May 2007 Archives
Lots of good news today! To begin with, my e-mailbox for svengoolie@wciu.com has been loaded with big money offers- a Mr. Okoil Steve is asking me to stand as next of kin for his deceased client with money to be gained from the Skye bank.
Amazingly, a Mrs. Kate waters has sent me winning notification from a sweepstakes by which Bill gates is sharing his fortune. But wait- there’s more! A director for promotions from heritage Lottery Funds in Britain has named me a finalist for over 1,500,000 pounds in prize money! But, first I must respond to Felix Obu, who wants me to help transfer over five million, five hundred dollars to the U.S. And- Ken Mando, who is in Paraguay, also needs my help to shift a massive amount of cash to this country. So, if you don’t see me on the air anytime soon, it must be because I’ve cashed in on all these obviously legitimate offers which have been flooding my e-mail address.
Now, for some real good news- there is a news story that says the famed British horror studio- Hammer Films- is going to go back into business! This is the studio’s 50th anniversary year- and a newly- restored version of their classic 1958 Dracula film was unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival. This was the film that started Christopher Lee as the Count- and Peter Cushing as Van Helsing- on a long and profitable road as those characters in numerous films.
Ever wonder why the studio was called Hammer? No tools were involved, actually- the original owner of the studio, one William Hinds, was part of a musical act in the days of the old music halls- his stage name was Will hammer, and he gave the last name to the studio he formed back in 1934- back when the studio produced crime thrillers and love stories. It wasn’t until 1957 when the son of the studio’s co-owner thought it might be a good idea to revamp the old monsters that Universal had so much luck with in the states. This lead to the now-beloved Hammer horror films, which made the company what it was from that period through the 70s. I’ve mentioned before how much I like the Hammer movies- and, just as the Brendan Fraser “Mummy” brought the Universal monster into modern film lore- maybe Hammer can re-vamp its creatures and cleavage formula into films that a future Svengoolie can sink his fangs into!
Amazingly, a Mrs. Kate waters has sent me winning notification from a sweepstakes by which Bill gates is sharing his fortune. But wait- there’s more! A director for promotions from heritage Lottery Funds in Britain has named me a finalist for over 1,500,000 pounds in prize money! But, first I must respond to Felix Obu, who wants me to help transfer over five million, five hundred dollars to the U.S. And- Ken Mando, who is in Paraguay, also needs my help to shift a massive amount of cash to this country. So, if you don’t see me on the air anytime soon, it must be because I’ve cashed in on all these obviously legitimate offers which have been flooding my e-mail address.
Now, for some real good news- there is a news story that says the famed British horror studio- Hammer Films- is going to go back into business! This is the studio’s 50th anniversary year- and a newly- restored version of their classic 1958 Dracula film was unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival. This was the film that started Christopher Lee as the Count- and Peter Cushing as Van Helsing- on a long and profitable road as those characters in numerous films.
Ever wonder why the studio was called Hammer? No tools were involved, actually- the original owner of the studio, one William Hinds, was part of a musical act in the days of the old music halls- his stage name was Will hammer, and he gave the last name to the studio he formed back in 1934- back when the studio produced crime thrillers and love stories. It wasn’t until 1957 when the son of the studio’s co-owner thought it might be a good idea to revamp the old monsters that Universal had so much luck with in the states. This lead to the now-beloved Hammer horror films, which made the company what it was from that period through the 70s. I’ve mentioned before how much I like the Hammer movies- and, just as the Brendan Fraser “Mummy” brought the Universal monster into modern film lore- maybe Hammer can re-vamp its creatures and cleavage formula into films that a future Svengoolie can sink his fangs into!
Back at work after the holiday, and have to mention the passing of Charles Nelson Reilly. I guess most people recall him from his years and years on game shows, especially the “Match Game”- or, on “Hollywood Squares.” The first thing I ever saw him on was the 60s sitcom (based on a movie) “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” in which he was a comedy relief character, Claymore Gregg, who was confounded by the antics of the suave ghost. Too many people associate him with one of those annoying Sid and Marty Croft Saturday morning kids’ shows –“Lidsville” where he played the villain, Hoodoo. He was a favorite guest on the old Johnny Carson “Tonight Show” because he was just a very funny guy, and often would crack up Carson. And, not long ago, he did a character voice on “Spongebob Squarepants!”
Surprisingly, he was a noted director of both stage and television- he even directed some episodes of Burt Reynolds’ “Evening Shade”- he was a Tony –award winner for some of his Broadway work, both as an actor, and as a director. He was certainly one of the most openly gay performers on television at that time, as was comedian Rip Taylor, and his flamboyance was a part of the characters he portrayed.
You might recall when we did our “Goolumbo” spoof , with Sven as a Columbo rip-off, the character he was questioning was me portraying none other than Charles (whom it always seemed weird to hear TV hosts refer to as “Chuck.”) The other character that I played for a while on Fox while doing the “Koz Zone” kids’ show that was pretty much a full-on impression of Charles was the artist, Delbert Van Scrawler, who would make a “work of art” out of a scribble sent in by a viewer! Doing that character started a whole wave of people working at the station at the time doing THEIR impressions of me doing the Charles Nelson Reilly impression. It was always fun to do those segments, because they were unscripted, and ad-libbing while acting like Charles always ended up being pretty entertaining.
Charles had been ill for over a year, and died due to complications of pneumonia at the age of 76. While researching to make sure I had some facts straight for this blog, I noticed a quote from Charles himself that really seemed prophetic. Here’s the quote: “ When I die, it’s going to read ‘Game Show Fixture Passes Away’- nothing about the theater, Tony awards, or Emmys- but it doesn’t bother me.” Good thing it wouldn’t. Let’s lift our over-sized glasses (the kind like he wore) to Charles Nelson Reilly. He was a truly funny guy.
Surprisingly, he was a noted director of both stage and television- he even directed some episodes of Burt Reynolds’ “Evening Shade”- he was a Tony –award winner for some of his Broadway work, both as an actor, and as a director. He was certainly one of the most openly gay performers on television at that time, as was comedian Rip Taylor, and his flamboyance was a part of the characters he portrayed.
You might recall when we did our “Goolumbo” spoof , with Sven as a Columbo rip-off, the character he was questioning was me portraying none other than Charles (whom it always seemed weird to hear TV hosts refer to as “Chuck.”) The other character that I played for a while on Fox while doing the “Koz Zone” kids’ show that was pretty much a full-on impression of Charles was the artist, Delbert Van Scrawler, who would make a “work of art” out of a scribble sent in by a viewer! Doing that character started a whole wave of people working at the station at the time doing THEIR impressions of me doing the Charles Nelson Reilly impression. It was always fun to do those segments, because they were unscripted, and ad-libbing while acting like Charles always ended up being pretty entertaining.
Charles had been ill for over a year, and died due to complications of pneumonia at the age of 76. While researching to make sure I had some facts straight for this blog, I noticed a quote from Charles himself that really seemed prophetic. Here’s the quote: “ When I die, it’s going to read ‘Game Show Fixture Passes Away’- nothing about the theater, Tony awards, or Emmys- but it doesn’t bother me.” Good thing it wouldn’t. Let’s lift our over-sized glasses (the kind like he wore) to Charles Nelson Reilly. He was a truly funny guy.
“Dracula MAY-hem” came to a screaming halt (get it? Screaming?) last night, and I’m happy so many of you enjoyed our month-long onslaught of Dracula flicks- expect a month of Mummy movies during the summer!(Though there might be less wrapping if it’s too hot and humid…)
Some of you have expressed disappointment because we didn’t run other Dracula flicks- as I’ve said, these are the ones that Universal scheduled for us- but, we can mention a couple that you guys missed enough to bring up…
Naturally, Christopher Lee Dracula films from Hammer were among the favorites that were absent…I’ve always been a fan of the British Hammer House of Horror, and Lee made an elegant and terrifying Count- when his eyes went red and those fangs sprouted, I think that was a guarantee of nightmares for plenty of people! They had a touch more sex and violence than one was used to in the Universal classics, and there was usually a fair amount of cleavage lurking beneath the neck that Drac was aiming for…
A couple people brought up a film we showed during our first year or so on “the U”- “Return of Dracula!” This flick, from 1958, featured Francis Lederer as a sort of Dean Martin-looking Count, who assumed the identity of someone he had killed, and ended up in California- visiting some distant relatives who eventually catch on to what’s up with their toothy “uncle.” This was a typical 50s double feature flick.
When we showed it, we parodied Sheryl Crowe’s “All I Want to Do is Have Some Fun”-as “All I Want to Do- Is Have Some Blood!”
Someone mentioned a movie I showed as “Son of Svengoolie- “Blood of Dracula.” This isn’t really a Drac movie- a mistreated girl is sent to a boarding school, where the schoolmistress hypnotizes her, turning her into a fanged killer! This 1957 American International movie is kind of similar to “I Was a Teenage Werewolf”…but, if that was the case, she’d REALLY have to shave her legs…
A quick note for regular readers of this blog- due to the new way I’ll be submitting the blog to our wondrous web guy, there will probably be some days when the daily blog hits somewhat later in the day than it has in the past. My apologies to those who like to check early, but this will enable me to have fresher blogs (though they may seem stale to some of you!) Please take the time to check back if you don’t see it earlier in the day…
Some of you have expressed disappointment because we didn’t run other Dracula flicks- as I’ve said, these are the ones that Universal scheduled for us- but, we can mention a couple that you guys missed enough to bring up…
Naturally, Christopher Lee Dracula films from Hammer were among the favorites that were absent…I’ve always been a fan of the British Hammer House of Horror, and Lee made an elegant and terrifying Count- when his eyes went red and those fangs sprouted, I think that was a guarantee of nightmares for plenty of people! They had a touch more sex and violence than one was used to in the Universal classics, and there was usually a fair amount of cleavage lurking beneath the neck that Drac was aiming for…
A couple people brought up a film we showed during our first year or so on “the U”- “Return of Dracula!” This flick, from 1958, featured Francis Lederer as a sort of Dean Martin-looking Count, who assumed the identity of someone he had killed, and ended up in California- visiting some distant relatives who eventually catch on to what’s up with their toothy “uncle.” This was a typical 50s double feature flick.
When we showed it, we parodied Sheryl Crowe’s “All I Want to Do is Have Some Fun”-as “All I Want to Do- Is Have Some Blood!”
Someone mentioned a movie I showed as “Son of Svengoolie- “Blood of Dracula.” This isn’t really a Drac movie- a mistreated girl is sent to a boarding school, where the schoolmistress hypnotizes her, turning her into a fanged killer! This 1957 American International movie is kind of similar to “I Was a Teenage Werewolf”…but, if that was the case, she’d REALLY have to shave her legs…
A quick note for regular readers of this blog- due to the new way I’ll be submitting the blog to our wondrous web guy, there will probably be some days when the daily blog hits somewhat later in the day than it has in the past. My apologies to those who like to check early, but this will enable me to have fresher blogs (though they may seem stale to some of you!) Please take the time to check back if you don’t see it earlier in the day…
This is the official Memorial Day- actually, Memorial Day used to always be on May 31, but at some point, they decided that official holidays should be officially on Mondays, so there you are (as Curly said, “look what they did to Thanksgiving!”-I know, that didn’t make much sense in this context, but I’m required by “Stooge-a-palooza” to get in a Stooges reference now and then!) This is the holiday when grilling is thrilling, and many people take out ye olde barbeque grill for the first time this season…so, why not simmer over some horror flicks that get fired up along the way?
