Tonight on MeTV- we bring back a landmark science fiction film of the 1950s- with “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” star David Hedison becoming the victim of his amazing scientific breakthrough- with Vincent Price trying to uncover the truth about “The Fly”!

Many people are familiar with the remake of this film done in the 80s by David Croenenberg, starring Jeff Goldblum- but this is where it all began. This original 1958 version of the story opens with 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-where, as they share wonderful moments with their young son Phillipe, the beautiful Helene worries that her beloved husband Andre is too wrapped up in his scientific experiments. Andre’s brother Francois shares her concern (note: he has always had a fondness for Helene, which he has never acted on and has kept to himself in deference to his brother).

Andre is experimenting with a matter-transporting device- a disintegrator-integrator- very similar to the transporter we see 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, Helene is concerned because she has not seen Andre in a couple days. She heads down to his basement laboratory, where Andre will not allow her in at first, 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. Plus, he is 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, has a small white head- HIS!

Fortunately, for now, Andre still retains his human brain and sends Helene on the mission of finding the fly so he can hopefully restore himself to normal. Helene, young Phillipe, and their maid keep trying to capture 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, accused of murder, should be facing as her fate- and soon find more shocking evidence of the truth!

This landmark science fiction film, as we mentioned, stars Vincent Price, along with David Hedison-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 song, as well as a vintage bit of insect entertainment.

“The Fly” appears tonight at 8 pm eastern/pacific time, 7 pm central. Feel free to 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 they can see an encore of the British sci-fi thriller “They Came from Beyond Space” at 11 am -on WCIU the U!

The new Artist Series Sven merchandise continues to sell at a brisk pace- make sure to stop in our store to view everything available with the tremendous artwork of this year’s outstanding artists! And- be prepared for more exciting merchandise coming soon!

Also, coming next month- our limited public appearance schedule for the Halloween season will be revealed, as well as the delightful double features that will run all during October as part of this year’s “Halloween BOO-nanza”! Check the “appearances” tab here on our website later this month when appearance info will be posted.

Join us tonight when a 50s classic wings onto your screen- and proves that David Hedison is pretty fly for a science guy!