An impromptu Robinson Crusoe on Mars reunion was one of the highlights of the evening. Ib Melchior, Victor Lundin, and Paul Mantee are joined by Ib's biographer (and Oscar winner) Robert Skotak.
The event hit a bit of a snag when the Trailers from Hell crew arrived, apparently having left their trailers for Ib's movies in the underworld, but the Larry Edmunds employees were able to fix the situation without much of a hitch, screening the trailers for The Angry Red Planet, The Time Travelers (on a computer screen, as no other copy was available at the moment), and Robinson Crusoe on Mars. I have to say that they certainly worked their tails off to ensure a fun evening for all involved.
"TGIF," says Ib, as Victor "Friday" Lundin stops by his autograph table.
Robert Skotak and Ib Melchior enjoyed the chance to catch up during the event.
I was surprised that the lead actors of Robinson Crusoe on Mars attended the event. I was excited to meet Victor Lundin...
... and Paul Mantee!
Hanging with Ib Melchior as the event winds down.
Brett,
ReplyDeleteAgain I'm envious (but in a good way) of your getting to meet both CDR Draper and Friday (from one of my favorite movies ever). To bad Mona the monkey couldn't have been there too :)
best,
Jay
Jay, I think Mona was all booked up and couldn't get away from her numerous commitments! Seriously, though, thank you very much for commenting on this post. Being within reasonable driving distance of events like this is a big reason I enjoy California so much! We'll have a great time at Monsterpalooza. I look forward to seeing you there!
ReplyDeleteI visited Ib at his home in 1980, and he was wonderful to spend the day with. Much of what he told me then was a big news flash (i.e., the LIS story), so when I shared the LIS background with others it was met with skepticism (sticking up for the little guy vs. studios is usually ridiculed). After the great Ed Shifres book came out however, everyone knew the truth.
ReplyDeleteNice to see Ib looking so healthy and happy.
KRD
I can see why people would have been skeptical of the Lost in Space story, but as you said, the truth did come out about it a long time ago. Even though he has a hard time getting around these days, Ib's doing well, and is still writing! I wish I could be so prolific at his age!
ReplyDeleteYes, 30 years ago the LIS story and so much else was quite unknown, even among most genre historians. Now, especially with the internet, everyone knows everything *before* it happens! As for theft, it's just the nature of the biz, as other writer friends of mine had series ideas stolen, and I had a feature concept and a couple of unique film titles swiped from me as well. Doesn't matter much anymore really...
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