Tonight, on MeTV- the “Svengoolie’s BOO-nanza” double feature requires a No-Pest strip of film- as the Sven Squad and I proudly present another 1950s legendary classic and its sequel- with Vincent Price taking on the transformative terror of “The Fly” and the “Return of the Fly”!

Of course, many people are familiar with the remake done in the 80s by David Croenenberg, starring Jeff Goldblum- but this is where it all began- in this 1958 version-as the story opens on a bizarre and tragic death that is surprisingly attributed- to the victim’s wife- who suddenly seems to have an obsession with flies!

We then flashback to an earlier time, with a happy family-though the beautiful Helene worries that her beloved husband Andre is too wrapped up in his scientific experiments, as they share wonderful moments with their young son Phillipe. Andre’s brother Francois shares her concern (and has always had a fondness for Helene, which he has kept quiet in deference to his brother).

Andre is experimenting with a matter-transporting device- a disintegrator-integrator- very similar to the transporter later seen in the “Star Trek” series. He completes a few experiments- with objects and living things, most with success- then endeavors to build two man-sized chambers to prove he can be successful in using a human subject!

Time passes- and one day, Helen is concerned because she has not seen Andre in a couple days. She heads down to his basement laboratory, where Andre will not at first allow her in, and makes a strange request. When he finally allows her to come in, she is shocked to find Andre with a black cloth over his head and a deformed left hand and only communicating by written word and knocking.

He explains that he tried to use himself as the subject of his experiment- but a fly was in the chamber with him- and their atoms became mixed, leaving him with the fly’s head and one arm- and with the fly, now on the loose, with a small white head- HIS!

Andre still retains his human brain and sends Helene on the mission of finding the fly so he can restore himself to normal- hopefully. Helen, young Phillipe, and their maid keep trying to catch and contain the fly, but with no success. Meanwhile, Andre’s mind is slowly being taken over by that of the fly-leaving what he sees as the only way to end this tragic experiment- with Helene’s reluctant help- as brother Francois and the police inspector battle about what Helene’s fate will be- and find more shocking evidence of the truth!

This landmark science fiction film, as we mentioned, stars Vincent Price, along with David Hedison, seen every week on MeTV in “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”-plus a familiar child actor we have seen before on our show. We’ll talk about the cast and some background information on the film, get some fly-by-night fun from the Sven squad and Boddy Sorrell, and bring you a new song, as well as a vintage bit of insect entertainment.

And, after “The Fly”- the Sven Squad wings in to present the sequel to our movie- 1959’s “Return of the Fly”! Vincent Price is the only actor from the original film who shows up here- as the now adult son of Andre, Phillipe, wants to honor his father’s legacy by completing his work with successful results. Uncle Francios wants nothing to do with it- even when funds to support the experiment are running out. Phillipe finds a new backer to partner with- but he has his own evil agenda. There is more misuse of the disintegrator/ integrator machine, with monstrous results- is Phillipe doomed to the same end his father had? The Sven Squad- the Imp, Nostalgiaferatoo, and Gwengoolie will provide their own crazy commentary, information, and more, as usual!

The final double feature of the “BOO-nanza” will begin at 8 pm eastern/pacific time, 7 pm central. ( By the way- we will extend the fun in a special single feature next week- with that horror comedy you viewers never seem to get tired of!) Join the fans live-posting on both Twitter/X and Bluesky during the show- and use that ever-present hashtag #svengoolie on either one. Local Chicago area viewers need to know- this morning, we have a special encore of the Sven Squad’s “Frankenstein” show from last week- airing at a special time- 9 am to 11 am -on WCIU the U!

I will be appearing at one of the biggest Halloween season events tonight- Elgin’s “Nightmare on Chicago Street” in Elgin, IL. If you are hoping to get an autograph, make sure you get in line early, because they have only scheduled us for one hour to do our signing. I will then head on stage to help wind up the famed costume contest! For more information, check out the “appearances” tab here on our website- and, also check out our MeTV Mall store- there will be new merchandise coming in the very near future!

Meanwhile, tune in tonight to find out what the buzz is all about- as we conclude our “BOO-nanza” double-feature presentations on the fly!