“Silver Screen Reflections” salutes “Svengoolie” on his 40th anniversary on TV (a brief post)

The author of “Silver Screen Reflections” celebrates the 40th anniversary of legendary Chicago/Berwyn-based monster/horror/sci-fi film host, Svengoolie (Mr. Rich Koz) and fellow super SvenPals everywhere!

The opening to (Son of) Svengoolie (portrayed by Rich Koz)’s June 1979 debut broadcast on WFLD-TV.  Note how the coffin still has the drawing of the senior Sven (portrayed by Jerry G. Bishop from 1970-73).

June 16, 1979: The “Son of Svengoolie” (portrayed by Koz) made his big broadcast debut on the Chicago/Berwyn airlanes of WFLD-TV 32, according to Sven’s official site. The opening introduction to (son of) Sven’s first show was narrated by radio disc jockey and television personality Jerry G. Bishop (Bishop portrayed the senior “Svengoolie” on WFLD’s “Screaming Yellow Theater” horror film showcase from 1970-73).

Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon and Svengoolie (portrayed by Rich Koz) performing their hit song, “Svengoolie Stomp” (ca. 2016)!

Since Me-TV (sister station to Sven’s hometown station in Berwyn/Chicago since 1995, WCIU) came to the Washington, D.C./Frederick, Maryland area in early 2013 (as part of the network’s coast-to-coast expansion), I have been watching Sven’s classic evening horror/monster/creature/sci-fi/thriller film showcase (of classic Universal (and Universal’s pre-1948 Paramount) monster/horror/sci-fi/thriller features, along with recent additions of classic Columbia/Embassy and Warner Bros./Warner-owned monster/thriller/sci-fi/creature features, including several independently-produced features)!  And since the creation of “Silver Screen Reflections” with my weekly Sven film article posts and joining the Twitter airlanes in Sept. 2015, I have connected with many fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast by live-tweeting during Sven’s Sat. classic film showcase on Me-TV!  A wonderful crowd of fellow classic horror/creature/monster/thriller/sci-fi film aficionados!

Happy 40th anniversary to the Emmy-award and Rondo-award winning Svengoolie and to Sven’s alter-ego, Mr. Rich Koz (along with Doug Graves/Doug Scharf, Kerwyn & Zalman T. Tombstone)!  Here’s to many more years of classic horror/sci-fi/monster/creature features on the big broadcast airlanes from coast-to-coast on Me-TV!  Keep up the excellent work, Sven! Kudos and three cheers to Sven, Sven’s production team and to all fellow super Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast! -C.H.

A glimpse of my Hood College graduation/official Sven T-shirt photo appearance on Svengoolie (portrayed by Rich Koz) & Kerwyn’s “mail call” from July 2017!

 

Questions/Comments about “Svengoolie” and/or his 40th anniversary in television?  Drop a line in the comments section!

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“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Car” (1977), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals from coast-to-coast will be excited about his upcoming showcase of a classic cult Universal Studios action-thriller feature.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Car” (1977)

Original 1977 Universal Studios poster art for “The Car.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based thriller film host will present his big broadcast of “The Car” (1977), this Sat.; June 8 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

“The Car” (1977) was directed by veteran film and television director Elliot Silverstein (Silverstein also worked on 1965’s “Cat Ballou” and 1970’s “A Man Called Horse;” he also directed four episodes of the HBO television adaptation of EC Comics’ “Tales from the Crypt” from 1991-94).  The screenplay treatment for “The Car” was written by Michael Butler and Dennis Shyrack (Butler and Shyrack’s screenplay was originally under the title of “Wheels” and was changed to “The Car” after Universal executives bought the screen rights to Butler and Shyrack’s treatment since competing film distribution outfit United Artists had the feature film rights to Arthur Hailey’s “Wheels”), according to the American Film Institute.

This will mark Sven’s fourth big broadcast of “The Car” (1977) on Me-TV.  He had previously shown Silverstein’s Universal action-thriller back in Dec. 2011*, April 2016 and July 2017.

