June 2007 Archives
Tonight is the full moon! And could there be a more appropriate movie to be running on Svengoolie tonight at 9 (or, on Me-TV at 1 am) than “the Wolf Man”?! Yes, it’s the original Universal classic- the film where Lon Chaney Jr. plays his most famous character- young Larry Talbot, who goes to the rescue of a girl on a foggy night, and tussles with what he THINKS is a wolf. The bite he receives in the attack snares him in the curse of the pentagram- so that when the full moon rises- he will become – a werewolf!
You’ll notice some interesting things about this movie- including something about the transformations, which we’ll point out. Another thing any horror fan remembers so well, that you can chant it in your sleep- is the “folk rhyme” that everyone in the film seems to know- “even a man who is pure of heart, and says his prayers by night- may become a wolf, when the wolf bane blooms, and the autumn moon is bright” (also sometimes said as “when the moon is shining bright”- because the original version would limit the changes to only a few months a year, and who wants that?!) Many people think this is an authentic European saying, and a legitimate bit of folk lore- but, actually, the film’s writer, Curt Siodmak, just made it up! It’s in pretty much every one of the films that includes Larry Talbot/Wolf Man appearances. As I’ve mentioned before, this character really brought Lon Jr. the closest that he could ever come to his father’s fame-with the one character/creature that he pretty much owned for years. In fact, I think it’s probably true that, while other people have certainly played werewolves, no one else EVER played “Larry Talbot.” This role also doomed big Lon into having to endure many hours in the make-up chair- and, even, hours in front of the camera, sitting still, while the make-up artists, led by Jack Pierce, gradually added parts of the make-up to his face to create the transition from man to Wolf Man on film.
This 1941 classic also gives us Claude Raines (“The Invisible Man”- coming in a little over a month to this program!) as Larry’s father. Something you DON’T see in the film is a scene where the Wolf Man battled a bear (supply your own Tank Johnson joke) that the gypsies had as part of their entertainment. Supposedly- get this- the bear ran away during the shoot, so whatever scenes they had shot including it ended up only in the film’s promotional trailer. Plus, we have a Sven bit that fans of local kids television shows will appreciate! Tune in for plenty of classic fun and fright- tonight – when the moon is full and bright. (That’s an old Berwyn saying…)
You’ll notice some interesting things about this movie- including something about the transformations, which we’ll point out. Another thing any horror fan remembers so well, that you can chant it in your sleep- is the “folk rhyme” that everyone in the film seems to know- “even a man who is pure of heart, and says his prayers by night- may become a wolf, when the wolf bane blooms, and the autumn moon is bright” (also sometimes said as “when the moon is shining bright”- because the original version would limit the changes to only a few months a year, and who wants that?!) Many people think this is an authentic European saying, and a legitimate bit of folk lore- but, actually, the film’s writer, Curt Siodmak, just made it up! It’s in pretty much every one of the films that includes Larry Talbot/Wolf Man appearances. As I’ve mentioned before, this character really brought Lon Jr. the closest that he could ever come to his father’s fame-with the one character/creature that he pretty much owned for years. In fact, I think it’s probably true that, while other people have certainly played werewolves, no one else EVER played “Larry Talbot.” This role also doomed big Lon into having to endure many hours in the make-up chair- and, even, hours in front of the camera, sitting still, while the make-up artists, led by Jack Pierce, gradually added parts of the make-up to his face to create the transition from man to Wolf Man on film.
This 1941 classic also gives us Claude Raines (“The Invisible Man”- coming in a little over a month to this program!) as Larry’s father. Something you DON’T see in the film is a scene where the Wolf Man battled a bear (supply your own Tank Johnson joke) that the gypsies had as part of their entertainment. Supposedly- get this- the bear ran away during the shoot, so whatever scenes they had shot including it ended up only in the film’s promotional trailer. Plus, we have a Sven bit that fans of local kids television shows will appreciate! Tune in for plenty of classic fun and fright- tonight – when the moon is full and bright. (That’s an old Berwyn saying…)
Look out! The Grant Park area has been invaded! No, not by giant grasshoppers- nor cicadas (did they ever even MAKE it to Grant Park?!)- it’s the sweltering throngs marching shoulder to shoulder between stands for pickles on a stick and bowls of turtle soup- the customers for the “Taste of Chicago!” It’s the yearly event where people spend too much money on too little food while trying to make their way past too many people.
The only time I ever attended the Taste that I was not working- was the very first time I went- which was long enough ago that it wasn’t too over-priced, but still clogged with various forms of humanity. Every other time I’ve been there, it was to work radio or television. One of the very first newscasts I did as a (sigh) weatherman for WFLD was a remote at the Taste- where I did the first part up on top of the van, then, one of the genius engineers (who’s no longer at the station) said “why don’t you go down and do the next one with the crowd?” I naively agreed- went down there, and, just as I wound up the 5-day forecast, the raucous crowd (had they been drinking? Really?) surged forward, and the last thing you saw on air was me being swept away and out of sight by the sea of goofballs trying to get on television!
One year, they had me do the segments of my afternoon “Koz Zone” shows live from the Taste. Since on the show, I always entered through an elevator, our great stagehands built a mock elevator door for me to come on stage through. Doing these shows was fun- it was live TV, interacting with the crowd, changing costumes frantically during breaks to be other characters- just a great time. Then, one day, we’re doing the show open- and I can see HUGE black clouds coming in.
We finish the live open and head for cover, just as high winds, then a drenching rainstorm hits! The canvas and metal pipe canopy over our stage came down- right where I’d have been standing! As we all huddled in our “courtesy tent”-a strong wind started to literally carry it up in the air! Some of our personnel and myself grabbed the tent poles to try to keep it from sailing away- only later realizing that the poles were METAL- and a prime target for lightning! In moments, I was enlisted to be a live on-the-scene correspondent for the local Fox News, describing the scene at the event as the storm hit. Back to you, Jack…
Most of the broadcasting from the Taste has always been fun, though- I even got to do a radio broadcast with the late Bob Collins on WGN-am. I’ve had a pretty good time every time I’ve been at the Taste- but, somehow, I don’t think I’ll be shuffling along with the folks jam-packed into Grant Park searching for a saltine that costs four tickets…
The only time I ever attended the Taste that I was not working- was the very first time I went- which was long enough ago that it wasn’t too over-priced, but still clogged with various forms of humanity. Every other time I’ve been there, it was to work radio or television. One of the very first newscasts I did as a (sigh) weatherman for WFLD was a remote at the Taste- where I did the first part up on top of the van, then, one of the genius engineers (who’s no longer at the station) said “why don’t you go down and do the next one with the crowd?” I naively agreed- went down there, and, just as I wound up the 5-day forecast, the raucous crowd (had they been drinking? Really?) surged forward, and the last thing you saw on air was me being swept away and out of sight by the sea of goofballs trying to get on television!
One year, they had me do the segments of my afternoon “Koz Zone” shows live from the Taste. Since on the show, I always entered through an elevator, our great stagehands built a mock elevator door for me to come on stage through. Doing these shows was fun- it was live TV, interacting with the crowd, changing costumes frantically during breaks to be other characters- just a great time. Then, one day, we’re doing the show open- and I can see HUGE black clouds coming in.
We finish the live open and head for cover, just as high winds, then a drenching rainstorm hits! The canvas and metal pipe canopy over our stage came down- right where I’d have been standing! As we all huddled in our “courtesy tent”-a strong wind started to literally carry it up in the air! Some of our personnel and myself grabbed the tent poles to try to keep it from sailing away- only later realizing that the poles were METAL- and a prime target for lightning! In moments, I was enlisted to be a live on-the-scene correspondent for the local Fox News, describing the scene at the event as the storm hit. Back to you, Jack…
Most of the broadcasting from the Taste has always been fun, though- I even got to do a radio broadcast with the late Bob Collins on WGN-am. I’ve had a pretty good time every time I’ve been at the Taste- but, somehow, I don’t think I’ll be shuffling along with the folks jam-packed into Grant Park searching for a saltine that costs four tickets…
Let’s continue with our Svengoolie “wish list”- featuring movies that I’ve run into while researching other movies, which I think have real potential as Sven features- either with or without “Svensurround.”
Here’s a 1989 film that “crosses the streams” of two notorious stories- “Edge of Sanity!” With a title like that, it should be no surprise that it stars Anthony Perkins, everybody’s favorite “Psycho” mama’s boy. In this one, he’s Dr. Jekyll- yes, THAT Dr. Jekyll- who, though respected by all, carries a dark secret from his childhood. He still tries to help mankind , though, by coming up with a new anesthetic- which ends up being an addictive type of crack cocaine that transforms him into- Mr. Hyde. Mr. JACK Hyde. Maybe you know him as –“Jack the Ripper!” So- you get two-two- TWO villains in one! It actually sounds like a pretty creative idea…
One of our Sven viewers wrote in to ask about this film- and, in finding out about it, it sounds like a perfect Sven movie- “Parents!” From 1989, we get a shy kid who moves into a perfect 1950s town with his parents- but the boy thinks something isn’t right about the limitless supply of meat they constantly cook up. A major clue is the visitors who come in- and never go out…indicating that tonight’s roast and “Soylent Green” might share similar ingredients- i.e.- PEOPLE !!! The boy has problems trying to let anyone know about the malicious menu, as his parental units- Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt- continue to show that they like people… grilled, with a little garlic.
Here’s one that I remember seeing ads for on the sides of buses in that same year of 1989- “Popcorn!”-with the catchy promo tag line- “Buy a bag- go home in a box!” Some high school kids decide to sponsor an all-night marathon of horror movies- little realizing that an insane killer is locked into the theater with them! Tom Villard, a sort-of road show Tom Hanks, is the strange killer who removes his victims’ faces and …wears them. One of the cool aspects of this film- almost like the trailers in “Grindhouse”- are the “movies” that are being screened- including the 3-D giant insect film “Mosquito”- and a film featuring “aromarama!” Supposedly, the title –“popcorn”- was tied in with something that was connected to the plot- but, whatever that element was (I can’t find that info anywhere), it was actually REMOVED from the film before the final version was completed. Nevertheless, the producers loved the title, and ran with it. It turns out that, among the cast members is Kelly Jo Minter- who we just saw as “Ruby” in “People Under the Stairs!” maybe this should’ve been “People Under the Seats”…
What other films do you think belong on the Sven wish list? Let me know… svengoolie@wciu.com….
Here’s a 1989 film that “crosses the streams” of two notorious stories- “Edge of Sanity!” With a title like that, it should be no surprise that it stars Anthony Perkins, everybody’s favorite “Psycho” mama’s boy. In this one, he’s Dr. Jekyll- yes, THAT Dr. Jekyll- who, though respected by all, carries a dark secret from his childhood. He still tries to help mankind , though, by coming up with a new anesthetic- which ends up being an addictive type of crack cocaine that transforms him into- Mr. Hyde. Mr. JACK Hyde. Maybe you know him as –“Jack the Ripper!” So- you get two-two- TWO villains in one! It actually sounds like a pretty creative idea…
One of our Sven viewers wrote in to ask about this film- and, in finding out about it, it sounds like a perfect Sven movie- “Parents!” From 1989, we get a shy kid who moves into a perfect 1950s town with his parents- but the boy thinks something isn’t right about the limitless supply of meat they constantly cook up. A major clue is the visitors who come in- and never go out…indicating that tonight’s roast and “Soylent Green” might share similar ingredients- i.e.- PEOPLE !!! The boy has problems trying to let anyone know about the malicious menu, as his parental units- Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt- continue to show that they like people… grilled, with a little garlic.