You can probably find any number of Vincent Price flicks that have major fire damage within them- the beloved “House of Wax” having at least two huge conflagrations! But, some of the Roger Corman Poe flicks he made, plus “Theater of Blood” (a favorite of mine that does seem derivative of “Dr. Phibes”) end with big time blazes. I always wondered if Vinnie stipulated in his contract that he must be provided with asbestos undies for his many bouts with fire!
Lots of classics- like “Frankenstein”-and less classics- like “Lady Frankenstein”- end with the castle/laboratory in flames. “Son of Dracula” which we recently showed ended with Sonny Drac having his coffin set ablaze in a sort of sewer- which had many of us asking- “why didn’t he just throw water on it and put the fire out?!” One viewer felt that it was because vampires can’t cross flowing water (even in a sewer?!)
Seems to me that the Creature from the Black Lagoon gets set afire in one of his flicks-and how many witches got the Joan of Arc treatment in movies, burning at the stake?
Seems to me some people really met the business end of a grill in the ever-popular “Motel Hell”- where the friendly farmer and his sister turned unsuspecting visitors into sausages!!!(What was the motto- “it takes a heap of critters to make Farmer Vincent’s fritters?!”) I always found it was funny that, in a film where people are being turned into sausage, that the actor playing the sheriff’s last name is “Linke” (sausage link?)
Now that I’ve ruined your appetite for your big cookout- sorry!- let me remind you that rubber chickens do NOT turn out well on a grill. Not even a George Foreman grill. Not even a Hulk Hogan grill (seen that one yet? The Hulkster claims he missed the original call with the idea because he was taking his kids to school, and that’s why they went to George Foreman instead. Sure they did. Right after they called about the Iron Sheik waffle iron…) Regardless, enjoy a day off, and go easy on the charcoal lighter fluid (especially if you’ve got a gas grill- BAD idea…)
You can probably find any number of Vincent Price flicks that have major fire damage within them- the beloved “House of Wax” having at least two huge conflagrations! But, some of the Roger Corman Poe flicks he made, plus “Theater of Blood” (a favorite of mine that does seem derivative of “Dr. Phibes”) end with big time blazes. I always wondered if Vinnie stipulated in his contract that he must be provided with asbestos undies for his many bouts with fire!
Lots of classics- like “Frankenstein”-and less classics- like “Lady Frankenstein”- end with the castle/laboratory in flames. “Son of Dracula” which we recently showed ended with Sonny Drac having his coffin set ablaze in a sort of sewer- which had many of us asking- “why didn’t he just throw water on it and put the fire out?!” One viewer felt that it was because vampires can’t cross flowing water (even in a sewer?!)
Seems to me that the Creature from the Black Lagoon gets set afire in one of his flicks-and how many witches got the Joan of Arc treatment in movies, burning at the stake?
Seems to me some people really met the business end of a grill in the ever-popular “Motel Hell”- where the friendly farmer and his sister turned unsuspecting visitors into sausages!!!(What was the motto- “it takes a heap of critters to make Farmer Vincent’s fritters?!”) I always found it was funny that, in a film where people are being turned into sausage, that the actor playing the sheriff’s last name is “Linke” (sausage link?)
Now that I’ve ruined your appetite for your big cookout- sorry!- let me remind you that rubber chickens do NOT turn out well on a grill. Not even a George Foreman grill. Not even a Hulk Hogan grill (seen that one yet? The Hulkster claims he missed the original call with the idea because he was taking his kids to school, and that’s why they went to George Foreman instead. Sure they did. Right after they called about the Iron Sheik waffle iron…) Regardless, enjoy a day off, and go easy on the charcoal lighter fluid (especially if you’ve got a gas grill- BAD idea…)
Our “Dracula MAY-hem”- the full month of May featuring Dracula flicks from the Universal vault- concludes this evening with a jam-packed full house- the “House of Dracula!” This was intended as a sequel to the equally jam-packed “House of Frankenstein” (watch for that one on Sven this fall!)-and, in fact, there are a few continuity connections…as well as some that are ignored! This film features the slim and trim Dracula, as played by the great John Carradine. It also has a very cool “transition” from bat to human form. Unlike last week, in “Son of Dracula”-this Drac doesn’t turn into vapor-he’s strictly a bat guy. He shows up at the clinic of Dr. Edelmann, who is experimenting with an exotic plant that can be used to make actual bone malleable to change bone structure problems without surgery (you’ll see how that plays into the plot later in the film.) Dracula wants the doctor to see if his vampirism has a physical cause, and if it can be cured. He doesn’t seem overly sincere about it- especially when he starts putting his vampiric moves on the doctor’s pretty blonde assistant! Nonetheless, the doctor devises a plan of treatment- meanwhile, who shows up, looking for the doc’s help with HIS problem? None other than Larry Talbot- the tragic character who trudges in misery through countless Universal horror films- despondent because the full moon turns him into- the Wolf Man! Then- after a moment of conflict- the doctor and Larry stumble upon the seemingly inert body of –the Frankenstein Monster! It’s only a matter of time before the question of whether to revive the undying monster or not is examined- but, we wouldn’t have much of a movie if they decided it wasn’t a good idea, now, would we?! “House of Dracula” is a true monster mash- which is why we decided to dedicate it to the memory of the recently deceased Bobby “Boris” Pickett. If you can remember your excitement, as a kid, to have found a movie with the three top Universal monsters in it- then I know you’re going to want to tune in. Plus, we’ve got a special bit on “Celebrity Blood Cells’ that I think you’re going to enjoy. This is a great way to wind up our “Dracula MAY-hem”…and, be watching during the summer for more new Sven shows with films from the Universal horror library!
There will be some other Sven surprises coming during the summer as well- and we’ll tip you off to them right here. So- meet me at the “House of Dracula” tonight! (Be glad it’s not the House of Pancakes…the syrup tends to stain Drac’s cape…)
There will be some other Sven surprises coming during the summer as well- and we’ll tip you off to them right here. So- meet me at the “House of Dracula” tonight! (Be glad it’s not the House of Pancakes…the syrup tends to stain Drac’s cape…)
Let’s get to some viewer feedback that we’ve received at svengoolie@wciu.com.
Annette says she’s back watching the show again, having ducked out for a while because (here it comes again!) she couldn’t take Abbott and Costello anymore! (No respect, I tell ya…)She’s been watching me since the 80s (you must be awfully tired!) and says the “imposters” have nothing on me!
Now, if we could get some Bud and Lou imposters…
Jason stated just the opposite of Annette- he says he’s a diehard viewer no matter what the movie, and feels that a Sven fan should be loyal. Also, thrifty, honest…no, wait, that’s a Boy Scout…
Alan is a log time fan who used to watch the show as a teenager, and wanted a rubber chicken of his own back then.
Suddenly the show went off the air. He just happened to be in Chicago and caught the show for the first time in years! Since he lives in South Bend, he wanted to know what station we’re on there. Alan, it’s WMYS- the “My Michiana” station. Did you ever get your own rubber chicken?!
Monica wrote and said that, the night that she and her mom watched “the People Under the Stairs”- they dreamed that there were chickens under the stairs! Monica, I think that was just an episode of “Green Acres” on Me-TV…
Nick is a junior at Maine East High School, and just found out that I went to Maine East, and did radio shows on the school’s FM station, WMTH. Now, when he goes to broadcasting class, he’s amazed to think that I was once a kid like him on that same station. Nick, you probably also found out that when the station went on the air in the 1950s, another WMTH staff member was a guy named Harry- Harrison Ford, alias Han Solo and Indiana Jones! That’s gotta be more impressive than Mr. Rubber Chicken target…
Norm checked in with a desire to see more “Svensurround” in the movies, and said he had met me years ago when I was a celebrity bell ringer for the Salvation Army around Christmas time. He said I had signed his rubber chicken for him- and mentioned that he worked downtown then…and always carried the chicken in his briefcase!!! Sooo, Norm…you…didn’t even know I was going to be there, and always carried around the…okay, fine…
Perfect time to wind up this feedback blog…remember- you can write to me at the e-mail address at the top of this blog.
Come back tomorrow for a preview of our Saturday night program!
Annette says she’s back watching the show again, having ducked out for a while because (here it comes again!) she couldn’t take Abbott and Costello anymore! (No respect, I tell ya…)She’s been watching me since the 80s (you must be awfully tired!) and says the “imposters” have nothing on me!
Now, if we could get some Bud and Lou imposters…
Jason stated just the opposite of Annette- he says he’s a diehard viewer no matter what the movie, and feels that a Sven fan should be loyal. Also, thrifty, honest…no, wait, that’s a Boy Scout…
Alan is a log time fan who used to watch the show as a teenager, and wanted a rubber chicken of his own back then.
Suddenly the show went off the air. He just happened to be in Chicago and caught the show for the first time in years! Since he lives in South Bend, he wanted to know what station we’re on there. Alan, it’s WMYS- the “My Michiana” station. Did you ever get your own rubber chicken?!
Monica wrote and said that, the night that she and her mom watched “the People Under the Stairs”- they dreamed that there were chickens under the stairs! Monica, I think that was just an episode of “Green Acres” on Me-TV…
Nick is a junior at Maine East High School, and just found out that I went to Maine East, and did radio shows on the school’s FM station, WMTH. Now, when he goes to broadcasting class, he’s amazed to think that I was once a kid like him on that same station. Nick, you probably also found out that when the station went on the air in the 1950s, another WMTH staff member was a guy named Harry- Harrison Ford, alias Han Solo and Indiana Jones! That’s gotta be more impressive than Mr. Rubber Chicken target…
Norm checked in with a desire to see more “Svensurround” in the movies, and said he had met me years ago when I was a celebrity bell ringer for the Salvation Army around Christmas time. He said I had signed his rubber chicken for him- and mentioned that he worked downtown then…and always carried the chicken in his briefcase!!! Sooo, Norm…you…didn’t even know I was going to be there, and always carried around the…okay, fine…
Perfect time to wind up this feedback blog…remember- you can write to me at the e-mail address at the top of this blog.
Come back tomorrow for a preview of our Saturday night program!
In honor of the cicada invasion, we continue talking about some of the killer insect films that have graced the television screen. I know I went overboard yesterday talking about my old favorite, “Beginning of the End” with the giant grasshoppers- but there are so many more!
There have been way too many movies about killer bees- I’d make a joke about “killer B-movies” but you guys are probably way ahead of me! There was a movie called “Killer Bees”-actually, two of them! 1974’s “Killer Bees” has aging movie queen Gloria Swanson as a woman who can actually control a flock of killer bees, bedeviling none other than “Charlie’s Angel” Kate Jackson! The other is a 2002 flick where a truck overturns, releasing said buzzing murderers- but the town’s sheriff can’t convince people that they are a real (even if computer generated for the film) menace! There’s a British film called “the Deadly Bees” that is similar to the first “Killer Bees” I mentioned. And, there’s “Invasion of the Bee Girls”- where women are being turned into “queen bees’ who kill their men while …uh… “mating.” It stars a “Price is Right” ‘Barker’s Beauty’ from the early 70s. Come on down!!!
On the night-time “Koz Zone” back in 1989, I showed a movie called “Bug!” (not to be confused with the current Ashley Judd flick) It was a great William Castle exploitation flick, in which an earthquake released these killer cockroaches who could shoot flames out of their rears. Really! They also spelled out words. Really! And the set for an early attack, where a “BUG!” set a woman’s head on fire- was actually the same set used for the “Brady Bunch’s” home. Really! I’m not making all this up!
You can’t mention big bugs without “Them!” The giant ants of that 1954 epic were truly frightening, and many consider this the first of the “big bug” movies of the Fifties.(This is not a sequel to “Attack of the 50-Foot Woman”-“Attack of the Big Aunts!”)
