“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “This Island Earth” (1955), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be dancing and jumping for joy for his upcoming big broadcast of a classic mammoth Universal Studios sci-fi creature masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “This Island Earth” (1955) 

Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical release trailer for “This Island Earth.”

“Trapped amid the mysteries of outer space, they challenged the unearthly furies of a planet gone mad!” Original 1953 Universal Studios poster art element for “This Island Earth.”

The legendary & iconic Berwyn/Chicago-based classic mammoth sci-fi/creature feature masterpiece film host will present his big broadcast of of “This Island Earth” (1955), this Sat., April 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic mammoth 1955 Universal sci-fi masterpiece production was directed by veteran assistant director-turned-feature film and TV director Joseph Newman. Newman directed various westerns, crime drama productions and adventure feature films, along with sci-fi and mystery/suspense TV shows throughout his directorial career.  When he worked as an assistant director for the classic mammoth Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) masterpiece productions of “San Francisco” (1936, directed by W.S. Van Dyke; with Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald and Spencer Tracy) and “David Copperfield” (1935, adapted from Charles Dickens‘ novel, directed by George Cukor; with Freddie Bartholomew, W.C. Fields, Lionel Barrymore, Elsa Lanchester, Maureen O’Sullivan, Una O’Connor and Lewis Stone); Newman was nominated for two Academy Awards in 1936 and 1937 for Best Assistant Director.  Later in his motion picture directorial career, Newman directed the classic mammoth Allied Artists drama biopic masterpiece production on the life and career of actor George Raft, “The George Raft Story” (1961) with Ray Danton, Jayne Mansfield, singer Julie London, a pre-“Batman” Frank Gorshin, Herschel Bernardi of TV’s “Peter Gunn” fame and Jack Albertson.  He also directed four episodes of Rod Serling’s classic mammoth CBS television sci-fi/supernatural masterpiece series,  “The Twilight Zone” from 1963–64 and 10 episodes of Alfred Hitchcock’s hour-long rendition of his classic mammoth MCA-Revue-Universal TV mystery/suspense anthology masterpiece series, “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” from 1963-65 (a continuation of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”).

The screenplay for Newman’s 1955 Universal sci-fi/monster production was written by Franklin Coen and George Callahan (Callahan was credited under the name of “Edward G. O’Callaghan”).  Coen and Callahan (O’Callaghan)’s screenplay was adapted from Raymond F. Jones’ original sci-fi novel, titled “The Alien Machine.”  One year before “This Island Earth,” Coen wrote the screenplay for George Sherman‘s classic mammoth Universal drama-comedy masterpiece production of “Johnny Dark” (1954) with Tony Curtis, Piper Laurie, young Scatman Crothers, Ilka Chase and Don Taylor.   Earlier in his screenwriting career, Callahan/O’Callaghan co-wrote the screenplay with veteran screenwriter Bob Consodine for Roy Del Ruth‘s classic mammoth Allied Artists biopic masterpiece production on the life and career of Baseball’s George Herman “Babe” Ruth, “The Babe Ruth Story” (1948) with William Bendix, Claire Trevor, Charles Bickford, a pre-“I Love Lucy“-“My Three Sons/Binge the Cringe” William Frawley and Stanley Clements.

The classic mammoth Universal sci-fi masterpiece production of “This Island Earth” (1955) was directed by veteran studio producer William Alland.

This will mark Sven’s seventh big broadcast of “This Island Earth” (1955) on the airlanes of Me-TV. He previously showcased Newman’s classic 1955 Universal sci-fi creature masterpiece entry back in April 2012 as a Me-TV big broadcast premiere* and as regular Me-TV big broadcasts back in Oct. 2012*, April 2015, Jan. 2016, June 2017 and April 2020.

Who was in Joseph Newman’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi masterpiece production of “This Island Earth” (1955)?

The players who appeared in Newman’s Universal production of  “This Island Earth” (1955) were veteran stunt performer Regis Parton (in an uncredited role as the Metaluna mutant), Charlotte Alpert (in an uncredited role as a Metaluna Woman at the Decompression Console), Jeff Morrow (as Exeter), Faith Domergue (as Dr. Ruth Adams), Rex Reason (as Dr. Cal Meacham), Russell Johnson (as Dr. Steve Carlson), Lance Fuller (as Brack), Robert Nichols (as Joe Wilson), Richard Deacon (in an uncredited role as a pilot), Olan Soule (in an uncredited role as a reporter), Coleman Francis (in an uncredited role as a deliveryman) and Orangey the Cat (in an uncredited role as the Neutron Cat).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic mammoth Universal Studios sci-fi/fantasy/visual effects masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957)

Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical release teaser trailer for Jack Arnold’s “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” narrated by Orson Welles.