Here’s one that I remember seeing ads for on the sides of buses in that same year of 1989- “Popcorn!”-with the catchy promo tag line- “Buy a bag- go home in a box!” Some high school kids decide to sponsor an all-night marathon of horror movies- little realizing that an insane killer is locked into the theater with them! Tom Villard, a sort-of road show Tom Hanks, is the strange killer who removes his victims’ faces and …wears them. One of the cool aspects of this film- almost like the trailers in “Grindhouse”- are the “movies” that are being screened- including the 3-D giant insect film “Mosquito”- and a film featuring “aromarama!” Supposedly, the title –“popcorn”- was tied in with something that was connected to the plot- but, whatever that element was (I can’t find that info anywhere), it was actually REMOVED from the film before the final version was completed. Nevertheless, the producers loved the title, and ran with it. It turns out that, among the cast members is Kelly Jo Minter- who we just saw as “Ruby” in “People Under the Stairs!” maybe this should’ve been “People Under the Seats”…
What other films do you think belong on the Sven wish list? Let me know… svengoolie@wciu.com….
It’s tough to complain when you’ve got the cool Universal Studios monster classics that we currently are running on Sven- but, every once in a while, while doing research, I run into titles that intrigue me enough that I wish we could snag them for future Sven shows. Those of you who’ve been following this blog for a while have seen some of the unique titles that I’ve unearthed- and I’ve stumbled onto a few more that look like they’d be great Sven fodder!( No, not Jerry G.- and, if you didn’t get that joke, go study your Svengoolie history…)
Since I’ve been working on our upcoming “Mummy” movies, I found a 1986 stinker that just might be fun- “Tomb!” A Fred Olen Ray production, it features an Egyptian princess who is also- a vampire! She’s on a vengeance quest, naturally- some jerk stole items from her sarcophagus, so she’s after him and all those who dared buy her goodies. Sybill Danning supposedly appears for about the length of a cup of coffee near the beginning, and John Carradine is involved. From the sound of it, it’s a little more naughty than the “Mummy” stuff we’ll be showing, but it sounds like fun…
From 1993 comes “Dust Devil”- the story of a handheld device that will pick up dirt and grime faster than…no, no, it’s actually a movie about a bizarre demon known as a dust devil, which renews its life by killing others- but the victims have to be people who are about to commit suicide! An abused wife is running from her husband, and decides to pick up a hitch-hiker- who, of course, is our dust devil pal. This starts a new cycle of killings, and only a single policeman has any idea what’s going on. Plus, the demon needs to be put in the handy recharger after heavy use…no, no, NO! That’s the “Dirt Devil!”
Oh, well… Some of you may know this one, but it’s new to me- and sounds like a hoot! 1992’s “Blood Ties”- in which vampire undead prefer to be called “Carpathian Americans!” Talk about being politically correct…anyway, a young man’s “Carpathian American” family is murdered- and he heads to L.A. to stay with similar undead relatives. The religious vigilantes, led by Bo Hopkins, who wiped out the family, hunt down the young man, whose relatives think it may be time to go public and “come out of the coffin!” Supposedly this film is full of satire on society, and sounds like it’d fit into our Sven library with ease!
But wait- there’s more! Come back tomorrow for a few more titles we can add to the Svengoolie “wish list” when it comes to movies…
Since I’ve been working on our upcoming “Mummy” movies, I found a 1986 stinker that just might be fun- “Tomb!” A Fred Olen Ray production, it features an Egyptian princess who is also- a vampire! She’s on a vengeance quest, naturally- some jerk stole items from her sarcophagus, so she’s after him and all those who dared buy her goodies. Sybill Danning supposedly appears for about the length of a cup of coffee near the beginning, and John Carradine is involved. From the sound of it, it’s a little more naughty than the “Mummy” stuff we’ll be showing, but it sounds like fun…
From 1993 comes “Dust Devil”- the story of a handheld device that will pick up dirt and grime faster than…no, no, it’s actually a movie about a bizarre demon known as a dust devil, which renews its life by killing others- but the victims have to be people who are about to commit suicide! An abused wife is running from her husband, and decides to pick up a hitch-hiker- who, of course, is our dust devil pal. This starts a new cycle of killings, and only a single policeman has any idea what’s going on. Plus, the demon needs to be put in the handy recharger after heavy use…no, no, NO! That’s the “Dirt Devil!”
Oh, well… Some of you may know this one, but it’s new to me- and sounds like a hoot! 1992’s “Blood Ties”- in which vampire undead prefer to be called “Carpathian Americans!” Talk about being politically correct…anyway, a young man’s “Carpathian American” family is murdered- and he heads to L.A. to stay with similar undead relatives. The religious vigilantes, led by Bo Hopkins, who wiped out the family, hunt down the young man, whose relatives think it may be time to go public and “come out of the coffin!” Supposedly this film is full of satire on society, and sounds like it’d fit into our Sven library with ease!
But wait- there’s more! Come back tomorrow for a few more titles we can add to the Svengoolie “wish list” when it comes to movies…
Let’s dig into the Svengoolie e-mail bag and talk about what you guys have been talking to ME about at svengoolie@wciu.com…
After we aired “the Car” –Jack wrote to say-“if you keep your voice out of the movie, we could enjoy it a lot more.” I’m assuming that was a remark regarding the “Svensurround” that we dropped into that film. I did explain that we mostly add sound effects to movies that need a little help to stave off the boredom here and there, and that we won’t be adding a lot of “ow-ow-OW!”s and such to the Universal classics. By the way, his was the only complaint we got about the sound effects…
Flamesae asked what seems to be an FAQ, so I need to answer it every once in a while- rubber chickens seem to fly and attack without warning-when was the tradition started for the chickens to fly? Well, it goes back to the original Svengoolie, Jerry G. Bishop, who, every time he told a bad joke, would be pelted with the plasticine pullets. The rubber chicken was a stock vaudeville gag, and people would often be hit over the head with them- in fact, if you ever went to any of Jerry’s appearances- he would often hit fans over the head with a chicken! Needless to say, I have not continued that tradition!
In response to several e-mails I received-I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything about the Stooge-a-palooza pre-emptions. There will be a couple more in July-but these too shall pass. And- I have been assured that, just like this past week, if the game runs over, the Sven show will still run in its entirety.
Wendy wanted to know about the rubber chicken necklace that I now wear, since switching to the red tuxedo shirt from the old turtleneck. The chicken and beads were actually brought back for me from Mardi Gras (there were more chickens on it, but I had to remove them to avoid multiple claw marks.)
Rod says he’s excited about “the Wolf Man” airing this weekend on Sven- and wants to know if we will ever show “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man.” Why, yes, we will, Rod- that’s one of the high-powered Universal classics that we have scheduled for this fall- along with a few more key Frankenstein films!
Finally, Donna asked if Sven will be making an appearance at “Taste of Chicago”…sorry, Donna- we haven’t been out at the Taste since the late 90s, when “the U” last had a booth out there. I guess it took too many tickets to get a rubber chicken…
Send your questions to me! The e-mail address is at the top of this blog. Remember- I read them all- but only a few make it to air and/or blog!
After we aired “the Car” –Jack wrote to say-“if you keep your voice out of the movie, we could enjoy it a lot more.” I’m assuming that was a remark regarding the “Svensurround” that we dropped into that film. I did explain that we mostly add sound effects to movies that need a little help to stave off the boredom here and there, and that we won’t be adding a lot of “ow-ow-OW!”s and such to the Universal classics. By the way, his was the only complaint we got about the sound effects…
Flamesae asked what seems to be an FAQ, so I need to answer it every once in a while- rubber chickens seem to fly and attack without warning-when was the tradition started for the chickens to fly? Well, it goes back to the original Svengoolie, Jerry G. Bishop, who, every time he told a bad joke, would be pelted with the plasticine pullets. The rubber chicken was a stock vaudeville gag, and people would often be hit over the head with them- in fact, if you ever went to any of Jerry’s appearances- he would often hit fans over the head with a chicken! Needless to say, I have not continued that tradition!
In response to several e-mails I received-I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything about the Stooge-a-palooza pre-emptions. There will be a couple more in July-but these too shall pass. And- I have been assured that, just like this past week, if the game runs over, the Sven show will still run in its entirety.
Wendy wanted to know about the rubber chicken necklace that I now wear, since switching to the red tuxedo shirt from the old turtleneck. The chicken and beads were actually brought back for me from Mardi Gras (there were more chickens on it, but I had to remove them to avoid multiple claw marks.)
Rod says he’s excited about “the Wolf Man” airing this weekend on Sven- and wants to know if we will ever show “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man.” Why, yes, we will, Rod- that’s one of the high-powered Universal classics that we have scheduled for this fall- along with a few more key Frankenstein films!
Finally, Donna asked if Sven will be making an appearance at “Taste of Chicago”…sorry, Donna- we haven’t been out at the Taste since the late 90s, when “the U” last had a booth out there. I guess it took too many tickets to get a rubber chicken…
Send your questions to me! The e-mail address is at the top of this blog. Remember- I read them all- but only a few make it to air and/or blog!
I just realized that I neglected to mention, around ten days or so ago, that it was the anniversary of me picking up the Svengoolie family torch- 28 years ago, on a Saturday night in June, I premiered on WFLD as “Son of Svengoolie.” Because the chuckle-headed program director wasn’t sure he liked the name, the print ads for the show only referred to me as “Creature Feature’s new host!” (Last I heard of him, he was trying to peddle old reruns for a syndicator… I’ll always remember him, for his unique trait- when you’d come to him with a question or problem, he’d sit there with his mouth open, looking like a stunned carp.)
I was reminded of the anniversary by someone who showed up at our big weekend event down in Bourbonnais. What a great turnout! All the Sven fans down in the area of Kankakee and there-abouts took advantage of the first chance to see Sven in their neighborhood, and it also reminded me of what a widespread diverse audience we have that enjoys the show. We had the families with parents and kids alike, the teens and young adults, ranging from Goths with piercings to guys who looked like they just came from the skate park- and the adults, some of whom first watched as kids. Yes, we had a couple people who had been –uh- “over-served”, but everyone behaved very well, and the folks from First Community Insurance who sponsored the visit were right there to help us with anything we needed.
Among the most memorable visitors were the guy who came all the way from Bloomington- who can’t even SEE the show anymore, but keeps track of us via the websites- and brought with a load of stuff from his Sven collection. He and his brother, who now lives in New Jersey, remain die-hard Sven fans; and the dear senior citizen who had been our sponsor’s Sunday school teacher, who showed up wearing one of our earlier t-shirts! Add in the loyal folks who made the trip from the Chicago area, and you have a fantastic time that we all enjoyed.
Our next scheduled event right now (unless a sponsor reading this has a light bulb go on over his head) will be our annual appearance at Flashback Weekend in Rosemont on Saturday, July 23. Not only will we do the usual signing and posing for pictures- but I will also head on stage for a question-and-answer session- and host the annual costume contest, so- fair warning! Start planning that cool horror costume now, so you can take a shot at winning some prizes! Flashback is always one of our favorite events, so start planning to attend now! Everybody is welcome- even Sunday school teachers!
I was reminded of the anniversary by someone who showed up at our big weekend event down in Bourbonnais. What a great turnout! All the Sven fans down in the area of Kankakee and there-abouts took advantage of the first chance to see Sven in their neighborhood, and it also reminded me of what a widespread diverse audience we have that enjoys the show. We had the families with parents and kids alike, the teens and young adults, ranging from Goths with piercings to guys who looked like they just came from the skate park- and the adults, some of whom first watched as kids. Yes, we had a couple people who had been –uh- “over-served”, but everyone behaved very well, and the folks from First Community Insurance who sponsored the visit were right there to help us with anything we needed.
