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From: rsk@gynko.circ.upenn.edu (Rich Kulawiec)
Date: 20 Oct 93 04:00:24 GMT
Newsgroups: rec.arts.tv,alt.tv.mst3k,rec.answers,alt.answers,news.answers
Subject: Mystery Science Theater 3000 Episode Guide
Archive-name: tv/mst3k/episodes
Version: $Header: mst3k.episode,v 1.5 93/03/21 13:40:50 rsk Exp $
This is the "Episode Guide" mailing/posting for fans of "Mystery Science
Theater 3000". It has been derived from a large number of sources --
see the credits in the FAQ posting for a detailed list of everybody who
has contributed at one point or another.
You should probably check the date in the "Version" line above to make
sure the copy you're reading is reasonably up-to-date before sending
corrections. Speaking of which, corrections should be mailed to:
rsk@gynko.circ.upenn.edu
Caveat: Considerable, uh, entropy exists where the first two seasons,
i.e. the KTMA seasons, are concerned. It will probably all probably
get sorted out eventually, but this is probably not a pressing issue,
since very few people have or can get the tapes anyway. The Comedy
Central seasons are much more organized. Just relax.
Lots of people contributed to this guide; see the MST3K FAQ for a long
list of folks involved in making this happen.
First (KTMA) Season ("blue set", 1988-89)
-----------------------------------------
Credits (Hair Brain Productions):
Created by: Joel Hodgson
Produced by: Jim Mallon
Starring: Joel Hodgson (Joel Hodgson; he used his real name)
Puppet Operation and Voices: Josh Weinstein (Servo and Gypsy), Trace Beaulieu
(Crow), Kevin Murphy (Cambot)
Mad Scientists: Josh Weinstein (Dr. Laurence Erhardt), Trace Beaulieu (Dr.
Clayton Forrester)
"The Love Theme from _Mystery Science Theatre [sic] 3000_"
Lyrics: Joel Hodgson, Josh Weinstein
Music: Charlie Erickson, Joel Hodgson
Sung by: "Joel and The Joels" (Joel Hodgson)
Recorded at: Sing Sing Studios
Program produced through the facilities of KTMA-TV.
KTMA-1 November 24, 1988 Thunderbirds in Outer Space
Notes: A Gerry Anderson Puppet show
KTMA-2 November 24, 1988 Revenge of the Mysterons
Notes: revpk's guess is that this is an episode of
"Captain Scarlet," a Gerry Anderson puppet show.
KTMA-3 November 27, 1988 Invaders from the Deep
KTMA-4 December 4, 1988 Gamera vs. Barugon
KTMA-5 December 11, 1988 Gamera [Joel does film by himself]
Pre: Deep froze Crow for Chrismas tree
Skits: Phone messages: End credits/hair stylist
Gypsy does Godzilla impression
Ted Turner opinion survey
Coalition of friends for giant mutant turtles
and coalition of friends of giant slimey lizards
with long nasty tongues
Fight footage
Post: Deep froze Crow for Christmas tree revisited
KTMA-6 December 18, 1988 Gamera vs. Zigra [Crow gets unfroze]
KTMA-7 December 31, 1989/January 1, 1989 Gamera vs. Zigra
Notes: special New Year's rebroadcast
KTMA-8 January 1989 (week of Super Bowl) SST Death Flight
Before show: "Death Flight Song"
Pre: Dr. F wins lots of money/brings Larry Foundation Trilogy Gift Set
Joel does spit take
Skits: Servo gets pain shocks
Gypsy's voice is sexy!
Limbo to the "Banana Boat Song"
Post: Letters from female fans
Credits: Puppet Voice: Faye Burkholder (Gypsy)
KTMA-9 April 1989
Skits: Joel gets trapped outside the ship for the
only all-robot episode.
KTMA-10 May 7, 1989 The Million Eyes of Su-Muru
Skits: Idio probes
Servo judged
"Love Theme"
Post: Servo's mouth doesn't work/900 in fan club
Notes: from "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Based on a Sax Rohmer
tale. Large-breasted females love to torture men in their rituals.
[Note: Sax Rohmer is the creator of Fu Manchu.]
KTMA-11 May 14, 1989 Hangar 18
Pre: Joel introduces movie
Skits: Crow gets a spanking
Crow's memory cleanup
Crow's first memory
Post: 1,000 fan club member will win Demon Dog
Plot Summary: The Air Force captures a real flying saucer.
KTMA-12 May 21, 1989 The Last Chase
Pre: Dr. F tries to make cold fusion in Larry's mouth
Skits: Humanity lesson for the 'bots
Post: Winner of 1,000 fan club member
Fan club letter
Comments: Lee Majors plays a race-car driver in a future without
fuel. Because he's in denial, he's stashed away a racing car so he
and Chris Makepeace can drive it cross-country to California,
where cars are still legal. Both a jet plane and pilot
Burgess Meredith are de-mothballed. For a low-budget film, the
cinematography is on a professional level, at least. -- Brian Siano
KTMA-13 May 28, 1989 ???
Skits: How does Godzilla burn a model KFC
Post: Retrospective video on past episodes with "What a
Wonderful World" playing in the background.
KTMA-15 1988 Thunderbirds are Go
(this may be "Thunderbirds in Outer Space")
KTMA-16 1988 Gamera vs. Gaos
Skits: Messages from the MST answering machine
KTMA-17 Gamera vs. Guiron
KTMA-18 January 1989 Time of the Apes
KTMA-19 January 1989 Mighty Jack
KTMA-20 Jan/Feb 1989 Fugitive Alien
KTMA-21 1989 Humanoid Woman
KTMA-22 1989 Phase IV
Notes: This is actually a pretty good movie. Director Saul Bass is
best known for his titles sequences for other filmmakers, such as
for Vertigo, Psycho, Spartacus, and Walk on the Wild Side: and in
some cases, rumors fly around that Bass actually directed some of
the more interesting segments of these films, which gives you an
idea of the man's rep. (For example, Bass storyboarded out Psycho's
shower sequence, and some people have mistakenly given him the
credit for Spartacus's battle sequences. And yeah, I think he's
the same Bass of Rankin-Bass Productions.) This nifty thriller about
a pair of scientists trying to understand an intelligent hive of
ants was Bass's feature debut. Extraordinary ant photography by
Ken Middleham and a good performance by Nigel Davenport make this
a rarity-- a _good_ film MSTed by Joel and the Bots. There was
also a lengthy, surrealistic sequence depicting how man would be
controlled by the ants, but this was cut by the film's distributor.
Knowing Bass's work, it's a major loss. -- Brian Siano
Saul Bass is also known for the wonderful short film,
"Why Man Creates" ---Rsk
KTMA-23 1989 City on Fire
Notes; A low-budget disaster movie, starring (if I recall)
Henry Fonda and Shelley Winters --- Brian Siano
KTMA-24 1989 Death at the Super Bowl
KTMA-25 ?? Space: 1999 -- Moonbase Alpha
(???) Space 1999 film
The first film was two episodes from the second season. One
of which was the introduction of Maya(?)....the woman who
transforms into animals. I would guess the second half of
the film was the second episode of the second season.
(???) Space 1999 film
Two episodes from the second season that form one story. The
plot is that that a bunch of aliens arrive disguised as earth
people and only the Commander can see through the disguise.
(I'm not sure if this was an MST 3000 film or not).
KTMA-?? The Chill Factor??
We're not sure what this is.
Second (KTMA) Season ("red set", 1989)
--------------------------------------
Credits:
Writers: Joel Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu, Josh Weinstein, Jim Mallon, Kevin Murphy
Associate Producers: Kevin Murphy, Vince Rodriguez
Production Assistant: Alex Carr
Make-up: Faye Burkholder
Director: Vince Rodriguez
Audio: Todd Ziegler
Camera: Kevin Murphy
Art Director: Joel Hodgson
Lighting: Kevin Murphy
Color Consultant: Lisa Erickson
Hair Designs by: Mr. Crow of Beverly Hills
Credits for Best Brains, Inc., which apparently started showing up in '89:
Created by: Joel Hodgson
Produced by: Jim Mallon
Crow (T. Robot): Trace Beaulieu
Joel Robinson: Joel Hodgson
(Tom) Servo: Josh Weinstein (Comedy Channel 89/90 season), Kevin Murphy
(Comedy Channel 90/91 and Comedy Central seasons)
Gypsy: Jim Mallon
Cambot: Himself
Dr. Clayton Forrester: Trace Beaulieu
Dr. Laurence Erhardt: Josh Weinstein (Comedy Channel 89/90 season)
(TV's) Frank: Frank Conniff (Comedy Channel 90/91 and Comedy Central seasons)
(Magic Voice; not credited on screen; all at various times): Jann L. Johnson,
Alexandra B. Carr, Kevin Murphy, Ellen McDonough
"The Love Theme from Mystery Science Theatre [sic] (3000)"
Lyrics: Joel Hodgson, Josh Weinstein
Music: Charlie Erickson, Joel Hodgson
Performed by: "Joel and The Joels" (Joel Hodgson)
Mastered at: Blue Light Music, Minneapolis
Shot entirely on location at Best Brains Studios, Minneapolis.
