny Crawford (as Horsey), Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon (as himself), The Beau Brummels (as themselves), Rance Howard (as a deputy, he was Ron’s real-life father), Charla Doherty (as Nancy), Robert “Bob” Random (as Rick), Tisha Sterling (as Jean), Tim Rooney (as Pete) Gail Gilmore (as Elsa), Joe Turkel (as a sheriff), Hank Jones (as Chuck) and feline film star Orangey (of 1951’s “Rhubarb” and 1955’s “This Island Earth” fame in an uncredited role as a giant cat).

“Svengoolie” to showcase the return of “The Medusa against the Son of Hercules” (1963), this Sat. on Me-TV

A happy/safe early Fourth of July to all fellow Svengoolie SvenPals and fellow readers of “Silver Screen Reflections” from coast-to-coast! –C.H.

Fellow SvenPals of Svengoolie  will be interested in the upcoming return of the English dub of an Italian “sword-and-sandal”/creature adventure feature from 1963.

“Svengoolie” presents the return of “The Medusa against the Son of Hercules” (1963)

Snippet of “The Medusa Against the Son of Hercules” (1963).

Opening still from the dubbed version of “The Medusa Against the Son of Hercules” (1963).

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based creature/horror/fantasy film host will present the return of “The Medusa against the Son of Hercules” (1963, a.k.a. “Perseo l’invincibile/“Perseus the Invincible”), this Sat., July 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The feature was directed by Alberto De Martino, who also directed two features that were later riffed on “Mystery Science Theater 3000;” “Operation Kid Brother/Operation Double 007” (1967, riffed on MST3K w/Joel Hodgson in 1993) and “The Pumaman” (1980, riffed on MST3K w/Mike Nelson in 1998).

The special creature effects for De Martino’s “The Medusa against the Son of Hercules” were done by legendary special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi, who would later work on special effects for two blockbuster Steven Spielberg features;  “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977) and “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982).

This will mark Sven’s second showcase of “The Medusa against the Son of Hercules” on Me-TV.  He previously showcased the North American dub of De Martino’s cult “sword and sandal”/creature epic back in Sept. 2017, as part of Sven’s move to primetime on the Me-TV airlanes.

Who was in De Martino’s “Hercules” entry?

The players who appeared in “The Medusa against the Son of Hercules” (1963) were Richard Harrison (as Perseo/Perseus), Anna Ranalli (as Andromeda), Arturo Dominici (as Acrisio), Leo Anchóriz (as Galenore), Antonio Molino Rojo (as Tarpete, a.k.a. “Molino Rojo”) and Roberto Camardiel (as Cefeo).

“Svengoolie” to showcase “Medusa against the Son of Hercules” (1963), this Sat. on Me-TV (in primetime)

Fellow Svengoolie pals will be looking forward to his upcoming primetime premiere of a 1963 creature/sword-and-sandal adventure film from Italy.

Svengoolie presents: “Medusa against the Son of Hercules” (1963)

1963 French poster art for “Medusa against the Son of Hercules/Persée l’invincible.”

The legendary Chicago/Berwyn-based horror film host will be showcasing “Medusa against the Son of Hercules” (1963), this Sat., Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

Sven’s premiere of “Medusa against the Son of Hercules” will be part of his new Me-TV primetime slot during the network’s revamped “Super Sci-Fi Saturday Night” lineup.  The film was directed by Alberto De Martino.

Who was in “Medusa against the Son of Hercules?”

The players who appeared in De Martino’s feature were Richard Harrison (as Perseo/Perseus), Anna Ranalli (as Andromeda), Arturo Dominici (as Acrisio), Leo Anchóriz (as Galenore), Antonio Molino Rojo (as Tarpete, credited as Molino Rojo in the film) and Roberto Camardiel (as Cefeo).

Two years before production began on “Medusa against the Son of Hercules,” Richard Harrison appeared in De Martino’s “The Invincible Gladiator” (1961).  One of Harrison’s earliest feature film roles was in the 1958 film adaptation of the Richard Rodgers-Oscar Hammerstein musical, “South Pacific” (he played a co-pilot).

“Svengoolie” to showcase “Godzilla, King of the Monsters!” (1956)

Fans of vintage Japanese monster films will be excited this weekend when one of television’s iconic horror hosts will be saluting one of the legendary creatures.

Svengoolie Presents: “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (1956, as part of Sven’s February salute to Godzilla)

1956 lobby card for “Godzilla: King of the Monsters.”

Svengoolie will be showcasing the 1956 cult classic “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” on Sven’s premiere will be this Sat., Feb. 4 at 10 p.m. Eastern/9 p.m. Central on Me-TV Network.

This will be the first of four Godzilla features that Sven will showcase on his Saturday evening salute to the vintage screen monster throughout the month of February.  Sven will be presenting “Godzilla Raids Again” on Feb. 11 (originally filmed in 1955, released in the United States in 1959), “Godzilla vs. Mothra” on Feb. 18 (released in 1964) and “Godzilla’s Revenge” on Feb. 25 (released in 1969 as “All Monsters Attack” in Japan).

Directed by Ishiro Honda and Terry Morse, the film features Raymond Burr (as reporter Steve Martin), Takashi Shimura (as Dr. Yamane), Momoko Kochi (as Emiko Yamane), Frank Iwanaga (as security officer Tomo Iwanaga), Akira Takarada (as Ogata) and Akihiko Hirata (as Dr. Serizawa).