Among the most memorable visitors were the guy who came all the way from Bloomington- who can’t even SEE the show anymore, but keeps track of us via the websites- and brought with a load of stuff from his Sven collection. He and his brother, who now lives in New Jersey, remain die-hard Sven fans; and the dear senior citizen who had been our sponsor’s Sunday school teacher, who showed up wearing one of our earlier t-shirts! Add in the loyal folks who made the trip from the Chicago area, and you have a fantastic time that we all enjoyed.
Our next scheduled event right now (unless a sponsor reading this has a light bulb go on over his head) will be our annual appearance at Flashback Weekend in Rosemont on Saturday, July 23. Not only will we do the usual signing and posing for pictures- but I will also head on stage for a question-and-answer session- and host the annual costume contest, so- fair warning! Start planning that cool horror costume now, so you can take a shot at winning some prizes! Flashback is always one of our favorite events, so start planning to attend now! Everybody is welcome- even Sunday school teachers!
Well, a big hello and thanks to everybody I ran into yesterday! (as opposed to everyone “the Car” ran into in last night’s movie!) Seems like you guys enjoyed that one- and, yes, for those who keep reminding me, one of the “consultants” on the film was a doofus who founded a satanic church . Yeah, but does he know how to change his own oil filter?
Speaking of scary movie guys, Wes Craven might not be afraid of the “People Under the Stairs”- but he does seem to be worried about “the Person Who Lives Behind His House!” Specifically, none other than comedy goof-ball Pauly Shore! Seems that Pauly doesn’t do maintenance on his garden that borders Wes Craven’s property, and his lack of being “the Garden Weasel” has caused a landslide on Wes’ property! So- Wes is suing Pauly for causing the landslide! Craven says the landslide (which happened last DECEMBER!!!) has not only caused property damage, but also untold stress. He blames water seepage from Pauly’s untended property for causing the calamity. No word on how much the suit is asking for in damages.Come on- couldn’t Wes just enlist Freddy Krueger to head over there and handle the whole matter? By that, I mean do a heck of a job of weed-whacking and clearing foliage with his knife-fingered glove (hey- I smell a new Ronco product- the Garden Glove!)
And- speaking of Ronco- I read that that fine company is filing for bankruptcy against its creditors- one of whom is Ron Popiel, who sold the company to these guys, but never got paid the entire asking price (NOW how much would you pay? But wait- there’s more!) Maybe they can come up with the Ronco Pocket Debt Eliminator (it could just be a wallet with money in it!) And- get a second Debt Eliminator for your dog, too! ..I know that doesn’t make sense, but I always loved that line when they used it in the “Mr. Dentist” ads.
Need I remind you of the overnight frights that are running on our sister station Me-TV? I’m talking about the Monday night through Thursday night broadcasts of some vintage Sven shows- at 3 am ! An awful lot of you must be tuning in, because your e-mails commenting on the shows have been awesome. And- as I’ve mentioned, while we’re concentrating on the Full Moon company movies right now- we’ll be adding in some different selections as the summer goes on. Looks like it’s the “Summer of Sven”- with more cool things coming up!
Make sure you check in here for the latest!
Speaking of scary movie guys, Wes Craven might not be afraid of the “People Under the Stairs”- but he does seem to be worried about “the Person Who Lives Behind His House!” Specifically, none other than comedy goof-ball Pauly Shore! Seems that Pauly doesn’t do maintenance on his garden that borders Wes Craven’s property, and his lack of being “the Garden Weasel” has caused a landslide on Wes’ property! So- Wes is suing Pauly for causing the landslide! Craven says the landslide (which happened last DECEMBER!!!) has not only caused property damage, but also untold stress. He blames water seepage from Pauly’s untended property for causing the calamity. No word on how much the suit is asking for in damages.Come on- couldn’t Wes just enlist Freddy Krueger to head over there and handle the whole matter? By that, I mean do a heck of a job of weed-whacking and clearing foliage with his knife-fingered glove (hey- I smell a new Ronco product- the Garden Glove!)
And- speaking of Ronco- I read that that fine company is filing for bankruptcy against its creditors- one of whom is Ron Popiel, who sold the company to these guys, but never got paid the entire asking price (NOW how much would you pay? But wait- there’s more!) Maybe they can come up with the Ronco Pocket Debt Eliminator (it could just be a wallet with money in it!) And- get a second Debt Eliminator for your dog, too! ..I know that doesn’t make sense, but I always loved that line when they used it in the “Mr. Dentist” ads.
Need I remind you of the overnight frights that are running on our sister station Me-TV? I’m talking about the Monday night through Thursday night broadcasts of some vintage Sven shows- at 3 am ! An awful lot of you must be tuning in, because your e-mails commenting on the shows have been awesome. And- as I’ve mentioned, while we’re concentrating on the Full Moon company movies right now- we’ll be adding in some different selections as the summer goes on. Looks like it’s the “Summer of Sven”- with more cool things coming up!
Make sure you check in here for the latest!
Big stuff going on in the world of Sven today and tonight! As I’ve mentioned, I’ll be at the Bourbonnais Friendship festival today, from 5-8 pm…please check previous blogs for details… and then , tonight at 9 (possibly a few minutes later, if Chicago Sky basketball runs over- if so, don’t worry- the show will air in its entirety)-we’ve got a real favorite-“The Car!” It’s the one with James Brolin, “Mr. Barbra Streisand”, the former co-star of “Marcus Welby M.D.” and the movie “Westworld”-as a soft-hearted lawman in a small desert town- who has to face off against a monstrous motorized menace- a car that appears out of nowhere to run down, chase down, and smash up other cars and people! This killer car flick came out in movie theaters and drive-ins, oh, about six years after Steven Speilberg’s made-for-tv “Duel”- with a killer truck trying to off Dennis Weaver (maybe it didn’t like “McCloud”)- so, it may have drawn some inspiration from there. The car in “the Car” (repetitive, isn’t it?) is yet another creation of one of Hollywood’s favorite car designer , George Barris, who also made Adam West’s “Batmobile.” This flick is lots of goofy fun, and we have added a little “Svensurround” to liven it up even more! Park yourself in front of the TV set for “the Car”-heck, it beats driving with gas at these current prices…
Usually, a lot of the summer Sven content consists of reruns, with just a few new titles thrown in- but, starting next weekend, get set for a whole bunch of new shows, thanks to our Universal Studios connection- I’m warning you now, next weekend should be a full moon- and what flick makes perfect sense to run during a full moon? (Will the guy who said “Man in the Moon” kindly log off now?) Why, none other than the classic werewolf tale that began the legend of Larry Talbot-“the Wolf Man!” For those who’ve been asking for more classic Universal films (what, you didn’t like “Funhouse”?!)- here’s one of the all-time greats- the movie that gave Lon Chaney Jr. the closest chance of coming up to the level of his father- Lon Chaney Sr’s- stardom. It’s the role that Lon Jr. pretty much owned- and played in numerous Universal horror flicks, going all the way into the 50s and “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.” (For those who hadn’t heard- THAT one is coming up in the fall on the Sven show!) And, after the Wolf Man gets his chance to howl- we’ll be unwrapping some Egyptian terror…and I think you know what I’m hinting at!
Okay- watch tonight at 9 pm (or, at least record it!) and, if you can, come see me in Bourbonnnais (as long as some mysterious car doesn’t run me off the road on the way there!)
Usually, a lot of the summer Sven content consists of reruns, with just a few new titles thrown in- but, starting next weekend, get set for a whole bunch of new shows, thanks to our Universal Studios connection- I’m warning you now, next weekend should be a full moon- and what flick makes perfect sense to run during a full moon? (Will the guy who said “Man in the Moon” kindly log off now?) Why, none other than the classic werewolf tale that began the legend of Larry Talbot-“the Wolf Man!” For those who’ve been asking for more classic Universal films (what, you didn’t like “Funhouse”?!)- here’s one of the all-time greats- the movie that gave Lon Chaney Jr. the closest chance of coming up to the level of his father- Lon Chaney Sr’s- stardom. It’s the role that Lon Jr. pretty much owned- and played in numerous Universal horror flicks, going all the way into the 50s and “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.” (For those who hadn’t heard- THAT one is coming up in the fall on the Sven show!) And, after the Wolf Man gets his chance to howl- we’ll be unwrapping some Egyptian terror…and I think you know what I’m hinting at!
Okay- watch tonight at 9 pm (or, at least record it!) and, if you can, come see me in Bourbonnnais (as long as some mysterious car doesn’t run me off the road on the way there!)
Let me remind you of where you can actually meet yours truly Svengoolie this weekend- tomorrow, Saturday, June 23, I’ll be making my way to the south- specifically, Bourbonnais- to make an appearance at a huge event-the Friendship Festival!
I’m told this is a lot of fun- plenty to do and see- and, tomorrow, from 5 to 8 pm- you can come meet me! I’ll be signing autographs, posing for pictures with you (PLEASE remember to bring your camera and/or someone who knows how to use it!) and be happy to chat with you! In addition- yes, we will have a LIMITED number of Svengoolie t-shirts available for sale- which I’ll be happy to sign as well. Since people always ask, it’s no problem to bring along a shirt that you’ve previously bought for me to sign- and, if you bring a rubber chicken, I’m ready to sign that too! You can find me in the big tent- at the First Community Insurance booth. 1st Community is a fine sponsor here on WCIU and Me-TV, and they’re also big Sven fans, so we’re delighted to be joining them for the fun.
As I’ve mentioned before, I think this is the furthest south we’ve done an appearance, and I’m glad that all the folks down there who always ask “when are you going to come to see us?” will get the chance to drop by and say hello. I’m always very flattered to see the different generations of television viewers who visit with us and tell us their favorite things about the program. I know I’ll hear from people who remember the big 3-D movie I hosted in the 80s- or, recall seeing me in a parade in 1979- and then we get the folks who discovered us only in recent years at “the U!” No doubt someone will bring one of the orange Sven autograph cards I sent out as “Son of Svengoolie” in my very earliest days- and it means a lot to me that they STILL have it! It’s nice when people think it’s a big deal to meet me- but, I wonder if they know how much I enjoy meeting them. After all- television is such a “one-way street”- we do the shows, and you watch them, and we don’t really get the immediate feedback that you do in, say, radio- so, being able to talk with you in person- and hear what you think-is a big deal for me, as well. Also, whenever I venture out to a new location, I get to see what all the local hot spots are, and find out what fun things you can find in that area! So- hope to see all of you down at the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, tomorrow from 5-8 pm.
By the way, I will be wearing my stylish summer jacket, much lighter weight than the usual tuxedo jacket, because- let’s face it- it’s summertime, and it’s gonna be warm! And- if my moustache starts to run… will somebody please chase it?!
I’m told this is a lot of fun- plenty to do and see- and, tomorrow, from 5 to 8 pm- you can come meet me! I’ll be signing autographs, posing for pictures with you (PLEASE remember to bring your camera and/or someone who knows how to use it!) and be happy to chat with you! In addition- yes, we will have a LIMITED number of Svengoolie t-shirts available for sale- which I’ll be happy to sign as well. Since people always ask, it’s no problem to bring along a shirt that you’ve previously bought for me to sign- and, if you bring a rubber chicken, I’m ready to sign that too! You can find me in the big tent- at the First Community Insurance booth. 1st Community is a fine sponsor here on WCIU and Me-TV, and they’re also big Sven fans, so we’re delighted to be joining them for the fun.
