“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast of the legendary Universal Studios monster-comedy classic with the studio’s comedic duo!

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948), this Sat. on Me-TV

Realart theatrical re-issue trailer of the 1948 Universal Studios monster-comedy classic, “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.”

“It’s a grand new idea for fun!” Original 1948 Universal Studios poster artwork for “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster film host will present his big broadcast showcase of the classic Universal monster farce, “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948); this Sat., May 18 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV (part of Sven’s “Monstrous May” festival showcase of classic Universal “Frankenstein” monster films).

The final feature in Sven’s Sat. “Monstrous May” tribute to classic Universal “Frankenstein” monster films on Me-TV will be “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942, on May 25).

The 1948 classic Universal Monster-Abbott & Costello farce was directed by veteran Abbott & Costello feature film director Charles T. Barton.  Barton’s other films with Bud and Lou were “The Time of their Lives” (1946), “Buck Privates Come Home” (1947), “The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap” (1947, w/ Marjorie Main of “Ma and Pa Kettle” fame) and “The Noose Hangs High” (1948, one of the duo’s few non-Universal comedies).

This will mark Sven’s eighth big broadcast showcase presentation of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948) on Me-TV’s airlanes.  He had previously shown the celebrated Universal monster/Abbott & Costello classic comedy from coast-to-coast back in Oct. 2011*, Nov. 2013, Oct. 2014, April 2015, Oct. 2016, Nov. 2017 and Oct. 2018.

 

“Who’s on first?” Who was in “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948)?

The actors who appeared in “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948) were Bud Abbott (as Chick Young), Lou Costello (as Wilbur Grey), Glenn Strange (in his third Universal screen feature appearance as Frankenstein’s monster; he previously played the role of Frankenstein’s monster in Erle C. Kenton‘s “House of Frankenstein” in 1944 and Kenton’s “House of Dracula” in 1945), Bela Lugosi (in his second and final Universal feature screen appearance as Count Dracula in a Universal feature; he previously played Count Dracula in Tod Browning’s landmark Universal screen monster adaptation of “Dracula” in 1931), Lon Chaney Jr. (in his  fifth Universal screen monster feature appearance as Lawrence/Larry “Wolf Man” Talbot; he previously played the role in George Waggner‘s “The Wolf Man” in 1941, Roy William Neil‘s “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man” in 1943, 1944’s “House of Frankenstein” and 1945’s “House of Dracula”), Lenore Aubert (as Dr. Sandra Mornay), a non-credited vocal cameo by a young Vincent Price (as a “surprise” Universal monster) Jane Randolph (as Joan Raymond), Bobby Barber (in an uncredited role as a waiter), Charles Bradstreet (as Dr. Stevens), Frank Ferguson (as Mr. McDougal) and Harry Brown (in an non-credited role as a photographer).

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“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast showcase of “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be jumping for joy for his upcoming big broadcast showcase of a classic Universal Studios monster masterpiece sequel.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast showcase of “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935)

1935 Universal Studios publicity still of Elsa Lanchester and Boris Karloff in James Whale‘s “Bride of Frankenstein.”

“More fearful than the monster himself!” Original 1935 Universal Studios poster art for James Whale‘s “Bride of Frankenstein” with Elsa Lanchester and Boris Karloff.

The legendary Chicago/Berwyn-based monster film host will present his big broadcast showcase of “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), this Sat., May 11 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV (part of Sven’s “Monstrous May” showcase of classic Universal “Frankenstein” monster films).

The remaining films in Sven’s Sat. May tribute to the classic Universal “Frankenstein” features will include “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948, on May 18) and “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942, on May 25).

“Bride of Frankenstein” (1935, the sequel to 1931’s “Frankenstein”) was directed by veteran Universal director James Whale.  Whale also directed the aforementioned 1931 Universal monster masterpiece with Boris Karloff in the title monster role.

In addition to “Frankenstein” and “Bride of Frankenstein,” Whale also directed the Universal screen adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” (1933, with Claude Rains and Gloria Stuart).

This will mark Sven’s seventh big broadcast of “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Whale’s 1935 Universal monster sequel back in June 2011*, Sept. 2012*, April 2014, June 2015, April 2016 and June 2017.

 

To quote Universal’s concluding motto, “A good cast is worth repeating.”  Who was in Whale’s Universal production of “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935)?

The players who appeared in Whale’s 1935 Universal monster sequel were Elsa Lanchester (who played the dual roles of author Mary Shelley and “the monster’s mate;” Lanchester was married to stage and screen actor Charles Laughton from 1928 until his death in 1962), Boris Karloff (as Frankenstein’s monster), Colin Clive (as Henry Frankenstein), Valerie Hobson (as Elizabeth Frankenstein), Dwight Frye (as Karl), Una O’Connor (as Minnie), Douglas Walton (as Percy Shelley),  O.P. Heggie (as a Hermit), Ernest Thesiger (as Dr. Pretorius), E.E. Clive (as the Burgomaster), Gavin Gordon (as Lord Byron), young Walter Brennan (in an uncredited role as a neighbor), Billy Barty (in an uncredited role as a baby) and John Carradine (in an uncredited role as a hunter at the Hermit’s cabin).

