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

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic mammoth Universal Studios arachnid creature masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Tarantula” (1955)

A snippet from Jack Arnold‘s classic mammoth Universal Studios sci-fi creature masterpiece production of “Tarantula” (1955).

“Giant Spider Strikes!” “Suitable Only for Adults!” Original 1955 Universal Studios Australian theatrical poster artwork with an Australian cinema warning for “Tarantula.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based classic creature/sci-fi film host will present his big broadcast of “Tarantula” (1955), this Sat., Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV. 

The 1955 classic mammoth Universal arachnid sci-fi creature feature film production masterpiece was directed by veteran Universal Studios director Jack Arnold. In addition to his classic mammoth Universal sci-fi creature masterpiece production of “Tarantula” (1955), Arnold’s other classic mammoth Universal monster/creature and sci-fi masterpiece productions include  “It Came from Outer Space” (1953, with Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, a pre-“Gilligan’s Island” Russell Johnson, Charles Drake and Kathleen Hughes), “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954, with Ricou Browning,  Julie Adams, Ben Chapman, Richard Carlson and Richard Denning), “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, Arnold’s sequel to “Creature From the Black Lagoon;” with Browning, Lori Nelson,  Tom Hennesy and John Agar), “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957, with Grant Williams, April Kent and Randy Stuart) and “Monster on the Campus” (1958, with Eddie Parker, Joanna Moore, Troy Donahue and Arthur Franz). 

“Tarantula” (1955) was produced by veteran Universal producer and Arnold’s feature film co-collaborator William Alland.  Before going into the field of producing feature films, Alland was originally an actor.  Alland previously appeared in the role of Jerry Thompson in Orson Welles’ critically-acclaimed classic mammoth RKO Radio Pictures-Mercury Players screen drama masterpiece, “Citizen Kane” (1941).

Adapted from an original story idea by Jack Arnold and veteran writer-director-producer Robert M. Fresco, the screenplay for the 1955 Universal sci-fi arachnid creature production was written by Fresco with veteran screenwriter Martin Berkeley.

The Universal production of “Tarantula” (1955) was formatted/filmed for both the widescreen matted 1.85:1 aspect ratio and  the “Academy” aspect ratio format of 1.37:1 for the original theatrical release at the insistence of studio executives, to benefit theaters that were capable of projecting widescreen feature film releases could screen “Tarantula” in the matted 1.85:1 aspect ratio and to benefit theaters who were still using the unmatted “Academy” aspect ratio format of 1.37:1, the unmated version was later used for broadcast television syndication and latter home entertainment release editions of Arnold’s 1955 classic mammoth Universal creature production; according to Nathaniel Thompson’s Turner Classic Movies online archived article on Jack Arnold’s production of “Tarantula.”

“Double ‘shock’ show!”  “Concessions are piling up record grosses, too!”  Original 1955 Universal Studios exhibitors’ twinset leaflet for the double-feature theatrical release of “Tarantula” and “Running Wild.”

According to the Nov. 1955 edition of Motion Picture Herald. Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal creature masterpiece production of “Tarantula” (1955) was released theatrically as a double-feature presentation from coast-to-coast with Abner Biberman’s classic mammoth Universal film noir-drama-crime feature production, “Running Wild” (1955) with Mamie Van Doren, Keenan Wynn, William Campbell, Kathleen Case, Jan Merlin, Walter Coy, Chris Randall and John Saxon.

This will mark Sven’s seventh big broadcast of “Tarantula” (1955) on Me-TV. He previously showcased Arnold’s classic mammoth 1955 Universal sci-fi arachnid creature feature masterpiece  back in Aug. 2011 as a big coast-to-coast broadcast premiere*, Dec. 2012*, Feb. 2014, Nov. 2015, Oct. 2017 and Oct. 2020.  

In Sven’s home area of Berwyn/Chicago, Illinois during his WFLD-32 Berwyn/Chicago days as the Son of Svengoolie; he previously showcased the classic 1955 Universal-Jack Arnold mammoth arachnid creature masterpiece production as a Berwyn/Chicago “Son of Sven” big broadcast premiere in Jan. 1981; according to IMDB. 