“The Deadly Mantis” was another giant bug, “preying” on the likes of Craig Stevens (the reporter in “Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll, etc.” and TV’s “Peter Gunn”) and William Hopper (no relation to the “Beginning of the End” GRASS Hoppers) –the mantis is released from the Arctic (?) where it has been frozen…sounds like a party drink- a frozen mantis…
Another big bug we had on Sven was the “Monster from Green Hell”- giant wasps who attacked Jim Davis, who went on to battle a bigger pest- J.R. Ewing on “Dallas!”
Got a favorite killer insect flick I haven’t mentioned? Fill us in- svengoolie@wciu.com - and send along your Cicada Attack ’07 stories, as well- since that’s what got me started on this whole bug thing…
There have been way too many movies about killer bees- I’d make a joke about “killer B-movies” but you guys are probably way ahead of me! There was a movie called “Killer Bees”-actually, two of them! 1974’s “Killer Bees” has aging movie queen Gloria Swanson as a woman who can actually control a flock of killer bees, bedeviling none other than “Charlie’s Angel” Kate Jackson! The other is a 2002 flick where a truck overturns, releasing said buzzing murderers- but the town’s sheriff can’t convince people that they are a real (even if computer generated for the film) menace! There’s a British film called “the Deadly Bees” that is similar to the first “Killer Bees” I mentioned. And, there’s “Invasion of the Bee Girls”- where women are being turned into “queen bees’ who kill their men while …uh… “mating.” It stars a “Price is Right” ‘Barker’s Beauty’ from the early 70s. Come on down!!!
On the night-time “Koz Zone” back in 1989, I showed a movie called “Bug!” (not to be confused with the current Ashley Judd flick) It was a great William Castle exploitation flick, in which an earthquake released these killer cockroaches who could shoot flames out of their rears. Really! They also spelled out words. Really! And the set for an early attack, where a “BUG!” set a woman’s head on fire- was actually the same set used for the “Brady Bunch’s” home. Really! I’m not making all this up!
You can’t mention big bugs without “Them!” The giant ants of that 1954 epic were truly frightening, and many consider this the first of the “big bug” movies of the Fifties.(This is not a sequel to “Attack of the 50-Foot Woman”-“Attack of the Big Aunts!”)
“The Deadly Mantis” was another giant bug, “preying” on the likes of Craig Stevens (the reporter in “Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll, etc.” and TV’s “Peter Gunn”) and William Hopper (no relation to the “Beginning of the End” GRASS Hoppers) –the mantis is released from the Arctic (?) where it has been frozen…sounds like a party drink- a frozen mantis…
Another big bug we had on Sven was the “Monster from Green Hell”- giant wasps who attacked Jim Davis, who went on to battle a bigger pest- J.R. Ewing on “Dallas!”
Got a favorite killer insect flick I haven’t mentioned? Fill us in- svengoolie@wciu.com - and send along your Cicada Attack ’07 stories, as well- since that’s what got me started on this whole bug thing…
Yesterday’s blog heralded the supposed beginning of the seventeen year cicada invasion- feel free to send me updates on cicada sightings and numbers at svengoolie@wciu.com - which reminded me of some of the strange monster bug movies I’ve shown.
The true classic that we were lucky enough to have for about a year recently was “the Beginning of the End!” It naturally has a special place in all our hearts because it takes place here in Illinois, with the main action downtown and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This 1957 film by Bert Gordon, a master at making “big thing” movies, features Peter Graves as a scientist/horticulturalist who’s working on growing giant radioactive vegetables. Seems that his colleagues were doing the same, raising radio-active wheat- and , wouldn’t you know it- lax Fifties security let them durn Commies into the silo. No, wait- somehow locusts got in, ate the wheat, and hulked out into HUGE grasshoppers who destroyed whole towns in southern Illinois! Actual towns like Ludlow and Paxton are mentioned, although there are times when we see mountains, which one would be hard pressed to locate in our fair state.
Not content to munch on grain, crabgrass, and the marigold (Illinois’ state flower)-the giant locusts also start to chow down on enlisted men, pedestrians, and anyone else they happen upon. They eventually make their way north and east to the heart of Chicago, and are seen creeping up the Wrigley (or, as I put it in the show, “Wriggly”) Building-or, actually, a postcard of it, since the grasshoppers have an annoying habit of crawling onto what should be sky! You get to see a lot of 50s Chicago, and landmarks and signs that I recall from my boyhood visits to the downtown area- and it’s kind of strange to see the downtown area with huge gaps where buildings would eventually be! The giant locusts are eventually lured to their drowning doom, into Lake Michigan by a loudspeaker (not Mayor Daley) that is broadcasting a certain frequency that the ‘hoppers respond to…wait- Why can’t we do that TODAY with the cicadas?! We’ll lure them into Lake Michigan and be rid of them for beyond seventeen years (but it will kind of mess up the beaches- millions of dead bloated cicadas on the shoreline, just like the alewives…the story has it that, when they started shooting the movie, they had a little over two hundred grasshoppers- but- the ‘hopper wranglers didn’t do their homework, and, with nothing else to eat, the little buggers started to eat each other (that’s why, when you get crickets at a pet store to feed to a pet frog or reptile, they’ll sometimes put a piece of egg carton in to let them hide, so they don’t start devouring each other) and, by the end of the film, they had only about a dozen left!
Uh…you know- I got so into writing about this movie, I didn’t get to any other monster bug flicks! Let’s get to those tomorrow…
The true classic that we were lucky enough to have for about a year recently was “the Beginning of the End!” It naturally has a special place in all our hearts because it takes place here in Illinois, with the main action downtown and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This 1957 film by Bert Gordon, a master at making “big thing” movies, features Peter Graves as a scientist/horticulturalist who’s working on growing giant radioactive vegetables. Seems that his colleagues were doing the same, raising radio-active wheat- and , wouldn’t you know it- lax Fifties security let them durn Commies into the silo. No, wait- somehow locusts got in, ate the wheat, and hulked out into HUGE grasshoppers who destroyed whole towns in southern Illinois! Actual towns like Ludlow and Paxton are mentioned, although there are times when we see mountains, which one would be hard pressed to locate in our fair state.
Not content to munch on grain, crabgrass, and the marigold (Illinois’ state flower)-the giant locusts also start to chow down on enlisted men, pedestrians, and anyone else they happen upon. They eventually make their way north and east to the heart of Chicago, and are seen creeping up the Wrigley (or, as I put it in the show, “Wriggly”) Building-or, actually, a postcard of it, since the grasshoppers have an annoying habit of crawling onto what should be sky! You get to see a lot of 50s Chicago, and landmarks and signs that I recall from my boyhood visits to the downtown area- and it’s kind of strange to see the downtown area with huge gaps where buildings would eventually be! The giant locusts are eventually lured to their drowning doom, into Lake Michigan by a loudspeaker (not Mayor Daley) that is broadcasting a certain frequency that the ‘hoppers respond to…wait- Why can’t we do that TODAY with the cicadas?! We’ll lure them into Lake Michigan and be rid of them for beyond seventeen years (but it will kind of mess up the beaches- millions of dead bloated cicadas on the shoreline, just like the alewives…the story has it that, when they started shooting the movie, they had a little over two hundred grasshoppers- but- the ‘hopper wranglers didn’t do their homework, and, with nothing else to eat, the little buggers started to eat each other (that’s why, when you get crickets at a pet store to feed to a pet frog or reptile, they’ll sometimes put a piece of egg carton in to let them hide, so they don’t start devouring each other) and, by the end of the film, they had only about a dozen left!
Uh…you know- I got so into writing about this movie, I didn’t get to any other monster bug flicks! Let’s get to those tomorrow…
THE INVASION BEGINS TODAY !!! They will begin their infiltration today, according to sources…surrounding us, their dead red eyes staring, thousands of them…you’ll probably hear them before you see them, but, it won’t do you any good. Soon they will be all around you, not caring if they run right into you! They are-the seventeen year cicadas!!! The media has been saying for weeks now that today is the day they will emerge to start their incredible onslaught. They assure you that the cicadas do not sting or bite, will not damage most trees, and are too stupid to keep from flying into you- and that you should NOT attempt to use insect sprays or poisons to combat them, because birds, dogs, and cats (and , I’m sure frogs, weasels, and squirrels) eat them. In fact, they delight in reminding us that YOU can eat them, fried. I’m sure chuckleheads on local morning news shows will be chowing down on Cicada Crispies for breakfast as a wacky segment.
Since these cicadas only show up once every seventeen years, will Oprah get them on her show first, like she does with any other special guests that hit town? Can you see the promo- “They’re coming to town to mate until they die- Monday at 9 on Oprah!” It’s a cinch they won’t be appearing on Springer because they can’t lift a chair to hit each other with…
I recall , during one of the emergences of the cicadas, a friend said “you’ve got to see this!” and drove me to a forest preserve- where everything was just coated with these crazy buzzing bugs! Every path, walkway, and driveway was full of them , they flew all around us- and, yes, into us-and it actually DID get kind of freaky. But- I also remember that, outside of that forest preserve, there was no horrendous infestation anyplace else- sure, you’d see a few of them here and there, but, not the huge clouds of them that the media was warning us about. You could hear the constant droning for a few days , but it was no big deal. I was wondering, with the toxicity of the modern world, if eventually, the number of emerging cicadas will gradually decrease, and , after a few seventeen year cycles, not even be any more noticeable than the usual yearly supply of cicadas. OR- will they evolve, to combat the toxins, and become- BIGGER- STRONGER- AND MORE AGGRESIVE!!! Sounds like a perfect Sven movie… “Cicada Invada!” Or maybe ‘Cicada- the Buzz of Death!” Possibly- “Cicada 17: Coming Back on the Red Eye!” Tell you what- let’s talk about some of the REAL bug movies tomorrow-right here!!!
Since these cicadas only show up once every seventeen years, will Oprah get them on her show first, like she does with any other special guests that hit town? Can you see the promo- “They’re coming to town to mate until they die- Monday at 9 on Oprah!” It’s a cinch they won’t be appearing on Springer because they can’t lift a chair to hit each other with…
I recall , during one of the emergences of the cicadas, a friend said “you’ve got to see this!” and drove me to a forest preserve- where everything was just coated with these crazy buzzing bugs! Every path, walkway, and driveway was full of them , they flew all around us- and, yes, into us-and it actually DID get kind of freaky. But- I also remember that, outside of that forest preserve, there was no horrendous infestation anyplace else- sure, you’d see a few of them here and there, but, not the huge clouds of them that the media was warning us about. You could hear the constant droning for a few days , but it was no big deal. I was wondering, with the toxicity of the modern world, if eventually, the number of emerging cicadas will gradually decrease, and , after a few seventeen year cycles, not even be any more noticeable than the usual yearly supply of cicadas. OR- will they evolve, to combat the toxins, and become- BIGGER- STRONGER- AND MORE AGGRESIVE!!! Sounds like a perfect Sven movie… “Cicada Invada!” Or maybe ‘Cicada- the Buzz of Death!” Possibly- “Cicada 17: Coming Back on the Red Eye!” Tell you what- let’s talk about some of the REAL bug movies tomorrow-right here!!!
