“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Island of Terror” (1966) with Peter Cushing, this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie Super SvenPals everywhere will be dancing and jumping for joy for his upcoming big broadcast of a classic mammoth sci-fi/creature masterpiece that was released theatrically by Universal Studios.

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Island of Terror” (1966) with Peter Cushing

A snippet from Terence Fisher’s classic mammoth sci-fi/creature masterpiece production of “Island of Terror” (1966) with Peter Cushing, produced by Planet Film Distributors in Britain, released one year later throughout North America by Universal Studios; sourced from Universal’s High-Definition restoration of Fisher’s 1966 production for the Shout! Factory (Shout! Studios)/Scream Factory Blu-Ray edition.

“Unstoppable beasts crave human bone!” 1990s MCA/Universal (Universal Pictures Home Entertainment) VHS cover art for Terence Fisher’s 1966 production of “Island of Terror.”

The legendary and iconic Berwyn/Chicago-based sci-fi/creature feature film masterpiece host will present his big broadcast of “Island of Terror” (1966), this Sat.; April 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“Island of Terror” (1966) was directed by veteran director Terence Fisher.  Fisher was best known for his numerous classic horror/monster/creature film masterpiece productions for Britain’s Hammer Films, including “The Curse of Frankenstein” (1957), “Horror of Dracula” (1958), “The Revenge of Frankenstein” (1958), the Hammer-Universal adaptation of “The Mummy” (1959), “The Brides of Dracula” (1960), “The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll” (1960), “The Curse of the Werewolf” (1961), the Hammer-Universal adaptation of “The Phantom of the Opera” (1962) and the Hammer-Columbia feature production of “The Gorgon” (1964).

The veteran director decided to direct fewer films in the latter part of his film career for his home studio, Hammer Films.  Alongside his latter Hammer feature productions, Fisher decided to concentrate on independently-produced productions after his unsuccessful Hammer-Universal monster-horror screen adaptation of “Phantom of the Opera” (1962); according to the British Film Institute’s database on the life and career of Terence Fisher,

Fisher’s 1966 sci-fi/horror/creature production was produced by Tom Blakeley with executive producers Gerald A. Fernback and classic mammoth horror/sci-fi feature film masterpiece exhibitor-production veteran Richard Gordon.  Years earlier, Gordon helped veteran horror feature film legend Bela Lugosi return to the United States after the abrupt ending of his 1951 British stage tour of Hamilton Deane‘s stage adaptation of Bram Stoker‘s “Dracula” by encouraging Lugosi to appear in John Gilling‘s production of “Vampire Over London” (released in Britain in 1952, released by Columbia Pictures in the United States under the title of “My Son, The Vampire” in 1963  to capitalize on Allan Sherman‘s title 1963 comedy recording that was released on the record label of rival/competing studio Warner Bros.); which was an entry in the “Old Mother Riley” comedy film series with Arthur Lucan for Britain’s Renown Pictures (Renown was known as the British production-distribution company that co-produced Brian Desmond Hurst‘s classic mammoth 1952 Holiday feature film masterpiece adaptation of Charles Dickens‘ “A Christmas Carol/Scrooge” with Alastair Sim), according to IMDB.

Gordon later served as executive producer of Lindsay Shonteff’s cult classic thriller feature masterpiece production of “Devil Doll” (1964) with Bryant Haliday (who was one of the original co-founders of independent art-house producer/distribution firm Janus Films, the company behind The Criterion Collection line of critically-acclaimed feature film masterpieces from Janus and productions leased from other studios/production firms for Blu-Ray, DVD and select streaming platforms ), Yvonne Romain, William Sylvester and the vocal stylings of Sadie Corre.  The Shonteff/Gordon production of “Devil Doll’ (1964) was later famously riffed on “Mystery Science Theater 3000” in 1997.

The screenplay and original story treatment for “Island of Terror” (1966) was written by Edward Mann and Allan “Al” Ramsen.   Fisher’s production of “Island of Terror” was produced and released in Great Britain by independent production/releasing firm Planet Film Productions/Planet Film Distributors.  Universal Studios obtained the North American releasing/distribution rights to Fisher’s 1966 Planet production of “Island of Terror” in 1967; according to IMDB.

This will mark Svengoolie’s fifth big broadcast of “Island of Terror” (1966) on the airlanes Me-TV.  He previously showcased Fisher’s classic 1966 horror-creature masterpiece entry back in May 2014, May 2015, Sept. 2016 and Sept. 2020.

Who was in “Island of Terror” (1966)?

The players who appeared in Terence Fisher’s production of “Island of Terror” (1966) were Peter Cushing (as Dr. Brian Stanley), Carole Gray (as Toni Merrill), Edward Judd (as Dr. David West), Eddie Byrne (as Dr. Reginald Landers), Peter Forbes-Robertson (as Dr. Lawrence Phillips), Sam Kydd (as Constable John Harris), James Caffrey (as Peter Argyle), Niall MacGinnis (as Mr. Roger Campbell), Keith Bell (as Halsey), Margaret Lacey (as an elderly woman), Liam Gaffney (as Ian Bellows), Joyce Hemson (as Mrs. Bellows), Roger Heathcott (as Dunley), Shay Gorman (as Morton) and Richard Bidlake (as Carson).

