lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein) (05/14/84)
As I've said many times in the past, I consider LiS to be one of the classic television programs of all times. The key to enjoyment of the program is to realize that (apart from the first few episodes, which were indeed legit SF) the show was meant as satire in much the same manner as the "Batman" TV show. As the show "developed," more and more famous stars appeared as "guest aliens," often in situations which were direct satires of other works (such as "Mutiny on the Bounty," for example). Coincidently, last night, KTLA-TV (5) here in L.A. (which holds the current rerun rights on LiS but hasn't shown them for a couple of years) started showing LiS again -- at 12:30 A.M. As far as I am concerned, this is a great time to watch, and makes a nice change from the rock videos that dominate nearly every channel here Saturday night. They're running two episodes back to back, and to start off showed the only 2-part LiS episode: "The Keeper." These two shows featured Michael Rennie as the guest alien! In a rather humorous twist, theremin music from Rennie's classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still" also was played at various times during the two episodes (the music used was from the opening scenes in the movie when the ship first opens). LiS is SATIRE. It wasn't meant to be taken seriously. --Lauren-- P.S. I've been considering a "Lost in Space" film festival for some time (my last biggie was the "Jay Ward film festival" where most of the voice actors from the programs showed up). For LiS, I've already located Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Billy Mumy, and Jonathon Harris, who are all here in the L.A. area. Angela Cartwright may not be available -- she runs a store up in northern California, I believe. I'm still trying to locate the two models of "the robot" over at Fox (the one that rolled and the one that was worn for "walking" [waist-up shots only!]). --Lauren--