Why didn’t I apply for the job to replace Bob Barker as host of “the Price is Right?” Couldn’t you see that- I mean, I’ve run enough VINCENT Price movies in my career that you’d think that would give me an edge. Am I not a beloved personality like Mr. Barker? (When I write “Mr. Barker”-it reminds me of a German and Russian language teacher with that name back when I was attending Maine East High School…he never asked any students if Rice-a-Roni was cheaper than an economy sized bottle of Aleve, though) Back to the subject- couldn’t I just as easily remind viewers to have their rubber chickens spayed or neutered? Couldn’t I get just as chummy with the “Barker Beauties?” Of course, we’d have to rename them- “Sven’s Stunners” or “Goolie’s Gallies”…
Nobody seems to bring up the sinister side of Bob Barker, though…how many diminutive mountain climbers has he cruelly sent to their doom, marching (and yodeling) relentlessly up the mountain, knowing full well that soon , thanks to a faulty bid, they’d be hurling themselves over a cliff, never to be seen or heard from again? And exactly why does he seem to take such great delight in having the audience boo and jeer at any contestant in the Showcase Showdown who doesn’t spin the wheel completely around? And that whole movie bit where he pounds the tar out of Adam Sandler…did you ever look closely at Battlin’ Bob’s eyes? That’ll rattle your Plinko chips…
In all seriousness, though- what a long career! I remember seeing barker back when he hosted the “Truth or Consequences” TV show- back in the days when TV game show legend Bill Cullen used to host the original “Price is Right”- does anybody but me remember Bill playing with various wind-up or battery-powered toys each week on the nighttime one hour “Price is Right” while the announcer read some sort of sponsorship or legal mumbo-jumbo? Anyway, eventually, Bob Barker inherited the hosting job, and he’s held onto it like a tick on a terrier. We’ve watched his hair shift from mousy brown to Steve Martin grey to Perry white (I threw that in for Superman fans)…and seen his audience grow to include ages from college kids to grandmas and retired servicemen! And, quite honestly- can anybody watch an episode of “Price is Right” without playing along- or hooting at the stupidity of some of the players?! Plus- Bob was always just smooth as ever, even as he aged gracefully, and there were occasional flubs. The guy has earned his retirement- and , a copy of the home game and some lovely parting gifts.
Nobody seems to bring up the sinister side of Bob Barker, though…how many diminutive mountain climbers has he cruelly sent to their doom, marching (and yodeling) relentlessly up the mountain, knowing full well that soon , thanks to a faulty bid, they’d be hurling themselves over a cliff, never to be seen or heard from again? And exactly why does he seem to take such great delight in having the audience boo and jeer at any contestant in the Showcase Showdown who doesn’t spin the wheel completely around? And that whole movie bit where he pounds the tar out of Adam Sandler…did you ever look closely at Battlin’ Bob’s eyes? That’ll rattle your Plinko chips…
In all seriousness, though- what a long career! I remember seeing barker back when he hosted the “Truth or Consequences” TV show- back in the days when TV game show legend Bill Cullen used to host the original “Price is Right”- does anybody but me remember Bill playing with various wind-up or battery-powered toys each week on the nighttime one hour “Price is Right” while the announcer read some sort of sponsorship or legal mumbo-jumbo? Anyway, eventually, Bob Barker inherited the hosting job, and he’s held onto it like a tick on a terrier. We’ve watched his hair shift from mousy brown to Steve Martin grey to Perry white (I threw that in for Superman fans)…and seen his audience grow to include ages from college kids to grandmas and retired servicemen! And, quite honestly- can anybody watch an episode of “Price is Right” without playing along- or hooting at the stupidity of some of the players?! Plus- Bob was always just smooth as ever, even as he aged gracefully, and there were occasional flubs. The guy has earned his retirement- and , a copy of the home game and some lovely parting gifts.
Thanks for all the nice comments on our “Dracula MAY-hem” movies- I know a lot of you really appreciate seeing the great old Universal flicks…and there’s still one more Dracula entry to come! Our next one will get out of the Dracula “family” loop- and bring you a slightly different Dracula…shall we say, a “streamlined” version? That’ll tip it off to most of you- I’ll write more next Saturday before it airs…
Recently, I asked you about movie characters that you just can’t stand- one of the examples was the landlady in “the Invisible Man” whose constant shrill screaming used to drive one of my friends up a wall. Well, I got some interesting responses both via e-mail and at the Svengoolieweb Yahoo group: like Steve, who found the three lead actors of the “Blair Witch Project” to be the most annoying characters ever! He had some good points about dumb movie characters in horror films, a trend that he feels started in the 80s- saying, if there’s a maniac in the woods, and you’re trapped with your girlfriend in a cabin with no phone or weapons- your first move shouldn’t be to go skinny-dipping! Steve says Shaggy and Scooby are Einsteins compared to these characters!
Dave felt that “Chop Top” (Bill Moseley) was totally annoying in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”- but he still thought he was the highlight of the movie! Kinda like someone I know who can’t stand George on “Seinfeld”-but still finds him funny! Irina says that she just doesn’t like the kid who plays the little boy on “Son of Frankenstein!” When he comes out and delivers his “Well, helllooo!”-she hopes that when the Monster grabs him later, he’ll fling him like a shot put!(You’ll be able to see the annoying kid this fall, when we show “Son of Frankenstein!”)
DarthVoorhees (yeah, you read that right) says he (I’m assuming that’s a “he”?) can’t stand movies where kids are brought in as lead characters- says they ruin the atmosphere.
His example was the kid in “People Under the Stairs”- he felt the character was a cliché.
Keith says the most annoying character in most horror movies we air is that creepy guy with the long hair and black circles around his eyes who keeps popping up and interrupting the action with…ahem…thanks, Keith… so, judging from the responses- most people are annoyed by kids. Reminds me of the joke the hand at the door on the show told a couple weeks ago- when you have a headache, follow the instructions on the bottle- take 2 tablets – and, keep away from children!!!
Recently, I asked you about movie characters that you just can’t stand- one of the examples was the landlady in “the Invisible Man” whose constant shrill screaming used to drive one of my friends up a wall. Well, I got some interesting responses both via e-mail and at the Svengoolieweb Yahoo group: like Steve, who found the three lead actors of the “Blair Witch Project” to be the most annoying characters ever! He had some good points about dumb movie characters in horror films, a trend that he feels started in the 80s- saying, if there’s a maniac in the woods, and you’re trapped with your girlfriend in a cabin with no phone or weapons- your first move shouldn’t be to go skinny-dipping! Steve says Shaggy and Scooby are Einsteins compared to these characters!
Dave felt that “Chop Top” (Bill Moseley) was totally annoying in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”- but he still thought he was the highlight of the movie! Kinda like someone I know who can’t stand George on “Seinfeld”-but still finds him funny! Irina says that she just doesn’t like the kid who plays the little boy on “Son of Frankenstein!” When he comes out and delivers his “Well, helllooo!”-she hopes that when the Monster grabs him later, he’ll fling him like a shot put!(You’ll be able to see the annoying kid this fall, when we show “Son of Frankenstein!”)
DarthVoorhees (yeah, you read that right) says he (I’m assuming that’s a “he”?) can’t stand movies where kids are brought in as lead characters- says they ruin the atmosphere.
His example was the kid in “People Under the Stairs”- he felt the character was a cliché.
Keith says the most annoying character in most horror movies we air is that creepy guy with the long hair and black circles around his eyes who keeps popping up and interrupting the action with…ahem…thanks, Keith… so, judging from the responses- most people are annoyed by kids. Reminds me of the joke the hand at the door on the show told a couple weeks ago- when you have a headache, follow the instructions on the bottle- take 2 tablets – and, keep away from children!!!
“Dracula MAY-hem” continues tonight on Svengoolie! Yes, our full month of all Drac flicks has an unusual one for you this time- it’s “Son of Dracula!” (Well, we had “Dracula’s Daughter” last week- we have to give the male side of the family equal time!) This 1943 entry in the Dracula series features Lon Chaney Jr. as the son of the famous count. A lot of people seem to think he was a strange choice to play the Drac role, but, after his success as the Wolf Man (watch for that flick soon on Sven!) Universal was thinking that he could become another name star synonymous with horror and monsters, as Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi had been-and , as his father, the great Lon Chaney Sr. had been from the silent era. This is another film where the black and white atmosphere really helps sell the creepy feel of the movie.
We get Drac Jr. making his appearance using an alias- “Count Alucard” (anyone with dyslexia has already figured that one out) – having been invited to visit America by a lovely young woman from a wealthy family who encountered the count while visiting Budapest. The mysterious “Alucard” proceeds to infiltrate the family by putting the bite on the already-engaged daughter who invited him, taking control of her, and –marrying her!!! The Count feels his old country has been drained dry- and that this “new world” will be one big banquet for his vampiric cravings!
Since this story supposedly takes place years and years, not to mention miles and miles from the original Dracula story’s events- by this time, the world in general seems to think that the Dracula legend was just that- a legend and made-up folklore. Soon, however, Drac Jr. make believers out of the skeptical townsfolk.
This film is famous for some unusual effects, including the way that vampires can transform not only into huge freaking bats- but also into an eerie mist that travels along and then solidifies into human form. Though it’s a part of the Dracula series, there is really no mention or connection to his supposed sister who appeared in “Dracula’s Daughter.” There are some familiar actors that we’ll mention on the show tonight- and at least one glaring mistake that we’ll bring up! On the Sven shtick side- you van find out about some of the lesser-known “Sons” of famous movie monsters!
So, join me tonight for more “Dracula MAY-hem”- with “Son of Dracula!” ...it’s got the “Son of Svengoolie” seal of approval (or, should that be the “Count Eiloognevs” seal- in view of “Alucard”?!)
We get Drac Jr. making his appearance using an alias- “Count Alucard” (anyone with dyslexia has already figured that one out) – having been invited to visit America by a lovely young woman from a wealthy family who encountered the count while visiting Budapest. The mysterious “Alucard” proceeds to infiltrate the family by putting the bite on the already-engaged daughter who invited him, taking control of her, and –marrying her!!! The Count feels his old country has been drained dry- and that this “new world” will be one big banquet for his vampiric cravings!
Since this story supposedly takes place years and years, not to mention miles and miles from the original Dracula story’s events- by this time, the world in general seems to think that the Dracula legend was just that- a legend and made-up folklore. Soon, however, Drac Jr. make believers out of the skeptical townsfolk.
This film is famous for some unusual effects, including the way that vampires can transform not only into huge freaking bats- but also into an eerie mist that travels along and then solidifies into human form. Though it’s a part of the Dracula series, there is really no mention or connection to his supposed sister who appeared in “Dracula’s Daughter.” There are some familiar actors that we’ll mention on the show tonight- and at least one glaring mistake that we’ll bring up! On the Sven shtick side- you van find out about some of the lesser-known “Sons” of famous movie monsters!
So, join me tonight for more “Dracula MAY-hem”- with “Son of Dracula!” ...it’s got the “Son of Svengoolie” seal of approval (or, should that be the “Count Eiloognevs” seal- in view of “Alucard”?!)
I know I’m a little late on this, but I was laughing when I saw, during Queen Elizabeth’s recent visit, legendary actor Mickey Rooney violating royal procedure by reaching out and shaking the Queen’s hand! The rule, as I heard it, is that one is not supposed to extend a hand to the Queen, unless she gives permission, or extends her own hand in greeting. Yeah, it’s kind of archaic, and she IS on OUR turf, but, since it’s a traditional thing, why not observe it? The Queen did not seem the least offended by the Mickster’s glad-handing, though- through her whole visit , she seemed like she had a good sense of humor, which was nice to see.
Mickey, however, is a true piece of work-a guy who always seems to have had a scheme, and, in later years, a slightly-too-high opinion of himself. He was indeed a very hot and popular actor from his early years, but, as he aged, he really got- well, weird. Dana Carvey’s old SNL impression of him as “the greatest actor in the woooorld” pretty much summed up his current mental state. I remember seeing him on David Letterman’s show once, and he was getting so worked up by Dave’s usual good-natured ribbing that they had to have his current wife come out to sit with him and calm him down.
