Welcome Galactic Castaways, this is Alpha Control the podcast about Irwin Allen’s classic 1960’s Sci-Fi Adventure television series LOST IN SPACE. Listen to a comprehensive review of one episode of the show per podcast! We also release special shows and interviews focusing on subjects directly related to Lost in Space. Alpha Control is an interesting, fun walk down memory lane with two fans who grew up watching Lost in Space that finally get the opportunity to share their knowledge and love of the show with a wider audience.
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EPISODE SYNOPSIS: We welcome back AGAIN a very special friend of the Alpha Control Podcast; the “Artist-Laureate” of Irwin Allen’s original Lost in Space - Mr. RON GROSS. Ron is an incredibly talented & prolific graphic artist who is skilled in both traditional and digital rendering techniques. Many of his beautiful creations employ a distinctive hybrid production methodology that he personally developed. Ron's Lost in Space related works include assorted box art illustrations for both Polar Lights and Moebius Models. In association with Kevin Burns of Synthesis Entertainment, Ron also designed the official 45th and 50th Lost in Space anniversary logos. Fans of the series are most familiar with his stunning calendars & poster art based on the original Irwin Allen television properties. As well as an officially licensed - Limited-Edition Lost in Space Deluxe Trading Card set from Monsterwax, featuring his own dazzling Artwork, as well as a fascinating series ‘In Universe’ storyline released in 2019.
RON’S BIO: Ron grew up in Aurora Illinois and resides in the greater Chicago area to this day. After retiring from a distinguished career as a Sales Executive, Ron's fully devoted himself to his passion for creating art. When we spoke with Ron last time, we focused on his THEN “newly-released” book, "Fantasy Worlds Beyond: The Irwin Allen Art of Ron Gross". Published in Spring 2021, this beautiful Art Book burnished his well-deserved fame among serious Lost in Space aficionados. Now Ron has followed up his many accomplishments, with yet another fantastic project: his newly released book, "Lost in Space: The Initial Adventures." More than 5 decades in the making, this richly illustrated novelization of the multi-episode story arc that launched series contains a variety of "lost scenes” throughout - as well as Ron’s own speculative exploration of the mysteriously planned, but never developed sixth episode of the story arc titled; “Refuge of the Damned”. A topic that has intrigued Lost in Space fans for years.
So, today we’re going to speak in-depth with Ron about his fabulous New Book & how he managed to make this childhood passion a reality. So, sit back, relax & enjoy “ACT IV” of our compelling ongoing conversation with gifted Lost in Space graphic artist & author Mr. Ron Gross.
PODCAST INFO: This interview was conducted on 25 APR 2022.
Special - Calling Alpha Control: DR. STEVEN D BLOOM PART II
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 • Duration 01:10:12
CALLING ALPHA CONTROL:DR. STEVEN D. BLOOM PART II
EPISODE SYNOPSIS: We welcome a special guest to Alpha Control; Dr. Steven D. Bloom. As well as being a big fan of LIS & Science Fiction in general, Steve is the author of a fascinating book titled, The Physics and Astronomy of Science Fiction. Published in 2016 by McFarland; the book explores a wide range of Sci-Fi Movies, TV series, Books & Short Stories by exploring their underlying concepts of physics & astronomy. Written for those of us who are NOT real ‘rocket scientists’, Steve’s entertaining & highly readable book assesses the accuracy and plausibility of many of the complex concepts that often appear in science fiction, such as Interstellar Travel, Time Travel, Teleportation, Robots, Alien Life as well as other genre fixtures.
STEVE’S BIO: Steve Bloom grew up in the New York City suburbs where in the early 1970’s he would rush home from his neighborhood school to watch re-runs of Lost in Space. There began his love for science and astronomy in particular. Later, he would go on to major in Astrophysics at Columbia University and then earned his Ph.D. in Astronomy from Boston University in 1994. After that, he continued doing research as a post-doctoral fellow at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center located outside Washington DC in Greenbelt, MD and then at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. Today Dr. Bloom is a professor of physics and astronomy at Hampden-Sydney College, located near Farmville, Virginia, where he lives with his wife, daughter and cat.