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, in 2-D), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie Super SvenPals everywhere will be dancing and jumping for joy for his upcoming big broadcast of a classic mammoth Universal Studios “Gill-Man” monster sequel masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, in 2-D)

 A snippet from Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal Studios “Creature”/”Gill-Man” monster sequel masterpiece production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, presented in 2-D).

“All-New Thrills! Shock! Suspense!” Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical poster art for “Revenge of the Creature.”

The legendary and iconic Berwyn/Chicago-based classic mammoth monster/creature feature film masterpiece host will present his big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) in 2-D this Sat., Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV. The classic mammoth 1955 Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece was directed by veteran director Jack Arnold.

Revenge of the Creature” (1955) is the sequel to Arnold’s earlier classic mammoth Universal “Gill-Man” 3-D monster masterpiece, “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954) with Julie Adams, Ricou Browning, Ben Chapman, Nestor Paiva, Richard Carlson and Richard Denning.

Alongside the two classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece productions, 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– Arnold’s classic mammoth 1953 Universal sci-fi masterpiece production marked one of Universal’s first 3-D feature film productions), “Tarantula” (1955) with  John Agar, Mara Corday, Leo G. Carroll, Nestor Paiva, a pre-“Beverly Hillbillies” Raymond Bailey and young Bing Russell,  “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).

One of Arnold’s latter feature film directorial works was his classic mammoth Columbia Pictures comedy masterpiece production of “The Mouse That Roared” (1959) with Peter Sellers, Jean Seberg, William Hartnell (in his pre-BBC “Doctor Who” days, Hartnell went onto greater fame as the “First Doctor” in the aforementioned classic mammoth BBC television sci-fi masterpiece series from 1963-66 and his final appearance in a guest spot in 1973) and David Kossoff.  He directed the classic mammoth Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) comedy short subject masterpiece featuring Dan Rowan and Dick Martin (of their classic mammoth NBC-TV comedy/variety masterpiece series, “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” fame), “Rowan & Martin at the Movies” (1968).

After his feature film directorial stint with Universal Studios, Arnold mostly turned his attention to directing numerous television programs for the remainder of his directorial career.  Arnold directed two episodes of the classic mammoth CBS television drama masterpiece series adaptation of Erle Stanley Gardner‘s “Perry Mason” with Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper, Ray Collins and William Talman (the two “Perry Mason” episodes that Arnold directed were 1964’s “The Case of the Scandalous Sculptor” and 1965’s “The Case of the Thermal Thief“). To paraphrase Sven, “Jack Arnold directed two episodes of.. “Perry Mason!” -C.H. Arnold directed 26 episodes of the classic mammoth Gladysya (Phil Silvers)-Sherwood Schwartz-United Artists-CBS comedy masterpiece series, “Gilligan’s Island” with Bob Denver, Alan Hale Jr.,  Jim Backus (of “Mister Magoo” fame to fellow Super Tooners/Super SvenPals of Toony & Bill’s “Toon In With Me”), Natalie Schafer, Tina Louise, Dawn Wells and Russell Johnson (Arnold directed 26 episodes of the series from 1964-66).

The 1955 Universal “Creature” monster sequel was produced by veteran actor-turned-Universal Studios producer and Jack Arnold’s longtime feature film co-collaborator, William Alland.  Alland also co-wrote the screenplay for “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) with veteran screenwriter Martin Berkeley.  Alongside co-writing the screenplay for Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature”/”Gill-Man” monster masterpiece production with Alland, Berkeley also co-wrote the screenplay for Arnold’s classic mammoth 1955 Universal arachnid creature/sci-fi masterpiece production of “Tarantula” with veteran screenwriter Robert M. Fresco; Fresco also co-wrote the original story treatment for “Tarantula” with Jack Arnold.

One year after “Revenge of the Creature,” the third and final installment of Universal’s “Creature” monster trilogy film series was produced and released in 2-D; titled “The Creature Walks Among Us” (1956, directed by John Sherwood; with Leigh Snowden, Ricou Browning, Don Megowan, Jeff Morrow and Rex Reason).

This will mark Sven’s ninth big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) from coast-to-coast on the airlanes of Me-TV.  He previously showcased Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster sequel masterpiece back in Jan. 2013, Aug. 2013, July 2014, May 2015,  Oct. 2016, Sept. 2018,  Jan. 2020 and Feb. 2022. *Sidebar: Sven’s 2018 big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) was originally scheduled for a late March 2018  big broadcast for Sven’s showcase, but was withdrawn due to a scheduling conflict at the time between Me-TV and Universal Studios/Universal Television/NBCUniversal Television Distribution (now known as NBCUniversal Syndication Studios).  Sven’s re-broadcast of Alan Landsburg’s cult made-for-TV insect thriller “Ants!” (1977, a.k.a. “It Happened at Lakewood Manor”) aired in place of “Revenge of the Creature” on March 24, 2018.

Who was in Jack Arnold’s Universal sequel production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955)?