Filmed in shadowramma.
First (Comedy Central) Season (1989-90)
---------------------------------------
Credits:
Writers: Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson, Jim Mallon, Kevin Murphy, Mike Nelson,
Josh Weinstein
Featuring: Joel Hodgson's Puppet Bots
Associate Producer: Kevin Murphy
Production Manager: Alexandra B. Carr
Editor: Randy Davis
Art Direction: Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson
Set Design: Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson
Lighting: Kevin Murphy
Make-up: Faye Burkholder, Clayton James
Costumes: Bow Tie
Gizmonic Devices: Joel Hodgson
Production Assistants: Jann L. Johnson, Steve Rosenberer, Sara J. Sandborn
Production/Post Production: Fuller Productions, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Production Staff: Ken Fournelle, Jim Fuller
Production Assistant: Jim Erickson
Special thanks: Randy Herget, Skyline Inc., Bryan Beaulieu, KTMA TV23, The
Teachers of America, David Campbell, Rick Leed
101 The Crawling Eye
Pre: Larry not good in disguise
Inventions: J: Electric bagpipe MS: Canine Pineal Gland Serum
Skits: Head games, Gypsy uncoiled, The Crawling Forrest Tucker
Post: Name good thing/bad thing for RAM chip
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": This film is lowered
a few notches by obvious special effects hoke. A mountainous ski
resort area is terrorized by an unseen invader from outer space,
who kills via poison gas. The creature turns out to be a large
tentacled crawling eye which is more than a match for
hero-scientist Forrest Tucker.
From "Future Tense: The Cinema of Science Fiction": (Also known as
The Trollenberg Terror) Set in an Australian ski resort called
Trollenberg it concerns a scientist who becomes increasingly
suspicious about a number of mysterious disappearances in the area.
He realizes that all the missing people were seen in the vicinity
of one particular mountain, whose summit is always covered in cloud
no matter what the prevailing weather conditions.
Eventually it is discovered that the mountaintop has been taken
over by a number of grotesque alien creatures who use the
manufactured cloud to conceal their activities. As they come from
a planet with avery low atmospheric pressure they are at first
restricted to the top of the mountain, but then they succeed in
creating a force field which will enable them to extend their
influence. The cloud begins to move down the mountain until it covers
the village, and with the cloud come the creatures, which resemble
giant turnips with tentacles. But all is saved when a squadron
of United Nations planes arrive and bomb the monsters to pieces.
(Special effects man Les Bowie.) "It had an awful lot of
effects in it, and there was one shot of a cloud on the mountain
that was really terrible. I squirm when I see it on TV now and I
squirmed when I filmed it, but we were in a mad hurry at the time.
We did the cloud with just a piece of cotton wool-- we stuck it on
a photograph of a mountain with a nail and then filmed it. And they
used that photograph time and time again during the film: every time
a character looked out of a window they'd cut to this photograph
and we'd have stuck the cotton wool in a new position. Awful!"
102 The Robot vs The Aztec Mummy (Commando Cody part 1)
Pre: Dr. F blew up mad convention center/improved security at Deep 13
Inventions: J: Air-bag helmet for motorcyclists MS: Chalk-man
Skits: Servo will save us from the demon dogs
Enoch--leader of demon dogs
Crow tries to be Enoch
Post: Joel sends demon dogs to fetch
Credits: Special Guest Puppet: Enoch (Jim Mallon)
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": A mad scientist irks the
Aztec mummy when, after a series of poor attepts at gate crashing
the mummy's tomb, he decides to employ a large robot to do the
breaking and entering for him.
103 Mad Monster (Commando Cody part 2)
Pre: How MS went mad
Inventions: J: Hell in a Handbag MS: Acetyline-powered lizard
Skits: Tom tries to pick up a blender
Stupid questions about werewolves
Joel switches Crow's and Tom's heads: Servo-Crowatian.
"Beverly Hillbillies" song parody
Post: Ontological discourse
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Dr. Lorenzo Cameron has
a plan. Through a series of blood transfusions, he believes he can
create a race of superwerewolves to do battle with the Nazis.
Assistant Pedro isn't too keen on the idea-- he's the doctor's
first experimental model.
104 Women of the Prehistoric Planet
Pre: Joel is a talk-show host (who?)
Inventions: J: Toilet Paper in a Bottle MS: Clay & Lar's Flesh Barn
Skits: Joel -- this is your life
Isaac Asimov's Literary Doomsday Device
Duplicate Isaac Asimovs (Aismovinator)
Post: Avocado Boy names - winner of the brainstorm
Credits: Additional Writers: Alexandra Carr, Jann Johnson
Additional Production Assistants: Melanie Hartley, Neil Brede
Additional Production Staff: Jim Erickson, Elisabet Sandberg
Notes: This is where "Haikeeba!" comes from.
105 Corpse Vanishes (Commando Cody part 3)
Pre: Forrester gives Larry Foundation Trilogy Gift Set
Inventions: J: Chiro-Gyro MS: Flame Flower
Skits: "Tiger-Bot" issue on Data
Game of Tag
At the barbershop
Post: Name good thing/bad thing for a RAM chip/Servo's head explodes
Credits: Additional Production Assistants: Melanie Hartley
Additional Production Staff: Jim Erickson
Post Production Audio: Rich Cook, TeleEdit, Minneapolis
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Bela Lugosi replaces
George Zucco, John Carradine or the actor of your choice as the
mad doctor who conducts rather unorthodox experiments in the hope
of making his wife eternally young.
106 The Crawling Hand
Pre: Joel explains show
Inventions: J: Safety Saw MS: Limb Lengthener
Skits: Let's play murder ball!
Shatner choking
What can a hand do?
Post: Name a Good thing and a Bad Thing about this movie for a RAM chip
Credits: Additional Production Assistants: Melanie Hartley
Additional Production Staff: Jim Erickson
Post Production Audio: Rich Cook, TeleEdit, Minneapolis
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Funny stuff of the
unintentional variety. An astronaut returns to earth with a
dismembered hand which crawls around and murders the cast who,
judging from their performances, deserve their fate. The hand is
facetious portrayed by mechanical pieces of trivia apparently
concocted during a bad day at the local five and dime store.
The hand appears to be winning the battle between the fingers
and the frightened humans until it is eaten by a stray cat.
Movies are better than ever.
107 Robot Monster (Commando Cody parts 4 & 5)
Pre: Joel explains show / Gypsy is injured
Inventions: J: Cumber-bubble-bund MS: Self-inflating Whoopie Cushion
Skits: Can bumblebees fly and other conundra
Kill the Hu-Man!
Surrealism
Post: The Life and Times of Ro-man
Credits: Additional Production Staff: Jim Erickson
Post Production Audio: Rich Cook, TeleEdit, Minneapolis
Notes: From "Castle of Frankenstein magazine #24": It is a handful
of flicks like this that makes all these listing chores something
to look forward to. Certainly among the finest terrible movies ever
made, this ridiculous gem presents as economical a space invasion
as ever committed to gilm: one (1) Ro-Man invader consisting of
a) a gorilla suit, b) a diving helmet with a set of antennae.
Hiding out in one of the more familiar Hollywood caves with his
extraterrestrial bubble machine (no, we're not being facetious:
it actually is a 2-way 'alien' radio-TV thing, consisting of an old
war surplus shortwave set resting on a small kitchen table, that
emits Lawrence Welk-like bubbles), Ro-Man's trying to wipe out the
last six humans left on earth, and thus make the planet safe for
colonization by Ro-Men (from the planet Ro-man, where else?) This
early 3-D effort has attained legendary (and richly deserved)
status as one of the most laughable of all poverty row quickies,
although the pic does make some scatterbrained sense when viewed as
a child's-eye monster fantasy (it's all a dream experienced by a
sci-fi-crazed '50's tyke). Rousing musical score by Elmer Bernstein
is great and keeps it all moving. Directed in three frenzied days
by Phil Tucker, who also did the little-known and equally
hysterical Lenny Bruce vehicle _Dance Hall Racket_.
From "Danse Macabre" by Stephen King: ...I made a grave mistake
concerning Robot Monster (and Ro-Man can be seen, in a mad sort
of way, as the forerunner of the evil Cylons in Battlestar Galactica)
about ten years ago. It came on the Saturday night Creature Feature,
and I prepared for the occasion by smoking some pretty good reefer.
I don't smoke dope often, because when stoned everything strikes me
funny. That night I almost laughed myself into a hernia. Tears were
rolling down my cheeks and I was literally on the floor for most
of the movie. Luckily, the movie only runs about sixty-three minutes;
another twenty minutes of watching Ro-man tune his war-surplus
shortwave/bubble machine in "one of the more familiar Hollywood caves"
and I think I would have laughed myself to death.
108 The Slime People (Commando Cody part 6)
Pre: Crow - Portrait of a Morning Person
Inventions: J: Bulging Eyes MS: Screaming Cotton Candy
Skits: Bots vs. Commando Cody
Why was this film made?
Ship filled with fog
Post: Silicon Diode Pie
Credits: Additional Production Assistants: Melanie Hartley
Additional Production Staff: Jim Erickson
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Slimy creatures from
under the ground surface and begin a reign of predictable and
laughable terror.
