The Monsters That Made Us
Dan Colón and Mike Manzi
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Welcome to The Monsters That Made Us! Join “The Invisible Dan" Colón and “Monster Mike" Manzi as they celebrate all of the SPOOKTACULAR characters and films in the Universal Studios Classic Monsters series.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
May 26, 2023
The Creature Walks Among Us (1956)
In the season 1 finale, we’re heading back to the Sunshine State for one last Gill-man adventure! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss the new Gill-man suit (and his clothes!), why so much of the underwater footage looks familiar, and why, despite a script that’s padded with a lot of science talk, philosophical nature vs nurture stuff, too many doctors, and a superfluous love triangle (or square?), the Gill-man still makes The Creature Walks Among Us a worthwhile adventure.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Apr 28, 2023
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955)
We interrupt your regularly scheduled Gill-Man mayhem to bring you Abbott and Costello’s final monster movie! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they dive back into the the world of horror comedy for the iconic comedy team’s encounter with the mummy! They talk about Marie Windsor’s electrifying performance, the multitude of Batman connections in the cast, the incredible dance troupes showcased in this one, and why, unfortunately, none of it really makes up for all the stale jokes and that horrible mummy suit.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Mar 31, 2023
Revenge of the Creature (1955)
Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen because “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are heading down to the Ocean Harbor Oceanarium in sunny Florida to check out their latest attraction: the Gill-Man! Join them as they discuss more similarities to King Kong and Jaws, shooting entirely in Florida, the changes to the Gill-Man suit, the new Gill-Man actor, why Helen Dobson ranks among the best of the Universal Monsters heroines, and a certain Hollywood icon who made their first film appearance in Revenge of the Creature!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Feb 24, 2023
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
All aboard! In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” cruise deep into the Amazon in search of a creature which may bridge the evolutionary gap between man and fish! Join them as they discuss the Gill-man’s painstaking design process, the narrative similarities to King Kong, the breathtaking underwater photography, and why Creature from the Black Lagoon is unquestionably one of the all-time great monster movies.
Check out the original Gill-man test suit here!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Jan 27, 2023
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953)
There’s a two-faced killer on the loose, and Abbott and Costello are hot on his trail! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss the iconic comedy duo’s third monster encounter, the return of Boris Karloff, more Batman connections, and how Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde succeeds as a horror comedy by being a horror film first and a comedy second.
Check out Carl Laemmle’s 1913 silent Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde here!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Dec 30, 2022
Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951)
Good evening, fright fans! Abbott & Costello are back, and they’ve dialed up the slapstick for their meeting with the Invisible Man! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they break down Universal’s second monster flick with the iconic comedy duo. They discuss some of the fun cameos, Universal’s new go-to director for Abbott & Costello films, and maybe the best invisible effects to date, plus the gags they love, the many they don’t, and the pacing issues caused by trying to squeeze so many of them into an uneven story that, unfortunately, doesn’t support them as well as it could.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Nov 25, 2022
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
We’ve got scares and laughs in equal measure as the world’s greatest comedy duo come face-to-face Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, and the Frankenstein Monster! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss Universal’s corporate restructuring, the challenges of working with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, the return of Bela Lugosi in the role that made him a horror icon, and why Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is quite possibly the greatest horror comedy ever made!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Oct 28, 2022
She-Wolf of London (1946)
Well, folks, Universal Studios horror has come to an end. For now, anyway. Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss Universal’s decision to stop producing the horror films that had propped them up in their infancy, as well as the myriad problems with She-Wolf of London, the cast connections to some other CageClub Network shows, and why the once-effective Val Lewton-style unseen horror approach may have been too little too late for the struggling studio.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Sep 30, 2022
House of Dracula (1945)
It’s an undead man’s party as Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein’s monster descend on the Visarian home of Dr. Franz Edelmann! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” for another monster rally where they talk about the Wolf Man vs. Dracula movie that almost was, why House of Dracula might be better than House of Frankenstein, and bid farewell to Erle C. Kenton, Jack Pierce, Lionel Atwill, and a few others.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Aug 26, 2022
The Mummy's Curse (1944)
The mummy’s on the loose, and he’s dancing with the devil! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” for the thrilling conclusion of the Kharis saga with 1944’s The Mummy’s Curse! They discuss the rumors about whether or not Lon Chaney actually performed inside the mummy wrappings, the series’ overall consistency, why that works in its favor (and why the continuity doesn’t), and perhaps the single greatest sequence ever constructed for a mummy movie since the original!