The players who appeared in Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” sequel masterpiece production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) were Ricou Browning (in uncredited dual roles as the Creature for underwater/Marineland tank-based scenes and a laboratory technician),  Lori Nelson (as Helen Dobson),  Tom Hennesy (in uncredited dual roles as the Creature for land-based scenes and a Marineland diver),  Ginger Stanley (in an uncredited role for the underwater stunt sequences for Lori Nelson’s characterization of Helen Dobson), Nestor Paiva (as Lucas), John Agar (as Prof. Clete Ferguson), young Clint Eastwood (in an uncredited role as Jennings), John Bromfield (as Joe Hayes),  Grandon Rhodes (as Jackson Foster),  Dave Willock (as Lou Gibson), Charles Cane (as a police captain) and Robert B. Williams (as George Johnson).

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “The Mole People” (1956), this Sat. on Me-TV

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

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “The Mole People” (1956)

Original 1956 Universal Studios theatrical trailer for “The Mole People.”

With an Australian film classification rating of “R!” Original 1956 Universal Studios Australian theatrical poster art for “The Mole People.”

The legendary and iconic Berwyn/Chicago-based classic mammoth sci-fi/creature feature film masterpiece host will present his big broadcast of “The Mole People” (1956), this Sat.; April 22 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic mammoth Universal sci-fi creature masterpiece production The Mole People” was directed by veteran Universal editor-turned-director Virgil Vogel.  Vogel spent most of his career at Universal, several of classic mammoth Universal Studios masterpiece productions that he edited for theatrical release included  Charles Lamont’s classic mammoth Universal monster-comedy masterpiece,  “Abbott & Costello Meet the Invisible Man” (1951) with Bud Abbott, Lou Costello,  Arthur Franz,  John Daheim, Nancy Guild,  Adele Jergens, Sheldon Leonard and William Frawley of TV’s “I Love Lucy” and the early years of “My Three Sons”/”Binge the Cringe” fame, Joseph Newman’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi masterpiece production of “This Island Earth” (1955) with Regis Parton, Charlotte Alpert, Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, Rex Reason, Russell Johnson of TV’s “Gilligan’s Island” fame, Lance Fuller, Robert Nichols, Richard Deacon of TV’s “Leave It to Beaver” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show” fame and Olan Soule and supervised the editing of Orson Welles’ classic mammoth Universal film noir-drama masterpiece adaptation of Whit Masterson’s “Badge of Evil;” “Touch of Evil” (1958) with Janet Leigh, Welles, Dennis Weaver, Charlton Heston, Joanna Moore and Ray Collins of TV’s “Perry Mason” fame.

“The Mole People” (1956) marked Vogel’s directorial debut at Universal.  Virgil Vogel’s other classic mammoth Universal feature film productions include “The Land Unknown” (1957, with Jock Mahoney, Shawn Smith, William Reynolds, Henry Brandon, Douglas Kennedy and Phil Harvey) and the finale feature in Universal’s “Ma and Pa Kettle” comedy series (sans Percy Kilbride), “The Kettles on Old MacDonald’s Farm” (1957, with Marjorie Main, Parker Fennelly, Gloria Talbott and a young Claude Akins).  The screenplay for Vogel’s 1956 Universal creature production was written by veteran screenwriter László Görög. “The Mole People” was produced by veteran Universal feature film producer William Alland.  One of Vogel’s final productions in his career was also at his home studio of Universal, he directed one episode of the classic mammoth Donald P. Bellisario-Universal-NBC television sci-fi/fantasy/supernatural/time travel masterpiece series with Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell; “Quantum Leap” (1991’s “A Single Drop of Rain- Sept. 7, 1953“).

This will mark Sven’s ninth big broadcast of  Virgil Vogel’s classic mammoth 1956 Universal sci-fi/fantasy/creature masterpiece production of “The Mole People” (1956) on Me-TV.  He previously aired Virgil Vogel’s classic Universal sci-fi creature/fantasy-thriller masterpiece back in Oct. 2011*, March 2012*, Sept. 2012*, April 2013, Jan. 2014, Dec. 2015,  June 2018 and Feb. 2020.

Who was in Virgil Vogel’s Universal creature production of “The Mole People?”

The players who appeared in “The Mole People” were John Agar (as Dr. Roger Bentley), Cynthia Patrick (as Adad/Adel), Hugh Beaumont (as Dr. Jud Bellamin), Alan Napier (as the High Priest Elinu), Nestor Paiva (as Prof. Etienne Lafarge), Rodd Redwing (as Nazar), Robin Hughes (as a first officer), Dr. Frank C. Baxter (as himself), Phil Chambers (as Dr. Paul Stuart), and the “Mole People” creature ensemble of Bob Herron, Bob Hoy, Joe Rubino and Eddie Parker.

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954) plus “Sventoonie;” this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be dancing & jumping for joy for his big broadcast of one of the many definitive classic mammoth Universal Studios monster/sci-fi masterpieces.

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954), plus “Sventoonie” 

A snippet from Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal Studios monster masterpiece production of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954) with Julie Adams.

“In underwater ‘3-D’!” Latter Universal Studios re-issue poster for Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal monster masterpiece production of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954), for the 1970s anaglyph 3-D re-release.

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based classic mammoth monster/sci-fi/creature feature film masterpiece host will present his big broadcast of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954), this Sat., Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central; followed by “Sventoonie” at 10:30 p.m. Eastern/9:30 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic mammoth 1954 Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece production of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” was directed by veteran studio director Jack Arnold.   Some of Arnold’s other classic mammoth Universal sci-fi and fantasy feature film masterpiece productions include  “It Came from Outer Space” (1953, one of the first 3-D feature film productions for Universal); “Tarantula” (1955), “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) and “Monster on the Campus” (1958).

Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece production of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954) was produced by veteran actor-turned-veteran Universal Studios producer/production official William Alland.  The screenplay for “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954) was written by veteran screenwriters Harry Essex and Arthur Ross.

After the major box-office success of Arnold’s classic mammoth 1954 Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece production of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954); he filmed a classic mammoth 3-D Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece sequel, “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) with  Ricou Browning, Lori Nelson, Tom Hennesy, Ginger Stanley, Nestor Paiva, John Agar, young Clint Eastwood and John Bromfield.

Sidebar: On the evening Thurs., July 29, 1982; Son of Svengoolie’s WFLD/32 Berwyn/Chicago 3-D broadcast of Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster sequel masterpiece production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, presented in the anaglyph blue/red 3-D format for the classic Berwyn/Chicago Son of Sven 3-D big broadcast) was showcased, WFLD was one of many stations from coast-to-coast that acquired the local broadcast rights to a syndicated anaglyph 3-D version of “Revenge of the Creature” from Universal/MCA; WFLD teamed up with local Chicago/Berwyn 7-Eleven stores for Son of Svengoolie’s big 3-D broadcast, where viewers could purchase 3-D glasses with any 7-Eleven purchase prior to the 1982 big broadcast; according to footage Rick Klein’s FuzzyMemoriesTV : The Museum of Classic Chicago Television; Klein unearthed the classic 1982 WFLD Son of Svengoolie 3-D “Revenge of the Creature” big broadcast segments years ago. -C.H.

Universal produced and released their third and final classic mammoth “Gill-Man”/”Creature” monster masterpiece production, “The Creature Walks Among Us” (1956), with Ricou Browning,  Jeff Morrow, Leigh Snowden  and  Rex Reason.  The final Universal “Creature” monster production was directed by John Sherwood and was not filmed in 3-D.

This will mark Sven’s tenth big broadcast of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954) from coast-to-coast on the airlanes of Me-TV.  He previously showcased Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth 1954 Universal  “Creature” monster masterpiece production as a coast-to-coast big broadcast premiere back in April 2011* and as regular big Me-TV broadcasts back in May 2012*, July 2014, Nov. 2015, July 2017, Dec. 2018, Feb.2019 (Sven’s Feb. 2019 big broadcast of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” was dedicated to the life, career and memory of the legendary Julie Adams; Adams died on Feb. 3, 2019) -C.H., Nov. 2019 and as a Sven/Me-TV big broadcast on my Birthday back on Jan. 16, 2021! -C.H.

Who was in Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece production pof  “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954)?

Julie Adams, Ben Chapman (in the “Creature” outfit) and Richard Carlson during the filming of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954).

The players who appeared in Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth 1954 Universal “Creature” monster/sci-fi masterpiece production of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” were Julie Adams (as Kay Lawrence, alongside “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” Adams received screen credit in most of her Universal feature film appearances at the time under the name of Julia Adams),  veteran stunt performer Ginger Stanley (who was a stunt double for some of Julie Adams’ swimming sequences in “Creature from the Black Lagoon”).veteran stunt diver/stunt performer Ricou Browning (who appeared in an uncredited role in the Universal “Creature” monster costume for underwater sequences),  veteran stunt performer Ben Chapman (who appeared in an uncredited role in the Universal “Creature” monster costume for the land-based sequences),  Richard Carlson (as David Reed),  Richard Denning (as Mark Williams), Nestor Paiva (as Lucas),  Antonio Moreno (as Carl Maia), Bernie Gozier (as Zee), Henry A. Escalante (as Chico), Whit Bissell (as Dr. Thompson)

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “The Land Unknown” (1957); this Sat. on Me-TV

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

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “The Land Unknown” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV

Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical release trailer for “The Land Unknown.”

Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical poster artwork element for “The Land Unknown.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based classic mammoth creature/fantasy feature film host will present his big broadcast of “The Land Unknown” (1957), this Sat.; Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic mammoth 1957 Universal creature-fantasy-adventure feature film masterpiece production was directed by veteran feature film editor-turned-feature film & TV director Virgil W. Vogel.   Vogel edited the final theatrical product for several classic mammoth Universal feature film productions throughout the 1950s, including Lee Sholem’s classic mammoth Universal “Ma & Pa Kettle” comedy masterpiece installment with Marjorie Main, Percy Kilbride, Lori Nelson, a pre-“Gilligan’s Island” Russell Johnson, Byron Palmer and Ben Chapman (of Jack Arnold’s “Creature From the Black Lagoon” fame for the Land-based “Creature”/”Gill-Man” sequences), “Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki” (1953), Joseph Newman’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi masterpiece production of “This Island Earth” (1955) with Regis Parton, Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, Rex Reason, Russell Johnson, Lance Fuller, Richard Deacon, Olan Soule, Coleman Francis and Orangey the Cat and for Orson Welles’ classic mammoth Universal film noir-mystery masterpiece with Welles, Janet Leigh, Marlene Dietrich, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Charlton Heston, young Dennis Weaver and Ray Collins (later of TV’s “Perry Mason” fame), “Touch of Evil” (1958).