109 Project Moonbase (Commando Cody parts 7 & 8)
Pre: Robot baths / Pictionary
Inventions: J: Water Juggling MS: Insect-a-sketch
Skits: Servo plays Commando Cody
Ties of the future
SPACOM--1001 uses
Post: Gravity Fun
Credits: Additional Production Assistants: Melanie Hartley, Neil Brede
Additional Production Staff: Jim Erickson
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Alan Hale, Jr.
Notes: From "Future Tense: The Cinema of Science Fiction": Set in 1970,
it starts with the first orbital flight around the moon being
organized from a United States space station in orbit around the
earth. The pilot of the spaceship is to be a female officer called
Colonel Breiteis ("Bright Eyes," a typical Heinlein touch) and she
is to be accompanied by two males-- Major Moore and Dr. Wernher.
Little does anyone realize, however, that the Dr. Wernher who
arrives at the space station is not the real one but an enemy
impostor. The ship leaves its base on schedule but during its trip
to the moon Moore discovers the truth about Wernher; they fight and
in doing so activate the wrong set of controls which sends the shop
hurtling out of its orbit. With their fuel almost gone they are
obliged to crash-land the rocket on the moon's surface. They
survive the landing but are stranded on the moon. Relations between
Moore and the false Wernher do not improve and, during the erection
of a television aerial on the summit of a moon mountain Wernher
falls to his death. This leaves Breiteis and Moore alone on the
moon, something that the American public finds very disturbing, and
when communication with the space sation is established again one
of the first things their commanding officer does is order them to
marry-- to appease public opinion. Their marriage is subsequently
performed-- via television-- by Madame President of the USA and the
American public is able to breathe more easily.
From "The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction": This rarely-seen, low-
budget SF film is of interest mainly because Robert Heinlein worked
on the screenplay. A group of space explorers take off for the Moon
from a station orbiting Earth. The aim of their expedition is to
select a site for a lunar base, but their rocket crash-lands on the
moon and only three survive. One of the survivors subsequently dies
and the remaining two, a man and a woman (Colonel Breiteis!) are
then married via television by the President of the USA (who, in a
typically Heinleinian touch, is a woman). The ambitious idea is
undermined by a very small budget reflected in Jacuqes Fresco's
inadequate special effects.
110 Robot Holocaust (Commando Cody part 9)
Pre: Joel explains show/"Human"/film broke (during Commando Cody)
Inventions: J: Nitro-Burning Funny Pipe MS: Stocking Mask of the Future
Skits: The We-Zone
SitCom Simulator
Servo the Fur-Clad Hero
Post: "Name the Plant Guy" brainstorm
Credits: Additional Production Assistants: Melanie Hartley, Neil Brede
Additional Production Staff: Jim Erickson
Audio Post Production: IVL Post, Minneapolis
111 Moon Zero Two
Pre: Joel explains show/eats vicariously through viewers/
Larry's hair is lifeless
Inventions: J: Teleporting Food MS: Mouth-to-Mouth Celebrity Toothpaste
Skits: Tribute to Neil Armstrong
Games of the future
Zero-G Fight
Post: Name good thing/bad thing for RAM chip
Credits: Additional Production Assistants: Melanie Hartley, Neil Brede
Additional Production Staff: Jim Erickson
Notes: From "The Science Fiction Encyclopedia": At the same time as
the first actual moon landing, Hammer Films were making this quasi-
Western, set on the Moon, and the results were predictably absurd.
One of the hoariest of pulp Western plots is dressed up with a lot
of colourful space hardware: a poor but honest space pilot/cowboy
is forced by a group of villains to capture an asteroid of pure
sapphire, but his principles triumph and he foils their plans. The
special effects are unexpectely convincing, considering the
relatively small budget, but the film has no other strength.
112 Untamed Youth
Inventions: J: Never-Light Pipe MS: Tongue Puppets
Skits: Greg Brady--An American Legacy
Inside Gypsy's brain
Gypsy is sick
Post: Who's the goofy guy?
Credits: Additional Production Assistants: Melanie Hartley, Neil Brede
Additional Production Staff: Jim Erickson
Audio Post Production: IVL Post, Minneapolis
Notes: One of the minor players in the film is the late Eddie Cochran,
best known for "Summertime Blues" and "C'mon Everybody."
113 Black Scorpion
Pre: MS tried to make cold fusion walkman and failed / Party
Like It's 1990
Inventions: J: Man's Party Favor MS: same thing
Skits: Mangled Mexican
Strange things about humans
Ray Harryhausen
Post: Letter of "helpful criticism" for Crow
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": ...teems with stunning
stop-motion special effects but little else by way of entertainment.
Mexico is invaded by hordes of giant scorpions a la Them! and the
army is sent in to wipe'em out. Which they do...almost. One of the
tinglers escapes to wreak much havoc in a highly populated area
before duelling to the death with an army helicopter. Despite the
Harryhausen host segment, this film was one of the last for
Willis H. O'Brien, Harryhausen's mentor...and the man who created
King Kong.
Second (Comedy Central) Season (1990-91)
----------------------------------------
Credits:
Head Writer: Michael J. Nelson
Writers: Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Joel Hodgson, Jim Mallon, Kevin
Murphy
Associate Producer: Kevin Murphy
Host Segments Produced (201)/Directed (202-213) by: Jim Mallon
Production Manager: Alexandria B. Carr
Production Assistant: Jann L. Johnson
Toolmaster: Jef Maynard (listed twice in 202-204)
Art Direction: Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson
Set Design (not listed in 206): Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson
Gizmonic Devices Designed by: Joel Hodgson
Special Effects and Other Fancy Stuff: Trace Beaulieu
Additional Visual Effects: Industrial Plumbing and Heating
Hexifield Viewscreen Designed and Constructed by (beginning 205): Mark
Gilbertson
Post Production Supervision: Kevin Murphy, Alexandra B. Carr, Jann Johnson
(207-213), Jim Mallon (207)
Editor: Tim Paulson (201-205, 207-213), Randy Davis (206)
Lighting: Ken Fournelle, Kevin Murphy
Audio: John Calder, Fred Street (204)
Make-up: Faye Burkholder (201-203, 209-213), Clayton James (204-207)
Interns: Nathan Molstead, Tamra Lewis (201-212), Amy Kane, James Smith (201-
208), Michelle Molhan, Robert Czech
Post Production Facilty: IVL Post, Minneapolis
Video Services: Fournelle Video Production Services
Special thanks: Randy Herget, Skyline Displays Inc., Bryan Beaulieu, The
Teachers of America
Executive Producers (beginning 205): Joel Hodgson, Jim Mallon
201 9/22/90 Rocketship XM
Pre: Changes on ship/new Servo voice/new assistant in Deep 13
Inventions: J: BGC19 (Drum Set) MS: same
Skits: The reporters of Rocketship X-M
Selective gravity class
What are your dreams?
Song Lyrics - space vixen
Post: "You Wouldn't Show Marooned, Would You?"
Credits: Valeria: Michael J. Nelson
Jerry: Brent Peterson
Slyvia: Alex Carr
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Cheap attempt to cash
in on George Pal's Destination Moon, Rocketship X-M is something
of a classic in its low-life caliber. A rocket miscalculates its
fuel supply and winds up stranded on Mars with no way to get back.
Talk about poetic justice. First appearance of TV's Frank,
Kevin Murphy as Tom Servo, and the "By this time, my lungs were
aching for air" catchphrase.
Field}
202 9/29/90 The Side Hackers
Pre: Cleanup the ship
Inventions: J: Gretchen the Slinky MS: Personal Slinky Train
Skits: Side hacking song
Side hacking jargon
The Life of Rommel & visit by J.C.
Post: "Love Pads the Film"
Credits: Gooch: Frank Conniff, J.C.: Michael J. Nelson
Jerry: Nathan Molstead, Slyvia: Amy Kane
"Sidehackin'" Written and Performed by: The Brains
Additional Music by: Michael J. Nelson
Notes: Cambot adds commentary during Sidehacking race. This was
the first of two Ross Hagen biker epics.
203 10/6/90 Jungle Goddess (Phantom Creeps part 1)
Pre: Hide and Seek with the Elusive & Inexplicable
Forces that Control the Universe
Inventions: J: Radio Arm Saw MS: Doctor Sax
Skits: Bela's OK discoveries
Magic Binoculars & Scopes
Colonists arrive
Post: "My White Goddess"
Credits: Imperialistic Alien 1: Michael J. Nelson
Imperialistic Alien 2: Jim Mallon
Jerry: Jim Smith
"My White Goddess" Lyrics: Jim Mallon, Frank Conniff
Music: Michael J. Nelson
Sung by: "The Kevins" (Kevin Murphy)
204 10/13/90 Catalina Caper
Pre: God Bless Tweekie
Inventions: J: Tickle Bazooka MS: Tank Tops
Skits: The Sixties
Creepy Girl
Gun Tupperware Party
Post: What the Sam Hill was going on?