As I mentioned last time, when we got together to record, Steve was VERY generous with his time! Which is why I decided to split our conversation into TWO Special Calling Alpha Controlinterviews. Today, we’ll pick up the discussion where we left off last time, talking about LIS & Steve’s wonderfully informative book on the “science of science fiction”. I think you’ll be both delighted & amazed by some of what you learn in this interview. So, sit back, relax & enjoy Part II of this intriguing conversation with DOCTOR STEVEN D. BLOOM.
PODCAST INFO: This interview was conducted on 6 JAN 2022.
35 - The Prisoners of Space
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 • Duration 02:08:31
The Prisoners of Space
EPISODE SYNOPSIS: The Earth People are indicted by the Galaxy Tribunal of Justice for crimes committed in space. Their camp-site is enclosed by an energized fence keeping them all prisoner. They are summoned, one at a time, to answer charges. A visual memory machine recounts all their adventures to date. Smith, afraid of being found out, tries to escape but is forced to return by the Robot. The Tribunal eventually finds the Robinsons not guilty but Smith guilty on all counts. While the Tribunal is debating his punishment, the Robinsons think of a way to save him by declaring him insane. The Tribunal accepts this defense and orders Smith for the future to be placed in the custody of the Robot.
PRODUCTION OVERVIEW-Writer: Barney Slater, Director: Nathan Juran, Producer: William D. Faralla, Executive Producer: Irwin Allen.
Film dates: 5 – 11 Aug 1966 (5 days), Air date: Wednesday October 19, 1966 (no summer release)
PODCAST SYNOPSIS: Intro-Welcome, Production Notes, Show review, Next Week Preview, Outro. This podcast was recorded on 2/7/2021.
EPISODE SYNOPSIS: Marvello and his Space Circus arrive. They stage a performance for the benefit of the Robinsons and discover that Will has unexpected clairvoyant powers. Marvello would like to take the boy with him as part of his troupe, and Smith, eager to exploit the situation to his benefits arranges to be the boy’s manager. He meddles with the Robinsons’ food purification machine, leaving them only four days’ food supply and makes Will believe that he should sacrifice himself to make one less mouth to feed.
PRODUCTION OVERVIEW-Writer: Bob and Wanda Duncan, Director: Harry Harris, Producer: William D. Faralla, Executive Producer: Irwin Allen.
Film dates: 28-04 Jul-Aug 1966 (6 days), Air date: Wednesday October 12, 1966 (no summer release)
PODCAST SYNOPSIS: Intro-Welcome, Production Notes, Show review, Next Week Preview, Outro. This podcast was recorded on 11 NOV 2020
Special - Calling Alpha Control: JEFF BOND 3.0 Part II
Wednesday, October 21, 2020 • Duration 01:30:59
EPISODE SYNOPSIS: We welcome back Lost in Space Music expert Mr. Jeff Bond to Alpha Control for an exclusive interview. Jeff is an accomplished Author, Music Critic & Album Producer. He’s written several books on Sci-Fi related topics including The Music of Star Trek, The Art of Star Trek: The Kelvin Timeline, The World of Orville & of course THE FANTASY WORLDS OF IRWIN ALLEN; the deluxe 600+ page limited edition coffee table book which takes readers on a visual journey through the mind and career of legendary producer Irwin Allen. Notably for us, Jeff along with his colleague Neil Bulk was Album Producer on the beautiful LOST in SPACE 50th Anniversary Soundtrack Collection, released in 2015. In addition, in 2018 he co-produced again with Neil Bulk, a 4-disc LOTG 50th Anniversary Soundtrack collection. Now his latest project; which he teased for us last time; the definitive 4-disc Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea; Original Television Soundtrack Collection which was recently released in early summer 2020.