Vogel directed his classic mammoth Universal creature/sci-fi masterpiece production of “The Mole People” (1956)  with John Agar, Cynthia Patrick, a pre-“Leave It To Beaver” Hugh Beaumont, Nestor Paiva and Alan Napier (later of TV’s “Batman” fame) and he also directed his classic mammoth Universal “Ma & Pa Kettle” comedy masterpiece installment of  “The Kettles on Old MacDonald’s Farm” (1957) with Marjorie Main, Parker Fennelly, Gloria Talbott and young Claude Akins.  Vogel also directed numerous episodes of classic mammoth Universal Studios/MCA (Revue) TV productions in the latter part of his career, including various episodes of “Wagon Train” (1958-65) one episode of “Knight Rider” (1982), seven episodes of “Airwolf” (1984-85), four episodes of “Miami Vice” (1987-88) and one episode of “Quantum Leap” (1991).

The screenplay for Vogel’s production of “The Land Unknown” was written by veteran screenwriters  László Görög, based on an adaptation of Charles Palmer’s story idea by William N. Robson.  Vogel’s “The Land Unknown” (1957) was produced by veteran Universal producer William Alland.

This will mark Svengoolie’s sixth big broadcast of Vogel’s classic mammoth Universal creature-fantasy-adventure masterpiece production of “The Land Unknown” (1957) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Vogel’s classic mammoth 1957 creature/fantasy/adventure masterpiece back in May 2014 (as a coast-to-coast big broadcast premiere), May 2015, Nov. 2016, July 2017 and July 2020.

Who was in Virgil Vogel’s classic mammoth 1957 Universal creature-fantasy-adventure production?

The players who appeared in Virgil Vogel’s 1957 Universal creature-fantasy-adventure production of “The Land Unknown” were Jock Mahoney (as Cmndr. Harold Roberts), Shawn Smith (a pseudonym for Shirley Patterson, as Margaret Hathaway),  Henry Brandon (as Dr. Carl Hunter), William Reynolds (as Lt. Jack Carmen),  Douglas Kennedy (as Capt. Burnham), Bing Russell (in an uncredited role as a radio operator), Phil Harvey (as Steve Miller) and Bert Stevens (as an officer at the briefing).

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “The Deadly Mantis” (1957), plus “Sventoonie,” this Sat. on Me-TV

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

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “The Deadly Mantis” (1957), plus “Sventoonie,” this Sat. on Me-TV

A snippet from Nathan Hertz Juran’s classic mammoth Universal Studios sci-fi/creature masterpiece production of “The Deadly Mantis” (1957).

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based classic sci-fi monster/creature masterpiece feature film host will present his big broadcast of “The Deadly Mantis” (1957), this Sat.; July 9 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1957 classic mammoth Universal sci-fi creature-monster masterpiece was directed by veteran director Nathan Hertz Juran.  Hertz/Juran was also known for his numerous collaborations with veteran visual effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen and his classic “Dynamation” stop-motion masterpieces for Columbia Pictures, including  “20 Million Miles to Earth” (1957) and “The 7^th Voyage of Sinbad” (1959).  Juran’s other classic sci-fi masterpiece features include his classic mammoth Allied Artists sci-fi/fantasy feature film masterpiece production of   “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman” (1958) and his latter classic mammoth Universal monster masterpiece production of “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf” (1973).

“The Deadly Mantis” was produced by veteran actor-turned-Universal producer William Alland, who also wrote the original story treatment for “The Deadly Mantis” (1957).  Alland usually co-collaborated on numerous classic mammoth latter Universal Studios monster, creature and sci-fi masterpiece productions with veteran director Jack Arnold; including Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi masterpiece production of “It Came from Outer Space” (1953) with Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, a pre-“Gilligan’s Island” Russell Johnson, Kathleen Hughes and Charles Drake); Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece production of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954) with Ricou Browning, Julie Adams, Richard Carlson, Nestor Paiva, Ben Chapman, Whit Bissell and Richard Denning; Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster sequel masterpiece production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) with Ricou Browning, Lori Nelson, Tom Hennesy, Nestor Paiva,  Ginger Stanley,  John Agar, young Clint Eastwood and John Bromfield , the classic mammoth Universal sci-fi/fantasy masterpiece production that was co-directed by Arnold and Joseph M. Newman, “This Island Earth” (1955) with Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, Rex Reason,  Lance Fuller, Russell Johnson,, Olan Soule, a pre-“Dick Van Dyke Show” Richard Deacon and Orangey the Cat and Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal arachnid sci-fi creature masterpiece production of “Tarantula” (1955) with John Agar, Mara Corday, Nestor Paiva, Leo G. Carroll, a pre-“Beverly Hillbillies” Raymond Bailey, Hank Patterson, young Clint Eastwood, Ross Elliott and Bert Holland.

Alland’s original story treatment for Hertz/Juran’s classic mammoth 1957 Universal sci-fi creature/fantasy masterpiece production was adapted for the screen by veteran film and TV screenwriter Martin Berkeley.

This will mark Sven’s eighth big broadcast of “The Deadly Mantis” (1957) on Me-TV’s He previously broadcast Juran’s classic mammoth 1957 Universal sci-fi creature/monster/insect masterpiece production back in Jan. 2012 as a coast-to-coast big broadcast premiere* and as regular big broadcasts back in Oct. 2012*, March 2013*, May 2014*, Nov. 2015*, Nov. 2017* and May 2020*.

