Universal's Mt. Rushmore of Horror? Enter the "House of Frankenstein"-Tonight!

Tonight on MeTV- Boris Karloff, the original Frankenstein Monster, returns to the Universal Frankenstein franchise- but in a different role in the studio’s biggest "monster rally" movie of all! Dracula, the Wolf Man, a hunchback- and even the Monster – return for a horror house party. We invite you to be a guest at the "House of Frankenstein"!

Tracking the chronology of the films in Universal’s Frankenstein series, this 1944 feature is definitely the follow-up to “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man”. It all begins on a stormy night, in a desolate prison where Dr. Neimann, a twisted scientist, is incarcerated for his unspeakable experiments which authorities have labelled as crimes against nature! After physically threatening a guard, Neimann lectures his cellmate, the hunchbacked Daniel, on his experiments and the theories he has, based on the work of his idol, Dr. Frankenstein. Suddenly, the powerful storm causes major destruction and this provides an escape for the two convicts!

Struggling away from the prison down a muddy road in the midst of a driving rain, they encounter a stalled wagon, actually a traveling "house of horrors". The dastardly duo helps the proprietor get back on the road-but they are hardly Good Samaritans, as they help themselves to both his wagon- and his identity! Neimann reasons that by disguising himself as the showman, they can travel incognito on their quest to discover Dr. Frankenstein's lost secrets of creating life. At this point a very willing accomplice, Daniel has his reasons- he hopes that the doctor will use his knowledge to operate on his misshapen back, and make him look like a normal man.

In order to maintain their cover, the duo join a small village's fair and become a sideshow attraction, displaying the collection of oddities they have purloined. One of the local authorities in the crowd thinks he recognizes this showman- but can’t quite place who he is. Angered by the man’s suspicion, Neimann unwittingly removes a stake from the remains of Count Dracula- reviving the vampire! He warily makes a deal with the count, offering him protection if he helps in Neimann’s quest for revenge. The count agrees, but soon goes off on his own fiendish agenda, including murder and enlisting a lovely young bride to join him among the ranks of the undead!

Fleeing from this village and Dracula’s treachery, Neimann’s travels finally bring him closer to his main objective- the ruins of Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory. A stop at a nearby gypsy camp adds one more passenger to their wagon- a pretty young gypsy girl whom Daniel rescues from misfortune! The gypsy immediately captures the deformed man’s heart, in spite of the possibility that his condition may keep her from returning his affection- all the more reason to get Niemann to cure his plight!

They continue to the actual ruins of the Frankenstein castle - and stumble upon frozen underground catacombs- where they find the frozen bodies of the Wolf Man and the Frankenstein Monster (again, liking to the last film, the result of the water flooding the castle at the end of “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man”)! They thaw the Wolf Man out first- and he reverts to his human form of Larry Talbot - but the Monster, still in a weakened state, must receive some treatment soon if he is to be restored to full consciousness and power.

They decide to take him to Neimann's own abandoned laboratory- but, along the way, Daniel is dismayed and angered to find that the gypsy girl he desires now finds Talbot attractive! The mad doctor sets to work – with a plan to heal the Monster, and take revenge on the locals who sent him up the river. It becomes evident that mere jealousy isn't the only reason Daniel and Talbot are at odds- both want to be brain donors for the Monster, which would eliminate the donor’s problem, be it the curse of the full moon or physical deformity. Neimann's promises to both men go by the wayside as he works towards what HE wants- restoring the Monster to full power and having it at his command to get revenge! Meanwhile, the suspicious villagers have reason to believe that something sinister is going on at Neimann's old place... setting the stage for another torch and pitchfork reprisal- and a final battle between legendary monsters!

This film was the original “monster mash-up” film, bringing together many of Universal's " big three" monsters (the Mummy would also have been a part of the roster, but that didn’t pan out). For the first time, John Carradine takes on the role of Count Dracula (a role he would again take on in the next "monster rally" film, "House of Dracula”), and big Glenn Strange makes his first appearance as the Frankenstein Monster. Of course, we have the only man to ever play Larry Talbot in the classic era of Universal monster films, Lon Chaney Jr in his unforgettable role- and it’s all topped off by the addition of the era’s King of Horror, Karloff! We'll fill you in on the whole cast- and there’ plenty of Sven fun in store- we bring you a song, visit one of our frequent haunts-and present a vintage chat with a real expert on Universal monsters (as well as being a hilarious comedian)- our friend the late great Gilbert Gottfried! Plus-some celebrity interviews- the gorgeous Gwengoolie makes an appearance-and I take rides both in a car (in a segment inspired by a famous online podcast) and on a boat in some vintage fun. We even have a clip from the flattering “Svengoolie Day” held in- Berwyn!

The “House of Frankenstein” opens its doors to you tonight on MeTV at 8 pm eastern/pacific, 7 pm central, or check listings in your area ( or at www.metv.com) for when and where you can see us. MeTV invites you join the legion of fans who live-Tweet along with the movie on Twitter during the show- just be sure to use the hashtag #svengoolie. In the Chicago viewing area, it's a Saturday morning encore of Doug McClure visiting “The Land That Time Forgot" at 11 am on CW 26.

Watch for a new Sven clothing item this month! And, tune in tonight for all-star scares with Universal’s top terrors on MeTV!