Sven in his WFLD Berwyn/Chicago “Son of Sven” days also showcased “Tarantula” (1955) in July 1982; according to Berwyn Chicago television archivist Rick Klein’s FuzzyMemoriesTV: The Museum of Classic Chicago Television and in an unknown airdate during the 1979-86 WFLD years, according to a classic “Son of Sven” opening with Doug Graves, according to Obsolete Video Services.

Who was in Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal arachnid sci-fi creature masterpiece production of “Tarantula” (1955)?

The players who appeared in Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal arachnid sci-fi creature feature masterpiece production “Tarantula” (1955) were John Agar (as Dr. Matt Hastings), Mara Corday (as Stephanie “Steve” Clayton), Leo G. Carroll (as Prof. Gerald Deemer), Nestor Paiva (as Sheriff Jack Andrews), young Clint Eastwood (in an uncredited role as a jet squadron leader), young Bing Russell (in an uncredited role as a deputized townsman), Edwin Rand (as Lt. John Nolan), Steve Darrell (as Andy Anderson), Dee Carroll (in an uncredited role as a telephone operator), Ross Elliott (as Joe Burch), Hank Patterson (as Josh), Bert Holland (as Barney Russell) and Raymond Bailey (as Townsend).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Black Friday” (1940) with Boris Karloff & Bela Lugosi, this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be jumping for joy for a classic mammoth Universal Studios thriller masterpiece with two silver screen horror legends.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Black Friday” (1940) with Boris Karloff & Bela Lugosi

Truncated theatrical trailer for Arthur Lubin’s classic mammoth Universal thriller masterpiece production of “Black Friday” (1940) with Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi..

Original 1940 Universal Studios  theatrical poster artwork for Arthur Lubin’s production of “Black Friday” with Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi..

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based thriller film host will present his big broadcast of “Black Friday” (1940), this Sat.; Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic mammoth Universal thriller masterpiece production was directed by veteran director Arthur Lubin.  Some of Lubin’s best-known feature film productions include his classic mammoth Universal comedy masterpiece productions with the studio’s star comedic duo, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello; including “Buck Privates” (1941), “In the Navy” (1941); the two aforementioned classic Universal mammoth A&C wartime comedy masterpieces featured The Andrews Sisters, “Hold That Ghost” (1941), “Keep ‘Em Flying” (1941) and “Ride ‘Em Cowboy” (1942). Lubin also directed the latter classic Universal monster masterpiece Technicolor adaptation of “Phantom of the Opera” (1943) with Claude Rains, Susanna Foster and Nelson Eddy.  He also worked on Universal’s classic “Francis the Talking Mule” mammoth comedy masterpieces featuring Donald O’Connor and the vocal stylings of Chill Wills; ranging from “Francis” (1950), “Francis Goes to the Races” (1951), “Francis Goes to West Point” (1952), “Francis Covers the Big Town” (1953), “Francis Joins the WACS” (1954) with Julie Adams of Universal’s “Creature From the Black Lagoon” fame and “Francis in the Navy” (1955), with a young Clint Eastwood.  Lubin’s latter productions include his classic mammoth Warner Bros. live-action/animated comedy masterpiece with Don Knotts, “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” (1964) and his classic mammoth Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) music-comedy masterpiece with Herman’s Hermits (Peter Noone, Karl Green, Keith Hopwood, Barry Whitwam and Derek Leckenby); “Hold On!” (1966, the studio’s record label, MGM Records also handled the United States distribution rights to Herman’s Hermits’ popular British recordings at the time).