Mrs. Olson Folgers Compilation from the 1960s
Mrs. Olson Folgers Commercial From the Early ’70s
Mrs. Olson Promotes the Folgers Automatic Drip Coffee in 1982
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Jul 29, 2022
House of Frankenstein (1944)
Be sure to stock up on silver bullets and wooden stakes before joining “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” on a journey across Europe, searching for the notes of Henry Frankenstein with Dracula, the Wolf Man and the Frankenstein monster! They discuss the project House of Frankenstein almost was, the absolutely star-studded cast it would’ve had, the discovery and subsequent success of Glenn Strange as a horror icon, the messy, nonsensical script and how that doesn’t matter, and how House of Frankenstein should’ve been an Avengers-level event of its time.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Jun 24, 2022
The Mummy's Ghost (1944)
Grab those tana leaves because we’re heading back to Mapleton, Massachusetts, which is once again under siege by the evil mummy, Kharis! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss the strange continuity across the Mummy films, heroic dogs, the new neighborhood watch, the evolution of Jack Pierce’s mummy makeup, and why The Mummy’s Ghost might be a good introduction for someone who has never seen a Mummy film!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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May 27, 2022
The Invisible Man's Revenge (1944)
Look out! A lunatic with the power of invisibility is on the loose, but “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are hot on his trail! Join them as they discuss Jon Hall’s return to the franchise, John Carradine’s underrated performance as Dr. Drury, John P. Fulton’s ever-improving special effects, a screenplay that seems curiously underdeveloped, and whether or not the use of broad comedy undercuts the horror in The Invisible Man’s Revenge!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Apr 29, 2022
Son of Dracula (1943)
Join “The Invisible Dan” Colón and “Monster Mike” Manzi as they head down to the bayous of Louisiana for some Southern Gothic vampire action in 1943’s Son of Dracula! They discuss Lon Chaney Jr.’s divisive performance as the nefarious Count Alucard, Robert Siodmak’s directorial debut with Universal, new vampire abilities, and why the film remains an interesting take on the classic Dracula formula despite a flawed screenplay.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Mar 25, 2022
Phantom of the Opera (1943)
It’s time to dust off the old tuxedo and warm up those vocal chords because “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” are heading back to the Paris Opera House to discuss Universal’s Technicolor musical remake of Phantom of the Opera! Join them as they dive into Claude Rains’ turn behind the mask, the various scripts and plot points that were left on the cutting room floor, early color film processing, and why this Phantom still has a lot to offer, despite being more of a musical romantic comedy than a horror film.
