Man, I loved Space: 1999. It really meant a lot to me. I was 8 when it came out and my father had died during the first or second season. Martin Landau looks a lot like my dad and the way he gave orders reminded me of my dad who owned a contracting business. I guess that might be a little creepy, but he and Space: 1999 will always have a special place in my heart.
Martin Landau was a terrific actor. "Space: 1999" was syndicated, so it aired in odd and irregular time-slots in my neck of the woods- sometimes Sunday mornings, sometimes Saturday evenings- and consequently I didn't get to see it as much as I would have liked.
As a fan of classic TV I've gotten to see Mr. Landau in a number of roles recently: "Bonanza", "The Rifleman" and "Mission: Impossible". He was always believable in whatever part he played, which were often ethnic roles.
Like most StarKids I was very pleased when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton's "Ed Wood".
Space:1999 in many, many respects will always be my FAVORITE SHOW. EVER.
I vividly recall it's upcoming premiere, having a near faint when I saw the Eagle models in the store, loved the stark 'mature' approach of the first year. Nothing like Trek, it really made you really feel like you'd like living on Moonbase Alpha. Loved the secondary characters quite a bit, like Barry, Nick and Prentiss.
Thanks to Sylvia's conceptual vision, the sets, classical music, costuming and lighting were wonderfully-rich, adding much to the majestic theme and wonders of space travel.
I watched year 2 for Martin and Nick (and the cool Eagle visuals...) primarily, but missed the 1st year the most.
I loved Space:1999 when I was a child and it was in my mind for all these years. Since Internet came into my life, I am glad to see so many fans around, and so much information to gather. Now I have two pretty good books about the series, and I have decided to go on with my memorabilia collection: signed photos.
That is why I would like to ask you, Chris (may I call you Chris?), how do you manage to have good photographs to be signed? I found that page, fanmail.biz, and they suggest to send to the stars a photo and an payed envelope to have it signed back. But my problem is how to get good photos. How do you do it? Forget about assisting to fan conventions, there are no such a thing in Spain.
I wish I could help you, but I don't really collect autographed photos. The photo I used to illustrate this post came from an online source. I do have a few personally signed photos (Erin Gray, Marc Singer, Linda Harrison), but I *did* get those at conventions.
Space 1999, I remember being PISSED at my friend Vinny because I missed part of the pilot episode because we left his grandmother's house late and wound up stuck in traffic with his parents (who loved to fight). Again with no VHS we couldn't tape it. I watched it on & off; I liked some of the toys more than the show - The walkie talkies shaped just like the show etc.
A few years ago I got the collectors edition on DVD, almost done with season 2....
Another show that a 10 year old brain couldn't comprehend because all it wanted was phasers, photon torpedoes,and a red light saber......(I still want those things, EVEN MORE but now I can appreciate classic sci-fi tv as well)
I know it's a bit more obscure, but I'd like to see a decent DVD/blu-ray release of the forgotten 1980 Close Encounters-takeoff, The Return (aka The Aliens Return), which also featured Mr. Landau. If Hangar 18 can get released on blu-ray, why not that?
Man, I loved Space: 1999. It really meant a lot to me. I was 8 when it came out and my father had died during the first or second season. Martin Landau looks a lot like my dad and the way he gave orders reminded me of my dad who owned a contracting business. I guess that might be a little creepy, but he and Space: 1999 will always have a special place in my heart.
ReplyDeleteNot creepy at all, Dan. May your father RIP. :(
DeleteMartin Landau was a terrific actor. "Space: 1999" was syndicated, so it aired in odd and irregular time-slots in my neck of the woods- sometimes Sunday mornings, sometimes Saturday evenings- and consequently I didn't get to see it as much as I would have liked.
As a fan of classic TV I've gotten to see Mr. Landau in a number of roles recently: "Bonanza", "The Rifleman" and "Mission: Impossible". He was always believable in whatever part he played, which were often ethnic roles.
Like most StarKids I was very pleased when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton's "Ed Wood".
Happy birthday, Mr. Landau.
Hank
Space:1999 in many, many respects will always be my FAVORITE SHOW. EVER.
ReplyDeleteI vividly recall it's upcoming premiere, having a near faint when I saw the Eagle models in the store, loved the stark 'mature' approach of the first year. Nothing like Trek, it really made you really feel like you'd like living on Moonbase Alpha. Loved the secondary characters quite a bit, like Barry, Nick and Prentiss.
Thanks to Sylvia's conceptual vision, the sets, classical music, costuming and lighting were wonderfully-rich, adding much to the majestic theme and wonders of space travel.
I watched year 2 for Martin and Nick (and the cool Eagle visuals...) primarily, but missed the 1st year the most.
I loved Space:1999 when I was a child and it was in my mind for all these years. Since Internet came into my life, I am glad to see so many fans around, and so much information to gather. Now I have two pretty good books about the series, and I have decided to go on with my memorabilia collection: signed photos.
ReplyDeleteThat is why I would like to ask you, Chris (may I call you Chris?), how do you manage to have good photographs to be signed? I found that page, fanmail.biz, and they suggest to send to the stars a photo and an payed envelope to have it signed back. But my problem is how to get good photos. How do you do it? Forget about assisting to fan conventions, there are no such a thing in Spain.
Thanks!
I wish I could help you, but I don't really collect autographed photos. The photo I used to illustrate this post came from an online source. I do have a few personally signed photos (Erin Gray, Marc Singer, Linda Harrison), but I *did* get those at conventions.
DeleteWoW!!!
ReplyDeleteSpace 1999, I remember being PISSED at my friend Vinny because I missed part of the pilot episode because we left his grandmother's house late and wound up stuck in traffic with his parents (who loved to fight). Again with no VHS we couldn't tape it. I watched it on & off; I liked some of the toys more than the show - The walkie talkies shaped just like the show etc.
A few years ago I got the collectors edition on DVD, almost done with season 2....
Another show that a 10 year old brain couldn't comprehend because all it wanted was phasers, photon torpedoes,and a red light saber......(I still want those things, EVEN MORE but now I can appreciate classic sci-fi tv as well)
I know it's a bit more obscure, but I'd like to see a decent DVD/blu-ray release of the forgotten 1980 Close Encounters-takeoff, The Return (aka The Aliens Return), which also featured Mr. Landau. If Hangar 18 can get released on blu-ray, why not that?
ReplyDelete