Credits: Jerry: James Smith Sylvia: Robert Czech
"My Creepy Girl" Lyrics: The Brains, Music: Michael J. Nelson
Additional Special Thanks: Eli Mallon (Koochy-koochy-koo)
205 10/27/90 Rocket Attack USA (Phantom Creeps part 2)
Pre: Servo gets robot haircut
Inventions: J: Button Candy Adding Machine MS: Water Foosball
Skits: The Cold War--Charlie McCarthy Hearings
Civil Defense Quiz Bowl
Visit from Cosmonaut
Post: Review of the plot. Letter: Issac Asimov rabbit
Credits: This Week's Creative Pit Boss: Joel Hodgson
Sorri Andropoli: Michael J. Nelson
206 11/3/90 Ring of Terror (Phantom Creeps part 3)
Pre; Fake Movie Sign
Inventions: J: Pin-bolus MS: Lifesize Operation Game
Skits: The Old School
Vacuum Autopsy
Name a Good Thing about This Movie for a RAM Chip
Post: "If Chauffeurs Ruled the World"
(NOTE - Phantom appears after the movie)
Credits: Special Guest Writers: Jann L. Johnson, Alexandra B. Carr
This Week's Creative Pit Boss: Trace Beaulieu
On-line Post Production Facility: Fuller Productions
"If Chauffeurs Ruled the World" Lyrics: Frank Conniff
Music: Michael J. Nelson
207 11/17/90 Wild Rebels
Pre: Crow & TS take over ship functions / Joel has a nice
chat with Gypsy
Inventions: MS: 3D Pizza J: Hobby Hog
Skits: Famous Motorcycle Riders
Wild Rebels Cereal Song
Gypsy and Joel together
Post: Distract yourself from the pain & weird hats
Credits: This Week's Creative Pit Boss: Jim Mallon
208 11/24/90 Lost Continent
Pre: Team Rally
Inventions: J: <none> MS: Mobile Stationary Walker, etc.
Skits: Visit from Hugh Beaumont, Horseman of the Apocalypse)
"The Explorers" - A Quinn Martin Production
Hey, Look at That Cool Thing!
Post: Padding--A Film Style
Credits: This Week's Creative Pit Boss: Kevin Murphy
Cryptodad: Michael J. Nelson
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Average film with
predictable plot. A group of scientists, looking for a lost rocket,
crashlands on a prehistoric land mass and stumbles across countless
dinosaurs of various shapes and sizes.
This show introduced "Rock Climbing".
Notes: Average film with predictable plot. A group of scientists,
looking for a lost rocket, crashlands on a prehistoric land mass
and stumbles across countless dinosaurs of various shapes and sizes.
209 12/8/90 Hellcats
Pre: Everyone's sick with a cold.
Inventions: J: Sign Language Translator: MS: <none>
Skits: Dear Diary (Tom Servo)
Dear Kitty (Crow)
Dear Sandy (Joel)
Post: Dear Richard (Gypsy)
Credits: This Week's Creative Pit Boss: Joel Hodgson
Additional Music: Michael J. Nelson
Notes: Tom Servo's "Dear Diary" segment is recycled from the first
season's "Crawling Hand." This gives newcomers a chance to hear
Josh Weinstein doing Servo, however briefly.
210 12/22/90 King Dinosaur (X Marks The Spot)
Pre: Joel reads poetry/Dr. F fixing elevator
Inventions: J: The Incredibly Stinky Sweatsocks MS: The Pocket Scientist
Skits: Am I Qualified? (Crow gets activized)
Joey the Lemur
Emotional Scientist
Post: Yet another Lippert Film
Credits: This Week's Creative Pit Boss: Trace Beaulieu
Jerry: Nathan Molstad
Additional Music: Kevin Murphy, Michael J. Nelson
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Inane little premiere
film by Bert I. Gordon about life on the planet Nova where dinosaurs
(lizards) terrorize visiting explorers. The star of the show was
a gila monster.
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Inane little premiere
film by Bert I. Gordon about life on the planet Nova where dinosaurs
(lizards) terrorize visiting explorers. The star of the show was
a gila monster.
211 12/29/90 First Spaceship On Venus
Pre: Joel raises Servos' sarcastic sequencer
Inventions: J: Junk Drawer Helper MS: none
Skits: Foam Robot
Visit from a gorilla
Klack recipes ideas
Post: Sarcastic Servo, Servo's head blows up
Credits: This Week's Creative Pit Boss: Michael J. Nelson
The Gorilla: Crist Ballas
Abe Vigoda's Back: Michael J. Nelson
Additional Music: "Klack Holiday Serenade":
Michael J. Nelson "O Sweet Mother O Mine": Kevin Murphy
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Foreign-made sci-fi with
accent on brotherhood-- and boredom. A group of international
astronauts investigate technicolor space scenery. The "Klack recipe
Ideas" is one of the better host segments. Dr. Forrester missnames
movie as "First Spaceship *to* Venus."
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Foreign-made sci-fi with
accent on brotherhood-- and boredom. A group of international
astronauts investigate technicolor space scenery.
212 1/19/91 Godzilla vs. Megalon
Pre: All these stories and more--not!
Inventions: Household Halloween costumes MS: Foosball goalie costumes
Skits: My monster is better than your monster!
Rex Dart - Eskimo Spy
Orville Redenbacher skit
Post: Jet Jaguar Fight Song / New Limbs / Letter
Credits: This Week's Creative Pit Boss: Joel Hodgson
Additional Music: "Rex Dart Action Theme": Michael J. Nelson
213 2/2/91 Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster
Pre: The Velveteen Rabbit
Inventions: J: Mind-Control Guitar MS: Squeeze Toy Guitar
Skits: The Godzilla Geneaology Bop
Jeol has been in space too long...
Models Made from Household Items
Crow and Tom contact Mothra
Post: Film Fallacies and Truths
Winners of "Cool Thing" Contest
Credits: Additional Writer: Faye Burkholder
Mothera: Michael J. Nelson
Roadies: Sylvia: Robert Czech, Jerry: Nathan Molstad
Additional Music: "Geneology Bop": Faye Burkholder,
Kevin Murphy Music: Kevin Murphy
Squeeky Toy Orchestra: Michael J. Nelson, Jef Maynard,
Alex Carr
Third Season (Comedy Central) (1991-92)
---------------------------------------
Credits for this season:
Head Writer: Michael J. Nelson
Writers: Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Joel Hodgson, Jim Mallon (301-306),
Kevin Murphy, Colleen Henjum (306-308), Paul Chaplin (313-324)
Contributing Writers: Bridget Jones, Lisa Sheretz (302-305), Colleen Henjum
(302-305, 309-324), Jim Mallon (307-324), Paul Chaplin (307-312)
Host Segments Directed by (starting 303): Jim Mallon, Michael J. Nelson (234)
Associate Producer: Kevin Murphy
Production Manager: Alexandria B. Carr
Technical Supervisor: Timothy Scott
Production Coordinator: Jann Johnson
Toolmaster (starting 303): Jef Maynard
Manager of Business Affairs: Heide LeClerc
Post Production Facilty: IVL Post, Minneapolis
Video Provided by: Fournelle Video Production Services
Audio: Fred Street (301, 310, 318, 320, 322), John Calder (302-303), Bob King
(305), Brian Wright (306-310, 312-317, 319, 321, 323-324), Timothy Scott (319)
Editor: Tim Paulson (301-303)
On-line editor: Timothy Scott (305), Tim Paulson (306-307, 309-310, 313-316,
319, 323), Karen Lindsay (308, 311-312, 317-318, 320-322, 324)
Audio editor: Timothy Scott (beginning 305)
Post Production Supervision: Kevin Murphy (301-303), Timothy Scott
Post Production Coordination (beginning 303): Alexandra B. Carr, Jann L.
Johnson
Art Direction: Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson (not listed in 303)
Set Design: Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson, Jef Maynard
Gizmonic Devices Designed by: Joel Hodgson
Lighting: Ken Fournelle, Kevin Murphy
Hair and Make-up: Faye Burkholder (301-310), Clayton James (311-312, 315-
316, 318-324), Mary Flaa (313-314), Andrea J. DuCane (317)
Prop Assistant: Barb Oswald (303, 320), Lori Schackmann (308), Carolyn Sloat
(312)
Interns: Thomas Alphonso (301-312), Cyn Eells, Tom Henderson (301-312),
Christopher Wurst, Cindy Hansen (313-319)
Additional Music Written and Arranged by Michael J. Nelson (305-306, 310-311,
313-318, 322-324), Kevin Murphy (314, 316, 323-324), Frank Conniff (322)
Special thanks: Bryan Beaulieu, Skyline Displays (Inc), (The) Teachers of
America, Bill W.
Executive Producers: Jim Mallon, Joel Hodgson
301 Cave Dwellers
Pre: Favorite New Name
Inventions: J: Smoking Jacket MS: Robotic Arm Wrestling
Skits: Opening "Credits"
Fancy Prop Names (extraordinary names for ordinary objects)
Sound Effects - Foley
Post: Continuity Problems
Credits: Additional Contributing Writer: Christopher Wurst
Gerry: Christopher Wurst
Additional Music: "Jupiter" written and arranged
by Michael J. Nelson
Notes: Real title of this film is either "Blade Master" or "Ator the
Blademaster." It's a sequel to the immortal "Ator the Fighting
Eagle." Joel Hodgson claims that Miles O'Keeffe, star of this
clunker, saw the show and called him up to tell him how much he
enjoyed watching it. O'Keeffe apparently said that making the film
was such a surreal experience, that watching it get skewed was lots
of fun.
