It's a Casket Classic from the Castle- Bela Lugosi Stars as "Dracula"- Tonight!

Tonight on MeTV-we are happy to present once again 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! It’s one of the most atmospheric and captivating legends of all time- as the count leaves his Transylvanian home to bring terror to London in 1931’s classic-"Dracula”!

It starts out almost whimsically, 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). In spite of getting jostled around, Renfield is all business- he is on his way 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, he continues on his way to meet with the Count- totally unaware of what the future holds!

Renfield meets Dracula, who makes a dramatic entrance, and accepts the offer of an overnight stay in the castle-which results in him falling under the spell of the Count. Soon, completely under his control, driven out of his mind, and living only to do the vampire’s bidding, he helps his master make his way to London- only to 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 yet another Nostalgiaferatoo visit, a song, a quick and appropriate cameo by a late great actor, and a selection of some of our past vampire-based buffoonery- including our take-offs on that certain duck-call creating family-if they happened to be vampires!

The classic "Dracula" rises from his coffin tonight on MeTV-8 pm eastern/pacific, 7 central, and, if you’re unsure about channel and time in your area, check your local listings or at www.metv.com . Many fans are live-Tweeting during the show on Twitter, and you are invited to take part as well, using the hashtag #svengoolie. This morning in the Chicago viewing area, Herman Munster takes one more victory lap around the English countryside in “Munster Go Home” at 11 am on our main local station, CW26.

We have posted information about our upcoming visit to the annual Flashback Weekend horror convention in Rosemont, IL on August 2 and 3! Check out the schedule under the “appearances” tab here on our website.

The new Sven anniversary items in our store- with the artwork by Mitch O’Connell- are becoming a fast favorite with Sven fans! Be watching for even more celebratory merchandise coming up-including some amazing keepsakes!

Please join us tonight on MeTV for “Dracula”- with that special musical accompaniment! Those children of the night- what music they make- literally!