Who was in the classic mammoth Universal sci-fi creature/fantasy masterpiece production of “The Deadly Mantis” (1957)?

The players who appeared in Nathan Hertz Juran’s 1957 classic Universal sci-fi creature/monster masterpiece production of “The Deadly Mantis” were Craig Stevens (as Col. Joe Parkman), William Hopper (as Dr. Nedrick Jackson), Alix Talton (as Marge Blaine), Florenz Ames (as Prof. Anton Gunther), Donald Randolph (as Maj. Gen. Mark Ford), Floyd Simmons (as an Army Sergeant), Phil Harvey (as Lou), Pat Conway (as Sgt. Pete Allen),  Marvin Miller (in an uncredited role as the opening narrator), Paul Smith (as a Corporal), Helen Jay (as Mrs. Farley), Bing Russell (in an uncredited role as a State Trooper) and Harry Tyler (as a Manhattan tunnel spectator).

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957), plus “Sventoonie” this Sat., for those who can receive Me-TV**

Sidebar: Once again, Me-TV** is still unavailable in my neck of the woods as of this writing.  Additional details are explained in this week’s edition of  “Silver Screen Reflections.”  –C.H.

For those who can receive Me-TV**: Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals will be interested fin his upcoming big broadcast of a classic Universal Studios  sci-fi masterpiece production.

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957), plus “Sventoonie” for those who can receive Me-TV**

Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical release trailer for “The Monolith Monsters.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster/sci-fi feature film host will present his big broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957), this Sat.; June 4 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central, for those who can receive Me-TV**.

The classic mammoth 1957 Universal sci-fi creature-monster masterpiece production was directed by veteran director John Sherwood, who worked for Universal Studios for the majority of his career and also served as an assistant director/second-unit director for numerous studios, along with Universal throughout his years in the film industry.

Earlier in his assistant directorial/second-unit directorial career, Sherwood worked with Samuel Goldwyn and veteran director Sam Wood for their classic Academy Award-winning critically-acclaimed biopic masterpiece production on baseball player Lou Gehrig with Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Babe Ruth, Walter Brennan, Dan Duryea, Elsa Janssen, Ludwig Stössel and Bill Stern, “The Pride of the Yankees” (1942).  Sherwood also served as an assistant director for Anthony Mann’s classic mammoth Universal biopic masterpiece on Glenn Miller with James Stewart, June Allyson, Louis Armstrong, Harry Morgan, Barton MacLane, Charles Drake, Irving Bacon and Kathleen Lockhart; “The Glenn Miller Story” (1954).

Sherwood’s other feature film productions in his Universal directorial career  include his classic Universal mammoth western masterpiece production “Raw Edge” (1955) with Rory Calhoun, Yvonne De Carlo (later of Universal/TV’s “The Munsters” fame),  Mara Corday (of Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth 1955 Universal sci-fi arachnid creature masterpiece production, “Tarantula” fame), Neville Brand, Rex Reason (of Joseph M. Newman’s classic mammoth 1955 Universal sci-fi masterpiece production, “This Island Earth” fame) and John Gavin.  Sherwood also directed the finale feature in Universal’s classic mammoth “Creature From the Black Lagoon” monster masterpiece trilogy series; “The Creature Walks Among Us” (1956) with Jeff Morrow, Leigh Snowden, Ricou Browning and  Don Megowan.

Sherwood died in 1959 after serving in  an uncredited position as a second unit director for the classic mammoth Universal-Michael Gordon–Ross Hunter Academy Award-winning comedy masterpiece production of “Pillow Talk” (1959) with Doris Day, Rock Hudson, Tony Randall, Thelma Ritter and Hayden Rorke; according to IMDB.

The screenplay for Sherwood’s classic mammoth 1957 Universal sci-fi creature/monster masterpiece production was written by veteran screenwriters Robert M. Fresco and Norman Jolley.  Fresco also co-wrote the original story treatment for “The Monolith Monsters” (1957) with veteran Universal feature film director Jack Arnold.  Arnold directed the classic mammoth original Universal classic monster masterpiece production of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954) with Julie Adams, Ricou Browning, Ben Chapman, Richard Carlson, Bernie Gozier, Richard Denning, Nestor Paiva, Whit Bissell and the vocal stylings of Art Gilmore.

Fresco also wrote the screenplay for Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi arachnid creature masterpiece production of “Tarantula” (1955) with  John Agar, Mara Corday, Leo G. Carroll, Nestor Paiva, young Clint Eastwood, young Bing Russell, Edwin Rand, Steve Darrell, Dee Carroll, Ross Elliott, Hank Patterson, and Raymond Bailey (later of TV’s “The Beverly Hillbillies” fame).  Jolley mostly worked on scripts for numerous television productions in his career, including 36 episodes of the classic mammoth MCA-Revue-Universal-NBC TV western masterpiece series, “Wagon Train” from 1958-64 and a story consultant/screenwriter for Quinn Martin’s classic mammoth detective masterpiece series with Buddy Ebsen and Lee Meriwether, “Barnaby Jones” from 1977-80.