302 Gamera
Pre: Warming up, "Commercial siiiign"
Inventions: J: Portable Salad Bar MS: Bird Cage Vacuum Cleaner
Skits: Love song to Tibby
Why we hate Kenny
Visit by Gamera
Credits: Gamera: Michael J. Nelson
Additional Music: "Tibby, Oh Tibby"
Written and Arranged by Michael J. Nelson
Notes: "From the Gamera Filmography" GAMERA aka GAMERA, THE INVINCIBLE
(1965), the first genre film to feature a child in a leading role,
and the last one to be shot in black and white, was released in
theatres in the United States, unlike all of the subsequent movies
in the series, which were shown only on American television, with new
footage featuring Brian Donlevy and Albert Dekker added to it.
There is a war on, and an aircraft armed with nuclear weapons
is shot down in the Arctic. As the plane crashes, a nuclear blast
occurs. A giant prehistoric turtle emerges from the crash site
shortly afterward, and attacks a nearby ship. It then makes its way
to Japan, and destroys a geo-thermal power plant. A plan to
temporarily freeze the creature and turn it onto its back with
explosives proves unable to stop it, and the monster then heads for
Tokyo, where it wreaks havoc. A new plan to use a trail of fire to
lure the giant turtle into a rocket that will be shot off into
space is put into effect, but just as the creature begins to follow
the trail, rain begins to fall, and the fire goes out.
303 Pod People
Pre: "Robot on the Run" - a work in progress
Inventions: J: New Guitar Chord MS: Public Domain Karaoke
Skits: New Lyrics for Unintelligible Song (Ave Maria) (It Stinks!)
"I'm a Virgin" T-shirt
Music from Some Guys in Space (wall of keyboards)
"You Are Magic, Aren't You Trumpy?" - Great Facial Expressions
Post: "Where Does All the Magic Go?"
Credits: Additional Music: "A Clown in the Sky" Written
and Arranged by Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy
304 Gamera vs Barugon
Pre: User interface war
Inventions: J: Audio-animitronic pop can MS: Disco Cumber-Bubble-Bund
Skits: 5,000 Fighting Men and Monsters Set
T.G.I. Tokyo
Hollywood stars in Gamera movies
Post: Read more about it
Notes: From the "Gamera Filmography" GAMERA VS. BARUGON aka WAR OF
THE MONSTERS (1966), the only Gamera film without a child in it,
played in Japan at the same time as MAJIN, MONSTER OF TERROR,
the first of three movies, also produced by Daiei, featuring
a giant samurai warrior made of stone. Three Japanese treasure
hunters travel by ship to a remote island in the South Pacific,
and there find an object which they believe to be a large opal.
The object is accidentally exposed to infra-red light during the
voyage back to Japan, and shortly afterward, a prehistoric creature
hatches from it and quickly grows to enormous proportions. When the
ship reaches port, the creature causes widespread destruction,
in part by giving off an energy ray similar in appearance to
a rainbow. Gamera soon appears, having been attracted by the ray,
and the Japanese military finds itself having to fend off not one,
but two, giant monsters. --- David Milner
305 3/28/92 Stranded in Space
Pre: shooting gallery
Inventions: J: "Bang" Uzi, knife, dynamite MS: "Bang" harpoons, nunchuks
Skits: Toddlers TV Trading cards
What "Ward E" is to me
Kill Hooker! And Silence Magnum Poimanently!
Post: Tom Servo -- Executive Producer
Credits: Additional Contributing Writers: Jann L. Johnson,
Alexandra B. Carr
On-line Editor: Timothy Scott
Audio Editor: Timothy Scott
306 Time of the Apes
Pre: Tee Ball, Baseball season
Inventions: J: Cellulite Phone MS: Miracle Baby Wonder Growth Formula
Skits: Why Johnny doesn't care
Scopes monkey trial
Crow T. Robot's Fashion Minute
Post: Sandy Frank song
Credits: Additional Contributing Writers: Lynn-Anne Freise,
Craig Tollifson, Tom Wedor, Jann L. Johnson,
Alexandra B. Carr
Miracle Growth Baby (before): Eli Kenneth Mallon
Miracle Grwoth Baby (after): Timothy Scott
307 Daddy-O (Alphabet Antics)
Pre: Hanging round the water cooler
Inventions: J: Air Freshener Mobile MS: "Alien" Teething Nook
Skits: "Hike Your Pants Up" song
The Drag Race
Spit-Takes/Visit from Near-Sighted Guy
Post: Fruit Slapping
Button Problem
Credits: Bruce: Michael J. Nelson
Additional Music: "The Pants Up Song" arranged with lyrics
by Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy; "Baby Music" written
and arranged by Michael J. Nelson
308 Gamera vs Gaos
Pre: Lucille Ball Meets Harvey Firestein
Inventions: J: Kleenex Phone MS: Self-Image Printers
Skits: How to Make Gaos
Gameradamnerung
The Amazing Gaos (spinning Gameras)
Post: Ways to Snuff Gaos
Credits: Additional Music: "Opus 4, Number 23, Plate Spinning Song"
Written and Arranged by Michael J. Nelson
Notes: From the "Gamera Filmography" GAMERA VS. GAOS aka RETURN
OF THE GIANT MONSTERS (1967) proved to be the most popular series
entry in Japan. A volcanic eruption arouses a huge vampire bat that
has a special affinity for human blood. Gamera appears and twice
does battle with the creature, but is forced to withdraw each time
after being injured by a supersonic sound beam emitted by it.
It is soon discovered that sunlight is harmful to the giant bat,
explaining why it appears only at night, and a plan to disorient
the creature so it will be unable to retreat to its underground lair
when the sun comes up by luring it with a substance similar to blood
onto a rotating restaurant located on top of a hotel is then put
into effect. At first it appears that the plan is going to work, but
when the mechanism which keeps the restaurant turning breaks down,
the creature escapes.
--- David Milner
309 12/7/91 The Amazing Colossal Man
Pre: Hiding from Joel
Inventions: J: Non-Permanent Tattoos MS: Music-Reviewing Plant Guy
Skits: Sensitivity Training (Things not to say around the
wife of a nuclear accident victim)
Joel gets HUGE!
Arrival of the Amazing Colossal Man
Post: Things the Colossal Man could have done
Credits: Robert Plant: Kevin Murphy
Glen: Michael J. Nelson
Additional Music: "Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata"
Performed by Michael J. Nelson
Notes: From "Horrors From Screen to Scream": ...stands as being
an imaginative film that holds up under the strain of low-budget
blues. Col. Glen Manning (Glenn Langan) is the victim of a freak
accident during the detonation of the first plutonium bomb.
When a plane crashes near the site of the blast, Manning dashes
to the wreckage only to receive the full force of the deadly blast
head on. His skin burned from his body, Manning surprises military
doctors by growing new skin and then growing to new heights.
With radiation affecting his growth rate, the colonel's burgeoning
body at first startles him, then enrages him as he realizes how
freakish his condition is. Manning is troubled even more by a
weak heart that cannot keep up with the antic of his ever-growing
bulk. Langan offers a sensitive portrayal of the army freak, but
the script gives him little to work from. Limited in scope and
budget, the film ends on the usual monster-on-the-loose note.
(War of the Colossal Beast is a sequel.)
310 Fugitive Alien
Pre: Joel is a farmer, Gypsy is a cow
Inventions: J: Musical Chair MS: Auto-Rhino-Laryngilogical Dropper
Skits: Hat Party
Ship Captain Joel
Screenplay model
Post: Buttons on the suit, Jack Perkins gets genetically altered
Credits: Jack Perkins: Michael J. Nelson
Special Make-up: Crist Ballas, Glen Griffin
311 It Conquered The World (Snow Thrills)
Pre: Ventriloquism with Crow as the Woozle who's name is Peanut
Inventions: J: Sony Seaman MS: Halloween Costume Nooses
Skits: Winter Sports Cavalcade
Coffee Clash (Dinner with the Lockhorns)
Famous Hollywood Siblings
Post: Peter Graves' Ending Speech
Credits: Additional Contributing Writers: Jef Maynard,
Jann Johnson, Alexandra Carr, Timothy Scott
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Roger Corman cranked
out this cute little quickie recounting the adventures of a cucumber
creature from outer space who invades the earth via a pseudometeor
and then proceeds to attempt to take it over. Aided by eight winged
things (sort of vampire bats from beyond the sky types) who bite
their victims and turn them into space zombies, the creature
terrifies a number of Earthlings.
From Future Tense: "The Cinema of Science Fiction": Lee Van Cleef
stars as a scientist who is seduced with promises of fame and fortune
by a Venusian who needs some assistance in conquering the Earth.