The Stunning Evolution of Color in Film: https://youtu.be/hgYnW2ZSQMA
How Technicolor Changed Movies: https://youtu.be/Mqaobr6w6_I
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Feb 25, 2022
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
Prepare for the “Fight of the Titans” as Frankenstein’s monster and the Wolf Man collide in Universal’s first monster rally! Listen as “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” discuss the first shared universe from a major Hollywood studio, Bela Lugosi finally getting his turn in the Frankenstein makeup, Lon Chaney Jr. delivering his best performance as Lawrence Talbot, and why 1943’s Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man is essential for monster fans despite its myriad flaws.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Jan 28, 2022
The Mummy's Tomb (1942)
Remember when our old pals Steve and Babe discovered the tomb of the Egyptian Princess Ananka and, in doing so, unleashed the fury of the mummy, Kharis? Well, the high priests of Karnak sure as hell haven’t forgotten, and they’re back with a vengeance! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss 1942’s The Mummy’s Tomb, its arbitrary jump 30 years into the future, Lon Chaney Jr. as the new Kharis, Universal’s strategy of throwing everything at the wall, and why, despite that, this mummy sequel isn’t necessarily greater than the sum of its parts.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Dec 31, 2021
Invisible Agent (1942)
The world is at war, the Axis powers are planning a surprise attack on New York City and it’ll take a monster of our own to save us! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss Hollywood’s post-Pearl Harbor uptick in US propaganda, why Peter Lorre is one of the silver screen’s all-time great bad guys, John P. Fulton’s Academy Award-nominated special effects, and why Quentin Tarantino may have drawn from Invisible Agent when crafting his own alternate universe WWII epic!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Nov 26, 2021
The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)
Hold on to your hats because The Ghost of Frankenstein is absolutely out of its mind! Join “The Invisible Dan” Colón and “Monster Mike” Manzi as they discuss Universal’s “search” for a new Frankenstein monster, the efficiency of Scott Darling’s screenplay, the Wolf Man reunion, the flashback, the film’s titular ghost, Bela Lugosi’s last truly great performance, and why The Curse of Frankenstein is a WAY better title.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Oct 29, 2021
The Wolf Man (1941)
Grab a gun and some silver bullets (or a silver knife, or a stick with a silver handle) because its time for Universal’s second foray into the world of lycanthropy! Join “The Invisible Dan” Colón and “Monster Mike” Manzi as they celebrate the 80th anniversary of The Wolf Man! They discuss the long road to stardom for Universal’s ultimate sad boy, Lon Chaney Jr.; Curt Siodmak’s genre-defining script; Robert F. Boyle’s stunning art direction, the difference between a werewolf and a wolf man (if there is one); and, of course, the painstaking process of applying (and removing) Jack Pierce’s iconic makeup.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Sep 24, 2021
The Invisible Woman (1940)
Watch out for those banana peels because this time, Universal’s putting the scares on hold in favor of a all out farce! Join “The Invisible Dan Colon and “Monster Mike” Manzi as they discuss 1940’s The Invisible Woman, its incredible cast and the always impressive effects work of John P. Fulton (which earned him yet another Academy Award nomination), as well as Universal’s questionable decision to shift even further from horror with a full blown, laugh-a-minute invisible comedy that has absolutely nothing to do with any of the films that preceded it.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Aug 27, 2021
The Mummy's Hand (1940)
Imhotep is dead, and the age of Kharis is upon us! Brew yourself some tana tea (no more than three leaves!) and join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they once again trek through the sands of Egypt in search of an ancient tomb. They discuss Universal’s new streamlined production style, including tons of repurposed footage and music, Jack Pierce’s more efficient (but still very effective) makeup techniques, and why The Mummy’s Hand is basically a dry run for the Abbott & Costello adventures that are yet to come.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Jul 30, 2021
The Invisible Man Returns (1940)
It’s a race against time as Sir Geoffrey Radcliffe, wrongfully convicted of his brother’s murder, turns himself invisible to escape the noose, and hunt down his brother’s killer before the invisibility serum drives him raving mad! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss 1940’s The Invisible Man Returns, starring horror icon Vincent Price in his first horror role! They discuss the incredible advancements in John P. Fulton’s special effects, Universal horror’s shift to film noir, and how The Invisible Man Returns may have influenced a little film called Star Wars!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Jun 25, 2021
Son of Frankenstein (1939)
