~ Never Fear, Smith is Here ~
~ Mumy is the Word as William Tells ~
~ Revelations Of A Pilot's Log ~
~ Body & Soul ~
~ My Place in Space ~
~ A Penny For Your Thoughts ~

Excerpts from Issue 28.

Never Fear, Smith is Here!!

Greetings my Australian friends from California. Let me tell you, during my carer I have done many many plays on Broadway, wonderful plays, wonderful parts. I was very lucky and it takes a great deal of luck. I was in the original Tea House of the August Moon - a wonderful play, with Johnny Forsyth and David Wayne. I was in the original Man, Woman and Child - which was on of the greatest plays ever written. I performed on stage with Marlon Brando, when he was young, very handsome and oh so talented. He still owes me a dollar! Yes he does.

For many years after I came to California I went out to the road and performed in an ensemble show; The Man Who Came to Dinner, a wonderful funny play with a part that is superb. And I was on stage the whole show. At the beginning of the first act, everything I said, the audience roar with glee. Well you know that's an actor's holiday. When one is involved with live people, and one gets an immediate reaction, that is the stage and is very nice. When you write a letter to me, which is another stage, I can feel your friendliness and your warmth. And I like it. And I hope you can feel mine, because I'm extending that.

At all times when I have performed I have abided by and obeyed a set of rules. Rules, ah, yes I do have them. I begin to "psych" myself out in my dressing room while doing the all important make up. I deeply think of him (the Character) and who he is. I found early on in my career, that standing in the wings of the theatre, waiting for my cue, was not enough time for me to walk into character. Hence; the dressing room.

In the theatre, if the commitment half hour was 7:30 p.m. then you can be sure that I was there at 7:00 p.m. This rule has always been obeyed in my life, especially in my film career and now is part of my voice work - always to be early. The concentration is at work. I've always insisted that the script be sent to me before the performance date. That way I can do a lot of work on the part. No matter what the work will consist of, the all important ingredients for a great performance, is the rehearsal. Almost, I've enjoyed the rehearsal period more than the actual performance. I've always treated rehearsals as the actual performance. Remember; as you rehearse - so shall ye play.

Preparation is everything - not for nothing is my reputation as the ultimate "pro". The whole thing is damned serious and not to be taken lightly. I have been lucky enough to be known as "One Take Harris". In my mind, my resolve is absolute - another actor might fluff - but not me; the camera might blow but not me! I have never directed, but I have adored some of my directors (in the Theatre) they were really wonderful and they sparked every ounce of 'theatre-dom" me. It really does pay to watch and learn. And of observing, soon, very soon, you begin to take it in…lovely when it happens. And so that is the stage. Filmwork is different.

In film, you do not control anything, but, on stage, when the curtain goes up, there is no author, no director, no producer, there is only you. And you do it. You may get a laugh, a sigh, a tear or applause, but if an actor is very, very good, he will receive the most important sound of all - total silence. Which is the most wonderful sound in theatre. Everybody's coughing, the walk-ins are quiet and then it is totally still,…and you know you are loved. That is called control. And I do miss that, I will tell you.

I am always asked which do I prefer? Filmwork or the stage? My answer has always been, I prefer whatever project I am working in, at the moment. For those about to act, I hope some of the forgoing will prove helpful, and I wish you a wonderful career.

As always, the true stories are the very best. Until next time I wish you all god health and happiness.

Never fear Smith is here!

Jonathan Harris.
November 17, 2001

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Mumy is the Word as Williams Tells...

As one of the most popular child actors of the sixties, 
Billy Mumy emerged to be a seasoned actor, singer, writer, producer and father... but to millions, he remains the young anchor stone of Lost in Space. 

Especially for Australia; Bill now speaks...

Mark Goddard, the admired actor who portrayed the Dashing Daredevil Pilot - Major Don West of the Jupiter II now writes exclusively for Lost in Space Australia.
Join us now as Major Don West reports:

G'day to all,

I've just come back from three days at a huge (autograph) signing show in Detroit, Michigan with Billy and Angela. It was my third time in Detroit, but Billy's first, did we have a great time. Lots of TV stars were there, folks from Star Trek, Star Wars and Laverne and Shirley. The crowd was huge; 15000 people attended. One fan gave me a black T-shirt with the Lost In Space Carrot man on it - just what I've always wanted. At every convention, I do (and I do one show a month) there are more and more Lost In Space fans ever present, than I've ever seen before.

There is lots of talk about the new Lost In Space pilot. A finished script has been written. I don't know too much about it (except what I read in Alpha Control). When they call me I'll see what the script is like. I guess if it really is about our family being found then it's important that we do it. I think this project will be done.

There's no question in my mind that it won't. It will happen. But the question of how long we'll work on it, and our appearance time - I don't know

Billy Mumy is really optimistic about this. Kevin Burns has a good vision for Lost In Space and I'm sure it will be a good script. It's surprising that a lot of fans know about this TV pilot (last weekend some were saying to me "You really should do it") despite little news about it. However once NBC green lights it and they start casting, it'll be big news. The buzz around us is that Lost In Space may be shot in Australia and I'm excited about that.

After a break, I'm going to try and get the LIS cast to attend a future 'Ray Courts' signing show in North Hollywood by the end of June 2002. At the moment I'm still school teaching, and the holidays are almost upon us. My son John is turning 11 years of age next week. He's a great student; and getting a few straight 'A's - especially with Math. He's also playing a little bit of baseball. My wife is as beautiful as ever, and my mom is now 102!!