The Venusian needs all the help it can get as it resembles
Humpty Dumpty and is just about as maneuvarable. Living in a cave,
it sends out little flying-bat creatures which fasten on people's
necks and plant electrons in their spines, making them puppets
of the alien's will. Eventually the scientist has a change of
heart after his wife falls victim to the thing, and he decides
to destroy it. In the film's hilarious climax we first see the
creature ignoring a fusillade of army bullets and bazooka shells
and then being overcome by the scientist, who wields a simple blowtorch.
312 Gamera vs. Guiron
Pre: School lunches
Inventions: MS: Psychology Today Centerfolds J: Collapsible Garbage Can
Skits: Bouncy Gamera Song
World of Amusement and Child-like Wonder
Richard Burton--One of the Good, Dead ones
Post: Gamera marching song / Michael Feinstein's "Gamera" at
piano bar
Credits: Michael Feinstein: Michael J. Nelson
Additional Music: "Gamera (in its many forms)"
Performed by Michael J. Nelson
Notes: From the "Gamera Filmography" GAMERA VS. GUIRON aka ATTACK
OF THE MONSTERS (1969), the only Gamera movie in which a monster,
other than Gamera, first seen in a previous series entry again
appears in new, rather than stock, footage, had a few of its
more graphic monster scenes edited out of it before it was released
in the United States. Two curious children enter an alien space ship
which has landed in Japan, and travel to the planet Tera in it.
There, after witnessing a battle between a giant creature with
a sharp, pointed head and one similar to monster Gaos,
the children meet two alien women who lead them to believe that
they will be well cared for when, in fact, the women plan to
kill them. --- David Milner
313 Earth vs. The Spider (Speech: Using Your Voice)
Pre: Inside the robot mind
Inventions: MS: Cheese Phone J: CD-Player Blow Dryer
Skits: Earth vs. Soup
Visit from the Custodian of the 7th Galaxy
Creepy Crawlers (sic transit)
Post: Homework essays
314 Mighty Jack
Pre: Joel's dead--not!
Inventions: MS: Formal Flipper J: "Ear" ear-muffs
Skits: Mighty Jack Dog Food
Boy, is he smart!
Aquarium Camerawork
Post: "Slow the Plot Down" shanty
315 Teenage Caveman (Aquatic Wizards/Catching Trouble)
Pre: BORED - Poker game
Inventions: J: Rainy Day Epicacs MS: Frank Threatens Dr. F
Skits: Catching the Great White Ross
Fight in Deep 13 (with Star Trek fight music)
Arguments against Change
Post: "We are the result of a a mad movie-watching experiment ..."
Note: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": An intellectual caveboy
crosses into the forbidden zone and finds out exactly why the
elders choose to hide the origins of their species.
316 Gamera vs. Zigra
Pre: Orbiting Root-Beer Kegger
Inventions: MS: Three Stooges Guns J: Crow-shish-ka-bob
Skits: Tour of Gamera
Gamera Diaramas
Visit from Kenny and Helen
Post: Interpretations of the Gamera Theme Song
Credits: Kenny: Michael J. Nelson
Helen: Bridget Jones
Roadies: Kevin Murphy, Jef Maynard
Additional special thanks: St. Paul Harley Davidson
Notes: GAMERA VS. ZIGRA (1971), which has been shown only on cable
television in the United States, was released in Japan just a few
months before Daiei went out of business for seven years because of
insolvency. After destroying a base on the moon, an alien spaceship
makes its way to Earth and settles at the bottom of the ocean. An
announcement then comes from it that the planet going to be taken
over, and that people are going to be used for food. The military
proves ineffective against the ship, but Gamera soon appears and
destroys it. A creature somewhat similar in appearance to a shark
emerges, and it quickly grows to enormous proportions because of
the difference between the water pressure of its home planet of
Zigra and that of the Earth. The two monsters do battle, and
although the alien creature seems at first to be outmatched, the
Zigran, even more intent on taking over the Earth now that its
means of returning home has been destroyed, soon manages to
immobilize Gamera with a light ray that stops all cellular activity.
--- David Milner
317 Viking Women and The Sea Serpent (The Home Economics Story)
Pre: Wonderful World of Waffles
Inventions: MS: Reanimate Meat J: Waffle Iron
Skits: Naming New Uses for Waffles
Waffles!
Willie the Wisecracking Waffle
Post: Waffles the Song
318 12/28/91 Star Force: Fugitive Alien II
Pre: The Nature of Puppets and Their Symbiotic Relation with Man
Inventions: J: Big Head MS: Big Noses (Super Schnoz)
Skits: Emergency 911: Tom Servo is Dying
Captain Joe Action Figure
"Fugitive Alien" Song Medley
Post: The Ultimate Bad Guy
Credits: Additional Music: Lyrics: Kevin Murphy
319 War of The Colossal Beast (Mr. B Natural)
Pre: Create-Your-Own Mexican Junk Food
Inventions: J: Between Meal Mortar MS: Breakfast Bazooka
Skits: Mr. B Natural - Woman or Man?
Who's That Guy with the Big Head
James Ungateen (?) KTLA Predicts
Post: Bad movie/bread made from home perm
Credits: Glen: Michael J. Nelson
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Bert Gordon's sequel
to his successful Amazing Colossal Man has gigantic Col. Manning
coming back, but this time as an enraged and slightly battered
(as a result of his bazooka-induced dive from Boulder Dam in the
last film's finale) titan bent on destruction. Great goings-on
as the giant wrecks everything in sight before being electrocuted
on high-voltage wires. "Mr. B. Natural" is one of those instances
where everything works. Great intro for your friends. The
"KTLA Predicts" host segment sneaks in a nifty reference to
Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soaps ("Dilute! Dilute! OK! OK!").
320 12/14/91 The Unearthly (Posture Pals, Appreciating Our Parents)
Pre: 'Bots tape funny (dangerous!) home video
Inventions: J: Celebrity Home Appliances MS: Hard Pills to Swallow
Skits: Appreciating Gypsy
The Many Faces of Tor Johnson
"The Unearthly" Home Game
Post: Dead End Kids' Lingo
Credits: Paint Box Artistry: Jef Maynard
321 Santa Claus Conquers The Martians
Pre: Christmas catalogues
Inventions: J: Misfit Toys MS: Wish Squisher
Skits: "Let's Have a Patrick Swayze Christmas"
Christmas Specials
Christmas Essays
Post: Joel and Bots' Stockings
Mads' "Gift of the Magi"
Credits: Additional Contributing Writers: Lynn-Anne Freise,
Tom Wedor, Craig Tollifson, Bob Schrad, Christopher Whiting
"A Patrick Swayze Christmas" Music and Lyrics: Michael J. Nelson
322 Master Ninja I
Pre: American muscle cars
Invention Exchange: J: Pop-up classics MS: Gourmet IV bags
Skits: The Van Patten Project
Ninja Tom Servo
Nun-chuks: "Chuks" Brainstorm
Post: Funk Fusion TV-Action Band: Master Ninja Theme Song
Credits: Additional Contributing Writer: Mike Gandolfi
323 Castle of Fu Manchu
Pre: Satellite of Love Marching Band
Invention Exchange: Servo: Telephone Chip J: Big Head MS: Stinky Bomb
Skits: Miss Saigon Syndrome
Magic Carpet Trouble
What's the Deal with Fu Manchu?--breakdown
Post: You haven't won--you/ve lost!
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Tired of remaining
dormant, Fu Manchu (Christopher Lee) and demonic daughter once
again decide to take over the earth. Once again they are stopped.
This film nearly broke'em-- skits performed with much sobbing and
weak bravery. The film is, ya gotta admit it, pretty damn boring.
324 Master Ninja II
Pre: Improv Theatre
Inventions: J: Gerbil Sphere II MS: Conveyor Belt Buffet
Skits: Dream 70's Van
Col. Timothy Van Patten
Pets for Fictional Detectives
Post: Lee Van Cleef Foam Core Doll, Favorite Movies
Credits: Additional Contributing Writer: Mike Gandolfi
Additional special thanks: St. Paul Harley Davidson
Fourth Season (Comedy Central) (24 episodes, 1992-93)
-----------------------------------------------------
Credits for this season:
Head Writer: Michael J. Nelson
Writers: Trace Beaulieu, Kevin Murphy, Frank Conniff, Joel Hodgson, Paul
Chaplin, Bridget Jones (402-424), Mary Jo Pehl (404-424)
Contributing Writers: Colleen Henjum, Jim Mallon
Host Segments Directed by: Jim Mallon (402-403, 405-413), Kevin Murphy (404,
414, 417, 420, 423), Joel Hodgson (415, 418, 421), Trace Beaulieu (416, 419,
422)
Associate Producer: Kevin Murphy
Production Manager: Alexandria B. Carr (401-414), Jann L. Johnson (415-424)
Technical Supervisor: Timothy Scott
Production Coordinator: Jann L. Johnson (401-414), Ellen McDonough (415-424)
Toolmaster: Jef Maynard
Manager of Business Affairs: Heide A. LeClerc
Production Assistant: Ellie/Ellen McDonough (403-414), Sarah E. Wisner (417-
424)
Video Provided by: Fournelle Video Production Services, St. Paul (MN)
Audio: Brian Wright (402-414), Timothy Scott (414-424)
Editor: Timothy Scott
Associate Editor: Bradley J. Keely
Post Production Coordination: Alexandra B. Carr (401-414), Jann L. Johnson,
Ellen McDonough (415-424)
Art Direction: Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson, Jef Maynard
Set Design: Trace Beaulieu, Joel Hodgson
Lighting: Ken Fournelle, Timothy Scott (403-408, 416-417, 420-424)
Engineering: Rob "the engineer" Burkhardt
Hair and Make-up: Clayton James (402, 404-408, 410, 412-413, 415-424), Andrea
J. DuCane (403, 409, 414), Crist Ballas (411)
Prop Assistant: Barb Oswald (402), Patrick Brantsey (417-424)
Toolmaster Jr.: Barb Oswald (403-405, 410)
Interns: Patrick Brantsey, Nathan Devery (402-412), Brendan Glynn (402-403),
Suzette Jamison (402-409), Steven Sande (402-405), Curtis Anderson (413-424),
Kelly Ann Nathe (413-417)
Additional Music Written and Performed by: Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy
(418)
Special thanks: Skyline Displays Inc., Teachers of America, Mark Gilbertson,
all MSTies coast-to-coast, the authors of the 1st Amendment
Executive Producers: Jim Mallon, Joel Hodgson
401 6/6/92 Space Travelers
Pre: The Great Crowdini
Inventions: J: Dollaroid MS: Facial Tissue (with faces)
Skits: American space race advancements
Astronaut and CB lingo
Problems we may have to face
Post: Find the finder of lost loves
Credits: Additional Contributing Writer: Bridget Jones
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": A good idea is a bit
overworked in this John Sturges remake of his own Jeopardy (1952).