The sins of the father come back to haunt us as we follow Baron Wolf von Frankenstein, son of Henry Frankenstein, back to the old family home to claim his inheritance, which ends up being a lot more than he ever could have expected. Listen as "The Invisible Dan" and "Monster Mike" chat about some old school Hollywood censorship, Bela Lugosi's incredible character work as Ygor, Boris Karloff's final performance as the monster, and why Son of Frankenstein still holds up as one of the truly great entries in Universal's Classic Monster series.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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May 28, 2021
Dracula's Daughter (1936)
What do you do when your dad is the ultimate blood-sucker? That's exactly what "The Invisible Dan" and "Monster Mike" are discussing as they head back to Carfax Abbey mere seconds after Professor Van Helsing drove a stake through the heart of Count Dracula! Join them as they discuss the very different (and kinky) movie Dracula's Daughter almost was (and still kind of is?), why Countess Zaleska is one of the most underrated monsters in the Universal canon, and more!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Apr 30, 2021
Werewolf of London (1935)
We hope you're howling for a good time because in this episode, "The Invisible Dan" and "Monster Mike" are scouring the rocky mountains of Tibet and the foggy streets of London, hunting werewolves! Join them as they discuss the first feature length werewolf movie ever made, its undeniable impact on future horror films, the unique choice to tie lycanthropy to the world of plants, and how its incredible transformation sequence (another Jack Pierce/John P. Fulton effort) makes it essential viewing for any monster fan.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Mar 26, 2021
The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Grab your torches and pitchforks because in this episode, "The Invisible Dan" and "Monster Mike" are heading back to the world of Frankenstein to discuss the first sequel in Universal's Classic Monsters series! This time, the monster demands a mate! Find yourself a friend, and listen as they discuss James Whale's reluctance to return to Frankenstein, the colorful new cast of characters, Jack Pierce's evolving makeup designs, and why this weird film (that's almost a parody of the genre) continues to stand among the greatest sequels ever made, and might just be James Whale's crowning achievement!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Feb 26, 2021
The Invisible Man (1933)
What's all this? Strange things are afoot in the small English town of Iping, but "The Invisible Dan" and "Monster Mike" are on the case! Join them as they discuss their mutual favorite of the Universal monsters, what makes The Invisible Man a quintessential James Whale film, John P. Fulton's breathtaking special effects (that STILL hold up almost 90 years later), Claude Rains' iconic scenery-chewing performance, and more!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Jan 29, 2021
The Mummy (1932)
Join "The Invisible Dan" Colón and "Monster Mike" Manzi as they get wrapped up in a love story 3,700 years in the making! They discuss cinematographer Karl Fruend's directorial debut, Jack Pierce's iconic mummy makeup (as well as the 8 hours it took to apply it to Boris Karloff!), its unmistakable similarities to a previous Universal monster film, and why this original Mummy film might be the best ever made! But whatever you do, do NOT read the ancient scrolls!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Dec 25, 2020
Frankenstein (1931)
Prepare yourselves for one of the strangest tales ever told! In this electrifying episode of The Monsters That Made Us, "The Invisible Dan" Colón and "Monster Mike" Manzi head deep into the Bavarian Alps where a mad scientists seeks to conquer the mysteries of life and death! Join them as they discuss Boris Karloff's brilliant performance, Jack Pierce's iconic make-up, the flawless German Expressionist production design & more in James Whale's classic 1931 production of Frankenstein!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Nov 27, 2020
Dracula (1931)
We hope you have a crucifix and some wolfsbane handy because in this episode, we're heading to London to hunt vampires! Join “The Invisible Dan” Colón and "Monster Mike" Manzi as they sink their teeth into Tod Browning's 1931 adaptation of Dracula! They dive into the evolution of Dracula, from Bram Stoker's original novel to the Broadway play to Carl Laemmle Jr.'s iconic Universal production, and discuss why Bela Lugosi remains the definitive Dracula over 90 years later.
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Oct 30, 2020
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
It’s time to don your mask and join “The Invisible Dan” Colon and “Monster Mike” Manzi for a night at the opera as they kick off The Monsters That Made Us with the first entry in the Universal Studios Classic Monster series! They get into the all of The Phantom of the Opera‘s many production troubles, the brilliant set designs and cinematography, Lon Chaney’s masterful makeup, and much, much more!
If you enjoy this episode, and want to support the show, check out our Patreon!
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Oct 1, 2020
Introducing The Monsters That Made Us
Welcome to The Monsters That Made Us! Join “The Invisible” Dan Colón and “Monster” Mike Manzi as they celebrate all of the SPOOKTACULAR characters and films in the classic Universal Studios monster series.
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