Meet Filmdom’s First Black Vampire- it’s “Blacula” -Tonight!

Tonight on MeTV- it’s an American International early ‘70s update on a classic character (who actually is responsible for the whole plot!)- as America encounters the first black vampire in horror film history- “Blacula”!

In the year 1772, the distinguished African prince Mamuwalde and his lady love Luva have travelled to Transylvania to try to convince a nobleman there to end the slave trade. Little does he realize that this dignitary, Count Dracula, is the notorious king of the vampires- who scoffs at the anti-slavery request and tries to move in on Luva! Mamuwalde will have none of this, and ends up in a desperate battle with Dracula’s minions. With the prince restrained by the evil ones, the Count decides to pass on the vampire curse to this victim- and even names him- Blacula!

Dracula has Mamuwalde locked in a coffin, where he will spend ages unable to quench his thirst for blood- and locks Luva in the subterranean tomb to eventually starve to death.

200 years later, a bi-racial male couple ends up purchasing the contents of Dracula’s castle- including that coffin in the basement crypt- and transport their newly purchase items to Los Angeles. They make the mistake of opening the coffin- and becoming sustenance for the hunger-crazed vampire released from within!

At the funeral home where the black gentleman is being waked, we meet sisters Michelle and Tina, and Michelle’s boyfriend, Dr. Thomas. Little do they realize that Blacula lurks nearby- and he is amazed to find that Tina is a doppelganger for his lost love, thinking she may be her reincarnation. Tina is frightened by this strange man’s attention, and runs for home, dropping her purse. Blacula pursues her- only to be hit by a taxi cab- which brings on tragedy- for the taxi driver!

Enough dark misery- it’s time to celebrate, as Michelle and her friends enjoy a birthday gathering at a nightclub. Who should show up- but the sophisticated stranger in a cape- having “found” Tina’s purse, and wishing to return it. A phone call comes in for Dr. Thomas- with the news that the young black man’s body has disappeared from the funeral home! While this occupies his attention, Mamuwalde asks to see Tina again the next night- and gets riled when the inhouse photograph girl snaps a picture of the two of them- which proves dangerous, and just might provide a vital clue later on!

There is a sudden increase in murders in the city- with all the recent victims showing unusual signs of attack. Thomas must convince his police pal Lt. Peters that these are indeed the work of vampires- while Mamuwalde gets closer to Tina- and more of his undead victims strike!

This “blaxploitation” film stars some familiar faces, such as the amazing William Marshall as Mamuwalde, Thalmus Rasulala as Dr. Thomas, Vonetta McGee as Tina, and Denise Nicholas as Michelle. We also get a great character actor, Elisha Cook Jr, and the funky rock group the Hughes Corporation. This was one of the highest grossing films of 1972! We’ll talk about the cast, reveal how William Marshall advocated changes in his character, and point out some footage we’ve actually seen before. We’ll also bring you some new- and previously done- music, a few scenes from the film in “Svensurround” and more!

“Blacula” rises from the grave tonight at 8pm eastern/pacific, 7 central time- and there will , as always, be plenty of live-Tweeting on Twitter during the program- if you join in, please make sure to use the hashtag #svengoolie.In the Chicago area, local viewers can again experience “Destroy All Monsters” at 11 am on CW26.

In answer to many questions we have received- the monthly drawing to win a retired rubber chicken has been suspended. The reason is, quite honestly, we have run out of chickens that, through wear and tear, are ready to be “retired”. Perhaps they are making them sturdier these days.

Meanwhile, we’ve got hot and cold running merchandise in our Svengoolie store- including the new Svengoolie throw blankets and the hot and cold beverage tumblers! Make sure to check those out- and- if you have ever wanted to be an official Svengoolie chicken thrower- Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications could give you the chance! To celebrate its fortieth year, the Museum is having a “40 for 40” online auction of 40 unique radio and TV experiences as a fundraiser for the museum. You can bid on having the chance for you and a “plus one” to come to our studio and throw rubber chickens as part of an actual show taping! You can find all the items up for bidding at charitybuzz.com/mbc or through the link at museum.tv – and bidding will end on Tuesday, May 16. Perhaps YOU will make a donation to the Museum- and get the rare opportunity to toss chickens at yours truly!

Meanwhile, join us tonight when Dracula creates “Blacula”!