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast showcase of “Frankenstein” (1931), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be jumping for joy for his big broadcast showcase of a classic Universal Studios monster masterpiece.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast showcase of “Frankenstein” (1931)

Latter Realart re-issue trailer for the Universal Studios production of “Frankenstein” (originally released in 1931).

Original 1931 Universal Studios poster artwork for James Whale‘s “Frankenstein,” with Boris Karloff.

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster film host will present his big broadcast showcase of “Frankenstein” (1931), this Sat., May 4 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV (as part of Sven’s “Monstrous May” festival of classic Universal “Frankenstein” monster features).

This will be the “kick-off” film in Sven’s Universal “Frankenstein” tribute throughout the month of May on Me-TV.  Other Universal “Frankenstein” masterpieces in Sven’s Sat. “Monstrous May” festival will include “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935, on May 11), “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948, on May 18) and “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942, on May 25).

Adapted from Mary Shelley’s novel, the 1931 production of “Frankenstein” was directed by veteran Universal director James Whale.  Whale also directed the Universal screen adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The Invisible Man” (1933, with Claude Rains and Gloria Stuart) and the landmark Universal “Frankenstein” monster sequel, “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935, with Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester).

This will mark Sven’s fifth coast-to-coast big broadcast of Whale’s 1931 Universal monster classic on Me-TV.  He previously showcased ‘Frankenstein” back in Nov. 2013, Nov. 2014, Oct. 2015  and Sept. 2017.

 

 

To quote Universal’s ending motto, “A good cast is worth repeating.”  Who was in Whale’s Universal production of “Frankenstein” (1931)?

The players who appeared in James Whale’s classic Universal adaptation of “Frankenstein” were Boris Karloff (as Frankenstein’s monster), Colin Clive (as Dr. Henry Frankenstein), Mae Clarke (as Elizabeth), Edward Van Sloan (who played the dual roles of Dr. Waldman and the introductory prologue announcer, Sloan played Van Helsing in Tod Browning’s 1931 Universal monster masterpiece with Bela Lugosi, “Dracula”), John Boles (as Victor Moritz), Dwight Frye (as Fritz; Frye was also known for his role of Renfield in 1931’s “Dracula”), Marilyn Harris (as Maria), Frederick Kerr (as Baron Frankenstein), Francis Ford (in an uncredited screen role as Hans, Ford was the older brother of director John Ford) and Lionel Belmore (as the Burgomaster).

“Svengoolie” to showcase his big broadcast of “House of Dracula” (1945), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be excited about his upcoming big broadcast showcase of a classic Universal Studios monster cavalcade with several monster cinema legends.

Theatrical trailer for Universal Studios’ “House of Dracula” (1945), altered for Realart Pictures’ latter re-release.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “House of Dracula” (1945), this Sat. on Me-TV

Original Universal Studios poster art for “House of Dracula” (1945).

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster film host will present his big broadcast of “House of Dracula” (1945), this Sat.; April 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“House of Dracula” (1945) was directed by veteran actor-turned-director Erle C. Kenton. Kenton also directed the Paramount screen adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “Island of Lost Souls” (1932).  The director’s other Universal features include two Bud Abbott and Lou Costello comedy films, “Who Done It?” and “Pardon My Sarong” (both 1942).  Kenton also worked on two previous Universal monster productions, “Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942) and “House of Frankenstein” (1944).

This will mark Sven’s sixth big broadcast showcase of “House of Dracula” (1945) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased the 1945 Universal monster entry back in April 2011*, July 2012*, June 2013, Feb. 2014 and July 2016.

Who was in “House of Dracula” (1945)?

The players who appeared in “House of Dracula” (1945) were John Carradine (as Count Dracula, a.k.a. Baron Latos), Lon Chaney Jr. (as Larry Talbot/the “Wolf Man”), Glenn Strange (as Frankenstein’s monster), Jane Adams (as Nina), Lionel Atwill (as Inspector Holtz), Martha O’Driscoll as Miliza Morelle, Onslow Stevens (as Dr. Franz Edelmann), Skelton Knaggs (as Steinmuhl), Ludwig Stossel (as Siegfried), Jane Nigh and Harry Lamont (in uncredited roles as villagers).

“Svengoolie” to present “Dr. Cyclops” (1940), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be looking forward to his upcoming big broadcast of a classic Paramount Pictures sci-fi adventure-fantasy thriller.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast showcase of “Dr. Cyclops” (1940), this Sat. on Me-TV

Altered teaser trailer for the Paramount production of “Dr. Cyclops” (1940).  Note how there is a gray block (around the 0:47 mark), masking the reference to Paramount (a result of MCA-Universal’s latter ownership of the pre-1948 Paramount sound features).

