“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 “This Island Earth” (1955), this Sat. on Me-TV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Svengoolie” 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” presents his big broadcast of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954), this Sat. (on my Birthday) on Me-TV

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

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954)*

 

Original 1954 Universal Studios theatrical release trailer for “Creature From the Black Lagoon.”

“Not suitable for children.” Original 1954 Universal Studios Australian theatrical poster artwork for “Creature From the Black Lagoon,” with the aforementioned Australian theatrical advisory/discretion warning.

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based monster film host will present his big broadcast of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954), this Sat., Jan. 16* at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

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

Arnold’s Universal classic mammoth “Creature” monster masterpiece production of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954) was produced by veteran actor-turned-producer William Alland.  13 years earlier, Alland appeared in the role of Jerry Thompson in Orson Welles’ critically-acclaimed RKO Radio Pictures-Mercury Players screen drama masterpiece, “Citizen Kane” (1941).   The screenplay for “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954) was written by veteran screenwriters Harry Essex and Arthur Ross.

This will mark Sven’s ninth big broadcast of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954) on the airlanes of Me-TV.  He previously showcased Arnold’s classic 1954 Universal mammoth “Creature” monster masterpiece production back in April 2011*, 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 and memory of Julie Adams; Adams died on Feb. 3, 2019) and Nov. 2019.

Who was in “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954)?

The players who appeared in Jack Arnold’s classic 1954 mammoth Universal “Creature” monster masterpiece were Julie Adams (as Kay Lawrence, Adams received screen credit under the name of Julia Adams), Ricou Browning (who appeared in an uncredited role in the Universal “Creature” monster costume for underwater sequences),  Ben Chapman (who appeared in an uncredited role in the Universal “Creature” monster costume for the land 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) and Whit Bissell (as Dr. Thompson).

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

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

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Land Unknown” (1957)

Original 1957 Universal Studios publicity still for “The Land Unknown.”

“Behind a barrier of Antarctic Ice!” Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical poster artwork element for “The Land Unknown.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based creature film host will present his big broadcast of “The Land Unknown” (1957), this Sat.; July 25 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1957 Universal creature-fantasy production was directed by veteran studio editor-turned-director Virgil Vogel.  Vogel’s other Universal feature productions include “The Mole People” (1956, with John Agar, Cynthia Patrick, Hugh Beaumont, Alan Napier,    Nestor Paiva and Dr. Frank C. Baxter) and the finale feature in the studio’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 young Claude Akins).  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.

Virgil Vogel’s Universal classic creature-adventure-fantasy masterpiece production of “The Land Unknown” (1957) was filmed in the CinemaScope widescreen process format (2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio).  CinemaScope was developed by Henri Chrétien for rival studio Twentieth Century Fox (Twentieth Century Studios), Encyclopædia Britannica.  Universal began using the CinemaScope process for productions by arrangement with Twentieth Century Fox (Twentieth Century Studios) in 1954, according to a Dec. 1953 press release.

This will mark Svengoolie’s fifth big broadcast of Vogel’s classic Universal fantasy creature-adventure masterpiece on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Vogel’s “The Land Unknown” (1957) back in in May 2014, May 2015, Nov. 2016 and July 2017.

Who was in Virgil Vogel’s 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” presents his big broadcast of “The Deadly Mantis” (1957), this Sat. on Me-TV

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

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “The Deadly Mantis” (1957)

Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical release trailer element for “The Deadly Mantis.” Note: this edition does not contain titles.

Original 1957 Universal Studios theatrical poster artwork for “The Deadly Mantis.”

The legendary Berwyn-based sci-fi monster/creature film host will present his big broadcast of “The Deadly Mantis” (1957), this Sat.; May 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1957 classic 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 Allied Artists (Monogram) production of “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman” (1958) and his latter Universal monster production of “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf” (1973).  “The Deadly Mantis” was produced by veteran Universal producer William Alland, who also wrote the original story.  Alland’s story was adapted for the screen by veteran film and TV screenwriter Martin Berkeley.

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

Who was in Nathan Hertz Juran’s Universal 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, Stevens went onto greater fame in Blake Edwards’ 1958-61 television crime drama series with Lola Albright and Herschel Bernardi; “Peter Gunn”), William Hopper (as Dr. Nedrick Jackson, Hopper went onto greater fame in the role of Paul Drake in the 1957-66 CBS television adaptation of Erle Stanley Gardner’s “Perry Mason” with Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale), Alix Talton (as Marge Blaine, the former Alice Talton reunited with William Hopper in the 1958 “Perry Mason” episode; “The Case of the Long-Legged Models”), Florenz Ames (as Prof. Anton Gunther), Donald Randolph (as Maj. Gen. Mark Ford), Floyd Simmons (as an Army Sergeant), Phil Harvey (as Lou, Harvey also appeared in Virgil Vogel’s 1957 Universal fantasy creature feature with Jock Mahoney, Shawn Smith/Shirley Patterson and William Reynolds; “The Land Unknown”), 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” presents his big broadcast of “This Island Earth” (1955), this Sat. on Me-TV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Svengoolie” presents 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 Universal Studios sci-fi fantasy creature/monster/thriller masterpiece.