While the world watches, a team of astronauts are lost in space.
Maintaining voice communication, the spacemen calmly talk to the
earth below of their helplessness and the population of the world
screams for a rescue attempt.
402 6/13/92 Giant Gila Monster
Pre: The thing with two heads/odd couple 1999/Forrester's dead
Inventions: J: Prop Old Sitcom/Movie Radio
MS: Renaissance Festival Punching Bags
Skits: Stupid/soda jerk
Favorite funny drunk
Servo on cinema (blocking)
Post: Hee-la rock group
Credits: Additional Writer: John Carney
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Before the era of
cheap sex and gore in the film industry there was such a thing
as banality for banality's sake. Herein lies such fantastic stuff.
A giant gila monster makes the rounds in tinker-toy towns and
terrorizes local teens who are always pictured driving around
in their hotrods or having sock hops. (This is the type of film,
by the way, where the actors all use their _real_ first names
in the script.) The lizard is eventually beaten by a brave lad
who drives his hotrod full of nitro into the belly of the beast.
Some fun, eh kids?
403 City Limits
Pre: Ping pong balls/Servo has Crow's eyes
Inventions: J: Fun Friend from Stake
MS: Tupperware Container to Lock in Pop Star Freshness/Tupperware Coffin
Skits: "Ode to Kim Cattrel"
New comic superheros (Fantastic 85)
Fantastic 85/185 continued
Post: City Limits trivia game
Credits: Additional Writer: John Carney
Morrisey: Michael J. Nelson
404 6/27/92 Teenagers from Outer Space
Pre: NBC mystery movie electro-shock (*zap!*)
Inventions: J: Scratch-and-sniff Report Cards
MS: Resusci Annie Ventriloquism
Skits: Reel to real, Snacks in waste receptacle, Skelton visit
Post: Duct tape fashions
Credits: Resusci-Anne Provided by: Nancy Mason
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream":
A young man from out of this world is sent to do the Earth in.
Complications arise when he falls in love with a local teen queen.
To make matters even worse, a monster from his spaceship is loose
and, from what the audience can see of its shadowy form, it appears
to be a lobster. With love showing the way, the homo sap from space
guides his invading comrades' fleet into the side of a large hill.
Destroying himself, the big lobster, and the thousands of ships in
one large splat (unseen), the unearthly adolescent makes the
supreme sacrifice in saving Earth.
An excerpt from "The Incredibly Strange Creatures who Stopped
Living and Became Mixed Up Zombies," by Lester Bangs. (Collected in
Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung):
"I recall reading an item on the entertainment page of the
daily paper after Teenagers from Outer Space came out to the effect
that responsible people all over were so turned off by this pic
that the financial angels and bureaucratic bosses of the studio
that sponsored and released it ganged up on the poor guy that made
the film, and gave him a good talking-to about devoting his talents
to such a piece of trash, and even if it was his first film he
should think of the public interest, etc. The item ended by saying
that the guy had actually apologized, and promised to do better
with the money that was given him for his second film."
(For those of you who haven't heard of Lester Bangs, he was a rock
critic for various 60's and 70's era magazines such as Crawdaddy
and Creem. "Psychotic Reactions..." collects some of the best of
his work, and should be required reading for anyone attempting to
understand rock and roll. Just ignore what he says about Lou Reed
[he's far too enthusiastic] and Yes [he doesn't understand them].---Rsk)
"Tom Graeff" Profile from Re/Search: Incredibly Strange Films:
"Some directors make dozens of movies, but never anything
memorable. In 1959 Tom Graeff made only one movie, Teenagers From
Outer Space, but it's enough to earn him a place in this book. It
featured giant lobster shadows and 'alien" teenagers in silver
jumpsuits and motorcycle helmets."
405 7/4/92 Being from Another Planet
Pre: Twenty questions
Inventions: MS: Tragic Moments Figurines
J: Jack Palance Impersonator Kit
Skits: Lost in Space fan
Haunted boiler room
Joel's rainy day fun sketch and hexascreen holo-clowns
Post: TV's Frank Shopping Network
Credits: Holo-clowns: Michael J. Nelson, Paul Chaplin
406 7/18/92 Attack of the Giant Leeches (Undersea Kingdom 1)
Pre: Holo-clown sequencer
Inventions: MS: Leech Nicotine Patch J: SOL Insty Adolescent Kit
Skits: Dress to take over the world
Coffee and dreams
"I'm a Danger to Myself and Others"
Post: Problems with film
Credits: Holo-clowns: Michael J. Nelson, Paul Chaplin
Giant Leech: Kevin Murphy
Additional Music: "A Danger to Ourselves and Others",
Michael J. Nelson, Joel Hodgson
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": A small town situated
in the Florida everglades is terrroized by a bad script, inept
direction and several man-sized leeches. A bloody bore.
407 7/25/92 The Killer Shrews (Junior Rodeo Daredevils)
Pre: Present time
Inventions: MS: Revenge on people from the past (destroy the Earth)
J: Jim Henson's Edgar Winter Babies
Skits: Will Rodgers thing, Killer Shrew board game, Killer Shrew drink
Post: 'Bots are killer shrews/Frank had too much Killer Shrew drink
Credits: Additional Contributing Writer: Steve Hollenhorst
408 8/1/92 Hercules Unchained
Pre: Annual wash and wax day
Inventions: MS: Decorator roaches J: Steve-a-meter
Skits: Gypsy's Olympiad set
mythic foods (The Waters of Forgetfulness)
'Bots try to get Joel to explain birds and bees
Post: Why these movies?
Credits: Additional Contributing Writer: Don Jurek
Steve Reeves: Michael J. Nelson
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Hercules comes to the
attention of a queen who picks her lovers and then disposes of them
by having them stuffed and mounted, in that order. Engagement notices
are posted and Hercules begins to sweat.
409 8/15/92 Indestructible Man (Undersea Kingdom part 2)
Pre: Joel is crazy?/party in Deep 13
Inventions: MS: For men (but women like it, too) J: Cereal Novels
Skits: Any excuse for a parade
What would you do if you were indestructible?
Lon Chaney eye thing
Post: Affidavit to stop cop donut jokes/MS get noise ticket
Credits: Additional Contributing Writer: David Sussman
Officer Kevin: Kevin Murphy
Officer Mike: Michael J. Nelson
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": As a killer brought
back to life after his electrocution, Lon Chaney, Jr. stumbles
through a role which apparently has been patterned after his
first monster thriller, _Man Made Monster_. As soon as he is
released from his confines, the monster begins killing all those
who sent him up the river way back when. Dreadful gangster story
is heightened in sheer futility by a ludicrous "you are there"
type narration describing the killer's moves as he makes them.
410 8/22/92 Hercules Against the Moon Men
Pre: Crow and Servo run away from home/sand storm/DEEP HURTING!
Inventions: J: Freak out MS: <none> (woven into tapestry of the movie)
Skits: Boobie trap, 'Bots get implants/new tough-guy name, "Pants!"
Post: Changing actors
Credits: Additional Music: "Ode to Pants" Written and
Arranged by Michael J. Nelson, Frank Conniff
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Hercules battles
creatures from outer space while his audience battles nausea.
When a country enslaved by moonmen and forced to undergo strange
sacrificial rituals for the brigade of baddies from beyond cry
out for help, Hercules gets miffed.