Original 1940 Paramount Pictures exhibitors’ ad for “Dr. Cyclops.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based sci-fi/thriller film host will present his big broadcast of “Dr. Cyclops” (1940), this Sat., March 23 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1940 Paramount sci-fi fantasy-adventure thriller was directed by veteran director Ernest B. Schoedsack and was produced by veteran producers Merian C. Cooper (who was uncredited in the 1940 production) and Dale Van Every.  Seven years earlier, Schoedsack and Cooper worked on their own successful monster classic for RKO Radio Pictures, “King Kong” (1933) and the sequel, “Son of Kong” (1933).

The veteran director developed the idea for “Dr. Cyclops” on extensive storyboards with a series of blueprints. Schoedsack’s sci-fi thriller was originally slated to be part of a Paramount anthology series of thriller features, according to the American Film Institute’s database article on “Dr. Cyclops” (1940).

This will mark Sven’s seventh telecast of “Dr. Cyclops” (1940) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Schoedsack’s Paramount sci-fi thriller back in Nov. 2011*, Sept. 2012*, April 2013, March 2014, Jan. 2016 and Dec. 2017.

Who was in the 1940 Schoedsack-Paramount sci-fi thriller?

The players who appeared in Schoedsack’s production of “Dr. Cyclops” (1940) were Albert Dekker (as Dr. Thorkel), Janice Logan (as Dr. Mary Robinson), Paul Fix (as Dr. Mendoza, Fix was later known for his role of Marshal Micah Torrance on the 1958-63 Chuck Connors TV western series, “The Rifleman”), Thomas Coley (as Bill Stockton), Charles Halton (as Dr. Bullfinch), Frank Reicher (as Professor Kendall), Frank Yaconelli (as Pedro) and Victor Kilian (as Steve Baker).

“Svengoolie” to premiere “4D Man” (1959), this Sat. on Me-TV from coast-to-coast

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be excited about his upcoming big broadcast premiere of a classic cult sci-fi fantasy thriller.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast premiere of “4D Man” (1959), this Sat. on Me-TV

Original Jack H. Harris (Harris Enterprises)/Universal Studios theatrical trailer for “4D Man” (1959).

Original Jack H. Harris/Universal Studios poster artwork for “4D Man” (1959).

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based sci-fi film host will present his big broadcast premiere of “4D Man” (1959), this Sat., March 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“4D Man” (1959) was directed by Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr. and was produced by Jack H. Harris, under Harris’ “Fairview Productions” moniker.  One year before “4D Man,” Harris and Yeaworth worked on their mammoth sci-fi hit, “The Blob” (1958, originally released theatrically by Paramount Pictures); with a young Steve McQueen and Aneta Corsaut .

The Harris-Yeaworth production of “4D Man” was originally released theatrically by Universal Studios in 1959.  One year later, Universal handled the theatrical release of Harris and Yeaworth’s fantasy creature feature, “Dinosaurus!” (1960); with Ward Ramsey, Kristina Hanson and Gregg Martell.

Who was in “4D Man” (1959)?

The players who appeared in “4D Man” were Robert Lansing (as Dr. Scott Nelson), Lee Meriwether (as Linda Davis), Patty Duke (as Marjorie Sutherland), James Congdon (as Dr. Tony Nelson), Robert Strauss (as Roy Parker), Edgar Stehli (as Dr. Theodore W. Carson), Guy Raymond (as Fred), Chic James (as a “B-Girl”), Elbert Smith (as Capt. Rogers), George Karas (as Sgt. Todaman, Karas was credited as “George Kara” in the film) and Jasper Deeter (as Mr. Welles).

“Svengoolie” to present “The Black Cat” (1941), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be excited about his upcoming showcase of a classic Universal Studios horror-mystery-comedy adaptation of an earlier studio mystery-thriller feature classic.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Black Cat” (1941)

Realart re-release trailer for Universal Studios’ 1941 edition of “The Black Cat.”

Original Universal Studios poster artwork for “The Black Cat” (1941).

The legendary Chicago/Berwyn-based thriller film host will present his big broadcast showcase of “The Black Cat” (1941), this Sat., March 2 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1941 Universal edition of “The Black Cat” was directed by Albert S. Rogell and was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s story of the same name.

Seven years earlier, Edgar G. Ulmer directed his own Universal dramatic horror-crime-adventure screen adaptation of Poe’s “The Black Cat” (1934, with Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Lucille Lund and John Carradine).

This will mark Sven’s third coast-to-coast showcase of Rogell’s 1941 Universal adaptation of “The Black Cat” on Me-TV.  Sven previously showcased the 1941 version of “The Black Cat” back in Sept. 2014 and Nov. 2016.

Who was in “The Black Cat” (1941)?

The players who appeared in Rogell’s Universal edition of “The Black Cat” (1941) were Basil Rathbone (as Montague Hartley), Bela Lugosi (as Eduardo Vigos), Gale Sondergaard (as Abigail Doone), Alan Ladd (as Richard Hartley), Anne Gwynne (as Elaine Winslow), Hugh Herbert (as Mr. Penny), Broderick Crawford (as Hubert Smith), Gladys Cooper (as Myrna Hartley), Cecilia Loftus (as Henrietta Winslow), Claire Dodd (as Margaret Gordon) and John Eldredge (as Stanley Borden).