Ann Robinson, Star of 'The War of the Worlds,' Passes Away at 96

With Ann Robinson in April 2010.

Who says news travels fast in the age of the Internet? It's being reported that Ann Robinson, who played Sylvia Van Buren, opposite Gene Barry, in The War of the Worlds (1953), has passed away at the age of 96.

You may be surprised to learn that she passed away on September 26 of last year. 

Near as I can tell, there isn't a reason it took so long for her family to come forward with the news.

 I only met and interacted with Ann Robinson once, which was in April 2010, at an L.A.-area science-fiction/horror convention. I remember her being energetic and a joy to talk to, though I'm afraid the specific details of our conversation have since faded from memory.

All I remember is that she was lovely, which was wonderful to find, since The War of the Worlds was a childhood favorite of mine. I couldn't tell you how many times I watched it on VHS when I was in the fourth grade, but rest assured it was a lot. The Martian war machines remain arguably the best depiction of a hostile alien invasion in motion-picture history. There, I said it.

It's a shame our paths never crossed again, but that's life for you. Rest in peace, Ann Robinson. 

Monsterpalooza

Meeting Susan Gordon, from Attack of the Puppet People and Tormented.

Last night I returned home from two days at Monsterpalooza, which was held at the Burbank Marriott in (where else?) Burbank, CA. I had a great time meeting the guests and seeing some old friends, like Don Glut. I even ran into a costuming thread volunteer who regularly attends G-FEST. Small world!

Since Dennis Druktenis asked me to review Monsterpalooza for his excellent magazine Scary Monsters, I'll save the majority of my comments for my review. Plus, as the only regular G-FAN contributor in attendance, I'll also need to do a write-up for G-FAN. So I have to keep my powder dry for now. In the meantime, here are some photos from the event.

With Ann Robinson of War of the Worlds (1953). I watched her movie all the time in fourth grade.

Meeting William Schallert, who was a true gentleman.

One of the highlights for me was getting to spend more time with Julie Adams. I spoke to her at length about her acting career.

That's me with Donnie Dunagan, from Son of Frankenstein. He also supplied the voice of Bambi!

Another highlight was meeting Bert I. Gordon, whose '50s sci-fi films have been favorites of mine.