“Black Friday” (1940) was produced by veteran Hollywood associate producer Burt Kelly.  Kelly also produced A. Edward Sutherland’s  classic mammoth Universal “Invisible” fantasy-comedy masterpiece, “The Invisible Woman” (1940) with Virginia Bruce, John Barrymore, Margaret Hamilton of the classic 1939 mammoth MGM masterpiece adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz,” Oscar Homolka, Shemp Howard of “The Three Stooges” fame from 1946-55 and  Charlie Ruggles and Albert S. Rogell’s classic mammoth Universal re-make/mystery-comedy adaptation of “The Black Cat” (1941) with Basil Rathbone, Anne Gwynne, Bela Lugosi, Alan Ladd, Gale Sondergaard, Broderick Crawford and Hugh Herbert).  He also produced the latter classic Columbia Pictures live-action comedy masterpiece adaptations of Chic Young’s King Features Syndicate/Hearst “Blondie” newspaper comic strip series with Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake  from 1945–48.  The original screenplay for Lubin’s classic mammoth Universal thriller masterpiece production of “Black Friday” (1940) was co-written by veteran screenwriter/sci-fi author Curt Sidomak, who also wrote the screenplay for George Waggner’s classic mammoth Universal monster masterpiece production of “The Wolf Man” (1941) with Lon Chaney Jr.,  Sidomak co-wrote the screenplay for “Black Friday” with veteran screenwriters Eric Taylor and Edmund L. Hartmann.

This will mark Svengoolie’s fourth big broadcast of Arthur Lubin’s classic Universal thriller masterpiece production of “Black Friday” (1940) on Me-TV. He previously showcased “Black Friday” (1940) back in Nov. 2014 as a big coast-to-coast broadcast premiere, Oct. 2016 and Jan. 2017.

In Sven’s home area of Berwyn/Chicago, Illinois, Sven showcased Lubin’s classic mammoth Universal thriller masterpiece production of “Black Friday” (1940) during Sven/Rich Koz’s days as the “Son of Svengoolie” on WFLD/32 back in Feb. 1983; according to Berwyn/Chicago television archivist Rick Klein’s official “FuzzyMemoriesTV: The Museum of Classic Chicago Television” YouTube channel.

Who was in “Black Friday” (1940)?

The players who appeared in Arthur Lubin’s classic mammoth Universal thriller masterpiece production of “Black Friday” (1940) were Boris Karloff (as Dr. Ernest Sovac), Bela Lugosi (as Eric Marnay), Anne Nagel (as Sunny Rogers), Stanley Ridges (in the dual roles of  Prof. George Kingsley / Red Cannon ), Anne Gwynne (as Jean Sovac), Virginia Brissac (as Mrs. Margaret Kingsley), Edmund MacDonald (as Frank Miller), Paul Fix (as William King), Murray Alper (as a bellhop), Jack Mulhall (as a bartender), Joe King (as the Police Chief), John Kelly (as a taxi driver), Robert Morgan (as a Hotel Associate) and young Raymond Bailey (in an uncredited role as Louis Devore).

“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 “Tarantula” (1955), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic Universal Studios sci-fi arachnid creature/monster masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Tarantula” (1955)

Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical trailer for “Tarantula.”

“Monster spider!” Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical poster artwork for “Tarantula.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster/creature/horror film host will present his big broadcast of “Tarantula” (1955), this Sat., Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.  “Tarantula” (1955) will be part of the Berwyn/Chicago-based classic TV network’s ”Sventacular October” festival of Sven’s Sat. evening classic horror/monster/creature/sci-fi/fantasy feature film masterpieces for the Halloween season/throughout the month of Oct.!

The 1955 Universal sci-fi arachnid monster/creature feature masterpiece was directed by veteran studio director Jack Arnold.  Alongside his production of “Tarantula “(1955), Arnold’s other classic Universal monster/creature and sci-fi masterpiece productions include  “It Came from Outer Space” (1953), “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954), “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, Arnold’s sequel to “Creature From the Black Lagoon”), “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) and “Monster on the Campus” (1958). “Tarantula” (1955) was produced by veteran Universal producer and Arnold’s feature film co-collaborator William Alland.

Adapted from an original story idea by Jack Arnold and veteran writer-director-producer Robert M. Fresco, the screenplay for the 1955 Universal sci-fi arachnid creature production was written by Fresco with veteran screenwriter Martin Berkeley.