JEFF’S BIO: Mr. Bond is originally from Ohio & studied Creative Writing at Bowling Green State University after which he pursued his career as a movie magazine reporter. Jeff’s knowledge of film & TV music scores & their creators dates back to the 1990’s when he served as senior editor for Film Score Monthly. As a free-lance writer he has written articles for The Hollywood Reporter, Geek Monthly and Cinefantastique magazine. From 2003 to 2006, Jeff served as Senior Editor at CFQ, the later-day revival of Cinefantastique. In addition, he has written hundreds of movie and television soundtrack liner note booklets as an editor for GNP Crescendo Records, Varèse Sarabande Records & La-La Land Records. In 2012 he shared an IFMCA Award nomination for Star Trek: TOS Soundtrack collection & won the shared 2012 Award for Star Trek: TMP (expanded soundtrack) in the category of Best Archival Release of an Existing Score, for his work as producer & liner notes author.
As you know, when we got together to record, Jeff was extremely generous with his time & covered a lot of material. Which is why I decided to split our conversation into TWO Special Calling Alpha Control interviews. In part one of our conversation, we spoke with Jeff about his beautiful new book on the Art & Visual Effects of ST-TMP. . as well as some of his fascinating upcoming projects. So, strap into Flying Sub & get ready to enjoy Part II of this power-packed interview with .
Special - Calling Alpha Control: JEFF BOND 3.0 Part I
Wednesday, September 23, 2020 • Duration 49:00
Special - Calling Alpha Control: JEFF BOND
EPISODE SYNOPSIS: We welcome Back Lost in Space Music expert Mr. Jeff Bond to Alpha Control for an exclusive interview. Jeff is an accomplished Author, Music Critic & Album Producer. He’s written several books on Sci-Fi related topics including The Music of Star Trek, The Art of Star Trek: The Kelvin Timeline, The World of Orville & of course THE FANTASY WORLDS OF IRWIN ALLEN; the deluxe 600+ page limited edition coffee table book which takes readers on a visual journey through the mind and career of legendary producer Irwin Allen. Notably for us, Jeff along with his colleague Neil Bulk was Album Producer on the beautiful LOST in SPACE 50th Anniversary Soundtrack Collection, released in 2015. In addition, in 2018 he co-produced again with Neil Bulk, a 4-disc LOTG 50th Anniversary Soundtrack collection. Now his latest project; which he teased for us last time; the definitive 4-disc Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea; Original Television Soundtrack Collection which was recently released in early summer 2020.
JEFF’S BIO: Mr. Bond is originally from Ohio & studied Creative Writing at Bowling Green State University after which he pursued his career as a movie magazine reporter. Jeff’s knowledge of film & TV music scores & their creators dates back to the 1990’s when he served as senior editor for Film Score Monthly. As a free-lance writer he has written articles for The Hollywood Reporter, Geek Monthly and Cinefantastique magazine. From 2003 to 2006, Jeff served as Senior Editor at CFQ, the later-day revival of Cinefantastique. In addition, he has written hundreds of movie and television soundtrack liner note booklets as an editor for GNP Crescendo Records, Varèse Sarabande Records & La-La Land Records. In 2012 he shared an IFMCA Award nomination for Star Trek: TOS Soundtrack collection & won the shared 2012 Award for Star Trek: TMP (expanded soundtrack) in the category of Best Archival Release of an Existing Score, for his work as producer & liner notes author.
Just like the last time he was on the show; Jeff was extremely generous with his time. In fact, the focus of this interview was supposed to be Jeff’s new VTTBOTS Soundtrack, however I couldn’t resist asking about his recently published book; '; it’s a film I’ve been fascinated with since it premiered back in 1979. So, before I knew it, we’d done an entire show without talking about the Voyage soundtrack. As a result, I’ve decided to split our conversation into TWO Special Calling Alpha Control interviews. In this one, we’ll talk about his beautiful new Star Trek coffee table book & I’ll save the Voyage discussion for a future episode, so stay tuned for that. But, for now, sit back relax & enjoy this First of TWO power-packed interviews with Author & Soundtrack Producer Jeff Bond.