John Sherwood’s classic mammoth Universal sci-fi creature/monster masterpiece production of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957) was originally released as part of a coast-to-coast Universal double-feature theatrical presentation with another adventure-fantasy theatrical production from the studio.   Sherwood’s classic mammoth Universal monster sci-fi masterpiece production was paired with veteran screenwriter/sci-fi author Curt Siodmak’s Universal Eastmancolor fantasy-adventure feature production of “Love-Slaves of the Amazon” (1957) with Gianna Segale, Don Taylor, Ana Maria Nabuco, Gilda Nery and Eduardo Ciannelli; according to an original 1957 Universal Studios exhibitors’ double-feature twinfold advertisement for “The Monolith Monsters” and “Love-Slaves of the Amazon.”

This will mark Sven’s fifth big broadcast of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957) on Me-TV**.  He previously showcased Sherwood’s Universal classic cult monster masterpiece back in Jan. 2014* as a big coast-to-coast broadcast premiere and as regular coast-to-coast big broadcasts back in Feb. 2015*, Oct. 2016* and Feb. 2020*.

In Sven/Rich Koz’s home area of Berwyn/Chicago, Illinois during his days as the “Son of Svengoolie,” Sven/Son of Sven previously showcased John Sherwood’s classic mammoth Universal Studios sci-fi creature/monster masterpiece production of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957) as part of his 150^th Son of Sven Berwyn/Chicago big broadcast on WFLD back in June 1982; according to a video segment that was unearthed via Berwyn/Chicago television archivist Rick Klein’s official FuzzyMemoriesTV: The Museum of Classic Chicago Television YouTube site.

Who was in John Sherwood’s Universal production of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957)?

The players who appeared in John Sherwood’s Universal production of “The Monolith Monsters” (1957) were Grant Williams (as Dave Miller), Lola Albright (as Cathy Barrett), Les Tremayne (as Martin Cochrane), Trevor Bardette (as Prof. Arthur Flanders), Phil Harvey (as Ben Gilbert), William Flaherty (as Police Chief Dan Corey), Harry Jackson (as Dr. Steve Hendricks), Richard H. Cutting (as Dr. E.J. Reynolds), Linda Scheley (as Ginny Simpson), Dean Cromer (as a highway patrol officer), Steve Darrell (as Joe Higgins), young  Paul Petersen (in an uncredited role as Bobby the paperboy), young Troy Donahue (in an uncredited role as Hank Jackson), young William Schallert (in an uncredited role as a weatherman) and young Paul Frees (in an uncredited role as the narrator).

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, in 2-D), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his upcoming big broadcast of a classic mammoth Universal Studios monster “Creature” sequel masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, in 2-D)

Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical release trailer for Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster sequel masterpiece production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955, presented in 2-D).

“Weird monster escapes!” Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical poster art for “Revenge of the Creature.”

The legendary Berywn/Chicago-based classic monster/creature film host will present his big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) in 2-D this Sat., Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV. The classic mammoth 1955 Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece was directed by veteran director Jack Arnold.

Revenge of the Creature” (1955) is the sequel to Arnold’s earlier mammoth classic Universal monster masterpiece, “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954, with Julie Adams, Ricou Browning, Ben Chapman, Nestor Paiva, Richard Carlson and Richard Denning).

Alongside the two classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece productions, 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), “Tarantula” (1955) with  John Agar, Mara Corday, Leo G. Carroll, Nestor Paiva, a pre-“Beverly Hillbillies” Raymond Bailey and young Bing Russell,  “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).  The 1955 Universal “Creature” monster sequel was produced by veteran actor-turned-Universal Studios producer and Jack Arnold’s longtime feature film co-collaborator, William Alland.  Alland also co-wrote the screenplay for “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) with veteran screenwriter Martin Berkeley.

Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth 1955 Universal 3-D “Creature” monster masterpiece sequel production of “Revenge of the Creature” was released in several major cities as a double-feature presentation with Francis D. Lyon’s classic mammothUniversal 2-D snake monster-thriller, “Cult of the Cobra” (1955) with Faith Domergue, Richard Long, young David Janssen,  Kathleen Hughes, Olan Soule and Marshall Thompson); according to veteran film preservationist and 3-D film preservationist Bob Furmanek and his official 3-D Film Archive site.

One year after “Revenge of the Creature,” the third and final installment of Universal’s “Creature” monster trilogy film series was released in 2-D; titled “The Creature Walks Among Us” (1956, directed by John Sherwood; with Leigh Snowden, Ricou Browning, Don Megowan, Jeff Morrow and Rex Reason).

Arnold’s 1955 Universal “Creature” monster sequel production was later riffed on “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (ep. #801) on the Sci-Fi Channel (pre-SyFy) on Feb. 1, 1997 with Mike Nelson, the vocal stylings of Kevin Murphy (as robot Tom Servo) and the vocal stylings of Bill Corbett (as robot Crow T. Robot); according to MST3K Info/Satellite News.

This will mark Sven’s eighth big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) from coast-to-coast on the airlanes of Me-TV.  He previously showcased Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” monster sequel masterpiece back in Jan. 2013, Aug. 2013, July 2014, May 2015,  Oct. 2016, Sept. 2018 and Jan. 2020. *Sidebar: Sven’s 2018 big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) was originally scheduled for a late March 2018  big broadcast for Sven’s showcase, but was withdrawn due to a scheduling conflict at the time between Me-TV and Universal Studios/Universal Television.  Sven’s re-broadcast of Alan Landsburg’s made-for-TV thriller “Ants!” (1977, a.k.a. “It Happened at Lakewood Manor”) aired in place of “Revenge of the Creature” on March 24, 2018.