411 8/29/92 The Magic Sword
Pre: Joel is caricaturist
Inventions: J: Big Gulperets MS: Bio-hazard Clean-up Pillow
Skits: Basil Rathbones (for dogs)
Life in the Middle Ages
"Ode on Estelle"
Post: Curses on TV
Credits: Additional Music: "Ode on Estelle" Written
and Arranged by Michael J. Nelson, Paul Chaplin
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream":
Fantasy filmmaker Bert Gordon's finest achievement. George, a
lowly subject and the stepson of an elderly witch named Sybil, has
long been the admirer of the kingdom's beautiful princess. When
evil sorcerer Lodac kidnaps the girl to feed his pet dragon, George
tricks his stepmother into revealing what magical treats she has
cooked up for his twenty-first birthday. Locking mother dear in the
basement, George collects his wondrous assortment of gifts (a magic
sword, six of the bravest warriors in the history of the earth and
a magic horse) and sets out to save the princess. Along the way he
meets vampire hags, giant ghouls, deadly swamps and the ever-
popular dragon. Confronting Lodac in his castle, George is
surrounded by misshapen pinheads, dwarfs and a race of tiny people
no more than six inches tall. Masterful fairy tale.
412 9/12/92 Hercules and the Captive Women
Pre: Gypsy joins the experiment.
Inventions: MS: Lawn-baby J: The Womb-mate
Skits: Good natured brawling
A History of Hercules
Hercules Action Figure
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Hercules visits the
lost city of Atlantis and gets lost among the Amazons currently
inhabiting the struggling, sinking city. Matching wits with the
evil queen, battling live-giving rocks, Hercules escapes. Don't
you wish you were that lucky? (Also known as _Hercules and the
Conquest of Atlantis_.)
413 9/19/92 Manhunt in Space (General Hospital #1)
Pre: Servo is color blind
Inventions: MS: "Utne Reade" Neo-Salon Bean Bag Pants
J: Paper recyled clothes
Skits: Soap opera
"Space" modifier
Winky visits
Calls from home
Post: Crow is guitar, Servo is amp/Mads can't get up
Credits: Winky: Michael J. Nelson
414 9/26/92 Tormented
re: Crow, Servo and Gypsy in ventilation shaft
Inventions: J: Aunt C/Katherine Wheel MS: Drinking Jacket
Skits: Joel's fallen from shaft
Pop singers to drop from a lighthouse
'Bots are bodiless
Post: Happy thoughts and good things
415 11/25/92 The Beatniks (General Hospital #2)
Pre: Rock, Scissors, Paper
Inventions: MS: Good luck Troll Costumes J: Pocket Pool
Skits: These people aren't beatniks!
Tont Travis: Teen-bot idol
I'm Going to Make You a Star!
Post: Is "dickweed" a swear word? Crow in moon mode.
416 11/25/92 Fire Maidens of Outer Space
Pre: Proper Posture--Crow's New Friend Timmy
Inventions: MS: The Big Checkbook J: Nike Airchilada
Skits: Double Entendre
The Twin-Screw Universal Controller
Timmy - He's got to go
Post: They're still sitting around!--letter--Timmy finds a new home
Credits: Timmy: Jef Maynard
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream":
More film flop. Fantastically abysmal production values
equalled, if not surpassed, by totally outrageous plot. Space
explorers meet a tribe of lost women and a few robots who menace
everything in sight while classical music drones on in the
background. Talk about cultural commitment.
417 11/28/92 Crash of the Moons (General Hospital #3)
Pre: GRIT Salescrow
Inventions: MS: Deep 13 Toothpaste J: Rock 'n Wreck Guitar
Skits: "The Gypsy Moons"
Banner Grams
Another Teleplay by Crow T. Robot
Post: Visit from John Banner
Credits: John Banner: Michael J. Nelson
Additional Music: "The Gypsy Moons" Written and Arranged
by Michael J. Nelson, lyrics by Bridget Jones
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": Another bunch of
Rocky Jones television rejects spliced into a stew of space sap.
418 12/5/92 Attack of the Eye Creatures
Pre: Tom and Crow are *friends*
Inventions: MS: Router Ouiji Board J: Funny Gag Fax
Skits: Tom Servo analyzes "making out"
Earl Holliman!
The Rip Taylor Trio (Because it's FUNNY!)
Post: They just didn't care.
Credits: Larry Buchanan: Michael J. Nelson
Notes: "Larry Buchanan" Profile from Re/Search: Incredibly Strange
Films: "...During the latter half of the sixties, Buchanan was
hired by AIP to make eight made-for-television movies-- for which
he is best remembered. The first, The Eye Creatures, is a remake of
the Ed L. Cahn sci-fi comedy, The Invasion of the Saucer Men. Most
of ths subsequent AIP-television films were also remakes of
previous AIP films, among them: Creature of Destruction, Year 2889,
and the unforgettable Mars Needs Women.
"These films were made on the lowest budgets imaginable. Some
of them used the same rubber monster costume. The most meorable is
Zontar, The Thing from Venus, a remake of Roger Corman's 1956
classic It Conquered the World...
"Buchanan is noteworthy for his paranoia. A firm believer in
almost any conspiracy theory, he's made several movies purporting
to tell the "truth" about subjects that the government (or
Hollywood) have hushed up... [Down On Us], manages to ties the
deaths of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison into a weird
anti-rock conspiracy plot."
419 12/12/92 The Rebel Set (Johnny at the Fair)
Pre: Joel reads scarey bedtime stories
Inventions: MS: TV's Frank's Quick Primp Kit
J: Paint-by-number Mark Rathko
Skits: Crow's acting lessons
What would you do in Chicago?
Merritt Stone
Post: Who is Merritt Stone?
Notes: Edward Platt ("The Chief" from "Get Smart" plays a
beatnik criminal mastermind.
420 12/26/92 The Human Duplicators
Pre: Redesigning the 'bots/Mads have the sillies
Inventions: J: Beanie-Chopper (should have gone through the roof)
MS: William Conrad Fridge Alert
Skits: Spaceship craft project
Servo duplicates himself
Hugh Beaumont attacks
Post: 'Bots admit to being robots
Credits: Hugh Beaumont: Michael J. Nelson
William Conrad: Kevin Murphy
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": A scientist sets up a
mad lab to create a race of androids. Enter a giant from space to
lend a not-so-helpful hand in the project and things get
interesting (hopefully).
421 1/9/93 Monster A-Go-Go (Circus on Ice)
Pre: Blessed are the Cheesemakers
Inventions: MS: Johnny Long Torso J: Non-violent Action Figures
Skits: Gypsy doesn't "get" Crow.
Keep-away.
That Pina Colada Song
Post: Tom, the Hap-py King!
Notes: "Monster A-Go-Go" is credited to Bill Rebane, but the truth is
far more EVIL!!!!
Herschell Gordon Lewis made his mark by inventing the Gore film in
the early 60's with "Blood Feast", "2000 Maniacs", and "Color Me
Blood Red". But he made lots of films for Southern drive-ins,
and one of these was a little hillbilly action flick called
"Moonshine Mountain". He needed to get the film out fairly quickly,
but he also needed a second feature for it. He searched around and
found that Bill Rebane had been making a film called "Terror At
Half Bay", and had run out of money. Lewis bought it, and
discovered he had 100,000 feet of nothing. Some sequences were done
but there was very little connecting footage. He shot closeups of
hands, feet, people walking down halls, ANYTHING to get this one to
hang together. He redid the dialogue <such as it was> and added the
crummy narration. Using the name "Sheldon Seymour", Lewis did the
new dialogue, narration, and editing. Dubbing it "Monster-A-Go-Go",
he foisted this puswad onto the public, and it actually did quite
well down south, with "Moonshine Mountain".
422 1/16/93 The Day the Earth Froze (Here Comes the Circus)
Pre: Family Portrait
Inventions: J: Snaction MS: Unhappy meals
Skits: Ideas for a Clown Act
What, I implore you, is a sampo?
Gypsy: A One-Woman Show
Post: Delicately wafting scents borne by the wind--letter
Credits: "Gypsy Rose Me" Written and Arranged by
Michael J. Nelson, lyrics by Mary Jo Pehl
Notes: From "Horrors from Screen to Scream": A Swedish fantasy
with some fine photographic wonders but a mixed bag of a plot.
Hampered by a low budget and wooden characters, the film should
appeal to the kids. A witch orders the sun not to rise and earth
is turned into a ball of ice. Valiant heroes and a machine known
as the "sampo" combat this Wizard of Oz reject.
--- Michael Grubb
423 Bride of the Monster (Hired!)
Pre: Watching Crow's dream
Inventions: MS: Tough Love Seat J: Microwave Faith Popcorn
Skits: "Hired!" by the SOL Community Players
Monsters of the Sea
A World Without Advertising
Post: Re-edit of the final scene--letter
Credits: Camera: John Finley
"Hired! Song" written and arranged by Micheal J. Nelson,
Kevin Murphy
This episode dedicated to the spirit of
William A. Murphy. Thanks, Dad.
424 Manos: Hands of Fate (Hired!)
Pre: Wonderful Joel
Inventions: MS: Chocolate Bunny Guillotine J: The Cartuner
Skits: The scenic tour
Frank apologizes
Scary exaggerated features
Joel: the Master of Darkness
Forrester apologizes
Post: Lady wrestling game/Torgo's pizza delivery