Tonight, on MeTV- as our valentine to you-we again double down on our horror entertainment- first, celebrating the 95th anniversary of a true cornerstone of Universal horror’s legacy-the movie that established Bela Lugosi in most people’s minds as the embodiment of Bram Stoker’s vampire count! Then, the Sven Squad has more late Roger Corman mayhem with the prehistoric combo platter of “DinoShark”!

We begin with one of the most atmospheric and captivating legends of all time- hitting its 95th year-1931’s classic-"Dracula”! It starts out with real estate solicitor Renfield in a crowded carriage on a bumpy journey to Transylvania (one of his travelling companions is, in actuality, Carla Laemmle, daughter of Carl Laemmle, founder and head of Universal studios). Renfield endures the shake up, as he heads to the castle of a certain Count Dracula to get him to sign the lease for Carfax Abbey in London. When the carriage stops at an inn, and Renfield insists he must continue on to Castle Dracula, we see that the locals are getting nervous just hearing where he is headed and try to talk him out of it.

Ignoring their warnings, Renfield meets Dracula, who makes a dramatic entrance, and offers an overnight stay in the castle-which results in him falling under the spell of the Count. Soon, he helps his master make his way to London- only to be judged as insane and end up being locked up in Dr. Seward's sanitarium, while Dracula takes up residence in the nearby abbey.

The Count soon walks among the city’s people, who provide prey for his thirst for blood. The Count meets Dr Seward, on a night out on the town, along with his daughter Mina and her friend Lucy- both of whom are fascinated by the mysterious gentleman.

Meanwhile, Renfield's strange behavior prompts the sanitarium staff to call in one Professor Van Helsing to consult on his case- a shrewd and learned man who realizes that it is a vampire that plays a part in the proceedings. He soon discovers just who that vampire is, and just who is endangered by his presence! Fearing that Mina may be next in line, he enlists her fiancé, Jonathan Harker, in the battle to defeat this undead menace!

Bela Lugosi shows such amazing presence in this movie, followed closely by Dwight Frye’s incredible performance as the deranged Renfield. Also in the cast- David Manners, Helen Chandler- and a man who appears in several of Universal’s original core of horror films- Edward Van Sloan. We'll talk about the cast and the production, which, once again, we will be showing with the added musical soundtrack that first accompanied the film on its French DVD version. The score, composed with stock library music, offsets some of the usual “film hiss” on the original movie soundtrack, which often seems amplified by the original’s lack of background music. Honestly, at times, some added sound effects seem a bit overbearing, but overall, we think this version provides an interesting viewing experience- especially for those of us who have seen the film in its original state so many times. We add to the proceedings with all manner of Sven segments- from some Drac marketing ideas to Nostalgiaferatoo and Gwengoolie and Imp visits, a song, a quick and appropriate cameo by a late great actor, and a selection of some of our past vampire-based buffoonery-plus some nods to Valentine’s Day.

Then, Nostalgiaferatoo, the Imp, and Gwengoolie are back, to present a fish tale with a familiar premise- that of a prehistoric creature being released from its icy grave- this time, due to global warming! Over time, this pliosaur ( a kind of dinosaur/shark combination) matures and begins dining on vacationers at a resort in Puerta Villarta! One man who knows the score must try to convince authorities that this prehistoric beast is alive and well- and action must be taken before he uses the resort as a smorgasbord! The Sven Squad will fill you in on the cast and provide plenty of bonus entertainment as usual!

The night begins when "Dracula" rises from his coffin tonight on MeTV-8 pm eastern/pacific, 7 central, and will be followed by “DinoShark”. If you’re unsure about channel and time in your area, check your local listings or at www.metv.com . Many fans are posting live comments on Bluesky, as well as live-Tweeting during the entire show on Twitter, and you are invited to take part as well, using the hashtag #svengoolie. This morning in the Chicago viewing area, our encore show of “The Gorgon” on WCIU the U will be starting an hour earlier than normal, at 10:00 am, due to sports programming coming up at 12:30.

If you have a Chicago zip code, today is the last day to vote for “Svencoolie” as a name for a Chicago snow plow! Vote at chicagoshovels.org .

Did you forget to get a gift for your Valentine? Check out our store for some “better late than never” Sven gift options! ( You can order now, and make up your own coupon for the loved one, saying the gift is on its way… if that helps…)

Join us tonight for twice the fright- as we celebrate “Dracula”s epic anniversary- and then take on a creature a little less subtle in its biting!