Who was in Jack Arnold’s Universal sequel production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955)?

The players who appeared in Jack Arnold’s classic mammoth Universal “Creature” sequel masterpiece production of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) were Ricou Browning (in uncredited dual roles as the Creature for underwater/Marineland tank-based scenes and a laboratory technician),  Lori Nelson (as Helen Dobson),  Tom Hennesy (in uncredited dual roles as the Creature for land-based scenes and a Marineland diver),  Ginger Stanley (in an uncredited role for the underwater stunt sequences for Lori Nelson’s characterization of Helen Dobson), Nestor Paiva (as Lucas), John Agar (as Prof. Clete Ferguson), young Clint Eastwood (in an uncredited role as Jennings), John Bromfield (as Joe Hayes),  Grandon Rhodes (as Jackson Foster),  Dave Willock (as Lou Gibson), Charles Cane (as a police captain) and Robert B. Williams (as George Johnson).

“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 “Cult of the Cobra” (1955), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of a classic Universal Studios sci-fi creature masterpiece with many familiar faces.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Cult of the Cobra” (1955)

Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical release trailer for “Cult of the Cobra” (1955).

Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical poster artwork for “Cult of the Cobra.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based sci-fi/creature film host will present his big broadcast of “Cult of the Cobra” (1955) this Sat., June 5 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The classic 1955 Universal sci-fi/creature/fantasy masterpiece production was directed by veteran editor/film & TV director Francis D. Lyon.  Lyon previously worked as an editorial department official on Robert Rossen’s classic critically-acclaimed film noir/drama/boxing masterpiece with John Garfield and Lilli Palmer, “Body and Soul” (1947).  Lyons also directed four episodes of the classic long-running CBS television masterpiece adaptation of Erle Stanley Gardner’s “Perry Mason” with Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper and William Talman (Lyon directed four episodes in 1962) and the cult classic feature film horror-thriller masterpiece for National Telefilm Associates (NTA)’s World Entertainment Corporation moniker with Virginia Mayo, Hugh Marlowe and Scott Brady; “Castle of Evil” (1966).  Lyon’s production of “Cult of the Cobra” (1955) was produced by veteran assistant director-turned-producer-turned production executive Howard Pine.  The same year that he produced “Cult of the Cobra,” Pine also produced Abner Biberman’s classic Universal film noir-drama masterpiece production of “Running Wild” (1955) with Mamie Van Doren, Keenan Wynn and William Campbell.  In the latter part of his film career, Pine served as a unit production manager for John G. Avildsen’s modern classic Columbia Pictures action-drama masterpiece with Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, Ralph Macchio and Elisabeth Shue; “The Karate Kid” (1984).

The original story idea for Lyon’s classic Universal sci-fi/creature/fantasy masterpiece production of “Cult of the Cobra” (1955) was written by veteran film and TV producer Jerry Davis.  Davis’ original story treatment for “Cult of the Cobra” was adapted into a screenplay by veteran screenwriters Richard Collins and Cecil Maiden.

This will mark Sven’s fifth big coast-to-coast broadcast of “Cult of the Cobra” (1955) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Lyon’s classic 1955 Universal sci-fi/creature/fantasy masterpiece back in Jan. 2013, Oct. 2013, June 2015, and July 2016.

In Sven/Rich Koz’s home area of Berwyn/Chicago during his days as the “Son of Svengoolie” from 1979-86, (Son of) Sven previously showcased Lyon’s classic Universal sci-fi/creature/fantasy production of “Cult of the Cobra: (1955) as a Berwyn/Chicago big broadcast on WFLD/32 back in May 1980, according to Berwyn/Chicago television archivist Rick Klein’s “FuzzyMemoriesTV: The Museum of Classic Chicago Television” official YouTube site.  Also in Sven/Rich Koz’s home area of Berwyn/Chicago, Svengoolie also aired “Cult of the Cobra” (1955) as a WCIU-TV 26/”The U”* big Berwyn/Chicago broadcast back in Jan. 1997, according to IMDB.

Who was in “Cult of the Cobra” (1955)?

The players who appeared in Francis D. Lyon’s classic Universal sci-fi/creature/fantasy masterpiece production of “Cult of the Cobra” (1955) were Faith Domergue (as Lisa Moya), Richard Long (as Paul Able), David Janssen (as Rico Nardi), Marshall Thompson (as Tom Markle), Kathleen Hughes (as Julia Thompson), Jack Kelly (as Carl Turner), Edward Platt (in an uncredited role as a Lamian threatening death), William Reynolds (as Pete Norton), Olan Soule (as Maj. Martin Fielding), Myrna Hansen (as Marian Sheehan), Leonard Strong (as Daru), James Dobson (as Cpl. Nick Hommel), Walter Coy (as a Police Inspector), Ruth Carlsson and Carl Carlsson (as cult dancers, credited under the name of the Carlssons),  Helen Wallace (as Mrs. Weber), Mary Alan Hokanson (as an Army Nurse), John Halloran (as a Lamian High Priest) and Alan Reynolds (as Capt. Steve Williams).