As I said, Mickey in recent years always has a business scheme- I think he was in on a national yogurt chain for a while- then, he was trying to start a young actor’s school- so that kids could be like he was at an early age. Then, he was trying to open a chain of fast-food restaurants called “Mickey Rooney’s STAR-B-Q”…any bets one of the offerings was barbequed HAM ?!? You might even remember him doing commercials years ago locally, for stuff like Canfield’s Soda, and one of the local race tracks.
My favorite story that he told that shows how full of …ahem…himself he is, was told on a talk show a few years ago. Mickey was talking about how he was working at a studio as a kid, and wandered over to where Walt Disney was working. Mickey said he hopped up on “Uncle Walt’s” lap, and asked what he was drawing- and Walt showed him this new mouse character. Walt said he was trying to find a name for him- and young Mickey suggested-“why not name him after me- Mickey Mouse?” And, sure enough, said Mickey, Walt thought it was a brilliant idea and did so- so Mickey was actually named by and for Mickey Rooney.
…except for the fact that it’s bull. Any and all Disney scholars will tell you that wasn’t the case, that Walt was sold on calling the mouse “Mortimer”- and that his wife decided it should be called Mickey. It’s even kind of doubtful that young Mickey Rooney was laboring at a studio where Walt would have been working on animation.
It’s kind of amazing to me that an actor who truly had a long and pretty big career would now, just for attention, make up some idiotic story to try to bring some attention to himself one more time. Heck, he did that without lying by over-stepping royal protocol! Now- did he ever tell you how, years ago, Morley Safer asked him what they should use for a last name for their new commentator on “Sixty Minutes”- a guy named “Andy…” ?!?
Mickey, however, is a true piece of work-a guy who always seems to have had a scheme, and, in later years, a slightly-too-high opinion of himself. He was indeed a very hot and popular actor from his early years, but, as he aged, he really got- well, weird. Dana Carvey’s old SNL impression of him as “the greatest actor in the woooorld” pretty much summed up his current mental state. I remember seeing him on David Letterman’s show once, and he was getting so worked up by Dave’s usual good-natured ribbing that they had to have his current wife come out to sit with him and calm him down.
As I said, Mickey in recent years always has a business scheme- I think he was in on a national yogurt chain for a while- then, he was trying to start a young actor’s school- so that kids could be like he was at an early age. Then, he was trying to open a chain of fast-food restaurants called “Mickey Rooney’s STAR-B-Q”…any bets one of the offerings was barbequed HAM ?!? You might even remember him doing commercials years ago locally, for stuff like Canfield’s Soda, and one of the local race tracks.
My favorite story that he told that shows how full of …ahem…himself he is, was told on a talk show a few years ago. Mickey was talking about how he was working at a studio as a kid, and wandered over to where Walt Disney was working. Mickey said he hopped up on “Uncle Walt’s” lap, and asked what he was drawing- and Walt showed him this new mouse character. Walt said he was trying to find a name for him- and young Mickey suggested-“why not name him after me- Mickey Mouse?” And, sure enough, said Mickey, Walt thought it was a brilliant idea and did so- so Mickey was actually named by and for Mickey Rooney.
…except for the fact that it’s bull. Any and all Disney scholars will tell you that wasn’t the case, that Walt was sold on calling the mouse “Mortimer”- and that his wife decided it should be called Mickey. It’s even kind of doubtful that young Mickey Rooney was laboring at a studio where Walt would have been working on animation.
It’s kind of amazing to me that an actor who truly had a long and pretty big career would now, just for attention, make up some idiotic story to try to bring some attention to himself one more time. Heck, he did that without lying by over-stepping royal protocol! Now- did he ever tell you how, years ago, Morley Safer asked him what they should use for a last name for their new commentator on “Sixty Minutes”- a guy named “Andy…” ?!?
It’s been a while since we tested your Svengoolie knowledge-so…let’s play Svengoolie Trivia Quiz! See how many answers you can get right- and NO SCROLLING DOWN!!! Play fair…
1. What did it say on the original Svengoolie’s (Jerry G. Bishop’s) headband (when he WORE a headband that said something?)
2. The original “Soul Train” show was shot in the studio where we first shot Svengoolie at “the U”- true or false?
3. Which of the following NEVER appeared on the “Son of Svengoolie “show on WFLD- Jonathan Brandmeier, Chet Coppock, Bruce Wolf, or Buzz Kilman?
4. True or false- Sven was not allowed to appear on a St. Patrick’s Day parade float because he might scare children.
5. Another true or false- Sven and the original Bozo, Bob Bell, once appeared on a tv show together.
6. Who is older- Sven or Doug Graves?
7. When “Son of Svengoolie” was pelted with chickens on his way back to his coffin from the door- what was on his shield?
8. FOR LOYAL BLOG READERS ONLY: What kind of Chia did we try to grow in our production office ? A Chia ____!
And now, the answers- WAIT! YOU WERE SCROLLING DOWN! NO CHEATING!!!…okay, for the REST of you…
1. It said his name- Svengoolie.
2. True- it was the original WCIU studio in the Board of Trade building- and I don’t think it was ever cleaned since the original “Soul Train”…
3. Bruce Wolf was never on Sven- he didn’t work at 32 until later, and never came on the show.
4. True- the organization was worried that Sven would be “too scary” for the kids on the float, so they had me sign autographs at their function afterwards.
5. True again- Bozo, Sven,and even Cookie, Wizzo and Fraiser Thomas all shared the camera at an Easter Seals telethon!
6. Sven is older than Doug- by about 5 months (don’t I look it?!)
7. Trick question- back then, I didn’t HAVE a shield! The shield was made by a fan and sent here to WCIU.
8. Come on- you HAD to know it was a Chia HEAD!!!(Now more appropriately known as a Chia DEAD…) SCORING- 6-8 correct: you’re a true Svenatic! 3-5 correct: stop changing the channel to SNL!!! 0-2 correct: you have spent your time wisely…
1. What did it say on the original Svengoolie’s (Jerry G. Bishop’s) headband (when he WORE a headband that said something?)
2. The original “Soul Train” show was shot in the studio where we first shot Svengoolie at “the U”- true or false?
3. Which of the following NEVER appeared on the “Son of Svengoolie “show on WFLD- Jonathan Brandmeier, Chet Coppock, Bruce Wolf, or Buzz Kilman?
4. True or false- Sven was not allowed to appear on a St. Patrick’s Day parade float because he might scare children.
5. Another true or false- Sven and the original Bozo, Bob Bell, once appeared on a tv show together.
6. Who is older- Sven or Doug Graves?
7. When “Son of Svengoolie” was pelted with chickens on his way back to his coffin from the door- what was on his shield?
8. FOR LOYAL BLOG READERS ONLY: What kind of Chia did we try to grow in our production office ? A Chia ____!
And now, the answers- WAIT! YOU WERE SCROLLING DOWN! NO CHEATING!!!…okay, for the REST of you…
1. It said his name- Svengoolie.
2. True- it was the original WCIU studio in the Board of Trade building- and I don’t think it was ever cleaned since the original “Soul Train”…
3. Bruce Wolf was never on Sven- he didn’t work at 32 until later, and never came on the show.
4. True- the organization was worried that Sven would be “too scary” for the kids on the float, so they had me sign autographs at their function afterwards.
5. True again- Bozo, Sven,and even Cookie, Wizzo and Fraiser Thomas all shared the camera at an Easter Seals telethon!
6. Sven is older than Doug- by about 5 months (don’t I look it?!)
7. Trick question- back then, I didn’t HAVE a shield! The shield was made by a fan and sent here to WCIU.
8. Come on- you HAD to know it was a Chia HEAD!!!(Now more appropriately known as a Chia DEAD…) SCORING- 6-8 correct: you’re a true Svenatic! 3-5 correct: stop changing the channel to SNL!!! 0-2 correct: you have spent your time wisely…
I was just checking my supply of Svengoolie autograph cards- the color cards that I sign for you guys when I make a public appearance- and the supply appears to be dwindling! That means it’s time to either reprint the current one- or, have our graphic department make up a new one! It may be time for a new one- we’ve been handing out the current one- which looks like a movie poster, the same graphic that appears on our current t-shirt- for a while now, and I know that fans who come to my signings on a regular basis like to get different cards every once in a while.
The very first card we did here was only two colors- a black and white picture of me with red lettering and drippy blood –like borders!(Yeah, I know, the blood wasn’t all that was ‘drippy’…) The next one was the first full-color picture- featuring myself and Tombstone. That was also a design for one of our t-shirts. That brings us to the current card, which is now in short supply.
Often, at appearances, folks will bring an old autograph card they got from me years ago- I think I’ve mentioned the orange, cheaply-printed first cards that they did at WFLD, where the picture on the front was often smeary-looking…or , was that just the way I looked? We followed that up with some nicer printed cards- a series that included drawings that I made of Myself and Doug, and later, one that included “Goolia Child, TV Trench Chef.” People don’t usually bring as many of those to show me- I think it’s because they were in shorter supply, and are now much more rare!
So- now the decision will be what to put on the new card (unless we just reprint the movie poster one)…from what some of the people I meet have said, they might like it to have a bigger picture of me, like the previous card did (…why? Does that make it easier to see the target when you put it on your dart board?) One idea I had was to possibly show my coffin in the background- I know some people have requested that in the past…and I know a lot of people want to see a rubber chicken somewhere in the photo!
If you have an idea- feel free to e-mail it to me here at svengoolie@wciu.com -just remember, if you submit an idea, that automatically means that you agree that it becomes our property, and we can choose to use it with no compensation to you. Or choose NOT to use it, with no compensation to you.
Unfortunately, there will be no compensation to me, either… but I’m used to it…
The very first card we did here was only two colors- a black and white picture of me with red lettering and drippy blood –like borders!(Yeah, I know, the blood wasn’t all that was ‘drippy’…) The next one was the first full-color picture- featuring myself and Tombstone. That was also a design for one of our t-shirts. That brings us to the current card, which is now in short supply.
Often, at appearances, folks will bring an old autograph card they got from me years ago- I think I’ve mentioned the orange, cheaply-printed first cards that they did at WFLD, where the picture on the front was often smeary-looking…or , was that just the way I looked? We followed that up with some nicer printed cards- a series that included drawings that I made of Myself and Doug, and later, one that included “Goolia Child, TV Trench Chef.” People don’t usually bring as many of those to show me- I think it’s because they were in shorter supply, and are now much more rare!
So- now the decision will be what to put on the new card (unless we just reprint the movie poster one)…from what some of the people I meet have said, they might like it to have a bigger picture of me, like the previous card did (…why? Does that make it easier to see the target when you put it on your dart board?) One idea I had was to possibly show my coffin in the background- I know some people have requested that in the past…and I know a lot of people want to see a rubber chicken somewhere in the photo!
If you have an idea- feel free to e-mail it to me here at svengoolie@wciu.com -just remember, if you submit an idea, that automatically means that you agree that it becomes our property, and we can choose to use it with no compensation to you. Or choose NOT to use it, with no compensation to you.
