The Original Karloff “Frankenstein”- and a Peek at the NEW Sven Set- Tonight!

We are so happy to bring you one of the original foundation blocks of Universal horror tonight- along with a preview of the fantastic new Svengoolie dungeon studio set!

Our feature tonight is the movie that made the single name "Karloff" a guarantee of  true screen terror- it's "Frankenstein"- the 1931 classic screen version of Mary Shelley's tale of  experimenting with the reanimation of the dead- and the creation of filmdom's most famous monster! We see somewhat crazed scientist Victor Frankenstein and his hunchbacked assistant Fritz collecting "raw materials"- parts of newly dead bodies- to enable Victor to experiment with creating a "man" that he can bring back to life by harnessing raw electrical power! Victor's fiancee Elizabeth is worried about his obsession with his experiment, and asks for help from his old professor, Dr.Waldman- who is concerned about what Victor is attempting to do.

Meanwhile, the experimentation continues- and Fritz, sent out for more "parts" , accidentally brings his master an abnormal brain to be installed in the prototype new man. When Elizabeth and other concerned parties arrive at Victor's lab-  he is in the final steps towards achieving his goal- and, in a flurry of lightning, sparks, and crackling machines- he sees his creation move- and cries out the immortal words- "it's alive!"

And so begins the life of the creature known as the Frankenstein Monster (and, at times, Frankenstein!)- as we learn of the true terror Victor has created- that endangers all who come in contact with it- casts an evil shadow on Victor and Elizabeth's wedding day- and launches a horror film legacy!

It's always astounding to see the characterization and nuances that the great Karloff brings to this reanimated creature- and to marvel at the make-up and the laboratory effects.We'll talk about the film's stars and give some background on the movie, along with some Sven shtick, including a new song (for one final time, delivered on our old set!) Also- a chat with the fine actor William Forsythe, who has some experience playing a flat-topped character and enduring long make-up sessions. Plus, as mentioned above- we give you a preview of the newly refurbished Sven dungeon studio, created  by the Acme Design Inc. geniuses who also built the new coffin. You'll catch a glimpse of it all in the open and close of the show, and in a few breaks along the way! The set will be used in all new production we do, as our previous set and coffin now reside on permanent display at the Chicago Museum of Broadcast Communications.

"Frankenstein" will be our feature tonight on MeTV- 10 pm eastern/pacific, 9 pm central, and please check for the airtime where you live! In Chicago, viewers  get  second chance to view  another chilling  Karloff performance in "The Mummy"  at 11 am on our sister station, WCIU, the U!

Just a brief reminder- I will be appearing from 1-3 pm next weekend, Saturday, November 22nd, at the Chicago Ghost Conference at  Carl Schurz High School in Chicago. This event for fans of the paranormal includes many experts and authors, and I'm happy to , once again, be making an appearance there! Check under our "appearances" tab on this site for more information!

Join us tonight for the movie that made Boris Karloff a star- and  helped to establish Universal Studios as the legendary cradle of screen horror!