As I’ve mentioned before, I think this is the furthest south we’ve done an appearance, and I’m glad that all the folks down there who always ask “when are you going to come to see us?” will get the chance to drop by and say hello. I’m always very flattered to see the different generations of television viewers who visit with us and tell us their favorite things about the program. I know I’ll hear from people who remember the big 3-D movie I hosted in the 80s- or, recall seeing me in a parade in 1979- and then we get the folks who discovered us only in recent years at “the U!” No doubt someone will bring one of the orange Sven autograph cards I sent out as “Son of Svengoolie” in my very earliest days- and it means a lot to me that they STILL have it! It’s nice when people think it’s a big deal to meet me- but, I wonder if they know how much I enjoy meeting them. After all- television is such a “one-way street”- we do the shows, and you watch them, and we don’t really get the immediate feedback that you do in, say, radio- so, being able to talk with you in person- and hear what you think-is a big deal for me, as well. Also, whenever I venture out to a new location, I get to see what all the local hot spots are, and find out what fun things you can find in that area! So- hope to see all of you down at the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, tomorrow from 5-8 pm.
By the way, I will be wearing my stylish summer jacket, much lighter weight than the usual tuxedo jacket, because- let’s face it- it’s summertime, and it’s gonna be warm! And- if my moustache starts to run… will somebody please chase it?!
How often do you get mad at an inanimate object? The computer- the ATM – your brother-in-law? Certainly, we all have times when we’re cursing out a machine that not only doesn’t hear what we’re spewing, but also doesn’t care. I have to say that I do enjoy the current commercial with a tie-in to the “Transformers” movie, where a guy is yelling at his toaster that it took his Mountain Dew, and, as his friends restrain him, thinking he must be a little crazy, you see the toaster transform into a little robot who continues to taunt him. Maybe all these inanimate objects that we’ve been yelling at have been doing the same thing all along?!
This came to mind as I was handing in the tape for this Saturday night’s show- “The Car.” Basically (and I’ll elaborate in the Saturday blog) it’s a driverless car that roams the desert, occasionally coming into town to wipe out some pedestrians. It’s just one of several films where a familiar object is suddenly “alive” and, usually up to no good. My friend Debbi sent me a clip of one I’d never seen- she says it’s a German film called “the Lift” (fans of British TV shows know that a “lift” is what they call an elevator.) it’s another killer machine type thing- you see people getting into the elevator, and being strangled by wires- I think there’s even a scene where somebody is dragged back INTO the elevator- while another scene shows a guy with his head stuck in the door as the elevator starts to move. Granted, the same thing happened to Larry Fine in a 3 Stooges short, but somehow that wasn’t as terrifying. I love the tag on the trailer- “for God’s sake, take the stairs!”
Another weird film we ran a long time ago on Sven was “the Twonky”- in which a television set was alive and created all sorts of mayhem. The set was supposedly controlled by some force from the future, and eventually was controlling everything about Hans Conried’s life. It was meant as a satire, written by old radio guy Arch Obler as a dig at television starting to “run” the lives of viewers. Other inanimate objects include another car -“Christine” –and all manner of machines and trucks -“Maximum Overdrive”- both under the auspices of Stephen King, who also brought us a laundry folding machine from hell in “the Mangler” and the computer in ‘Demon Seed.” I’m sure you have some favorites as well- tell me about them at svengoolie@wciu.com
This came to mind as I was handing in the tape for this Saturday night’s show- “The Car.” Basically (and I’ll elaborate in the Saturday blog) it’s a driverless car that roams the desert, occasionally coming into town to wipe out some pedestrians. It’s just one of several films where a familiar object is suddenly “alive” and, usually up to no good. My friend Debbi sent me a clip of one I’d never seen- she says it’s a German film called “the Lift” (fans of British TV shows know that a “lift” is what they call an elevator.) it’s another killer machine type thing- you see people getting into the elevator, and being strangled by wires- I think there’s even a scene where somebody is dragged back INTO the elevator- while another scene shows a guy with his head stuck in the door as the elevator starts to move. Granted, the same thing happened to Larry Fine in a 3 Stooges short, but somehow that wasn’t as terrifying. I love the tag on the trailer- “for God’s sake, take the stairs!”
Another weird film we ran a long time ago on Sven was “the Twonky”- in which a television set was alive and created all sorts of mayhem. The set was supposedly controlled by some force from the future, and eventually was controlling everything about Hans Conried’s life. It was meant as a satire, written by old radio guy Arch Obler as a dig at television starting to “run” the lives of viewers. Other inanimate objects include another car -“Christine” –and all manner of machines and trucks -“Maximum Overdrive”- both under the auspices of Stephen King, who also brought us a laundry folding machine from hell in “the Mangler” and the computer in ‘Demon Seed.” I’m sure you have some favorites as well- tell me about them at svengoolie@wciu.com
Just read about a new Fox reality series- (guess it depends on what you deem “reality!”)- the search for the new Elvira ! Cassandra Peterson will lead the auditions and rigorous screening to see who can fill (or fill out) her costume for, I believe, a year. I’m sure they’ll be able to find someone who can do a pretty decent job- but, the original would be pretty hard to beat.
So- is this going to start a whole franchise-type television thing- like they did with Bozo? You may know that Larry Harmon, who had the rights to the Bozo character, and did the voice in those lame cartoons, sold the television rights, market by market, back in the day- so, all over the country, people had their own home-grown Bozo shows. That’s how we ended up with Bob Bell as Bozo on channel 9- first, in a sort of one-man (or, one-clown ) show, a half hour with basically just him and the cartoons, which then evolved into the “Bozo’s Circus” program that became a staple of Chicago television. The shows gradually disappeared, with only the WGN show still around, by then having Bozo portrayed by Joey DiAuria. Just as with horror hosts disappearing due to cut-backs on local entertainment shows, the same thing happened with hosted kids shows- and, the huge fees that I’ve heard Larry Harmon still wanted for franchise rights couldn’t have helped.
I like Cassandra’s “Elvira” character, and think she plays it very well- when she consents to play it. Most of the time, when she comes around to do appearances, she does them as herself-she doesn’t don the wig and hourglass-shaped gown too often, unless someone is willing to pay her big bucks- but, she always seems to be very friendly, very appreciative of her fans, and , well, kind of happy that she no longer needs to put on the outfit that often!(Which I can certainly identify with!)
Her comedy background with L.A.’s “Groundlings” group- which spawned such talents as Phil Hartman and Paul “Pee Wee” Rubens- certainly prepared her for her Elvira career- and, the fact that she was in L.A., and caught the eye of Johnny Carson and other prominent people in the business, helped her establish herself. And now, we’ll be able to watch her find her clone! Before you ask- there will be no “search for the next Sven.”(Some people are already pretty sick of the current one!) Why don’t we do the “search for the next Tombstone?” maybe we can audition Del Close’s skull…
So- is this going to start a whole franchise-type television thing- like they did with Bozo? You may know that Larry Harmon, who had the rights to the Bozo character, and did the voice in those lame cartoons, sold the television rights, market by market, back in the day- so, all over the country, people had their own home-grown Bozo shows. That’s how we ended up with Bob Bell as Bozo on channel 9- first, in a sort of one-man (or, one-clown ) show, a half hour with basically just him and the cartoons, which then evolved into the “Bozo’s Circus” program that became a staple of Chicago television. The shows gradually disappeared, with only the WGN show still around, by then having Bozo portrayed by Joey DiAuria. Just as with horror hosts disappearing due to cut-backs on local entertainment shows, the same thing happened with hosted kids shows- and, the huge fees that I’ve heard Larry Harmon still wanted for franchise rights couldn’t have helped.
I like Cassandra’s “Elvira” character, and think she plays it very well- when she consents to play it. Most of the time, when she comes around to do appearances, she does them as herself-she doesn’t don the wig and hourglass-shaped gown too often, unless someone is willing to pay her big bucks- but, she always seems to be very friendly, very appreciative of her fans, and , well, kind of happy that she no longer needs to put on the outfit that often!(Which I can certainly identify with!)
Her comedy background with L.A.’s “Groundlings” group- which spawned such talents as Phil Hartman and Paul “Pee Wee” Rubens- certainly prepared her for her Elvira career- and, the fact that she was in L.A., and caught the eye of Johnny Carson and other prominent people in the business, helped her establish herself. And now, we’ll be able to watch her find her clone! Before you ask- there will be no “search for the next Sven.”(Some people are already pretty sick of the current one!) Why don’t we do the “search for the next Tombstone?” maybe we can audition Del Close’s skull…
You can always learn things in unexpected places. Yesterday, while reading the latest article by the Sun Times’ automotive maven, Dan Jedlicka- I learned an important TV fact. Now-v you just saw me use the term “TV” and , no doubt, didn’t even think twice about it- just as I would not have thought about it, if I’d read it. Did you ever wonder where that abbreviation came from?
Well, thanks to Dan- I now know- and the source is totally unexpected…from a famous car dealer! Dan wrote an article about a car that was manufactured by famed 50s car dealer Earl Muntz- better known as “Mad Man Muntz.” He was an Elgin native who hit it big selling cars on television, both here and in L.A. He was especially well-known in southern California, where ads for him and his sales (“I must be CRAZY to sell cars at these prices!”) often depicted him wearing long red underwear, boots, and a Napoleon hat (the universally-accepted sign that a car dealer is mentally challenged, I guess.)But, what does this have to do with the term “TV”-you ask?
“MadMan” Muntz had returned to the Chicago area and sold his own low-priced Muntz television sets- he opened 72 Muntz Television retail stores, and did very well, selling 55 million Muntz-brand sets in 1952 alone! “Fascinating!” you’re probably saying right now-“but HOW did that get us the term ‘TV’?”
Well, back then , one of the most popular forms of attention- getting advertising was- skywriting! You’d hire a plane that would fly over the city, and spell out letters in smoke, for many many people to see (kind of like the planes with banners, or blimps today.) It was always an attraction- people would stand, rooted outside during the slow process of a message being spelled out. However, there were problems- the longer the message, the more chance that the letters would end up wind-blown and dissipated –thus leaving the message as a partial mess. Old “MadMan” Muntz had a great idea- rather than have the skywriting plane write out the long world “television”- he could just have them write “TV”- and people would understand! The whole message about buying a Muntz TV would still be there by the time the plane was finished! And- in the process- he invented the term everybody uses today to indicate television (including “Me-TV!) So- now you know the REST of the story (my apologies to Paul Harvey, and my thanks to Dan Jedlicka for adding to my television history knowledge!)
Well, thanks to Dan- I now know- and the source is totally unexpected…from a famous car dealer! Dan wrote an article about a car that was manufactured by famed 50s car dealer Earl Muntz- better known as “Mad Man Muntz.” He was an Elgin native who hit it big selling cars on television, both here and in L.A. He was especially well-known in southern California, where ads for him and his sales (“I must be CRAZY to sell cars at these prices!”) often depicted him wearing long red underwear, boots, and a Napoleon hat (the universally-accepted sign that a car dealer is mentally challenged, I guess.)But, what does this have to do with the term “TV”-you ask?
“MadMan” Muntz had returned to the Chicago area and sold his own low-priced Muntz television sets- he opened 72 Muntz Television retail stores, and did very well, selling 55 million Muntz-brand sets in 1952 alone! “Fascinating!” you’re probably saying right now-“but HOW did that get us the term ‘TV’?”
Well, back then , one of the most popular forms of attention- getting advertising was- skywriting! You’d hire a plane that would fly over the city, and spell out letters in smoke, for many many people to see (kind of like the planes with banners, or blimps today.) It was always an attraction- people would stand, rooted outside during the slow process of a message being spelled out. However, there were problems- the longer the message, the more chance that the letters would end up wind-blown and dissipated –thus leaving the message as a partial mess. Old “MadMan” Muntz had a great idea- rather than have the skywriting plane write out the long world “television”- he could just have them write “TV”- and people would understand! The whole message about buying a Muntz TV would still be there by the time the plane was finished! And- in the process- he invented the term everybody uses today to indicate television (including “Me-TV!) So- now you know the REST of the story (my apologies to Paul Harvey, and my thanks to Dan Jedlicka for adding to my television history knowledge!)