This will mark Sven’s sixth big broadcast of Arnold’s classic 1955 Universal sci-fi arachnid creature feature on Me-TV.  He previously showcased “Tarantula” (1955) back in Aug. 2011*, Dec. 2012*, Feb. 2014, Nov. 2015 and Oct. 2017.

Who was in Jack Arnold’s Universal production of “Tarantula” (1955)?

The players who appeared in Jack Arnold’s Universal classic arachnid sci-fi creature masterpiece production of “Tarantula” (1955) were John Agar (as Dr. Matt Hastings, Agar also appeared in the role of Prof. Clete Ferguson in Jack Arnold’s classic Universal “Creature” monster sequel masterpiece with Lori Nelson, 1955’s “Revenge of the Creature”), Mara Corday (as Stephanie “Steve” Clayton, Corday also appeared in  Fred F. Sears’ classic 1957 Columbia sci-fi creature masterpiece production of “The Giant Claw” and in Edward Ludwig’s classic 1957 Warner Bros. sci-fi creature masterpiece, “The Black Scorpion”), Leo G. Carroll (as Prof. Gerald Deemer, Carroll was known for his numerous roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense thrillers, including 1940’s “Rebecca,” 1941’s “Suspicion,” 1945’s “Spellbound,” 1947’s “The Paradine Case,” 1951’s “Strangers on a Train” and 1959’s “North by Northwest;” he was Carroll was also known for his title role of Cosmo Topper in the 1953-55 TV adaptation of “Topper” and his role of Alexander Waverly in the 1964-68 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer TV secret agent series, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”), Nestor Paiva (as Sheriff Jack Andrews, Paiva previously appeared in the role of Lucas in Jack Arnold’s classic Universal mammoth “Creature” monster masterpiece with Julie Adams, Ricou Browning, Richard Carlson, Richard Denning and Ben Chapman; “Creature From the Black Lagoon;” Paiva reprised his role in “Revenge of the Creature”), young Clint Eastwood (in a non-credited role as a jet squadron leader, Eastwood also appeared in an uncredited role as a scientist in 1955’s “Revenge of the Creature” and in the sixth Universal “Francis the Talking Mule” comedy, 1955’s “Francis in the Navy” with Donald O’ Connor and Chill Wills before going onto greater fame in his television and film career); young Bing Russell (in a non-credited role as a deputized townsman), Edwin Rand (as Lt. John Nolan), Steve Darrell (as Andy Anderson), Dee Carroll (in a non-credited role as a telephone operator), Ross Elliott (as Joe Burch), Hank Patterson (as Josh), Bert Holland (as Barney Russell) and Raymond Bailey (as Townsend).

“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).

“Svengoolie” to showcase “Tarantula” (1955), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be excited about his upcoming showcase of a vintage 1955 cinematic creature thriller from Universal Studios.

“Svengoolie” presents: “Tarantula” (1955)

1955 Universal Studios theatrical trailer for “Tarantula.”

1955 Universal Studios poster art for “Tarantula.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based horror film host will be showcasing “Tarantula” (1955), this Sat., Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“Tarantula” was directed by veteran Universal horror director Jack Arnold, who also worked on “It Came from Outer Space” (1953), “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954) and “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957).

This will mark Sven’s fifth showing of the 1955 Universal creature feature on Me-TV.  He had previously showcased “Tarantula” back in Aug. 2011, Dec. 2012 (before Me-TV came into the Washington, D.C./Frederick market in early 2013), Feb. 2014 and Nov. 2015.

Who was in “Tarantula” (1955)?

The players who appeared in Arnold’s arachnid creature film were John Agar (as Dr. Matt Hastings), Mara Corday (as Stephanie “Steve” Clayton), Leo G. Carroll (as Prof. Gerald Deemer), Clint Eastwood (in an uncredited role as a jet squadron leader), Nestor Paiva (as Sherriff Jack Andrews), Ross Elliott (as Joe Burch), Edwin Rand (as Lt. John Nolan), Raymond Bailey (as Townsend), Hank Patterson (as Josh) and Bert Holland (as Barney Russell).