Special - Calling Alpha Control: LUBLINER & CLARK
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 • Duration 01:11:02
Special - Calling Alpha Control: PAUL LUBLINER & MIKE CLARK
EPISODE SYNOPSIS: We welcome BACK our old friend & LIS Super Aficionado Mr. Mike Clark & he’s accompanied today by his friend & colleague Mr. Paul Lubliner to Alpha Control for an exclusive interview. Both Mike & Paul have been life-long fans of the Fantasy Worlds that Irwin Allen created on his 1960’s TV series. Today they are well known to the LIS fan community for collaborating on the fantastic documentary film, ‘RESTORING THE GEMINI 12’. The film which Mr. Clark produced in 2016 has over 400,000 views on YouTube & it chronicles Paul’s amazing work restoring to original condition, the 50 year-old 4 foot filming miniature of the Robinson’s Spacecraft that was used to produce special effects shots for the unaired pilot ‘No Place to Hide’. After LIS was picked up by CBS in 1965, much of that SFX footage would be recycled in several episodes of LIS & the Gemini 12 would be re-designated as the Jupiter 2.
Recently, Paul & Mike have teamed up again for a new documentary film that takes the story of the Gemini 12 Model to a whole other level-literally! That film titled ‘RELAUNCHING THE GEMINI 12’, is being released on YouTube in 3 parts over a few weeks in August of 2020 & it documents their effort to recreate one of the most iconic special effect sequences ever seen on LIS using virtually the same technics that were used to produce the original shots! The film is a story of challenges, setbacks & unrelenting determination to do what at times seemed an almost impossible task & it’s created using the same high-quality production values that made their 1st documentary a treat to watch.
MIKE'S BIO: Mike Clark has had a long career in television on the camera & production side of things. He also had a 15-year career as a feature writer for the classic Sci-Fi Film/TV magazine STARLOG. During his career he’s had the opportunity to interview most of the original cast members & some of the behind the scenes creators of LIS, including Irwin Allen himself. As a result, he’s become something of a recognized expert on the classic series. So much so that, Mike was featured as the main facilitator of the Cast Commentaries ‘Special features’ that are included on the incredible LIS: The Complete Adventures Blu-Ray set. Today Mike resides in Southern California running his own video production company Clark Media Productions.
33 - Forbidden World
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 • Duration 01:48:45
FORBIDDEN WORLD
EPISODE SYNOPSIS: Evading a missile sent after them by the Cyborgs they have just escaped, the Robinsons crash-land on another planet. Smith, Will and the Robot are captured by an alien, Tiabo, and taken prisoner. Tiabo tells them that an army of thousands is mobilizing against them. When he leaves, allegedly to report to his superiors, they escape and go back to warn the others. Smith, who has been drinking copiously from a small keg, discovers that the liquid contained a high explosive. He has become a walking bomb. Will returns to Tiabo to plead for and antidote and discovers that the Alien’s story was invented to frighten them away. He is the only inhabitant of the planet. Will assures him that they are leaving shortly and returns with the antidote just in time to save Smith from being detonated by the Robot to save the rest of the expedition
PRODUCTION OVERVIEW-Writer: Barney Slater, Director: Don Richardson, Producer: William D. Faralla, Executive Producer: Irwin Allen.
Film dates: 20-27 JUL 1966 (6 days), Air date: Wednesday October 5, 1966 (May 24, 1967)
PODCAST SYNOPSIS: Intro-Welcome, Production Notes, Show review, Next Week Preview, Outro. This podcast was recorded on 05/10/2020
EPISODE SYNOPSIS: We welcome Sci-Fi & horror Movie music expert Mr. DAVID SCHECTER to Alpha Control for a special interview. David is a highly accomplished & widely published writer/ editor, as well as a music, book & film critic. Since the mid 1990’s, he’s also been a producer, writer, publicist, and co-owner of the acclaimed CD label Monstrous Movie Music; specializing in soundtracks from classic science fiction & horror films. Over the course of his professional career, David’s formed friendships with several personalities of interest to Lost in Space & Sci-Fi fans including composer Herman Stein & actress Francine York among others.
DAVID’S BIO: Mr. Schecter is originally from New Jersey. David graduated from University of Colorado, Boulder with a degree in Anthropology. His goal early on was to get into show business writing comedy & he later studied screenwriting & advertising copywriting at UCLA. Professionally, David cut his teeth as a copywriter for American Greeting Cards company, which started him on a decades-long career writing copy for numerous toy companies, book publishers, licensed characters & comedians. Later branching out into other writing fields, David became known as one of the best ‘gag writers’ in the business, David’s humorous articles & cartoons have been published in several newspapers & periodicals including The Milwaukee Journal, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Sacramento Union, Parade, Reader’s Digest as well as countless others. He also worked on several Hollywood memoirs, wrote four comedy screenplays, a TV pilot & a Novel for young readers.
