EXTRA! MIDNITE EDITION
As we rushed toward press time, all info about the STAR TREK CONVENTION was not yet finalized. So we have only a sample. We present it all in the present tense for the benefit of those MONSTER TIMES purchasers at the convention, who may refer to yon list of festivities as a reminder, from time to time, should they misplace their program books, and wish to keep in heed the events.
You newsstand purchasers who missed the convention, please bear with this present-tense article on something past. With a bit of patient imagination, the thrill of the ST-CON (and time travel) can be yours!
Here Goes…
The STAR TREK CONVENTION takes place at the Statler-Hilton Hotel in New York City, January 21, 22 & 23. A never-ending abundant flow of persons, places, things and happenings indigestibly inundate the whole quality and imagination-glutted affair. Madness and chaos prevail, hero-worship and adulation radiate from the halls and waft from the rafters. Trekkie-eyed fans and fanatical-eyed Trekkies (girl STAR TREK groupies) partake in zealous idolatries and ecstacies. And then, of course, there’s the regularly scheduled program:
There Be…
Two of science fiction’s most reputable (albeit pleasantly talkative) authors, Isaac (Ike) Asimov and Hal Clement head the list of special guest speakers. Before thine very own bloodshot eyeballs and with thine own numbed eardrums behold Dr. Asimov speak on Mr. Spock to a Dr. Spock-reared generation. And Hal Clement doth expoundeth wittily on the STAR TREK Universe – which sort of resembles our own.
AND…
STAR TREK’S producer, Gene Roddenberry, formally stated that he will attend, along with his wife, Majel Barret, who played nurse Christine Chapel on STAR TREK.
AND…
D.C. Fontana, who co-authored the STAR TREK RULE BOOK of writing for the series, as well as contributing to many episodes, and writing “The Enterprise Incident” segment, as well as other scripts, gives a nifty talk on the show. She traces the history of the show, the development of the continual plot chain, and what the entire epic series leaves behind as a legacy.
AND…
The famous STAR TREK BLOOPER REEL of flubs and goofs which took place before the rolling cameras is featured at a special film showing, which also includes various great segments of the show.
AND…
An enterprisingly mammoth ART EXHIBIT contains not only STAR TREK artwork, but art and illustrations concerning science fiction, comic books, and all like that. Much of the art for sale.
AND…
There’s an exhibit of authentic STAR TREK props and costumes (including the items presented in this issue of THE MONSTER TIMES). Also brandished before your very eyes, the costume of Klattu (Michael Rennie), the extra-terrestrial visitor from THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL – which is relative to STAR TREK in that Klattu was portrayed very much like the Vulcan, Spock – a man of peace and logic. And was promptly killed by the U.S. Army.
AND…
Lo and behold! There be a huge Hucksters’ Trading Room, at which photos, mementos from the show, photostats, film clips and original photos of the stars are for sale, as well as copies of a myriad of fan zines pertaining to STAR TREK.
AND…
A tempestuous, terrific, authentic AUCTION verily doth be held. Droves of demented fiendish fans thereat shell out willing wads of daffy dollars and covivial coin for STAR TREK memorabilia, including photos, film clips, models, badges, buttons, books and other fantastic frivilosities.
AND…
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are presenting a photo-model montage of the space program up-to-date, and the effect that STAR TREK and 2001 had in getting NASA its crucial budget increase and enabled the U.S. to get the first men on the moon.
AND…
Bet you didn’t know STAR TREK was partly responsible for the real space program actually exploring space! But it’s true – interest was generated in science fiction, science, and real space travel by STAR TREK and 2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY right at a crucial time when Congress was to foolishly cut back on NASA’s budget. So much public interest was generated by STAR TREK and 2001 that the tide was turned, and NASA not only got its necessary budget, but an increase in expenditures, saving the space program, and getting us on the moon with relative (economic) ease. Now, how do you like that?