Let’s start off the week with some feedback from you, the Sven viewers/blog-readers/people looking to waste some time , like me….
First off- thanks to those of you who showed up at the Book Cellar for the “Nostalgia Digest” event-the highlight for me was doing the Abbott and Costello “Who’s on First” routine with host Steve Darnall.And, I appreciate the comments that my “Charlie McCarthy” impersonation went well- after all, I’m used to being a dummy…
Megan is the latest to suggest that the “It Came from Berwyn’ graphic that graces our current t-shirt (info on ordering can be found right here on this site- just click on that Sven icon with the rubber chicken attacking me!) should be offered to the public as an actual poster. Okay, WCIU people- what do YOU think?
Dave sent a great response to my blog that mentioned how people who “never watch television” need to wake up to the fact that they just need to learn to watch television selectively, instead of missing out on a lot of worthwhile information, etc.
Dave wrote how his kids were assigned a “No TV Week” and had to keep a diary of what they did instead. One night, they all went outside just to hang out- the weather was mild, the sky a little green, and they wondered why they seemed to be the only ones out enjoying the evening. Turned out all the neighbors were hiding in their basements, due to a tornado warning they had all seen…on TV. This was the day that the Utica area was hit by an F3 level twister. So, on the log they returned to the teacher, they wrote: “played outside and nearly got ourselves killed!”
Bill responded to my blog talking about not-too-swift news anchors that a certain noon newscast (on a broadcast station between channel 31 and channel 33) is like watching “Mad TV” spoofing the news! I don’t usually get to see that one, Bill, since I’m at work- but, it’d have to go some to beat those local weekend morning shows I mentioned!
Jim asked if his memory was correct- that, on many of the original Jerry G. Bishop Svengoolie shows- that a celebrity guest would “pry out the nails” to release Sven from his coffin.
Yes, Jim- at the open of many of the shows, a celebrity guest, usually a famous person or a local personality, would come in, sign in (either right on the original coffin, or, later, in a “guest book”)-then, “release” Sven by miming that they were using a hammer to pry the “nails” out. I believe, eventually, the hammer deal was dropped.
Got a question or comment? Send it to me! svengoolie@wciu.com …I read ‘em all; but only a few make it to the blog, or onto the program! # # #
First off- thanks to those of you who showed up at the Book Cellar for the “Nostalgia Digest” event-the highlight for me was doing the Abbott and Costello “Who’s on First” routine with host Steve Darnall.And, I appreciate the comments that my “Charlie McCarthy” impersonation went well- after all, I’m used to being a dummy…
Megan is the latest to suggest that the “It Came from Berwyn’ graphic that graces our current t-shirt (info on ordering can be found right here on this site- just click on that Sven icon with the rubber chicken attacking me!) should be offered to the public as an actual poster. Okay, WCIU people- what do YOU think?
Dave sent a great response to my blog that mentioned how people who “never watch television” need to wake up to the fact that they just need to learn to watch television selectively, instead of missing out on a lot of worthwhile information, etc.
Dave wrote how his kids were assigned a “No TV Week” and had to keep a diary of what they did instead. One night, they all went outside just to hang out- the weather was mild, the sky a little green, and they wondered why they seemed to be the only ones out enjoying the evening. Turned out all the neighbors were hiding in their basements, due to a tornado warning they had all seen…on TV. This was the day that the Utica area was hit by an F3 level twister. So, on the log they returned to the teacher, they wrote: “played outside and nearly got ourselves killed!”
Bill responded to my blog talking about not-too-swift news anchors that a certain noon newscast (on a broadcast station between channel 31 and channel 33) is like watching “Mad TV” spoofing the news! I don’t usually get to see that one, Bill, since I’m at work- but, it’d have to go some to beat those local weekend morning shows I mentioned!
Jim asked if his memory was correct- that, on many of the original Jerry G. Bishop Svengoolie shows- that a celebrity guest would “pry out the nails” to release Sven from his coffin.
Yes, Jim- at the open of many of the shows, a celebrity guest, usually a famous person or a local personality, would come in, sign in (either right on the original coffin, or, later, in a “guest book”)-then, “release” Sven by miming that they were using a hammer to pry the “nails” out. I believe, eventually, the hammer deal was dropped.
Got a question or comment? Send it to me! svengoolie@wciu.com …I read ‘em all; but only a few make it to the blog, or onto the program! # # #
Happy Father’s day to all you dads out there- being a father myself, one of the most wonderful things in my life is my daughter, and the time I’m lucky enough to spend with her.
As far as I know, she will not be assuming the title of “Daughter of Svengoolie” upon my retirement… I was wondering who the most prominent horror dad was- although Bela and Boris both had offspring, I have a tendency to think the “Fright Father” award would have to go to one of two people- either Lon Chaney Sr., a silent horror star who really ruled horror films in the early days of movies, and produced a second-generation horror star- Lon Chaney Jr. Lon Jr. certainly has his moments, and, to many these days, is a better-known star than his dad- but Lon Sr. managed to portray a multitude of characters, with his own hand-crafted make-up effects, and his expressive acting that was unaided by sound. If you’ve never seen the “Man of a Thousand Faces” film, starring James Cagney as Lon Sr., check it out- though it gets heavy in melodrama at times, it’s a quick introduction to the great actor’s life and history (nothing beats actually reading a BOOK about him, though-remember, film biographies often gloss over and/or change actual facts!).
The other “Fright Father” candidate would have to be John Carradine, whom we have profiled on the show before- most recently, he appeared as the Count in “House of Dracula.”
His sons have continued in his acting tradition, and have made horror/sci fi films along the way.
I’d be remiss not to mention Jerry G. Bishop- the “dad” to my “Son of Svengoolie” character. When I first enjoyed listening to him on the radio while a high school kid, and heard the sound effects like “Uh, no…heh-heh- sorry…” and “ow-ow-OWW!”-little did I ever expect that, years later, I’d not only work with him, but be handed the torch to carry on some of his work!
Jerry has always been a very talented and generous man- and is the REAL father to two wonderful people- one of which has now made him a grandfather! As I’ve mentioned so many times before, he’s the person who actually got me into the broadcasting business (that’s right- blame him!)So, besides wishing my real father a happy father’s day- let me wish the current Sven’s “father”- the original Sven- the same!!! And thanks for allowing me to carry the torch (I had to- otherwise, the villagers would have taken it, and formed a giant mob to run me out of town!) # # #
As far as I know, she will not be assuming the title of “Daughter of Svengoolie” upon my retirement… I was wondering who the most prominent horror dad was- although Bela and Boris both had offspring, I have a tendency to think the “Fright Father” award would have to go to one of two people- either Lon Chaney Sr., a silent horror star who really ruled horror films in the early days of movies, and produced a second-generation horror star- Lon Chaney Jr. Lon Jr. certainly has his moments, and, to many these days, is a better-known star than his dad- but Lon Sr. managed to portray a multitude of characters, with his own hand-crafted make-up effects, and his expressive acting that was unaided by sound. If you’ve never seen the “Man of a Thousand Faces” film, starring James Cagney as Lon Sr., check it out- though it gets heavy in melodrama at times, it’s a quick introduction to the great actor’s life and history (nothing beats actually reading a BOOK about him, though-remember, film biographies often gloss over and/or change actual facts!).
The other “Fright Father” candidate would have to be John Carradine, whom we have profiled on the show before- most recently, he appeared as the Count in “House of Dracula.”
His sons have continued in his acting tradition, and have made horror/sci fi films along the way.
I’d be remiss not to mention Jerry G. Bishop- the “dad” to my “Son of Svengoolie” character. When I first enjoyed listening to him on the radio while a high school kid, and heard the sound effects like “Uh, no…heh-heh- sorry…” and “ow-ow-OWW!”-little did I ever expect that, years later, I’d not only work with him, but be handed the torch to carry on some of his work!
Jerry has always been a very talented and generous man- and is the REAL father to two wonderful people- one of which has now made him a grandfather! As I’ve mentioned so many times before, he’s the person who actually got me into the broadcasting business (that’s right- blame him!)So, besides wishing my real father a happy father’s day- let me wish the current Sven’s “father”- the original Sven- the same!!! And thanks for allowing me to carry the torch (I had to- otherwise, the villagers would have taken it, and formed a giant mob to run me out of town!) # # #
All right, I can hear some of you now- “tonight at 9 pm on Svengoolie- ‘People Under the Stairs?!’ Didn’t we see that a while ago?” Yes, you did (well, some of you, anyway)- this is another case of the schedule that Universal has us sticking to, due to the availability of certain films at certain times. However, I know it’s a big favorite of many viewers, as well as some of the folks who work here at the station- and, you have to love a Wes Craven flick with the combination of scary, creepy stuff AND bizarre comedy and characters. My personal favorite is the “dad” character (how appropriate right before Father’s Day!)played by Everett McGill. He’s so maniacal at times- and just plain goofy at others- and, he takes a brick to the head as well as Shemp Howard! Also, the last time we ran this, I got a couple e-mails from guys who thought that Kelly Jo Minter-who plays Fool’s sister Ruby- was really attractive!
So, at least two viewers will be drooling (please have a bib handy, fellas!)
For anyone who doesn’t know this flick- a young boy who lives with his family in poverty is pulled into a scheme to rob the house of their evil landlord, who reportedly has a treasure hidden in the house. But- when they break in- the house becomes an inescapable trap, full of deadly menaces- and the strange beings who live in the cellar and between the walls!
It’ll have you screaming-then laughing- for the full two hours!
Early warning: next week, we’ve got the seldom-seen killer automobile movie-“the Car”- and- make plans now to come see me next Saturday at the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival! I’ll be there to sign pictures, we’ll have a limited number of Sven t-shirts available, and , of course- bring your camera, so you can take a picture with me! And-yes- I will sign a rubber chicken, or a copy of the Sven edition of “Scary Monsters” magazine, if you bring one! I’ll remind you about this again during the week-it’s all sponsored by First Community Insurance.
And- just in case you weren’t aware- you can catch some older Sven shows on our sister station, Me-TV, every weeknight from Monday through Thursday, at 3 am (that’s why the good lord invented TiVos and vcrs, kids…) Me-TV is available over the air in Chicago and its nearby surroundings on broadcast channel 23- or, check with your cable provider or dish company to see where it is in your area. Be aware that, on those old shows, there may be some dated material- so, if, for example, you see me talking about being in a Christmas parade next week- well, you get the idea. In the meantime- see you tonight at 9 (or 1 am on Me-TV!) # # #
So, at least two viewers will be drooling (please have a bib handy, fellas!)
For anyone who doesn’t know this flick- a young boy who lives with his family in poverty is pulled into a scheme to rob the house of their evil landlord, who reportedly has a treasure hidden in the house. But- when they break in- the house becomes an inescapable trap, full of deadly menaces- and the strange beings who live in the cellar and between the walls!
It’ll have you screaming-then laughing- for the full two hours!
Early warning: next week, we’ve got the seldom-seen killer automobile movie-“the Car”- and- make plans now to come see me next Saturday at the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival! I’ll be there to sign pictures, we’ll have a limited number of Sven t-shirts available, and , of course- bring your camera, so you can take a picture with me! And-yes- I will sign a rubber chicken, or a copy of the Sven edition of “Scary Monsters” magazine, if you bring one! I’ll remind you about this again during the week-it’s all sponsored by First Community Insurance.