Unfortunately, there will be no compensation to me, either… but I’m used to it…
I believe that tomorrow is the birthday of a Chicago icon- Studs Terkel. He’s an amazing writer and even has roots in early television here, and he turns 95 tomorrow! Here’s hoping he has a great birthday. It’s great to make it to such a lofty age, but to do so and still be sharp as a tack is even better. I don’t know if I’ll ever get that far, and my brain is already devolving into a substance something like Cream of Wheat…
One of my co-workers, Kabir, told me a great story regarding an elderly person. He said that his friend Ben (who, as a small child, used to call me “Gool-goolie”!) had shot a picture of Kabir at his desk. He showed it to his grandfather, who said
“oh, is that your new job?” Ben said, no, his job was elsewhere, that was where his friend worked as a promotions writer, at WCIU. His grandfather said “oh, WCIU- that’s where Svengoolie is!” A little later, Ben was shocked to have his grandfather point him out and say “that’s my grandson Ben- he’s a writer for Svengoolie!” Ben later explained to whomever that it wasn’t the case, and then explained to his grandfather that he WASN’T a writer for Svengoolie…only to hear his grandfather say later “that’s my grandson- he USED to write for Svengoolie!”
Speaking of golden agers, I recently ran into a couple of them (now Groucho would ask “did you hurt them?”) at the TV Academy’s Silevr Circle Awards. My old friend , weatherman Harry Volkman came over to say hello (see, HE doesn’t hold any grudges for the time when I was attempting to be a TV weatherman!)- I’ve known Harry forever, having gone to school with some of his sons, and I’ve been friends with his son Eddie V at B-96 for a long time. When I did some fill-in work at WCFL in the 80s, Harry was the weatherman! It’s always great to see Harry, still with a great sense of humor- and, no, he didn’t do any of his “whoosh!” wind sound effects! The other person I met- for the first time- is a real Chicago television legend- Lee Phillip Bell. Lee was a groundbreaking broadcaster here at channel 2 in Chicago, one of the most prominent on-air talents from the early days of television right through to the 80s. She later went with her late husband Bob Bell (no, not the “Bozo” Bob Bell) to L.A., where they created soap operas like “the Young and the Restless.” Lee was here to co-introduce, with Walter Jacobson (who now has a sporty mustache/goatee combination!), a longtime director, Phil Ruskin, who was inducted into the Silver Circle. She told a great story about how she had come to a TV station with her brothers to promote their family floral business, ended up on camera to do some flower arranging, did so well she was asked to come back- and her career was launched!
It’s so great to be given the chance to meet and talk with people who are true pioneers and icons in Chicago broadcasting. Especially someone like Lee- who is probably one of the first people I remember seeing on local TV as a child!(Yes, they HAD TV back when I was a child- why, I oughta…)
One of my co-workers, Kabir, told me a great story regarding an elderly person. He said that his friend Ben (who, as a small child, used to call me “Gool-goolie”!) had shot a picture of Kabir at his desk. He showed it to his grandfather, who said
“oh, is that your new job?” Ben said, no, his job was elsewhere, that was where his friend worked as a promotions writer, at WCIU. His grandfather said “oh, WCIU- that’s where Svengoolie is!” A little later, Ben was shocked to have his grandfather point him out and say “that’s my grandson Ben- he’s a writer for Svengoolie!” Ben later explained to whomever that it wasn’t the case, and then explained to his grandfather that he WASN’T a writer for Svengoolie…only to hear his grandfather say later “that’s my grandson- he USED to write for Svengoolie!”
Speaking of golden agers, I recently ran into a couple of them (now Groucho would ask “did you hurt them?”) at the TV Academy’s Silevr Circle Awards. My old friend , weatherman Harry Volkman came over to say hello (see, HE doesn’t hold any grudges for the time when I was attempting to be a TV weatherman!)- I’ve known Harry forever, having gone to school with some of his sons, and I’ve been friends with his son Eddie V at B-96 for a long time. When I did some fill-in work at WCFL in the 80s, Harry was the weatherman! It’s always great to see Harry, still with a great sense of humor- and, no, he didn’t do any of his “whoosh!” wind sound effects! The other person I met- for the first time- is a real Chicago television legend- Lee Phillip Bell. Lee was a groundbreaking broadcaster here at channel 2 in Chicago, one of the most prominent on-air talents from the early days of television right through to the 80s. She later went with her late husband Bob Bell (no, not the “Bozo” Bob Bell) to L.A., where they created soap operas like “the Young and the Restless.” Lee was here to co-introduce, with Walter Jacobson (who now has a sporty mustache/goatee combination!), a longtime director, Phil Ruskin, who was inducted into the Silver Circle. She told a great story about how she had come to a TV station with her brothers to promote their family floral business, ended up on camera to do some flower arranging, did so well she was asked to come back- and her career was launched!
It’s so great to be given the chance to meet and talk with people who are true pioneers and icons in Chicago broadcasting. Especially someone like Lee- who is probably one of the first people I remember seeing on local TV as a child!(Yes, they HAD TV back when I was a child- why, I oughta…)
I’m happy to hear that so many of you are enjoying the Svengoolie “Dracula MAY-hem”- with a Universal Dracula flick every Saturday night. And, we’re only half done! My mail and e-mail feedback seems to indicate that some viewers who had strayed from their weekly watching have come back, lured by the more-classic Universal films. As I’ve mentioned here before, there will be more old-school stuff coming during the summer- and into the fall. From the schedule we’re seeing- any movie coming to you in a NEW Sven show during the rest of our Universal run will be in black and white, and no later than circa 1950s! (Again, that doesn’t count reruns- which, I may as well state again, are assigned by Universal, and not us. We HAVE to follow the schedule as set for us by Universal. Remember that the next time “Abbott and Costello Meet No One In Particular” is on…) There may be a few Sven surprises this summer, as well…just keep up with Sven news by checking these blogs.
I have received e-mails asking for certain movies, stating that those movies are Universal films, so they should be available to us. Unfortunately, we are not being allowed to pick and choose- although we did send a sort of “wish list” of titles to them when we were working out the deal. We got many of the titles we asked for- and didn’t get others, sometimes just because the movies were not available, due to being contracted to someone else. So, although I’d love to be able to bring you any Universal movie you’ve requested, we will only be able to show titles for which Universal has chosen to give us broadcast rights. Will there be more once this run ends? Stay tuned for further bulletins- but this current agreement will be continuing for more than a year!!!
The other thing you guys have asked constantly- is what’s going to run- and when? Though I can’t really tell you everything, I have mentioned that “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”- the one Bud and Lou flick most of you WANT to see- will be on the show this fall. And, along the way, you will see an “Invisible Man” ( I know- how can you SEE…?)- the “Wolf Man”-the “Deadly Mantis” and “Tarantula”- a whole bunch of “Frankenstein” and “Mummy films- and that gill-breathing guy from the Black Lagoon. It’s all the classic stuff that you have been asking me to run, since I got here in 1995!
Since it’s entirely possible that this could be the final run on free broadcast television for these films- I hope you’ll make the effort to catch them.
I have received e-mails asking for certain movies, stating that those movies are Universal films, so they should be available to us. Unfortunately, we are not being allowed to pick and choose- although we did send a sort of “wish list” of titles to them when we were working out the deal. We got many of the titles we asked for- and didn’t get others, sometimes just because the movies were not available, due to being contracted to someone else. So, although I’d love to be able to bring you any Universal movie you’ve requested, we will only be able to show titles for which Universal has chosen to give us broadcast rights. Will there be more once this run ends? Stay tuned for further bulletins- but this current agreement will be continuing for more than a year!!!
The other thing you guys have asked constantly- is what’s going to run- and when? Though I can’t really tell you everything, I have mentioned that “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”- the one Bud and Lou flick most of you WANT to see- will be on the show this fall. And, along the way, you will see an “Invisible Man” ( I know- how can you SEE…?)- the “Wolf Man”-the “Deadly Mantis” and “Tarantula”- a whole bunch of “Frankenstein” and “Mummy films- and that gill-breathing guy from the Black Lagoon. It’s all the classic stuff that you have been asking me to run, since I got here in 1995!
Since it’s entirely possible that this could be the final run on free broadcast television for these films- I hope you’ll make the effort to catch them.
In view of the fact that today is Mother’s Day (and a happy day to all you Moms out there)-maybe last night’s movie should have been “Dracula’s Mother!” Actually, I don’t think there ever was a movie with that title…there was a flick called “Old Dracula” (which was a sideways reference to “Young Frankenstein”)-not that all moms are old!- and the well-worn public domain flick ‘My Son the Vampire”- which might seem to indicate a Dracula mom, but really doesn’t have much to do with any mom, other than “Mother Riley”- a character played by a guy named Arthur Lucan in a series of wacky British comedies. The title was attached to the film, originally known as “Mother Riley Meets the Vampire” when, for its US distribution, they added a title theme by song parody king of the early 60s Allan Sherman- who had done an album called “My Son the Folk Singer.” (Are you following all this?!) This film actually starred our old pal Bela as the vampire, who had a robot that chased the old “woman” around. And, no, I don’t recall Bela having a mother in this flick.
The “Old Dracula” movie –sometimes known as “Vampira”-and no relation to the 50s horror hostess of the same name- is a real “drive-in “ movie- starring, of all people, the dapper David Niven as Dracula- who is looking for a woman with the correct unique blood type to revive his wife, Vampira. When a Playboy magazine shoot takes place at his castle (sounds just like the E! series “Girls Next Door!”) one of the models has the perfect blood type, and Drac uses her blood to revive Vampira- only to find that she is now -black!(and played by former “Laugh-In” cast member and the star of “Get Christie Love”- Teresa Graves!) this whole thing sounds like a Benny Hill skit waiting to happen. Maybe if you haven’t already gotten Mom a gift, you can run out and find this masterpiece.
In thinking about it- while we have various monster movies that are “Son of…” and “(blank)’s Daughter”- we never really have any flicks that are about moms –other than “Gorgo”-where the giant reptilian mother comes to reclaim her scaly offspring. The closest we get is “Bride of Frankenstein”- but, those two weren’t together long enough to hear the pitter-patter of stitched-on little feet. Perhaps motherhood –and dealing with kids from day-to-day- is too scary for most monsters to handle. So, let’s salute the courage of all the women out there who truly are brave enough to take on that challenge. Happy Mother’s Day to you all! Oops- forgot to get a gift…you think she’d like ANOTHER rubber chicken?
The “Old Dracula” movie –sometimes known as “Vampira”-and no relation to the 50s horror hostess of the same name- is a real “drive-in “ movie- starring, of all people, the dapper David Niven as Dracula- who is looking for a woman with the correct unique blood type to revive his wife, Vampira. When a Playboy magazine shoot takes place at his castle (sounds just like the E! series “Girls Next Door!”) one of the models has the perfect blood type, and Drac uses her blood to revive Vampira- only to find that she is now -black!(and played by former “Laugh-In” cast member and the star of “Get Christie Love”- Teresa Graves!) this whole thing sounds like a Benny Hill skit waiting to happen. Maybe if you haven’t already gotten Mom a gift, you can run out and find this masterpiece.
In thinking about it- while we have various monster movies that are “Son of…” and “(blank)’s Daughter”- we never really have any flicks that are about moms –other than “Gorgo”-where the giant reptilian mother comes to reclaim her scaly offspring. The closest we get is “Bride of Frankenstein”- but, those two weren’t together long enough to hear the pitter-patter of stitched-on little feet. Perhaps motherhood –and dealing with kids from day-to-day- is too scary for most monsters to handle. So, let’s salute the courage of all the women out there who truly are brave enough to take on that challenge. Happy Mother’s Day to you all! Oops- forgot to get a gift…you think she’d like ANOTHER rubber chicken?
