Tonight, we start off a month with a majority of fuzzy frights-with England’s fabled Hammer Studios’ solitary lycanthrope tale - in which young Oliver Reed progresses from a strange childhood to an adult life tainted by- the "Curse of the Werewolf"!
Back a few centuries ago, in a small Spanish town- an amiable beggar is confused upon finding the town seemingly deserted, and almost empty- until he wanders into a tavern, where, at last, he finds some of the locals. They explain to him why they are all keeping a low profile – today is the day that the despicable and heartless nobleman who rules the town- the Marquis-is getting married and hosting a celebration for only his fellow crass aristocratic associates at his estate.
The beggar, thinking hitting up the wealthy might benefit him, dares to enter the celebration. Immediately, he finds himself mocked, treated cruelly, and derisively used as entertainment for the Marquis and his guests. It seems like this torture is about to end, when the poor soul makes an ill-timed remark, which infuriates the temperamental Marquis, who has him tossed into the dungeon. He spends years in a dank cell, completely forgotten by the cruel ruler. His mind and body slowly deteriorate, with the only comfort coming from the kindness of the mute daughter of the jailer.
As years pass, the girl blossoms into a beautiful woman- as 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 is unaware that she cannot speak, he tries to take advantage of her. The poor woman fights back- which leads to her being thrown into the same cell as the crazed beggar- with horrid consequences.
Eventually she makes her escape, fleeing into the woods, where she collapses– only to finally be found, fortunately, by a kind and learned man-Don Alfredo. The gentleman brings her to his home, and, as his housekeeper tends to mute beauty, they discover -she is with child! As the time of birth nears, the housekeeper is worried by old folklore that states that a child such as this, 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 prophecy of evil, the child is indeed born on this holiest of days!
Regardless, 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, there is reason to believe that Leon may be involved.
Prayer and kind treatment help Leon get past the strange occurrences of his childhood, and 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 in the cellar of a vintner, bottling wine. He also 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 by her situation! Leon’s 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, loaded with drinks and women. Leon’s unhappiness 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 the young girl- all of which leads him into unspeakable horror!
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 the past, another look at “Spawns of Svengoolie” and some of the 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 along with viewers during the show on Twitter- use the hashtag #svengoolie and help us to trend high among the most talked-about topics, as happens almost every week! Chicago viewers should brace themselves for an encore of the Toho Studio’s favorite “War of the Gargantuas” at 11 am on our local CW26.
We did want to pay tribute to Ricou Browning, who passed away this past week. He was the iconic underwater Gill Man in the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” series- but also had a great career as a director, producer, and cinematographer. He was the co-creator of the dolphin series “Flipper”- and directed underwater sequences for everything from the James Bond film “Thunderball” to the pool sequence in “Caddyshack”. I am sorry that I never was at a convention with him, and would have loved to meet him- may he rest in peace.
Check out our store for our new Sven St. Paddy’s Day wear- and remember to check soon under our appearances tab for some upcoming public appearances!
Tonight, though, the full moon will rise, and the fur flies on MeTV!