And- just in case you weren’t aware- you can catch some older Sven shows on our sister station, Me-TV, every weeknight from Monday through Thursday, at 3 am (that’s why the good lord invented TiVos and vcrs, kids…) Me-TV is available over the air in Chicago and its nearby surroundings on broadcast channel 23- or, check with your cable provider or dish company to see where it is in your area. Be aware that, on those old shows, there may be some dated material- so, if, for example, you see me talking about being in a Christmas parade next week- well, you get the idea. In the meantime- see you tonight at 9 (or 1 am on Me-TV!) # # #
Let’s continue the thread from yesterday, regarding random thoughts and reactions I’ve had the past couple days…
A famous television performer who first hit it big in the 1950s has passed away -the immortal Don Herbert, known to television viewers of all ages as “Mr. Wizard.” Mr. Wizard was a staple of television from the 1950s straight through to 1990.
Basically, he was a science guy who seemed like a friendly relative- and , each week, he’d have a kid or two wander into his laboratory and astound them with how cool science really is! He’d do simple experiments that explained why things happen and how things work- always in a way that was easy to understand. When I wrote in yesterday’s blog about how anyone who “doesn’t watch TV” ends up missing out on things that enlighten them- here’s a perfect example. Don Herbert could TEACH kids things about science- things that they would remember! Of course, there were always plenty of parodies of “Mr. Wizard”- I know I did a few, from an early age- and pone of my favorites was a John Candy bit from “SCTV.”
But- undeniably- Don Herbert was an asset to TV and his viewers. Think of this- at one time, in the mid 50s- there were over 5,000 “Mr. Wizard Science Clubs” all across the country!
Put THAT in your “American Idol”…
News has come from Pakistan that the country’s first slasher –type horror film has been released! It’s a zombie flick whose title translates into “Hell’s Ground.” Omar Ali Khan made the film, utilizing the two things that scared him as a child- any woman cloaked in a black burqa- (imagine a figure, all covered in black, without even eyes visible)-and – the tinny, other-worldly sound of the call to prayers being played over countless speakers, echoing and distorting as it reverberated through the streets. So, his killer is a burqa-wearing man!
Plenty of flesh- eating zombies along for the ride- even a midget zombie-and lots of gore. Mr. Khan is proud to have produced the first “mindless cult movie Pakistan has ever had.” No doubt, in a few years, a Pakistani-Svengoolie will be broadcasting it and making fun of it…
Some one has brought up that this “blog” is actually more like a newspaper column- and usually doesn’t include the blog-like links to various items. So- you readers tell me- do you like it this way? Let me know… svengoolie@wciu.com -oh, look, a blog-like link! Come back tomorrow for show and appearance info! # # #
A famous television performer who first hit it big in the 1950s has passed away -the immortal Don Herbert, known to television viewers of all ages as “Mr. Wizard.” Mr. Wizard was a staple of television from the 1950s straight through to 1990.
Basically, he was a science guy who seemed like a friendly relative- and , each week, he’d have a kid or two wander into his laboratory and astound them with how cool science really is! He’d do simple experiments that explained why things happen and how things work- always in a way that was easy to understand. When I wrote in yesterday’s blog about how anyone who “doesn’t watch TV” ends up missing out on things that enlighten them- here’s a perfect example. Don Herbert could TEACH kids things about science- things that they would remember! Of course, there were always plenty of parodies of “Mr. Wizard”- I know I did a few, from an early age- and pone of my favorites was a John Candy bit from “SCTV.”
But- undeniably- Don Herbert was an asset to TV and his viewers. Think of this- at one time, in the mid 50s- there were over 5,000 “Mr. Wizard Science Clubs” all across the country!
Put THAT in your “American Idol”…
News has come from Pakistan that the country’s first slasher –type horror film has been released! It’s a zombie flick whose title translates into “Hell’s Ground.” Omar Ali Khan made the film, utilizing the two things that scared him as a child- any woman cloaked in a black burqa- (imagine a figure, all covered in black, without even eyes visible)-and – the tinny, other-worldly sound of the call to prayers being played over countless speakers, echoing and distorting as it reverberated through the streets. So, his killer is a burqa-wearing man!
Plenty of flesh- eating zombies along for the ride- even a midget zombie-and lots of gore. Mr. Khan is proud to have produced the first “mindless cult movie Pakistan has ever had.” No doubt, in a few years, a Pakistani-Svengoolie will be broadcasting it and making fun of it…
Some one has brought up that this “blog” is actually more like a newspaper column- and usually doesn’t include the blog-like links to various items. So- you readers tell me- do you like it this way? Let me know… svengoolie@wciu.com -oh, look, a blog-like link! Come back tomorrow for show and appearance info! # # #
What random thoughts are circulating through my feeble brain today? Let’s take a sampling…
Paris Hilton has found God in prison. Now, what do you think HE’s in for? Talk about someone who’ll earn time off for good behavior…
In yesterday’s Sun Times, Neil Steinberg mentioned in one of his blurbs that “I never watch television.” Though I enjoy Neil’s writing- in this day and age, there should not be this “TV snobbery”- when you can see news actually happening, and gain knowledge and information-yes, from television. Sure, there’s a lot of absolute garbage on television- but, it’s also a matter of watching television INTELLIGENTLY. Neil, should we not read the newspaper because there’s a lot of garbage in THERE? Of course not. As I’ve written before, anyone who smugly proclaims “oh, we don’t watch TV in our house” or “we don’t let our children watch any TV” need to realize that a television viewer does NOT have to be a mindless slave who will watch anything that glows on the tube. By not letting your children watch ANY television- you will help make them partial social outcasts, unexposed to parts of the popular culture that all their friends will know about, not to mention depriving them of the stuff I first mentioned. It’s about being a discriminating viewer-and parent. You should be able to guide your offspring as far as viewing habits, and keep them aware of the pleasures of reading, outdoor activities, etc. THAT’S why YOU’RE the parent- it’s part of your job- and, once again- what’s wrong with occasionally watching something just for the entertainment value? Okay, step back…I’m coming down off the soapbox…
Yesterday, Oprah’s program was about doing “stripper make-overs” for plain housewives. I’m sure she’s also teaching that in her fancy school with the marble tables…are there solid brass poles in there as well?
Just wanted to mention to those of you who pointed out a weird thing that happened a couple days ago when you hit the link to e-mail me – that has been taken care of, so thanks for pointing it out to me. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen again when you send me your thoughts and comments at svengoolie@wciu.com… I’ll have more random thoughts tomorrow! And- hope to see you tonight at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln in Chicago- for the “Nostalgia Digest” event- yours truly will be doing some old radio bits. It all starts at 7 pm. # # #
Paris Hilton has found God in prison. Now, what do you think HE’s in for? Talk about someone who’ll earn time off for good behavior…
In yesterday’s Sun Times, Neil Steinberg mentioned in one of his blurbs that “I never watch television.” Though I enjoy Neil’s writing- in this day and age, there should not be this “TV snobbery”- when you can see news actually happening, and gain knowledge and information-yes, from television. Sure, there’s a lot of absolute garbage on television- but, it’s also a matter of watching television INTELLIGENTLY. Neil, should we not read the newspaper because there’s a lot of garbage in THERE? Of course not. As I’ve written before, anyone who smugly proclaims “oh, we don’t watch TV in our house” or “we don’t let our children watch any TV” need to realize that a television viewer does NOT have to be a mindless slave who will watch anything that glows on the tube. By not letting your children watch ANY television- you will help make them partial social outcasts, unexposed to parts of the popular culture that all their friends will know about, not to mention depriving them of the stuff I first mentioned. It’s about being a discriminating viewer-and parent. You should be able to guide your offspring as far as viewing habits, and keep them aware of the pleasures of reading, outdoor activities, etc. THAT’S why YOU’RE the parent- it’s part of your job- and, once again- what’s wrong with occasionally watching something just for the entertainment value? Okay, step back…I’m coming down off the soapbox…
Yesterday, Oprah’s program was about doing “stripper make-overs” for plain housewives. I’m sure she’s also teaching that in her fancy school with the marble tables…are there solid brass poles in there as well?
Just wanted to mention to those of you who pointed out a weird thing that happened a couple days ago when you hit the link to e-mail me – that has been taken care of, so thanks for pointing it out to me. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen again when you send me your thoughts and comments at svengoolie@wciu.com… I’ll have more random thoughts tomorrow! And- hope to see you tonight at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln in Chicago- for the “Nostalgia Digest” event- yours truly will be doing some old radio bits. It all starts at 7 pm. # # #
This past weekend, one evening, I saw something that I always enjoy seeing- heard a certain kind of engine sound that I recognized, went outside and looked at the night sky- and saw a blimp slowly moving almost overhead! Even cooler, it was a white blimp that was illuminated from the inside, so it was this huge white blob meandering through the sky. It must’ve been in town for either a televised sports event, or to fly over one of the many festivals that summertime brings to the city.
I’ve always wanted to ride in a blimp, and always feel regret for the time I almost got the chance. This was back at WFLD, and we were preparing to do the usual “Taste of Chicago” programming- including the fireworks, which they were planning on shooting from many angles- including a camera mounted on- a blimp! As part of the publicity for the company who was allowing us to use the blimp, we were going to do a feature story about it- and, I was getting the assignment! Woo hoo! Finally, I’d have my chance to fly through the air- it was a dream come true. Only it didn’t happen.
The fly in the ointment was- to get aboard the blimp, I’d have to make the trip to the DuPage airport, where it was docked.
Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem. However, that week, they had me doing the “Koz Zone’ show live on the “Fox Stage” at the Taste. If I went to DuPage and took the ride, and did the story, I’d never make it back for the big live show that afternoon. Regrettably, I had to pass on my dream blimp ride.
My pal Kenny McReynolds, who was doing sports at Fox at the time, got the assignment instead. I made my way to the yearly land of turkey legs and pickles on a stick, and did the live broadcast cut-ins, signed autographs, and felt sorry for the poor interns who were forced to put on the heavy, sweltering Bart Simpson costume and meet and greet the adoring public. (Who am I kidding- I had to put on the costume of my anti-pollution/recycling super-hero Captain Dustpan- you haven’t lived until you’ve worn a plastic dustpan with eyeholes over your face in 87 degree weather!)
So, as the summer season brings the various blimps to town, whether flying over Grant Park, Wrigley Field, Cellular Field, or just your friendly neighborhood expressway, you can bet that I’ll always be looking up and wishing that I was up there…although many people think I’m so full of hot air, I could reach that altitude all by myself… # # #
I’ve always wanted to ride in a blimp, and always feel regret for the time I almost got the chance. This was back at WFLD, and we were preparing to do the usual “Taste of Chicago” programming- including the fireworks, which they were planning on shooting from many angles- including a camera mounted on- a blimp! As part of the publicity for the company who was allowing us to use the blimp, we were going to do a feature story about it- and, I was getting the assignment! Woo hoo! Finally, I’d have my chance to fly through the air- it was a dream come true. Only it didn’t happen.
The fly in the ointment was- to get aboard the blimp, I’d have to make the trip to the DuPage airport, where it was docked.
Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem. However, that week, they had me doing the “Koz Zone’ show live on the “Fox Stage” at the Taste. If I went to DuPage and took the ride, and did the story, I’d never make it back for the big live show that afternoon. Regrettably, I had to pass on my dream blimp ride.
My pal Kenny McReynolds, who was doing sports at Fox at the time, got the assignment instead. I made my way to the yearly land of turkey legs and pickles on a stick, and did the live broadcast cut-ins, signed autographs, and felt sorry for the poor interns who were forced to put on the heavy, sweltering Bart Simpson costume and meet and greet the adoring public. (Who am I kidding- I had to put on the costume of my anti-pollution/recycling super-hero Captain Dustpan- you haven’t lived until you’ve worn a plastic dustpan with eyeholes over your face in 87 degree weather!)