“A fascinating adventure into the unknown!” Original 1957Universal Studios theatrical poster art for Jack Arnold’s “The Incredible Shrinking Man.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago sci-fi film host will present his big broadcast of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) this Sat., April 10 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic mammoth 1957 Universal sci-fi/fantasy masterpiece was directed by veteran studio director Jack Arnold.  Some of Arnold’s best-known classic mammoth Universal Studios monster, sci-fi and fantasy feature film masterpiece productions include  “It Came from Outer Space” (1953, one of Universal’s first 3-D feature film productions, with Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, a pre-“Gilligan’s Island” Russell Johnson, Kathleen Hughes and Charles Drake); his classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece production of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954, with Julie Adams, Ricou Browning, Ben Chapman, Richard Carlson, Richard Denning, Nestor Paiva and Whit Bissell), his classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster sequel masterpiece production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, with Lori Nelson, Ricou Browning, Tom Hennesy, John Agar, Nestor Paiva, young Clint Eastwood and Grandon Rhodes), “Tarantula” (1955, with Mara Corday, John Agar, Leo G. Carroll, Nestor Paiva, young Clint Eastwood and young Bing Russell) and “Monster on the Campus” (1958, with Eddie Parker, Joanna Moore, Troy Donahue, Arthur Franz, Nancy Walters and  Whit Bissell).

Arnold’s Universal production of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) was produced by veteran producer Albert Zugsmith.  One year after “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” Zugsmith produced  Orson Welles’ classic mammoth critically-acclaimed Universal drama/film noir feature film masterpiece adaptation of Whit Masterson’s novel, “Badge of Evil;” “Touch of Evil” (1958, with Janet Leigh, Orson Welles, Charlton Heston, Joanna Moore, young Dennis Weaver and Ray Collins).  Zugsmith also directed the classic Universal drama masterpiece production of “College Confidential” (1960, with  Steve Allen, Jayne Meadows; both Allen and Meadows were married in real life from 1954 until Allen’s death in 2000; Mamie Van Doren, country/western singing legend Conway Twitty, Mickey Shaughnessy, Walter Winchell  and boxer Rocky Marciano).  The screenplay for Arnold’s classic 1957 mammoth Universal sci-fi/fantasy/visual effects masterpiece was adapted for the screen from veteran sci-fi/horror author Richard Matheson’s original story, “The Shrinking Man.”  Matheson co-wrote the screenplay adaptation of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” with veteran screenwriter Richard Alan Simmons.

This will mark Sven’s  sixth big broadcast of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) from coast-to-coast on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi/fantasy masterpiece back in May 2011*, Oct. 2011*, Oct. 2014, May 2016 and Nov. 2017.

Who was in Jack Arnold’s classic Universal mammoth sci-fi/fantasy/visual effects masterpiece production of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957)?

The players who appeared in Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi/fantasy visual effects masterpiece production of “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) were Grant Williams (as Scott Carey), Randy Stuart (as Louise Carey), April Kent (as Clarice Bruce), Paul Langton (as Charlie Carey), Raymond Bailey (as Dr. Thomas Silver), William Schallert (as Dr. Arthur Bramson), Frank J. Scannell (as a barker), Helene Marshall (as a nurse), Diana Darrin (as a nurse), Lock Martin (in an uncredited role as a giant) and Orangey the Cat (in an uncredited role as Butch the Cat).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “This Island Earth” (1955), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his upcoming big broadcast presentation of a classic Universal Studios sci-fi monster masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “This Island Earth” (1955)

“2 and a 1/2 years in the making to bring you sights of fantastic amazement!” Original 1955 Universal Studios twinfold exhibitors’ ad for “This Island Earth.”