The “Dracula MAY-hem” in the merry month of May continues tonight on the Svengoolie program- as we bring back the second film of the Universal “Dracula” series, featuring the feminine side of the family. It’s “Dracula’s Daughter”- starring Gloria Holden as daddy’s little ghoul. This film picks up- literally at the end point of last week’s “Dracula” film- Van Helsing is being apprehended standing over the body of the staked Count Dracula, and taken into custody. With Drac’s body then impounded at police headquarters, a mysterious female shows up –and the body disappears. She’s Dracula’s daughter, calling herself Countess Marya Zeleska –and she’s trying to escape the family curse of vampirism. Meanwhile, Van Helsing is enlisting the help of a friend to try to convince authorities that he did not murder the Count, but was serving as a fearless vampire fighter to save the public from this deadly menace. And then, the bodies of dead women start showing up… It’s very cool continuity to have the story continue from the original film, along with Van Helsing, again played by Edward Van Sloan. The movie is supposedly based on a chapter of Bram Stoker’s original Dracula novel, entitled “Dracula’s Guest”- and that chapter was released as a stand-alone novel after the release of this film. Our star, Gloria Holden, appeared in films well into the fifties, pretty much avoiding the horror genre for the rest of her career. If you’re creeped out by her wide-eyed stare, then consider this- according to the International Movie Data Base- Dracula’s daughter blinks exactly ONCE in the whole movie! (Kind of like Peter Francis Geraci…) the single blink occurs when she’s attending the party of Lady Hammond- played by one-time queen of Hollywood gossip (and famous for her outrageous, Dorothy Tilmon-like hats) Hedda Hopper. This film sticks pretty closely to the feel of the original Dracula film, and I’m glad that we could play it more or less “in sequence,” following “Dracula.” Plus- we’ve still got two more to come in the next couple weeks of our “Dracula MAY-hem!” For those who were Abbott-and-Costello-ed out, and kept asking when the REAL classic stuff would be on- this is just the beginning! You’ll see more of the famous monsters this summer- then again in the fall. Keep watching- we appreciate the loyalty all you Sven fans have shown us!
I got a really nice e-mail from a guy named Brian who had just recently caught the show for the first time, greatly enjoyed it, and, since he is moving back to this area, plans on becoming a regular viewer. It’s a great feeling to have people see the show and like it well enough to want to see it again! I always wonder how someone who’s never seen the show before reacts to it- what’s with those chickens? What or who is Berwyn? (I remember getting an e-mail from someone who asked who Irwin was- it took me a while to figure out he had misheard the “Berwyn” cry!) Why doesn’t that guy get a haircut- and some sleep, to get rid of those dark circles around his eyes? I’m glad that the usual reaction is-“hey, this is kind of entertaining!” I had a message from a viewer named Daiana, who’s originally from Russia, and is a big fan of the show. She said she has traveled around the country, and likes to watch our show, more than other hosts she’s seen elsewhere (she called them “imposters!”) I think a lot of people have grown up with various hosts in different parts of the country, and it seems like they always think theirs was the best – kind of like fans of “Dr. Who” –the British sci-fi show- who, many times, say their favorite “Doctor” was- the very first one they watched! So, if you grew up watching me- chances are you’d say I’m your favorite; of course, if you saw me, and couldn’t stand me right from the start, chances are you still aren’t a fan. In fact, chances are,you’re not even reading this, then. That’ll teach ya! (Huh?!) Kimberly just discovered our show on our Michiana station- she says she’s been watching me since she was a kid, and asked why I never age?! I told her that maybe the gray doesn’t show up in the wig, and that her television may have the fine-tuning adjusted so that you can’t tell that I’ve gained weight (what would that be –the vertical hold? I miss those old days of the multi-tubed TV that , when things started to go bad, you had to climb around back, have somebody hold a mirror in front so you could see, and you’d play around with the adjustments in the back…which usually just made it worse… which reminds me of when we did that 3-D movie at WFLD, and part of setting up your set to get optimum 3-D effect was for you to have to adjust some control on your TV until both sides of the screen matched- yeah, THAT was simple…)-anyway, thanks for the compliment, Kimberly, and do go see that eye doctor… And YOU- you can send me a message as well! It’s svengoolie@wciu.com
Is there a character in a horror movie who annoys the living heck out of you? This question came to mind while I was working on one of our upcoming Dracula series movies. In the particular film I’m screening, there is a local ne’er-do-well in the village of Vassaria whom the local constable says always seems to be in midst of any trouble that crops up in the village. His name is Steinmuth, although the way they say it, it almost sounds like “SteinMoo”- a kind of creepy little guy with a constant look of wide-eyed apprehension, raised eyebrows and all- with a slow monotone delivery that drives most people watching up a wall-if not just totally creeping them out! I seem to recall someone that I know absolutely hating the innkeeper’s wife- Una O’Connor- in the great 1933 classic “the Invisible Man”- just because of her constant shrieking throughout the movie! Actually, I think she’s very funny, and enjoy here very much in the film, as well as in “Bride of Frankenstein” (she’s the one who helps the Monster out of the soggy wreckage at the beginning of the film.) Yet, some people-at least one or two that I know- had their teeth set on edge every time Una would start wailing. Some characters have mannerisms that viewers can’t stand- for example, if I may switch programs to the beloved “Stooge-a-palooza”- one would think that one of the greatest menaces to civilization is –Joe Besser! Anytime we show a Stooge short featuring Besser as the third Stooge- or, heaven forbid, the show that’s ALL Joe shorts, aptly titled “Oh, No- It’s Joe!”- I get vitriolic e-mails demanding we never, ever, EVER show Joe again. They dislike his whining, his child-like delivery, and his major error of not being Curly or , at least, Shemp. Yet, every time I bring up how much viewers seem to dislike him, I’ll get a few e-mails defending him. Very few. Kind of reminds me of e-mails I received during our slew of Abbott and Costello repeats…I mean, “encore performances” …maybe by the third run, some viewers were fed up enough with Bud and Lou that they complained that they weren’t funny at all, Abbott was mean and of low moral fiber, and Costello would add bits of business that were obviously in there only to get a cheap laugh, and didn’t even fit the situation. Anyway, as I asked- is there a horror movie character that YOU can’t stand (besides me?) feel free to tell me about it- just e-mail me at svengoolie@wciu.com - let’s see if there are certain characters that are “Universally” hated- get it? Universal? Although we won’t limit it to that studio...
I know- it was bad enough when I was asking for tips on growing a Chia head- but, I’ll give this a shot anyway. Is anybody an expert on lava lamps? I think I already know the answer to this, but- is there any way to get them back in motion once they seem to have refused to do so? Here’s the deal- I was given a lovely lamp that is a true masterpiece- it’s supposed to be a Springfield nuclear reactor tower, with Homer Simpson snoozing in his chair at the control on the base, along with co-workers Lenny and Carl at the water cooler- which has a three-eyed fish in it! The same three-eyed mutant fish is at the very top of the lamp, which is loaded with greenish fluid and the lava. It –ahem- USED to bubble to the top in true lava lamp style. Though the lamp included a warning not to run it more than about ten hours- and I never did- I still think it may have gotten too hot, possibly last summer- because- somewhere along the line- it stopped “lava-ing.” Anybody know why? When I have the lamp on, the lava- okay, I know, it’s wax!- does liquefy, and it will flow back and forth when I gently tip the bottle (the lava bottle, not some adult beverage)-but, it doesn’t do the “bubble to the top, then cool and drop” action that it used to do. I’ve wondered if, when it’s liquid-like, I could slowly turn the bottle, get some near the top, the turn it back, and start the flow again. I know you can’t move TOO quickly, because the lava will break up, it’ll become a soupy mess, and that won’t be very soothing to watch either. I looked for replacement lava bottles on the internet, and came up empty. I thought of getting another lamp with a similar color scheme, and switching bottles- BUT- the bottle in my Simpsons lamp is – well, actually shaped more like a bottle, as opposed to the more common lava lamp bottles, that are almost an upside-down coffin shape, which won’t fit into the base. I even thought of getting a whole new Simpsons lamp- but, it would appear that they were a one-shot deal, and they aren’t made anymore. I really like the lamp- the design with the characters is really great, and even without the lava in action, it makes a lovely TV or night light. But- if somebody knows how to get it ‘erupting’ again- so much the better. Oh, and, don’t bother to send me the formula for do-it-yourself lamp lava…I really don’t think I want to start concocting home-made bubbling crude...lava, that is…green gold…Springfield tea…although green tea is supposed to be good for you…maybe I can get Apu to make a bubbly green Squishy…
Nice to see billboards with the “Koz” name on them- WAIT!!! That’s not Sven’s alter ego! Every day, driving to work, there’s a nice big billboard for some wacky radio station with “Dave Koz” plastered on one end. Poor guy doesn’t even know how to pronounce it- he says it “KAHZ”, not “KOZE”- put that in your saxophone and play it, pal (for those who are confused- he’s a sax player doing a radio show afternoons on the “smooth jazz” station.) Then, over in the land of Eric and Kathy, you’ve got the OTHER radio guy misusing the name- he’s Koz (“KAHZ”) as well. From what I’ve read, he used to call himself the “KozMan” in whatever burg he used to broadcast from, but the Chicago station he’s on now thought it would sound a little too “teeny-bopper-ish” for their semi-hip adult format, so he just became “Koz.” So, now, occasionally, I get an e-mail asking “that isn’t you on the radio there, is it?” Of course, nobody at the station there would have any clue that there’s someone working in the broadcasting field in Chicago, who’s been here for well over 25 years with the name their afternoon drive genius is using –and it isn’t even really his name! (I can understand the smooth jazz guy using the name because, first of all, it’s his name, and secondly, he is well-known to fans of his sort of music.) It’d be great if the “MIX-ed” up Koz started doing shtick about Berwyn in between his big sets of U2 and Red Hot Chili Peppers, or giving a free rubber chicken to the one hundred-first caller, to further confuse some of the listening public. Oh, Well-maybe he’ll realize what’s going on, and change his name- to something like “Sven” or “Goolie.” I know most of you can tell yours truly from these other guys, but, as I said, I do occasionally hear from a confused, usually newer viewer. They might have heard or read that I have done radio in the past, and that just adds to the identity crisis. I would hope they would be able to tell the difference between my vice and his…but, then again…I got an e-mail from a guys, asking why I sounded kind of mad when I was on a suburban radio station’s morning show a while back. It was my turn to be confused, because I had never been on the show. I explained this to him, and told him it might be wise for the station to check out guests if they claim to be someone that they really aren’t. Eventually, he realized that the guy he’d heard was some would-be “home improvement expert” who shows up on cable access shows and has a last name that really doesn’t resemble mine! So, I guess mistaking me with a guy who spells his radio name the same as mine isn’t that much of a stretch…
You’ve most likely seen the Sven webisodes that run here at wciu.com…you can just hit the link button above here to take a look at the latest one…and, I was wondering- is there anything you might want to see in a webisode? Would you want to see more exploits of instigative reporter Geraldo Mascara? Do you want more old Sven history artifacts and photos? Are you craving more “behind-the-scenes” stuff from the Sven studio and Sven tapings? Feel free to let me know… svengoolie@wciu.com …if you have an idea of something you’ve been dying to see here! Regarding the questions about having an archive of the webisodes here on the site- it’s being considered. Further news when it happens… The afore-mentioned Geraldo appearances seemed to be a favorite of many of you…some of you said it reminds you of the old “Koz Zone” days, with multiple characters emerging from yours truly. The roster of characters on that old show of mine was always ever-increasing- with some making numerous appearances, and some being a one-shot character. The somewhat hard-of-hearing stagehand Pops , spacey teenaged dude Axel, and the artistic Delbert Van Scrawler –who would turn any scribble a viewer sent in into a “work of art”- were characters who came back again and again- while some- like infomercial pitchman Nigel or the tough-guy window washer- barely left a blip on the TV screen…not because people didn’t like them, but more because we didn’t have enough use for them! Some of you think there should be more characters showing up on Sven- like, say, Dr. Phil; the Grandson of Dracula who will be on the show next Saturday; Chuck Bobuck, the inventor of audi-omission, who helped censor some movies with questionable words; or-the beloved Wilton N. Klystron, big-shot television executive who made the transition from the “Koz Zone” to “the U” with a few appearances here and there. And what about Hugh A. Cheff- the 1950s announcer? (Note to self- we should rerun our “lost” 1950s episode sometime…) Sometimes, appearances by these other characters isn’t always possible, due to restraints of production time, and the time it takes for a certain someone to “transform” from one character to another…but, I think that sometimes, it’s more fun to see a complete character than just his arm sticking into the frame. Let me know what you think- you’ve got my e-mail address!
