It's Fur Coat Season - But Not THIS Kind! It's the "Curse of the Werewolf" -Tonight!

Tonight on MeTV, it’s some singular Hammer horror, featuring the famed studio’s only werewolf film of its classic era- in which a young Oliver Reed progresses from strange childhood maladies to an adulthood plagued by the "Curse of the Werewolf"!

We return to a time centuries ago, to observe a small Spanish town- where an amiable beggar is confused by finding the town seemingly deserted, with its streets empty. He wanders into a tavern where he finally finds some of the local folks. They explain to him the reason why they are laying low- because today is the day that the despicable and heartless nobleman who rules the town- the Marquis-is getting married and hosting a celebration inviting only his fellow crass aristocratic associates to his estate. The citizens feel it is wise to avoid any chance of raising his ire.

The beggar, however, thinks hitting up the wealthy might benefit him and foolishly heads right to the estate. Ushered into the celebration, he finds himself immediately mocked and treated cruelly and derisively used as entertainment for the Marquis and his guests. Just as it seems like this torture is about to end, the poor soul makes an ill-timed remark, which infuriates the temperamental Marquis. He has him tossed into the dungeon, where he spends years in a dank cell, completely forgotten by the cruel ruler. His mind and body slowly deteriorate, with his only comfort coming from the kindness of the mute daughter of the jailer.

As years pass, the girl blossoms into a beautiful woman-while the beggar has devolved into a mad, animalistic wretch. The years have not made the aged marquis any kinder either- and, when the lecherous old coot spots the gorgeous woman and, unaware that she cannot speak, tries to take advantage of her. The poor woman fights back- which leads to her being thrown into the same cell as the now crazed beggar- with horrid consequences.

When she eventually manages to escape the cell, she flees into the woods, running until she collapses– only to be found, fortunately, by a kind and learned man-Don Alfredo. The gentleman brings her to his home to be cared for, and, as his housekeeper tends to the mute beauty, they discover -she is with child! As the time of birth nears, the housekeeper is worried by old folklore that states a child conceived in such a tragic way, if born on Christmas, is considered an aberration to God, and would be in for a life inflicted with some nameless evil. As if to fulfill this foreboding prophecy, the child is indeed born on this holiest of days!

Regardless of any of this folklore, the good-hearted and generous Don Alfredo raises the child as if he were his own son. As the boy Leon grows, he begins to show some odd -even frightening- tendencies - and when the torn apart bodies of livestock are found, seemingly attacked by some brutal animal, Don Alfredo has reason to believe that Leon may unfortunately be involved.

Prayer and kind treatment help Leon get past the strange occurrences of his childhood, as he matures into a handsome young adult. He heads out into the world to make his own fortune, feeling he has left his troublesome past behind, and finds his first employment bottling wine in the cellar of a vintner. He finds himself attracted to his employer’s young daughter who, unfortunately, is already spoken for by a pompous young aristocrat. And yet- she seems to prefer Leon, though it is forbidden since she is promised to another! Leon’s roommate, a happy-go-lucky co-worker, convinces him that the way to forget about his troubles of the heart is by heading to a local tavern that is loaded with drinks- and women.

It turns out not to be the cure for Leon’s unhappiness, which is only made worse by excessive drinking- and when the full moon rises it brings about a horrible transformation and deadly consequences. Leon soon is caught between his curse and his love for his employer’s daughter- all of which leads him into unspeakable horror as he realizes that he is a werewolf!

This 1961 film has all the features Hammer is known for- with brilliant color, shocking violence, sultry women, and one of the most unique werewolf make-up designs ever! We will discuss the make-up, and our cast, including young Oliver Reed and the breath-taking Yvonne Romain; and add some Sven fun to lighten the mood. We do want to point out that this film does have some situations that may not be suitable for younger and more sensitive viewers, due to violence and adult themes-so discretion is advised. PLEASE take the warning seriously! Watch for a vintage werewolf song from a past show, and a slight misunderstanding of the movie’s title by the Sven Squad, as well as their Valentine’s Day wishes, a look at some amazing masks, an encore visit with a real sweetheart, the talented voice actress Tara Strong, and some past gags from “Kerwyn’s Corner”!

“Curse of the Werewolf” is on Me-TV tonight at 8 pm eastern/pacific, 7 central, or check for time and channel in your local listings or at www.metv.com. You can live-Tweet on Twitter or post comments on Bluesky along with other viewers during the show - use the hashtag #svengoolie on either one! Chicago viewers should go the extra mile to catch the encore of Ray Harryhausen’s classic “20 Million Miles to Earth” at 11 am on our local channel WCIU, The U.

Just an FYI-we still have our Sven Valentine’s Day items in our store- and you might want to occasionally check our appearances tab here on the website for some upcoming appearances- including a radio appearance on February 22 !

Tonight, though, the full moon will rise, and the fur flies on MeTV!