Who was in Elliot Silverstein’s 1977 Universal action thriller?

The players who appeared in “The Car” (1977) were James Brolin (as Wade Parent), Kathleen Lloyd (as Lauren), Kim Richards (as Lynn Marie), John Marley (as Everett), R.G. Armstrong (as Amos), Eddie Little Sky (as Denson), Elizabeth Thompson (as Margie), Ronny Cox (as Luke), Kyle Richards (as Debbie), Doris Dowling (as Bertha), Robert Phillips (as Metcalf), Kate Murtagh (as Ms. MacDonald), Henry O’Brien (as Chas)**, John Rubenstein (as John Morris), Lee McLaughlin (as Marvin Fats) and Roy Jenson (as Ray Mott).

“Svengoolie” to present his big broadcast of “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942), this Sat. on Me-TV

Fellow Svengoolie SvenPals everywhere will be excited about a classic Universal Studios monster-thriller masterpiece with several recognizable faces from the silver screen.

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942, the finale for “Monstrous May”)

Janet Ann Gallow, Lon Chaney Jr. and Bela Lugosi in a tinted Universal Studios lobby card still for “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942).

“Here’s Universal’s ‘Midas’ again!” Original 1942 Universal Studios exhibitors’ leaflet for “The Ghost of Frankenstein.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster film host will present his big broadcast of “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942), this Sat., May 25 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.  “The Ghost of Frankenstein” will be the finale feature for Sven’s “Monstrous May” festival showcase of classic Universal “Frankenstein” monster features.

The 1942 Universal monster-thriller was directed by veteran director Erle C. Kenton, who also directed the Paramount feature film adaptation of  H.G. Wells’ “Island of Lost Souls” (1932), two Universal comedies with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello; “Who Done It?” and “Pardon My Sarong” (both 1942).  Kenton also worked on the fifth Universal “Dracula” monster franchise production, “House of Dracula” (1945).

This will mark Sven’s eighth big broadcast of “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942) back in July 2011*, March 2012*, Nov. 2012*, Nov. 2013, Dec. 2014, Nov. 2016 and Jan. 2019.   Sven also previously aired “The Ghost of Frankenstein” on his hometown television station, WCIU-TV/”The U” in 2007.

 

 

Who appeared in “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (1942)?

The players who appeared in Kenton’s 1942 Universal “Frankenstein” monster entry were Lon Chaney Jr. (as Frankenstein’s monster; the junior Chaney previously appeared in the title role of Larry “Wolf Man” Talbot in George Waggner’s landmark 1941 Universal monster production of “The Wolf Man,” Lon Chaney Jr. later reprised his role of Frankenstein’s monster in the 1951 “Colgate Comedy Hour” TV episode with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello and the 1952 episode of “Tales of Tomorrow,” titled “Frankenstein”), Bela Lugosi (as Ygor; Lugosi previously appeared in the role of Ygor in Rowland V. Lee’s 1939 Universal “Frankenstein” monster production,  “Son of Frankenstein;” Ygor was one of Lugosi’s other recognizable film roles in addition to his landmark role of Count Dracula in the 1931 Universal adaptation of “Dracula” and the 1948 Universal monster-comedy farce, “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” ), Evelyn Ankers(as Elsa Frankenstein), Sir Cedric Hardwicke (in the dual roles of Ludwig Frankenstein and the ghost of Henry Frankenstein),  Ralph Bellamy (as Erik Ernst),  Lionel Atwill (as Dr. Theodore Bohmer), Dwight Frye (in an uncredited role as a villager), Doris Lloyd (as Martha), Leyland Hodgson (as the chief constable), Janet Ann Gallow (as Cloestine Hussman) Holmes Herbert (as the magistrate), Olaf Hytten (as Hussman) and Barton Yarborough (as Dr. Kettering).

“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).

“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).