After making the jump to the music business, David’s become recognized for his extensive knowledge of classic Sci-Fi & Horror film music. As such, he’s done special feature commentaries & interviews for numerous DVD/Blu-Ray releases such as; The Monster That Challenged the World, Tarantula, The Mole People, The Monolith Monsters & The Deadly Mantis among many others. In addition, he’s written extensively about the subject for various magazines & contributed to books including; The Creature Chronicles, Bride of the Gorilla, The Indestructible Man, and Universal Terrors 1951-1955.
32 - The Ghost Planet
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 • Duration 01:47:46
The Ghost Planet
EPISODE SYNOPSIS: The Jupiter is drawn irresistibly into the orbit of a strange planet. It is inhabited entirely by Cyborgs under the control of a gigantic Cybernetic Brain. The Cyborgs want to capture the Castaways and use them as slave workers. Smith is gullible enough to leave the spaceship, followed by Will. The Robot, who has been sent to reconnoiter the situation, swears allegiance to the Cyborgs and is set in charge of Will and Smith who are put to work on an assembly line. However, he is really waiting his chance to rescue them and helps the family make a fast getaway with the Cyborgs in hot, but vain, pursuit.
PRODUCTION OVERVIEW-Writer: Peter Packer, Director: Nathan Juran, Producer: William D Faralla, Executive Producer: Irwin Allen.
Film dates: 11-19 July 1966 (6 and 1/4 days), Air date: Wednesday September 28, 1966 (May 17,1967)
PODCAST SYNOPSIS: Intro-Welcome, Production Notes, Show review, Next Week Preview, Outro-Goodbye. This podcast was recorded on 18 April, 2020
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we’ll speak with Jeff about this latest Auditory Adventure into the Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen & take a ‘crash dive course’ into the composers & some of the notable original music cues & themes they
scored throughout the four season run of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
Author & Soundtrack Producer Mr. Jeff Bond
PODCAST INFO: This interview was conducted on 3 SEP 2020.
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea; Original Television Soundtrack Collection Page:
PAULS' BIO: Paul Lubliner is the CEO of Highliners, producer of highly detailed scale model train kits & parts, which he founded over 30 years ago in San Diego. The company is renowned by model railroad enthusiasts world-wide for their quality & scale accuracy. Paul has used his expertise as a master model maker & skilled fabricator of miniature parts for model trains to pursue another passion; restoring classic Irwin Allen film miniatures including the original 4' Seaview model, the 2 wood patterns for the Flying Sub and of course, the original Gemini 12 miniature. Paul also created the screen-accurate 8-foot Seaview model replica used in Kevin Burns’ TV-documentary ‘THE FANTASY WORLDS of IRWIN ALLEN’. For the new 3-part documentary series, RELAUNCHING THE GEMINI 12, Paul constructed a duplicate 1:1 scale Gemini 12 replica; complete with spinning radar, fusion core & Lydecker tubes for inserting guidewires, just like the original model used by LB Abbott’s Fox special effects crew in 1965.
We’ll talk more with our guests about that replica & what it was used for, as well as lot of other fascinating details about their new film project. You’re in for a real treat for the ears, so sit back relax and enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Paul Lubliner & Mike Clark.
PODCAST INFO: This interview was conducted on 29 MAY 2020.
Over the course of his career as a writer, editor, producer & reviewer, Mr. Schecter has been honored with several awards & accolades including two Rondo Awards; one for his writing & the other for his music producing. We’re going to speak with David about his love for classic Sci-Fi film scores & some of the lesser known genius composers who created it, including his longtime friend Herman Stein. He’s also collected a treasure trove of fascinating stories & anecdotes thru his writing career & association with luminaries such as actress Francine York. So, sit back & enjoy this engaging interview the amazing David Schecter!
PODCAST INFO: This interview was conducted on 18 FEB 2020.
