Ray Bradbury • Interview (Close Encounters/Space Travel/Poetry) • 1978 [RITY Archive] 

Witness genius. OrsonBean was no slouch either. Thanks for posting.

This clip really captures what a huge, mindblowing cultural phenomenon "Close Encounters" was, definitely as big as "Star Wars" had been six months earlier. It was the one-two punch of Star Wars and Close Encounters (Lucas/Spielberg) that really defined that year of 77-78. You heard the Close Encounters theme as much as you heard the Star Wars theme. But even at 8 years old, I was WAY more blown away by "Close Encounters" than I ever was by "Star Wars". I watched Star Trek every night, watching Star Wars wasn't THAT far removed from Star Trek. But "Close Encounters" was DAZZLING. And Ray Bradbury is definitely demonstrating that feeling everybody had about that movie. Spielberg's hippest film, no question about it.

Good Afternoon @ReelinInTheYears66, VIDEO REQUEST: Simon Oakland was an American actor who was born on August 28, 1915, and passed away on August 29, 1983. He appeared in numerous films, stage plays, and television shows throughout his career. Here are some key points about Simon Oakland: - Oakland had a distinctive voice and often portrayed tough, no-nonsense characters. - He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during his career, including "Psycho" (1960), "West Side Story" (1961), and "Bullitt" (1968). - Oakland gained popularity for his role as Chief Ironside's loyal friend and assistant, Detective Sergeant Sam Erskine, in the television series "Ironside" (1967-1975). - He also had recurring roles in TV shows such as "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" and "Baretta." - In addition to his acting career, Oakland was also involved in labor union activities and served as the president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) from 1973 to 1975. - Simon Oakland's contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a talented and versatile actor. And Kenneth Tobey (1917-2002) was an American actor best known for his work in science fiction and horror films. Here are some key points about Kenneth Tobey: 1. Early Life and Career: Kenneth Tobey was born on March 23, 1917, in Oakland, California. He attended Oakland Technical High School and later studied drama at the College of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. 2. Notable Film Roles: Tobey appeared in numerous films throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include: - "The Thing from Another World" (1951): In this classic science fiction film, Tobey played the role of Captain Patrick Hendry, the leader of a group of scientists and military personnel who encounter an alien creature in the Arctic. - "It Came from Beneath the Sea" (1955): Tobey starred as Commander Pete Mathews, a naval officer who battles a giant radioactive octopus attacking San Francisco. - "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" (1953): He portrayed Colonel Jack Evans, a military officer who must confront a prehistoric dinosaur awakened by atomic bomb testing. - "The Howling" (1981): Tobey had a supporting role in this popular horror film about a journalist investigating a series of murders committed by werewolves. 3. Television Career: In addition to his work in films, Tobey also had a successful career in television. He appeared in numerous TV shows, including "Perry Mason," "Gunsmoke," "The Twilight Zone," and "The Rockford Files." 4. Later Life: Tobey continued acting well into his later years, appearing in both film and television projects. He also made appearances at sci-fi and horror conventions, where he interacted with fans of his work. 5. Legacy: Kenneth Tobey's contributions to the science fiction and horror genres have made him a beloved figure among fans. His roles in iconic films such as "The Thing from Another World" and "It Came from Beneath the Sea" have cemented his status as a memorable actor in these genres. These are just a few highlights from the career of Kenneth Tobey, an actor who left a lasting impact on the world of science fiction and horror films.

Good Afternoon @ReelinInTheYears66, VIDEO REQUEST: Kenneth Jesse Tobey was an extremely prolific American actor who performed in hundreds of productions during a career that spanned more than half a century, including his role as the star of the 1957-1960 Desilu Productions TV series Whirlybirds. AND Simon Oakland was an American actor of stage, screen, and television. During his career, Oakland performed primarily on television, appearing in over 130 series and made-for-television movies between 1951 and 1983.