Tonight on MeTV-for those who have been missing good old 1950s American International monster mayhem-we’re bringing back a film that gave an encore to the studio’s Teenage Frankenstein and Teenage Werewolf! Our viewers always request another look at how a master of creature creations decides to strike back at the heartless studio heads who have decided to show him the door- by bringing his monsters back, but with a twist-this time, it isn’t fear film fantasy- it’s for real, as he demonstrates “How to Make a Monster”!
This 1958 favorite introduces us to renowned horror make-up artist Pete- we watch as he finishes applying the Teenage Werewolf make-up to a young actor ( FYI: in this case, it’s NOT Michael Landon, who played the part in the original film)! Pete and his faithful assistant Rivero are justifiably proud of the finished product- which impresses the director of a new film which pits the teen wolf man against the Teenage Frankenstein ( who IS played by the young actor from the original AI film, Gary Conway). Pete’s moment of elation does not last because the studio’s new bosses invade his make-up room and bluntly inform him that his skills will no longer be needed at the studio! The reason he is being let go? Well, these geniuses feel that monster films have worn out their welcome with audiences, who would rather have laughs, music, and pretty women instead of horror! (This is often the case in entertainment, with management not caring what the audience really wants, but gives them what they think they SHOULD want! I speak from experience elsewhere…)
Angered that his legendary 25 years as head make-up artist at the studio mean nothing to this new regime (hey- I also experienced THAT at a different company!), Pete comes up with a frighteningly sinister plan-to use his monster creations, the very ones new management disdain, to get revenge on these unfeeling know-it-all executives!
Remembering an accidental discovery he made in the past; Pete starts mixing a “special ingredient” into the make-up – which not only numbs the actor wearing it but also robs him of his free will- leaving him susceptible to follow every command Pete gives him. The maniacal make-up man is now creating REAL monsters that will carry out the carnage that they have previously done on the screen against the arrogant men who want to end his career in real life!
The police, naturally, are baffled by these horrific crimes. Pete’s weak-willed assistant Rivero, who still has a sense of right and wrong but remains loyal to his boss, has his own worries about his involvement in Pete’s scheme-and the young actors being used as Pete’s pawns start to get confused about periods of time in which they seem to have “blacked out” while in make-up. Can anyone stop Pete from carrying out his revenge by using his “children”- the monsters he has brought to life on the screen- to bring down the studio he once helped build into a success?
This film is a favorite of the many viewers who fondly remembering these two famed American International monsters (from “I Was a Teenage Werewolf” and “I Was a Teenage Frankenstein”- two movies we would love to be able to show – but, sadly, they are being withheld by the person who currently owns the rights to them, as we have explained before). You’ll see some familiar faces who have been regulars and guest stars on MeTV shows- and we will reveal a common thread among them-while revisiting the familiar make-up of the teen monsters. We’ll talk about some trivia relating to the film, and have plenty of Sven shtick, including my taking pen in hand to convert myself into a monster, as well as another way to change one’s appearance, plus another visit from Nostalgiaferatoo. We’ll also bring you a look at the very first time we chatted with the great Robert “Freddy Krueger” Englund, give you a song, some vintage Sven bits from the past, and- in answer to popular demand- present yet another crazy segment from Jay Ward’s beloved “Fractured Flickers”!
“How to Make a Monster” begins its tutorial at 8 pm eastern/pacific, 7 central time tonight. During the show, as always, you can live-Tweet along with other thousands of other viewers on Twitter (X), and live comment on Bluesky as well- just make sure to include the hashtag #svengoolie . Our encore in the Chicago viewing area is the Sven Squad’s bizarre “MEAT and greet” feature “Parents”-that order will be ready at 11 am on WCIU the U.
We have been having meetings about some new merchandise that will be appearing this year in our store- I think you’ll be very pleased by what we will have “in store” for you- items you have asked for, and some you have wanted to see come back. Make sure you check back here every so often- we will give you a head’s up when something becomes available!
Allow me to mention one last time- voting for the annual Rondo Awards for horror and science fiction will be coming to a close on Friday night midnight on May 1st. Make sure to get your votes in before the deadline if you wish to make your voice heard! Yes, I am again a candidate for “favorite horror host” along with several of our friends. You can vote in one, several, or all the categories, it’s up to you- just make sure you follow the rules, or your vote will NOT count- and make sure you only vote ONCE, or no vote of yours will not count. As always, I encourage you to vote for whoever your real favorites are- yes, even if that does not include me! You’ll find your ballot at rondoaward.com – it’s easy to cut and paste!
Meanwhile, cast your vote for 50s horror tonight on MeTV- when monsters go from film reels to frighteningly real and cause screams off the screen!
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