Mark Goddard.
May 20, 2002

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BODY AND SOUL - LEND ME YOUR SENSORS

This is the Voice Speaking

The following letter is from Dick Tufeld the voice of the Robinson Robot
and the narrator of LIS.

To all our dear Friends in Australia: Start at September 1965. Now fast forward about 37 years. And we may have something approaching instant replay. Or to be more accurate - how about not so instant replay. But a possible replay nonetheless.

As we write this, writers have been assigned and the search for a director has begun for a made for TV movie version of an updated Lost In Space on NBC with a weekly series a possible objective. A new cast? Yes. Any members of the old cast? If it can be worked out - yes. The old Robot? Yes. Something for Lost in Space fans to get excited about? Sure. Is it definite? No. But might it happen? Yes! And if it does - you can count about 37 years between that first Lost In Space in 1965 (The Reluctant Stowaway, right? Right!) and this possible extended version that might air in 2002.

Now we all know that for many of those 37 years - you guys have been doing what you love to do and what you do best; watching Lost In Space, talking about Lost In Space, reading and writing about Lost In Space, holding conventions about Lost In Space, seeing and discussing and approving and disapproving of the Lost In Space movie, the TV specials and of course, the merchandise. And you're certainly not going to stop now. You're going to do it until you (and we) get it right!.

To facilitate all of that - to help you exploit your opinions, exchange ideas, control your thoughts, to assist you in controlling your depression and euphoria and to serve as the ultimate LIS sounding board - welcome to yet another valued edition of Alpha Control.

I've been the voice of the Robot since that September in 1965. Could not have done it - had all of you not been along for the great ride. I'll continue trying to keep Will Robinson (and Billy Mumy too) away from danger. You guys hang on tight, stay patient and stay impatient…and everybody be well.

My sensors indicate - that really does compute.

My best to all of you

Dick Tufeld
Los Angeles,
California USA
February 2, 2002

Robinson Robot Writes

The following letter is from Bob May
the original actor who internally portrayed the Robinson Robot.

To my fans in Australia: the Robot is thriving here in Los Angeles. The last issue of Alpha Control was perfect - printed exactly as I reported it. I'm proud to have my articles here in the best LIS magazine in the world! At this time we're hoping for the Lost In Space TV project to happen, I hope to God it does son, because we (the LIS cast) all love being together. Believe me, I badly want to get back inside the 'bucket' (so my wife knows where I am) so I can again listen to Jonathan Harris calling me all those names again. (Today he will probably hit me with his cane…God love him.

I know the public wants this TV movie (and follow on series). I believe the public needs it especially after the 9/11 tragedy. I have full confidence in the TV producer, Kevin Burns, if anybody can make this happen he can!

On other news, recently I was on the TV show Tell the truth. It was fun. I've just returned from a MegaCon in Orlando Florida where I appeared with June Lockhart, Marta Kristen & Mark Goddard. Mark and I had a lot of laughs, June is as classy ever, and Marta is more beautiful than before. We all celebrated Marta's birthday last Saturday night - oh what a dinner. Lots of other celebrities were there including little R2D2 (Kenny Baker). The two of us was certainly a photo opportunity.

I've recently appeared at two shows in Los Angeles; 'Frank & Son' and 'Gallifrey Convention' (a Dr Who show but you know the only Doctor I know is called Smith). The people were great and I showed them how to max out their cards (Ha!). I also

appeared at a Batman Convention in Plano, Texas. I was so lucky, I got to sit with Julie Newmar & Yvonne Craig (the girls are beautiful) and other cast of TV's Batman. Did I do business? Well I stole their lines, telling the audience; "Why see a guy in tights? Come on over and see a guy in metal!"

February 18th, 202 was our 41st wedding anniversary with my wife Judy. The last five years she's been trying to give me away at conventions, but she's had no takers. Lots of love and luck - your Robot pal.

Bob May
Los Angeles, U.S.A.
February 26, 2002

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My Place in Space

Marta Kristen, the stunning actress who portrayed the effervescent and beautiful Judy Robinson, now writes especially for Lost In Space Australia.
Join us now as the charming Marta Kristen speaks...

G'Day mates…

I'm here! Yes I'm back in Australia again. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am and how much I am looking forward to meeting you all. I understand this issue of Alpha Control is going to print as I speak, so I will try to explain my ecstatic feelings.
Memories of OZ will be with us always since we were here 1998/9. From the reunion with my brother Seppo, to the bush walks, to the unique animal reserves, to the stunning beaches, to the busy life of Sydney, to the beauty of the Jenolan Caves, to the Aussie hospitality; it was perfect and I'm ready to do it all again.

This time around, I will be visiting Melbourne and the vibrant Gold Coast of Queensland - Kevin is so much looking forward to skin diving along the Great Barrier Reef - I can tell you. My Granddaughter Lena, my daughter Laura and her husband Geoff, are with me as well, and looking abundantly forward to an Aussie Vacation. I'll be perfectly frank with you all, I would like to live part of my life here - yes I would. Everything is so beautiful, and it has always been more than I hoped for or anticipated.

I'm looking forward to meeting you all at my shows…and you better all be there! Thank you for all incredible efforts to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. My husband Kevin has turned into an Sydney Opera fan (!) and little Lena now says "Giday mate!" like a great Aussie.

See you all soon,

All my love,

Marta Kristen.
November 1, 2001

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A Penny For Your Thoughts

Since portraying the pioneering Penny Robinson, actress Angela Cartwright has excelled in television, movies, family and business.  She now gives us thoughtful consideration...

Hi everyone.

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