You’re Invited to the Morbid Monster Marriage of the “Bride of Frankenstein”- Tonight!

What would “Svengoolie’s Halloween BOO-nanza” be without a Universal horror classic? That’s just what we have for you tonight on MeTV-featuring Boris Karloff making his second appearance as the Monster, in the film that picks up the story where the original "Frankenstein" movie had left off! This landmark film features the ONLY appearance of the one Universal monster who didn't kill anybody- and, in spite of her limited screen time, became a true icon of Universal horror- the “Bride of Frankenstein”!

This 1935 film- based on the story the authoress-Mary Shelley- claimed came to her in a dream-starts off on a dismal, stormy night- with said authoress revealing that her Frankenstein tale did NOT end at the original story's conclusion! She tells the tale of what happened next- starting at the point where the original “Frankenstein” film ended.

We see the burning remains of the windmill, the scene of where the final battle between the monster and his maker took place. Poor Henry, thrown from its heights by the Monster, is now being carried home by the crowd that witnessed it all, as they mourn his “demise” but, in the same breath, joyfully celebrate the "end" of the Monster. The father of little Maria (the unfortunate child from the original story that the Monster threw into the lake, unaware that she would drown, and not float like her flowers) remains at the smoking ruins, determined to make sure the Monster is no more- but his luck- and his life- run out- because the Monster still lives!

Meanwhile, Henry is carried back to his young lovely fiancée Elizabeth at their castle, where everyone is startled to discover that he -just like the Monster he created- has survived! Henry begins his slow road to recovery, and is starting to get there when he gets a disturbing late-night visit from the creepy Dr. Pretorius. This spectral figure is actually a mentor of Henry’s, who somehow is well aware of what his recovering student has achieved, and now seeks his help with his own experiments in creating life. Bringing Henry to his laboratory, he displays some of the bizarre results of his work- in an effort to convince him to share his knowledge and expertise- and join forces with him to finally create a true perfect living being! With everything he has endured, Henry wants no part of such an undertaking- he has realized, through the awful results of his own experiment, that playing God is a mistake.

His Monster, meanwhile, still alive, burned and hurting, has fled from the ruins of the windmill, and ends up again being followed by pursuers, like he is some wild animal. He seeks solace in the forest, eventually stumbling upon the hut of a blind hermit (the basis for the famous- and hilarious- scene in “Young Frankenstein”). The hermit is grateful to have this new "friend"- as is the Monster, who is taught some basics by the kindly blind man. This tranquil alliance is disrupted when two hunters (one of whom is John Carradine), having lost their way, come to the cabin for directions-and, in shock, recognize the Monster! The misunderstood creature escapes and, trying to hide from his pursuers, enters a crypt in a graveyard- where, coincidentally, the devious Pretorius just happens to be, enjoying a snack while in search of "parts” for his latest project!

Completely unfazed by the appearance of the Monster, Pretorius realizes that he can use the lonely creature as leverage to get Henry to cooperate with him- by threatening his young bride's safety! Frankenstein, unwilling to let anything happen to Elizabeth, submits to Pretorius’ demands, and heads uneasily back to work with him- as they endeavor to create the Monster's fondest desire- a “friend”- his own bride! But- will this fiancée of fright turn out to be a match made in...well...a laboratory, yet-will she really provide the happy union he is wishing for?

This classic film is not just one of the best horror films ever made, but also included in lists of all-time great motion pictures- period. Karloff continues to add new facets to his portrayal of the Monster- including the addition of speech- and Dr. Pretorius, portrayed by the "flamboyant" Ernest Thesiger, is, without a doubt, a truly memorable addition to the Frankenstein film legend, as is the Bride, portrayed ever so briefly, but effectively, by Elsa Lanchester. You'll note that I may not be pronouncing her name correctly in one segment- we had various opinions on how it should be pronounced, and I may have chosen wrong in that case, and there was no time for a reshoot! We will tell you all about the entire cast, certain deletions from the production, and more- as well as providing our usual contributions. Plus- watch for a quick cameo from one of our favorite MeTV actors!

The “Bride of Frankenstein"s reception begins on MeTV tonight at 8pm eastern/pacific, 7 central, or check for time and channel in your area in your local listings or at www.metv.com . You can throw rice by live-Tweeting during the show on Twitter, using the hashtag #svengoolie in all your Tweets. This morning at 11 am on CW 26 in Chicago, local viewers get another look at Vincent Price in “The Tingler”!

Tonight, I will be appearing at the “Nightmare on Chicago Street” in Elgin, IL- signing autographs from 7 to 8 pm, and helping host the costume contest at around 8:30. It will be great to return to the “Nightmare” and witness the blocks and blocks-literally- of attendees in front of the stage!

Be ready for one final Halloween horror film next week- a Sven program premiere- but don’t miss the “bride and gloom” classic tonight on MeTV!