Tonight on MeTV- it’s the perfect instructional film for you devious do-it-yourselfers in our audience- as we head into the make-up chair of a master of creature creations who finds his talents come in handy when heartless studio heads decide to show him the door. It’s the beloved American International film that gave an encore to the studio’s Teenage Frankenstein and Teenage Werewolf- in the tutorial of terror “How To Make a Monster”!
This 1958 favorite begins with make-up artist Pete finishing applying the Teenage Werewolf make-up to a young actor ( who, in this case , is NOT Michael Landon, who played the part in the original film)! Pete and his faithful assistant Rivero are proud of the job they’ve done- as is the director of a new film pitting the teen wolf man against the Teenage Frankenstein ( who IS played by the young actor from the original AI film, Gary Conway). Pete’s pride is then dealt a blow when the studio’s new bosses invade his make-up room- and rather bluntly inform him that his skills are no longer needed at the studio- since they feel that monster films are worn out, and audiences would rather have laughs, music, and pretty women instead!
Angered that his 25 years as head make-up artist at the studio mean nothing to this new regime, Pete comes up with a plan- he will use his monster creations, the very ones new management disdains, to get revenge! By mixing a special ingredient into the make-up that numbs the actor’s will and leaves him to follow every command Pete gives him- Pete creates monsters that will carry out the same mayhem they have previously on the screen- but for real this time- against the arrogant men who want to end his career!
The police are baffled by these horrific crimes- while assistant Rivero 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. Will Pete be successful in carrying out his revenge by using his “children”- the monsters he has brought to life on the screen- to ruin the studio he helped make a success?
This is another one of those 1950s horror films that are fondly remembered by horror fans- featuring 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 that are being withheld by the person who currently owns the rights to them). You’ll see some familiar faces, both regulars and guest stars, from MeTV shows- and we will reveal a common thread among them-and revisit 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 a new song, and – I take pen in hand to make my own monster!
“How To Make a Monster” begins at 8 pm eastern/pacific, 7 central time tonight- and, during the show, you can live-Tweet along with other thousands of other viewers on Twitter- just use the hashtag #svengoolie . Our “Chicago area only” encore of “Cult of the Cobra” moves to a special time for just this week, in order to accommodate Chicago Sky basketball- we will be on right after the game at 2 pm on CW26.
Our Sven baseball caps are definitely a hot fashion item and a big hit with our fans! If you’re looking for a fun Father’s Day gift, check out our store for the hats, as well as the Sven studio set and At Home box- two items of which our inventory is rapidly dwindling!
We most likely will be limiting our public appearances for this year, but it is looking like we will finally be back on the road, at the Flashback Weekend horror convention at the end of July! The way we do things may be changed a bit to keep things safe- but it will be great to be able to see our friends and fans again! We are also seriously working on getting out of the Sven Cave and back into the studio later this summer.
But, tonight- it’s time to put on make-up- it’s time to fight the frights- it’s time to get things started, making monsters show their might! ( No, we haven’t replaced Kerwyn with Kermit…)
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It's not news that we lost Ned Beatty (1937-2021), one of the great character actors of any time, this last Sunday, at the young age of 83. Never went to acting school, got an Academy Award nomination for almost 3 minutes of screen time in NETWORK (1976) and gave us everything from DELIVERANCE (1972) to RANGO (2011)- over 160 films and TV appearances in all. When asked how he got the emotion out of performances, he said he would think of a song tune, and hum it in his mind while acting. For bringing out rage/ extreme anger, he said he would always hum the old song "Ain't She Sweet," and admitted he didn't understand why THAT song brought about THAT reaction. Well Ned, I'm glad you didn't listen too closely to William Congreve!
As for best father? Gomez is my choice- not only a doting dad, totally suave, had intellect, and hey- it's not often enough we get any male character who openly shows passion and affection for his wife, shocking though it was to some back in the day.
Happy Sventurday Eve! Tomorrow I'll explore one of the later scores of a master in great little gem from UI. Take care/ give care!
Almost forGoT... FIREDAY
Eddie on the other hand, is a sweet boy, (ok a wolf-boy) that enjoys school and bragging about his Dad. A kid doesn't brag on his Dad unless there is something to brag about. Herman all the way!
So kidding. Just didn't hear anyone going that route 😂😂😂
My 2 cents... I agree with MrsG. Gomez for most romantic hubby. Herman seemed like a more compassionate Papa.
Advantage: Herman (and Lilly! )
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But out here in the hinterlands, on weak cell signal, I am several seconds behind the rest of the world.
Been top 3 a couple of times.
Undead undead undead.....
Undead...and loving it!
^_^
*_*
Mad mutual Sven Blog love and respect ~
^_^
Ready for tomorrow's cinemagraphic classic!