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

“From a lost age.. horror crawls from the depths of the earth!” Original 1956 Universal Studios lobby card artwork for “The Mole People.”

“Terrifying monsters from a lost age!” Original 1956 Universal Studios theatrical poster artwork for “The Mole People.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based creature film host will present his big broadcast of “The Mole People” (1956), this Sat.; Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1956 production of “The Mole People” was directed by veteran Universal editor-turned-director Virgil Vogel.  Vogel’s other Universal feature 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 and was filmed over a brief timeframe of 17 days, according to IMDB.

This will mark Sven’s eighth big broadcast 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 and June 2018.

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, Agar also appeared in Jack Arnold’s 1955 Universal monster sequel to “Creature From the Black Lagoon,” “Revenge of the Creature” and in Arnold’s 1955 Universal arachnid-monster production of “Tarantula!”), Cynthia Patrick (as Adad/Adel, Patrick appeared in an uncredited role in Valentine Davies’ 1956 Universal biopic of bandleader Benny Goodman with Steve Allen and Donna Reed; “The Benny Goodman Story”), Hugh Beaumont (as Dr. Jud Bellamin, Beaumont went onto greater fame for his role of Ward Cleaver in the 1957-63 sitcom; “Leave It to Beaver” with Barbara Billingsley, Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers), Alan Napier (as the High Priest Elinu, Napier went onto greater fame during the latter part of his career in the role of butler Alfred Pennyworth in the 1966-68 “Batman” live-action TV series with Adam West and Burt Ward), Nestor Paiva (as Prof. Etienne Lafarge, Paiva previously played the role of Lucas in Jack Arnold’s Universal productions of “Creature From the Black Lagoon” in 1954 and “Revenge of the Creature” in 1955), Rodd Redwing (as Nazar), Robin Hughes (as a first officer), Dr. Frank C. Baxter as himself (Baxter was a professor of English literature at the University of Southern California and was nicknamed “Dr. Research” for his appearances in the Bell System’s series of educational science films), Phil Chambers (as Dr. Paul Stuart), and the “Mole People” creature ensemble of Bob Herron, Bob Hoy, Joe Rubino and Eddie Parker.

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

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

“Svengoolie” presents his big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955)

Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical trailer for “Revenge of the Creature.”

“All new thrills! Shock! Suspense!” Original 1955 Universal Studios theatrical poster artwork for “Revenge of the Creature.”

The legendary Berwyn/Chicago-based classic monster film host will present his big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955), this Sat., Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on Me-TV.

The 1955 Universal classic “Creature” monster masterpiece was directed by veteran studio 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).

Arnold’s other Universal productions include  “It Came from Outer Space” (1953), “Tarantula” (1955), “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) and “Monster on the Campus” (1958).  The 1955 Universal “Creature” monster sequel was produced by veteran actor-turned-producer and Arnold’s co-collaborator, William Alland.

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).

In 1982, an anaglyph 3-D version of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) was syndicated to local stations by Universal/MCA, according to Broadcasting Magazine.  Sven’s older station in his “Son of Svengoolie” days, WFLD aired (Son of) Sven’s big 3-D broadcast of  “Revenge of the Creature” in anaglyph 3-D in conjunction with 7-Eleven (local Berwyn/Chicago “Son of” Sven viewers purchased 3-D glasses from local 7-Eleven locations prior to the telecast) on Thurs. evening, July 29; 1982; according to Rick Klein’s FuzzyMemories YouTube site (Klein unearthed the1982 “Son of Sven” segments from the 3-D “Revenge of the Creature” broadcast years ago).

Arnold’s 1955 Universal “Creature” monster sequel production was 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 seventh big broadcast of “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) on Me-TV.  He previously showcased Arnold’s classic Universal “Creature” monster sequel masterpiece back in Jan. 2013, Aug. 2013, July 2014, May 2015,  Oct. 2016 and Sept. 2018*. *Note: 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 “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) were Lori Nelson (as Helen Dobson), Ricou Browning (in uncredited dual roles as the Creature for underwater/Marineland tank-based scenes and a laboratory technician), Tom Hennesy (in uncredited dual roles as the Creature for land-based scenes and a Marineland diver), John Agar (as Prof. Clete Ferguson),  Nestor Paiva (as Lucas), young Clint Eastwood (in an uncredited role as Jennings), Grandon Rhodes (as Jackson Foster), John Bromfield (as Joe Hayes), Dave Willock (as Lou Gibson), Robert B. Williams (as George Johnson) and  Charles Cane (as a police captain).