The Original “Dracula”- with Added Musical Soundtrack- Tonight!

The children of the night- what music they make! And, tonight, there will be added music- as we present the classic 1931 Bela Lugosi original "Dracula"- with  a special musical soundtrack added in 1998!

Need I recount the story? Real estate solicitor Renfield  is headed to the Transylvania castle of one Count Dracula to sign him for a lease of Carfax Abbey in London. Though there are some warnings about him going there- he continues on to meet the Count- little realizing what is in store for him!

Renfield falls under the spell of the Count and helps him make his way to London- where the sophisticated aristocrat takes up residence-while Renfield ends up in Dr. Seward's sanitarium! Before long, the Count meets Dr Seward, as well as his daughter Mina and  her friend Lucy- both of whom soon become victims of the mysterious count. When Professor Van Hesling is brought in to consult on Renfield's strange behavior- he is shocked to discover that  a vampire seems to play a part in the proceedings- and soon discovers just who that vampire is! He enlists Mina's fiance, Jonathan Harker, in an attempt to fight the frightening menace of the undead!

Of course, this is the role that Bela Lugosi is most famous for- and he's joined by Edward Van Sloan, David Manners, Helen Chandler- and the unforgettable Dwight Frye! We'll talk all about the cast and the production, and, of course, provide Sven shtick- but also, this time out- we will be showing the version featuring the musical soundtrack created by Philip Glass and The Kronos Quartet. Glass was  commissioned by Universal to create the score to provide a new dimension to the film, which, aside from the opening "Swan Lake" theme and opera house scene, was devoid of any musical accompaniment.

We do ask that you let us know what you think of the musical soundtrack version- we wanted to try it, since so many people have NOT seen it, but we do know some people have definite and opposing opinions of it. Personally, I think that some of the added sound effects might be a bit overbearing, but- as I said- let me know what you think!

"Dracula" runs tonight on MeTV-10 pm eastern/pacific, 9 central, or check local listings. NOTE:  If you are not finding us where you normally do- please go to www.metvnetwork.com  - click on "where to watch"- and enter your zip code to see who runs MeTV in your area. If you don't have us anymore- please contact MeTV at that site to let them know that you'll miss us! Meanwhile, in Chicago, viewers get one more look at "Cat and the Canary" at 11 am on WCIU, the U!

Quick appearance plug: also tonight, we return to for the fifth “Nightmare on Chicago Street” in Elgin! It's always the best big street party of the year, as Elgin fights a zombie outbreak- but you'll be fine in the “Safe Zone”- with music, food, vendors, and lots of entertainment. I'll be signing autographs and posing for photos (get in line early!),and then hit the stage to m.c. the costume contest- which is always spectacular! they're expecting a record crowd, so it's going to be quite a pre-Halloween celebration. Info is available at http://www.nightmareonchicagostreet.com/