Original 1955 Universal Studios concept poster artwork for “This Island Earth.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based sci-fi/monster feature film host will present his big broadcast of the classic Universal monster/sci-fi masterpiece production of “This Island Earth” (1955), this Sat., April 11 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“This Island Earth” (1955) was directed by veteran director Joseph Newman, who directed numerous westerns, crime drama productions and adventure features throughout his screen career.  Newman also directed four episodes of Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone” from 1963–64 and 10 episodes of Alfred Hitchcock’s hour-long mystery/suspense anthology TV series, “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” from 1963-65 (a continuation of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”).  The screenplay for Newman’s 1955 Universal sci-fi/monster production was written by Franklin Coen and George Callahan (Callahan was credited under the name of “Edward G. O’Callaghan”).  Coen and Callahan (O’Callaghan)’s screenplay was adapted from Raymond F. Jones’ sci-fi novel.  Veteran Universal producer William Alland produced “This Island Earth.”

This will mark Sven’s sixth big broadcast of “This Island Earth” (1955) on Me-TV. He previously showcased Newman’s classic Universal sci-fi monster masterpiece entry back in April 2012*, Oct. 2012*, April 2015, Jan. 2016 and June 2017.

Who was in Joseph Newman’s production of “This Island Earth” (1955)?

The players who appeared in Newman’s Universal production of  “This Island Earth” (1955) were stunt performer Regis Parton (in an non-credited role as the Metaluna mutant), Jeff Morrow (as Exeter, Morrow later appeared in Fred F. Sears’ 1957 Columbia sci-fi/fantasy creature entry with Mara Corday; “The Giant Claw”), Faith Domergue (as Dr. Ruth Adams, Domergue also appeared in the 1955 Ray Harryhausen–Robert Gordon Columbia sci-fi/creature classic masterpiece; “It Came From Beneath the Sea”), Rex Reason (as Dr. Cal Meacham, Reason also appeared in the 1956 Universal “Creature” monster trilogy finale, “The Creature Walks Among Us”), Russell Johnson (as Dr. Steve Carlson; Johnson previously appeared in Jack Arnold’s 1953 Universal sci-fi classic masterpiece, “It Came From Outer Space;” he went onto greater fame in Sherwood Schwartz’s smash 1964–67 sitcom, “Gilligan’s Island”), Lance Fuller (as Brack), Robert Nichols (as Joe Wilson), Richard Deacon (in a non-credited role as a pilot, Deacon on to greater fame in Mel Cooley on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” from 1961-1966), Olan Soule (in a non-credited role as a reporter), Coleman Francis (in a non-credited role as a deliveryman; Francis later directed several Z-budget films, including 1961’s “The Beast of Yucca Flats,” 1963’s “The Sky Divers” and  1966’s “Red Zone Cuba;” Francis’ Z-budget features were famously riffed on “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”) and Orangey the Cat (in a non-credited role as the Neutron Cat, the feline film star previously appeared in the title role of Arthur Lubin’s 1951 Paramount screen comedy with Ray Milland, “Rhubarb;” Orangey later appeared in Bert I. Gordon’s Embassy comedic sci-fi/fantasy production with Ron “Ronny” Howard, Beau Bridges and Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon, “Village of the Giants”).

“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 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 Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals throughout the land will be looking forward to an iconic 1957 sci-fi thriller feature from Universal Studios.

“Svengoolie” presents: “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957)

Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical trailer for “The Incredible Shrinking Man.”

1957 Universal Studios lobby card art for “The Incredible Shrinking Man.”

The iconic Chicago/Berwyn-based horror film host will showcase “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957), this Sat., Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“The Incredible Shrinking Man” was directed by veteran Universal Studios film director Jack Arnold, who was also known for his work on “It Came from Outer Space” (1953), “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954) and “Tarantula” (1955).  The screenplay was adapted from Richard Matheson’s 1956 science fiction novel, “The Shrinking Man” (according to IMDB, Matheson also wrote the screenplay for Arnold’s film).

This will mark Sven’s fourth showing of Jack Arnold’s 1957 Universal Studios sci-fi feature on Me-TV.  He had previously shown “The Incredible Shrinking Man” back in May 2011, Oct. 2014 and May 2016.

Who was in “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957)?

The players who appeared in Arnold’s 1957 film were Grant Williams (as Scott Carey), Randy Stuart (Louise Carey), April Kent (as Clarice), Paul Langton (as Charlie Carey), Raymond Bailey (as Dr. Thomas Silver), William Schallert (as Dr. Arthur Bramson), Billy Curtis (as a little person), Frank J. Scannell (as a Barker), Diana Darrin (as a Nurse), Helene Marshall (as a Nurse) and Orangey the cat (in an uncredited role as Butch the cat).