In Reply to: First IS first - and Lost in Space was on the air a year before Star Trek posted by Rob Doorack on November 28, 2001 at 08:30:27:
Gene Rodenberry produced the first pilot episode of Star Trek in '64; the second pilot was produced after Lost in Space aired. The original pilot, "The Cage" starring Jeffery Hunter, was passed on by Paramount for a number of reasons including the cost of effects and adult theme (i.e., not enough "monsters" for Paramount in Rodenberry's vision). Subsequently, Paramount decided to take another look after Lost in Space aired and greenlighted a second pilot. BTW, I've seen the first Lost in Space pilot which, unlike Star Trek, was shot in B&W (i.e., the LIS pilot was aired on the Sci-Fi channel five or six years back). It's actually much better than the series turned out to be, with an emphasis on adventure rather than goofiness; the B&W production values were surprisingly nice.One digression: It's too bad that Lost in Space went the same direction as Man from U.N.C.L.E, which started out as a witty, realistic, action filled spy drama shot in B&W, and ended it's run as a corny camp-riddled farce shot in full color that featured well known guest stars every week (i.e., presumably in the hope of bringing viewers back during Nielson sweeps).
Unfortunately, once LIS got rolling it aimed strictly for a kiddie audience and wasted the opportunity to reach it's potential. Star Trek, in spite it's many failings which I think we can all agree, reached a more adult audience with thought provoking ideas, analogies and visions of a better future.
AuPh
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Follow Ups
- You are TECHNICALLY correct, buckaroo, but only technically. - Audiophilander 14:18:16 11/28/01 (8)
- No, I'm right - period. - Rob Doorack 06:57:45 11/29/01 (7)
- Pardon me, no offense, but you're partially incorrect! (exclamation point!) - Audiophilander 11:06:44 11/29/01 (0)
- tsk,tsk,tsk - late 07:58:36 11/29/01 (5)
- Re: tsk,tsk,tsk - Rob Doorack 09:05:37 11/29/01 (4)
- Re: tsk,tsk,tsk - Bruce from DC 13:18:28 12/01/01 (2)
- Re: tsk,tsk,tsk - Rob Doorack 13:30:03 12/03/01 (1)
- Re:advancing senility takes its toll - Bruce from DC 16:32:15 12/03/01 (0)
- a conclusion few would share - late 09:20:14 11/29/01 (0)