So, as the summer season brings the various blimps to town, whether flying over Grant Park, Wrigley Field, Cellular Field, or just your friendly neighborhood expressway, you can bet that I’ll always be looking up and wishing that I was up there…although many people think I’m so full of hot air, I could reach that altitude all by myself… # # #
Today, I will be taking part in a promo shoot for Me-TV-(you DO know that Sven runs not only Sat. nights at 1am on Me-TV, but also Monday through Thursday nights at 3 am?)- in which I will portray Alfred Hitchcock-sort of. We’ve done these before- I’ll show up as Hitchcock’s shadow, much like he appears in the show open, when he moves into the simple line drawing of his profile. What this involves is me , wearing suit and tie- and a lovely bald rubber wig, or bald pate as they call it in theater. I also have to stick out my stomach (I know- not that much, these days!) and manipulate my face to make it look fatter-and you didn’t think that was possible! We then shoot in front of a green screen, with me doing my Hitchcock impression-- and, when our promotion masters work on it in a computerized editing device known as an AVID- they’ll make my figure look like a shadow. Be watching for it on a television set near you, coming soon on Me-Tv!Something else that might appeal to Me-TV viewers- and other folks who appreciate vintage entertainment- is an appearance I’ll be doing, in my Rich Koz persona, on Thursday night. My friend Steve Darnall, who is currently helming old time radio preservationist Chuck Shaden’s “Nostalgia Digest Magazine,”has asked me to take part in a launch party for the Digest’s first-ever Swimsuit Issue!(And, no- I will not be required to don a Speedo!) I will, however, join Steve to honor some classic radio comedians. Also, there will be a live interview with Norman Corwin, an amazing veteran of the “Golden Age” of radio, to talk about his outstanding career, the stars he worked with, and, possibly, do some q. and a. with the audience! If you’ve enjoyed some of the Abbott and Costello movies we’ve shown on Sven- and, even just some of the bits we do- I think you’ll have fun with what we’re planning to do. It takes place at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago, this Thursday night at 7 pm. For more info, you can call the Book Cellar at 773-293-2665. The store is in Lincoln Square, next to the Brau Haus- so you can have a cold one and some schnitzel afterwards if you so desire! And, don’t worry- Svengoolie appearances are coming! Next weekend, Sven will be at the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival- we’ll have info on the show this Saturday night, as well as info here next week-and, our yearly visit to Flashback Weekend is coming in July! I hope you come out to one of our appearances soon, and let me know, when I meet you, that you’ve been reading these blogs and checking out the Sven webisodes! # # #
I’ve been sifting through all the e-mail messages, and feel the need to share some of it with you loyal blog readers- and , to remind you that you can always write to me at svengoolie@wciu.com...
First off- let me handle some Rich Koz/ Stooge-a-palooza business;I’ve gotten several e-mails asking about something in the classic Stooges short “Disorder in the Court.” You know that one- with the boys as “expert witnesses” in the courtroom for the murder of Kirk Robbin! This short is a big favorite, and was always available on home video because it somehow fell out of copyright, and is considered public domain. Anyway, the question is- after the Stooges pretty much destroy the Court attendant’s toupee, and he threatens to sue them, Moe comments “oh, superstitious, eh?” And Curly says something that nobody seems to understand. Everybody asks what he’s saying! Well, even I don’t know for sure- it sounds like “Oh, Pi Si Kid!” or something like that- and my guess is , it’s a sort of derogatory term, maybe equating the guy with a spoiled snooty frat boy. Should anybody out there have another theory, or, god forbid, an actual answer, please send it here!
On to some Sven business- Rob of Orland Park asked a question we occasionally get here- what was the name of the song that the original Sven, Jerry G. Bishop, and myself (during my first year on air) always used- the slow strumming guitar , with the added track of the girl endlessly screaming?
Rob, that’s the classic “Rumble” by Link Wray –Jerry G. added the screams to make it his perfect theme!
Karen asked me to help her identify a movie she saw maybe 15 years ago- a strange flick she thought might be a Wes Craven production, about a 1950s “perfect” family whose son starts to question where the bright red meat that was their steady diet came from…only to find that it was coming from various repairmen, visitors, etc, who suddenly had disappeared! Well, Karen, you didn’t dream this up- but it wasn’t a Wes Craven film- it is, indeed , called “Parents”- a 1989 film directed by Bob Balaban, who most folks know as the NBC executive on “Seinfeld” who went crazy over Elaine! It starred Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt as the Cleaver-like parents who knew how to use a cleaver…we’ve never had it on Sven, but, boy, could we have a great time with it!
Hmmm…already out of space today…do I hear myself cooking up MORE feedback tomorrow?!
First off- let me handle some Rich Koz/ Stooge-a-palooza business;I’ve gotten several e-mails asking about something in the classic Stooges short “Disorder in the Court.” You know that one- with the boys as “expert witnesses” in the courtroom for the murder of Kirk Robbin! This short is a big favorite, and was always available on home video because it somehow fell out of copyright, and is considered public domain. Anyway, the question is- after the Stooges pretty much destroy the Court attendant’s toupee, and he threatens to sue them, Moe comments “oh, superstitious, eh?” And Curly says something that nobody seems to understand. Everybody asks what he’s saying! Well, even I don’t know for sure- it sounds like “Oh, Pi Si Kid!” or something like that- and my guess is , it’s a sort of derogatory term, maybe equating the guy with a spoiled snooty frat boy. Should anybody out there have another theory, or, god forbid, an actual answer, please send it here!
On to some Sven business- Rob of Orland Park asked a question we occasionally get here- what was the name of the song that the original Sven, Jerry G. Bishop, and myself (during my first year on air) always used- the slow strumming guitar , with the added track of the girl endlessly screaming?
Rob, that’s the classic “Rumble” by Link Wray –Jerry G. added the screams to make it his perfect theme!
Karen asked me to help her identify a movie she saw maybe 15 years ago- a strange flick she thought might be a Wes Craven production, about a 1950s “perfect” family whose son starts to question where the bright red meat that was their steady diet came from…only to find that it was coming from various repairmen, visitors, etc, who suddenly had disappeared! Well, Karen, you didn’t dream this up- but it wasn’t a Wes Craven film- it is, indeed , called “Parents”- a 1989 film directed by Bob Balaban, who most folks know as the NBC executive on “Seinfeld” who went crazy over Elaine! It starred Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt as the Cleaver-like parents who knew how to use a cleaver…we’ve never had it on Sven, but, boy, could we have a great time with it!
Hmmm…already out of space today…do I hear myself cooking up MORE feedback tomorrow?!
Well, it appears that we are launching full-force into the humid Twilight Zone known as summer around these parts.
I keep hearing that in a day or so, we’ll be hitting 90 degrees (as if the cicada invasion wasn’t enough!) I love summer, especially any chance that I can be near our watery wonderland- Lake Michigan- but, quite honestly- though vampires shun daylight, one of the greatest enemies of Svengoolie is- heat.(What, you thought I was going to say rubber chickens?)
Remember that, with the coat, hat, long hair, etc.- Mr. Goolie is already at a borderline state of comfort regarding warmth (hopefully, the new red tuxedo shirt will be somewhat more tolerable to heat than the previous red turtleneck –never exactly high on the list of summer resort wear.) When you add summer heat and humidity to that situation, it makes for a simmering Sven. When we’re shooting the program under the studio lights, and often having to switch off the studio air conditioning because it gets too loud and will be picked up by the microphone, you can bet that I’m a walking sauna- but, on the occasions that I’m out doing an appearance, I’m surprised you don’t see steam pouring out of my ears –if you can see my ears beneath the wig- I mean, long hair. Many of you have noticed that, even on indoor signings, we have fans (I don’t mean the good people who come to see me, I’m talking air circulation devices!)
Move me outside, in typical Chicago summer weather, and you can watch the heat shimmering off me, creating mirages. If my eyes seem to be shedding a black tear, it’s actually only some of my eye make-up running with the perspiration- as does my moustache. People will sometimes ask me “why don’t you just grow the moustache and goatee- then you don’t have to put on the phony ones?”
Well, part of the reason is, it’s so there’s a differentiation between the Sven persona and my “secret identity” – although, at a recent TV Academy event, I saw Walter Jacobson, and he is now sporting a moustache and goatee-and, certainly, no one mistook him for Wizzo.
Anyway- coming up, I will be making some appearances- including a special June 23 appearance at the Bourbonnais Friendship Fest (more to come on that!) and chances are it’ll be balmy summer weather- so, I’ll have to go with my one piece of summer attire- a slightly lighter-weight black jacket- and make sure that I stay somewhat hydrated. Maybe we can refrigerate some rubber chickens, and pack them around me for added comfort. And, there might also be fans who bring fans (are we starting that again?!)
I keep hearing that in a day or so, we’ll be hitting 90 degrees (as if the cicada invasion wasn’t enough!) I love summer, especially any chance that I can be near our watery wonderland- Lake Michigan- but, quite honestly- though vampires shun daylight, one of the greatest enemies of Svengoolie is- heat.(What, you thought I was going to say rubber chickens?)
Remember that, with the coat, hat, long hair, etc.- Mr. Goolie is already at a borderline state of comfort regarding warmth (hopefully, the new red tuxedo shirt will be somewhat more tolerable to heat than the previous red turtleneck –never exactly high on the list of summer resort wear.) When you add summer heat and humidity to that situation, it makes for a simmering Sven. When we’re shooting the program under the studio lights, and often having to switch off the studio air conditioning because it gets too loud and will be picked up by the microphone, you can bet that I’m a walking sauna- but, on the occasions that I’m out doing an appearance, I’m surprised you don’t see steam pouring out of my ears –if you can see my ears beneath the wig- I mean, long hair. Many of you have noticed that, even on indoor signings, we have fans (I don’t mean the good people who come to see me, I’m talking air circulation devices!)
Move me outside, in typical Chicago summer weather, and you can watch the heat shimmering off me, creating mirages. If my eyes seem to be shedding a black tear, it’s actually only some of my eye make-up running with the perspiration- as does my moustache. People will sometimes ask me “why don’t you just grow the moustache and goatee- then you don’t have to put on the phony ones?”
Well, part of the reason is, it’s so there’s a differentiation between the Sven persona and my “secret identity” – although, at a recent TV Academy event, I saw Walter Jacobson, and he is now sporting a moustache and goatee-and, certainly, no one mistook him for Wizzo.
Anyway- coming up, I will be making some appearances- including a special June 23 appearance at the Bourbonnais Friendship Fest (more to come on that!) and chances are it’ll be balmy summer weather- so, I’ll have to go with my one piece of summer attire- a slightly lighter-weight black jacket- and make sure that I stay somewhat hydrated. Maybe we can refrigerate some rubber chickens, and pack them around me for added comfort. And, there might also be fans who bring fans (are we starting that again?!)
Don’t you love the recent meltdowns of Chicago baseball team managers? We’ve been treated to endless footage of the Cubs’ Lou Pinella kicking dirt on the umpire’s snazzy black Thom McCanns for a few days now- plus, White Sox’s Ozzie Guillen getting steamed because, if a guy’s hit or not, swinging the bat should be a strike! These guys get tossed from the game, get suspensions and/or fines- and multiple media replays of their moment of anger.
Wouldn’t you love to see people act like this in every walk of life? Last week, Rosie O’Donnell could have been kicking dirt all over Elizabeth Hasellbeck’s designer clogs, followed by Barbara Walters’ giving the big “throw-out” gesture indicating that they both were being thrown off the show!