I’m happy to hear that so many of you tuned in for the original “Dracula” last night- especially since it was a one-shot deal. As I’ve mentioned, all this month will be ‘Dracula MAY-Hem”- with a Universal Dracula flick every Saturday! Funny how you’ll end up seeing Dracs in various sizes and shapes throughout the month…as you know, last night’s movie was the only one that featured Bela Lugosi as the Count…coming up, you’ll see another one-time-only Dracula role for a horror great, plus the slimmest Drac ever- in a film that co-stars the Wolf man and the Frankenstein Monster! Yes, for all of you who’ve been asking- we’re FINALLY getting to more of the core classics of the Universal library! One viewer thought I’d made a mistake by saying Bela only played Dracula twice- in last night’s film, and in “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”(coming to Sven this fall)- and that he was also the Count in the 1935 film “Mark of the Vampire”- most memorable for Bela appearing with his “daughter” -the luscious long-haired Carroll Borland! Well, I hate to say I’m right, but- yes I am! True, Bela plays a count- but he’s Count Mora…and his vampirism is…well, I won’t throw in any spoilers, in case you want to check it out. Anyway, make sure you come back every Saturday in May for more Dracula flicks, and- come the end of June- we’ll start out with a furry favorite, then move on to a series of another famed Universal monster! On a personal level- just want to acknowledge the passing of a couple people last week - one, we knew as an obvious link to horror, comedy and music- and the other an old broadcasting comrade. The first is, of course, Bobby “Boris” Pickett, who performed one of the most popular novelty records of all time- ‘the Monster Mash!” It pretty much became the anthem of Halloween, and hit the charts THREE TIMES over the years! Supposedly, he and a pal got the idea when their band used to do the old tune “Little Darling”, and Bobby would do the middle spoken part (“My darling, I need you…”) in the Boris Karloff voice! We’ll remember him every time someone asks- “Whatever happened to my Transylvanian Twist?” The second is a great newsman, Jim Frank, whom I met back in the WFLD days. Jim worked at several radio stations here in Chicago, was a great guy, and did a really funny Tom Snyder impression. Some of you may remember him as Larry Lujack’s newsman during his original “SuperJock” days. Both these gentlemen will be missed.
Okay-tonight’s the night –when the Svengoolie program kicks off a whole month of –Dracula MAY-hem!!! Yes, you fans who have been asking for the real classics will be happy to know that, for the entire month of may, we’ll have a selection of Dracula movies from the Universal Studio vaults-beginning tonight with the original Bela Lugosi 1931 blockbuster- “Dracula!” Here’s an important warning- Universal only had a very small window of availability for this classic film- so- we will only get this ONE run of it! So- if you want to see the Sven show version- you HAVE to tune in tonight, whether it’s at 9 pm on WCIU or 1 am on Me-TV !(Other cities- check your local listings!) One thing that kind of surprises me is that Universal really hasn’t done a lot to correct the old film noise and hiss on this movie- someone said, even on the latest dvds, the noise is still there! You would think with all the sound technology available, they’d try to clean up the audio a little more. By the way, the version we’re showing is NOT the one that has composer Philip Glass’ musical score, performed by the Kronos Quartet, added- I’d heard that version , and , quite frankly, don’t feel that the score adds much to the movie- in fact, there seems to be times when the music doesn’t even seem appropriate for the action happening on the screen! Just the opinion of one Mr. Goolie… Tonight, we’ll also have some background information about the film-including some information true Drac backers already know- like, who Universal originally wanted to play the Count (it wasn’t Bela)- where Bela’s stage name came from- what demand the studio made about who Drac would attack- and- what’s MISSING from this film that would later become a standard of every Dracula flick! Plus, our old pal Tombstone will introduce you to a new fitness plan based on the fearless vampire hunter who figures so prominently in the Dracula legacy. The Sven parody song this week again digs into the more contemporary hit file, so be ready to cover your ears! It’s pretty cool that I got to show this film during the year of its 50th anniversary, and , now, I get to show it during its 75th anniversary year! (Let’s start planning now for that 100 year anniversary! Woo hoo! I’ll be hosting it from my wheelchair!) Seriously- it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this classic tonight- ONE NIGHT ONLY!!! And, come back every Saturday in May for more “Dracula MAY-hem!” (I thought up that title myself!)
Tonight, it’s going to be my great honor to be the host ( in my Rich Koz persona ) of the Chicago branch of the National Television Academy’s “Silver Circle Awards” event. The Silver Circle is a very elite group of local broadcasters who have been voted to receive the award due to their outstanding contributions to Chicago television for 25 years or more. I was very proud and flattered to have been admitted to the Silver Circle back in 2004.Among the other members of the “class” that year were Tom Weinberg, the guy who started “Image Union” on WTTW, Frank Mathie, a terrific feature reporter at WLS, and, my old pal Tom Skilling, weatherman extraordinaire at WGN. I think I’ve mentioned, every time I see Tom, I always feel that I need to apologize to him for my stint as a weatherman at Fox- although that night, both Tom and the other famed weatherman who inducted him into the Silver Circle- the great Harry Volkman- both kindly said that they never thought I’d done a bad job (and, hopefully, there was no forecast of a “snow job” there!) When I had looked at the names of previous inductees- people like Jack Brickhouse, Harry Caray, Irv Kupcinet, Ray Rayner, Bill Kurtis, Floyd Kalber, Bob Bell, Howard Shapiro (and I’m not just mentioning him because he owns this station!) etc.- I certainly had the feeling someone had made a mistake by admitting me! Fortunately, this error has never been uncovered and corrected, and I’m especially glad to have been asked to serve as host for tonight’s festivities. I’m happy that a guy I’ve known for several years now, Robert Jordan of WGN, will be a Silver Circle recipient tonight! And, just in case someone asks- no, this event is not open to the public, nor is it broadcast- but, some pictures may be posted on the NATAS website in a little while- I’ll let you know. The good news is- I don’t have to wear a tuxedo! The bad new is- I do have to wear a suit and tie. I’m not really a suit and tie guy, which I’m sure sounds funny coming from someone who has to wear a costume all the time…actually, I guess the deal about not having to wear a tux must seem funny as well, since that’s part of my costume (not the same tux that I’d wear to a formal event- although, that could save me money on dry cleaning bills…) Speaking of which, tomorrow night we start a full month’s worth of classic universal movies whose main character is usually sporting a pretty spiffy tuxedo- the perfect attire for , say- lying in a coffin?! Come back tomorrow for details- and, hope to see you in McHenry tomorrow afternoon! (See yesterday’s blog for details…)
Do you live northwest of Chicago, and are you pining to meet your little TV pal Svengoolie? Well, you’re about to get your chance- I’m headed off to the wilds of McHenry this Saturday afternoon! I’ll be making a return visit to Al N’ Ann’s Collectibles at 3819 W. Main Street, from 2 pm to around 4- It’s the usual fun time, signing autographs, posing for pictures, etc. –plus, rumors abound that rubber chickens, the current Sven issue of “Scary Monsters” and more will be available for me to autograph. Al, his family and friends are long-time Sven fans and really nice people, which adds to the trademark atmosphere of most Sven appearances- great crowds of fans, who remember more about the show and its history than I usually do, and- something I’ve always appreciated- people who are, for the most part, very well-mannered and considerate! Sure, occasionally, you’ll get somebody who may have been raised by wolves (ill-mannered wolves- most wolves are very conscientious) who might not endear himself to the other folks waiting, but, I’ve always been proud that the majority of Sven fans are really nice people. I always do my best to return the favor. Our last visit to McHenry was a lot of fun, and I have a feeling this Saturday will be even BIGGER fun! If you can’t make this appearance, no reason to worry- we’re working on a few more, going into the summer and right through to the busy Halloween season! Viewers have been asking about appearances in Indiana, and we’re working on at least one of those…I’d like to visit a wide range of locations, so some of you guys don’t have to travel as much as an hour and a half just to see me live (or, as live as I get!) I really appreciate the folks who will undertake a long trip like that, just to take a picture with your friendly neighborhood rubber chicken target. I’ve had people bring rubber chickens, stuffed chickens, maps of Berwyn, and photos of themselves with me from previous appearances (some literally over twenty years ago!) for me to sign. Every once in a while, someone will bring in one of the old orange “Son of Svengoolie” picture postcards that we first sent out when I started my Sven career- even more rarely, someone will bring one of the old red “Son of” t-shirts- and –even MORE rarely, one of the black “Bi-Sventennial” shirts that WFLD made in a very limited quantity for my 200th show on that station. (We’re just a couple weeks away from doing 3 times that number here at WCIU!) People have had me sign some very unlikely things- which I’m probably better off not explaining- and, just remember- the pen I’m using is usually one of those indelible Sharpies, so, whatever I sign- it’s gonna STAY signed! Hope a lot of you will drop by in McHenry on Saturday!
Let’s hit upon some of the most frequently asked questions- or, in some of these case- most frequently providing answers e-mail and mail that we’ve been receiving lately at svengoolie@wciu.com and svenonu@aol.com … First of all- I want to thank the many many of you who kindly sent an answer to a movie question we read on the air- a viewer had asked about a movie that might’ve taken place in wartime, in a Nazi castle, with some ancient zombie-like being kept there, whose mere presence would kill anyone it came near. Seriously, I got dozens of e-mails from viewers who identified that movie as the 1983 film “the Keep!” Thanks for the overwhelming assistance- though we won’t get to mention it on the air for a few weeks (we’ve been working ahead!)- we will also mention the answer during an upcoming mail segment. I always appreciate the help- for example, a few weeks back, we had someone inquire about a possible flick where a man hits a dog with his car- brings it home- and the dog becomes a woman who tries to kill the man’s wife!(There’s a plot for ya!) One viewer thought it was a “Night Gallery” episode, but I couldn’t find it listed among the episodes. However, I did get TWO e-mails, both holding what must be the answer-both Doug and Don say that, with a few inaccuracies- it’s the 1976 movie “Embryo”- in which Rock Hudson strikes a dog, brings it home to try to save, discovers it’s pregnant, and saves one of the puppies with an experimental hormone. By morning, the dog is full grown! He then tries it with a human fetus, and it turns into the beautiful Barbara Carrera!(hey-build one for me, too!) Again, thanks for the help! Many of you have asked where to get that “Scary Monsters” issue that features tons of Sven stuff, with me on the cover… Word I’ve gotten is that it should now be in all the stores that would carry it, according to Diamond Comic Distribution. The mag is distributed throughout the US, plus some distribution in Canada , Europe, and Australia. Some bookstore chains like Borders and Barnes and Noble often carry it. You can also order it directly from scarymonsters.com The magazine is sent out by a number of distributors, so it isn’t easy to tell which stores carry it- each store decides if they want to purchase and sell the magazine. You can probably ask your store about ordering a copy for you. Where can you buy a copy- and possibly get it signed this weekend? Come back tomorrow, and I’ll tell you!