What about in our own lives? While in the studio, should I get into Tombstone’s face (after all- all he IS is a face, basically) for interrupting one of my lines? When someone causes a jam in the copying machine and sneaks away, leaving it unusable,
should I search them out and kick toner dust all over their shoes? If I give one of the video editors a script with a certain movie clip, and he doesn’t think it’s a good clip, should he charge my desk, fling the script back at me, and cuss me out in a major way? (Actually, stuff like that DOES happen sometimes, but not between myself and our editing staff- we had one guy who used to fling chairs and kick boxes if things weren’t going his way…) Should we have outbursts that end with us being sent off the station premises? If you think about it, such outbursts are rarely tolerated at a workplace, and usually happen only once- because, one more incident would result in your position being terminated. Certainly there are times of tension and argument in every workplace, but, rarely do they get the media coverage an Ozzie or Lou gets when they explode.
What if it happened at other stations- Robin Baumgarten getting steamed at Larry Potash reading what should have been HER line off the teleprompter, with the two of them getting into each other’s face? Paul Conrad could send them packing to the WGN cafeteria. Or- maybe Rich Roeper and one of the fill-ins for Roger Ebert can have a blow-out, with one of them sent out to the lobby without any Junior Mints.
What if that happened in one of our movies? Well, actually, it does happen. In “Dracula” when the Count is upset because Renfield screwed up by being followed to the castle, Drac tosses him out of the game, literally- breaking his neck and sending him, not to the showers, but down the long twisty dungeon stairs. Did the vampire association fine him? Not likely.
What we need is for both our baseball managers to reach their breaking point-and go for each other- during one of those crosstown classic games- so it can be an epic battle like “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man !” As long as it doesn’t end with the scoreboard sparking and exploding in flames…
Wouldn’t you love to see people act like this in every walk of life? Last week, Rosie O’Donnell could have been kicking dirt all over Elizabeth Hasellbeck’s designer clogs, followed by Barbara Walters’ giving the big “throw-out” gesture indicating that they both were being thrown off the show!
What about in our own lives? While in the studio, should I get into Tombstone’s face (after all- all he IS is a face, basically) for interrupting one of my lines? When someone causes a jam in the copying machine and sneaks away, leaving it unusable,
should I search them out and kick toner dust all over their shoes? If I give one of the video editors a script with a certain movie clip, and he doesn’t think it’s a good clip, should he charge my desk, fling the script back at me, and cuss me out in a major way? (Actually, stuff like that DOES happen sometimes, but not between myself and our editing staff- we had one guy who used to fling chairs and kick boxes if things weren’t going his way…) Should we have outbursts that end with us being sent off the station premises? If you think about it, such outbursts are rarely tolerated at a workplace, and usually happen only once- because, one more incident would result in your position being terminated. Certainly there are times of tension and argument in every workplace, but, rarely do they get the media coverage an Ozzie or Lou gets when they explode.
What if it happened at other stations- Robin Baumgarten getting steamed at Larry Potash reading what should have been HER line off the teleprompter, with the two of them getting into each other’s face? Paul Conrad could send them packing to the WGN cafeteria. Or- maybe Rich Roeper and one of the fill-ins for Roger Ebert can have a blow-out, with one of them sent out to the lobby without any Junior Mints.
What if that happened in one of our movies? Well, actually, it does happen. In “Dracula” when the Count is upset because Renfield screwed up by being followed to the castle, Drac tosses him out of the game, literally- breaking his neck and sending him, not to the showers, but down the long twisty dungeon stairs. Did the vampire association fine him? Not likely.
What we need is for both our baseball managers to reach their breaking point-and go for each other- during one of those crosstown classic games- so it can be an epic battle like “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man !” As long as it doesn’t end with the scoreboard sparking and exploding in flames…
I’m always pleasantly surprised by finding out that certain people know who I am…an example is an actor who grew up in the Chicago area who watched my early channel 32 shows, and now watches my current shows when he’s in town- whom I’ll be telling you about soon- you’ll certainly know who he is when I mention a couple of his roles in fairly recent horror flicks!
Another big surprise came the other day when my friends John and Elizabeth from our sponsor store “Horrorbles” came by for a visit- and brought me a couple gifts they’d picked up at a recent convention. One was a cd put out by famous east coast horror host Zacherly-one of the founding fathers of horror hosting, along with the west coast’s Vampira and our own Chicago legend, Marvin, who all began the horror hosting fad when Universal first released its “Shock Theater” package to local TV stations around the country, featuring many of the classics that we are currently showing from the Universal horror library- and , a copy of a new book about Zacherly. On the cd cover, I noticed something written- “to my old pal Svengoolie- Zacherly!” And- in the book itself, another message from Zacherly, congratulating me on, as he put it, “outlasting all of us old time spooky hosts on TV!” It was also signed by the book’s author, Rick Scrivani, who chronicles the career of the “Cool Ghoul”-who is, in reality, John Zacherle, a radio and television performer who has, among other things- hosted a 3 Stooges program as well as a horror movie show (sound familiar?!) John and Elizabeth said that Zach was well acquainted with me, and spoke very kindly of me- which is a real compliment. I remember a guy getting in touch with me a while back, who was doing a documentary on the afore- mentioned “Vampira” –who we have talked about in our Ed Wood and “Plan 9 from Outer Space” shows- and he had said at the time that the person who had suggested that he get in touch with me- was John Zacherle! I was stunned, and told him that I had no idea that Zacherly even knew I existed, and the guy said, “Zacherly knows all…”- and I guess he was right!
Horror host buffs will tell you that he originally was known as “Roland”- but later , adopted a version of his real last name to become the legendary Zacherly. He’s 89 years old and still hitting the convention circuit to meet fans old and new. A tip of the Sven top hat to a true legend of horror hosting, with great thanks and admiration!
Another big surprise came the other day when my friends John and Elizabeth from our sponsor store “Horrorbles” came by for a visit- and brought me a couple gifts they’d picked up at a recent convention. One was a cd put out by famous east coast horror host Zacherly-one of the founding fathers of horror hosting, along with the west coast’s Vampira and our own Chicago legend, Marvin, who all began the horror hosting fad when Universal first released its “Shock Theater” package to local TV stations around the country, featuring many of the classics that we are currently showing from the Universal horror library- and , a copy of a new book about Zacherly. On the cd cover, I noticed something written- “to my old pal Svengoolie- Zacherly!” And- in the book itself, another message from Zacherly, congratulating me on, as he put it, “outlasting all of us old time spooky hosts on TV!” It was also signed by the book’s author, Rick Scrivani, who chronicles the career of the “Cool Ghoul”-who is, in reality, John Zacherle, a radio and television performer who has, among other things- hosted a 3 Stooges program as well as a horror movie show (sound familiar?!) John and Elizabeth said that Zach was well acquainted with me, and spoke very kindly of me- which is a real compliment. I remember a guy getting in touch with me a while back, who was doing a documentary on the afore- mentioned “Vampira” –who we have talked about in our Ed Wood and “Plan 9 from Outer Space” shows- and he had said at the time that the person who had suggested that he get in touch with me- was John Zacherle! I was stunned, and told him that I had no idea that Zacherly even knew I existed, and the guy said, “Zacherly knows all…”- and I guess he was right!
Horror host buffs will tell you that he originally was known as “Roland”- but later , adopted a version of his real last name to become the legendary Zacherly. He’s 89 years old and still hitting the convention circuit to meet fans old and new. A tip of the Sven top hat to a true legend of horror hosting, with great thanks and admiration!
Here’s the big announcement- if you don’t get enough Sven shows during the weekend- how about a summer Sven bonus?
You’re going to get it- thanks to our beloved sister station- Me-TV !!! If you’re a night owl, or keep the vcr or Tivo handy- you’ll be able to catch some additional Sven shows Monday through Thursday nights at 3 am ! Yes, 3 am… deep in the dark of night!
This is where you’ll see the final runs of the films from our “Full Moon” movie assortment- the stuff like “Killjoy”- the killer clown; “Ragdoll”- the murderous doll sent by a demon to get revenge; “Vampire Journals”- featuring a good guy vampire out to kill the bad bloodsuckers; “Oblivion”- the wacky space western starring everyone from “Catwoman” Julie Newmar to “Mr.Sulu” George Takei- and more (yes, even the ‘love-it-or hate-it’- there’s no middle ground-“Shrunken Heads!”) One reason we’re doing this , is that our contract to run the Full Moon stuff will be expiring by summer’s end- and, with our current slate of Universal films, we wouldn’t normally be able to give these other films a final run otherwise. But- that’s not all! I’ve convinced the good people of our programming department to let us mix in some of our other films for your enjoyment- so, you’ll get some classic B-movie Sven shows as an added bonus several times throughout the summer!
Hopefully, you’re in an area where Me-TV can be picked up via the airwaves- on your cable system- or via a dish, so you’ll be able to partake in this overnight sensation. Fans of the Charles Band “Full Moon” brand will also be happy to know that Mr. Band will be appearing this year at “Flashback Weekend” –July 20-22 at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare-where you’ll also have your chance to meet yours truly on Saturday, July 21!
Speaking of Sven appearances- I’ll be heading out to beautiful Bourbonnais on June 23 for the Bourbonnais Friendship Fest! Come out and meet me, and enjoy all the other fun festivities! And- as additional appearances come up- we’ll be sure to let you know about them right here. There’s even a Rich Koz appearance coming soon in the city- as part of the “Nostalgia Digest” anniversary celebration! More about that soon- in the meantime, spread the word about the bonus Sven shows on Me-TV through the summer! Come back tomorrow for more blog-you don’t even have to read it at 3 am…
You’re going to get it- thanks to our beloved sister station- Me-TV !!! If you’re a night owl, or keep the vcr or Tivo handy- you’ll be able to catch some additional Sven shows Monday through Thursday nights at 3 am ! Yes, 3 am… deep in the dark of night!
This is where you’ll see the final runs of the films from our “Full Moon” movie assortment- the stuff like “Killjoy”- the killer clown; “Ragdoll”- the murderous doll sent by a demon to get revenge; “Vampire Journals”- featuring a good guy vampire out to kill the bad bloodsuckers; “Oblivion”- the wacky space western starring everyone from “Catwoman” Julie Newmar to “Mr.Sulu” George Takei- and more (yes, even the ‘love-it-or hate-it’- there’s no middle ground-“Shrunken Heads!”) One reason we’re doing this , is that our contract to run the Full Moon stuff will be expiring by summer’s end- and, with our current slate of Universal films, we wouldn’t normally be able to give these other films a final run otherwise. But- that’s not all! I’ve convinced the good people of our programming department to let us mix in some of our other films for your enjoyment- so, you’ll get some classic B-movie Sven shows as an added bonus several times throughout the summer!
Hopefully, you’re in an area where Me-TV can be picked up via the airwaves- on your cable system- or via a dish, so you’ll be able to partake in this overnight sensation. Fans of the Charles Band “Full Moon” brand will also be happy to know that Mr. Band will be appearing this year at “Flashback Weekend” –July 20-22 at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare-where you’ll also have your chance to meet yours truly on Saturday, July 21!
Speaking of Sven appearances- I’ll be heading out to beautiful Bourbonnais on June 23 for the Bourbonnais Friendship Fest! Come out and meet me, and enjoy all the other fun festivities! And- as additional appearances come up- we’ll be sure to let you know about them right here. There’s even a Rich Koz appearance coming soon in the city- as part of the “Nostalgia Digest” anniversary celebration! More about that soon- in the meantime, spread the word about the bonus Sven shows on Me-TV through the summer! Come back tomorrow for more blog-you don’t even have to read it at 3 am…
