TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: BY POPULAR DEMAND ... APES, ABOVE & BENEATH

Collectible Time: Beneath the Planet of the Apes & Rocketship X-M Poster Reproductions

 

Magnificent Mel has gifted me another eccentric delight: a 11" x 17" reproduction of a primary Beneath the Planet of the Apes poster.  

Not only is James Franciscus, Charlton Heston and Linda Harrison featured, but (in larger formats) James Gregory and Natalie Trundy.

I adore the Apes franchise. Beneath is an acclaimed follow-up for good reason, and anything associated with it (and the ongoing series in general) stays close to my dystopian heart. 

For a swell, science-fiction supplement, Mel also surprised me with a 11" x 17" Rocketship X-M reproduction poster: a print that I had years ago, but alas, it ended up damaged. 

As with Beneath, Rocketship X-M is another of my favorites and its promotional graphics feature headliners Lloyd Bridges, Hugh O'Brien, John Emery, Osa Massen and Noah Berry Jr. Yeah, talk about star power, and well before a number of them were even higher-echelon celebrities. 

Rocketship X-M is more of a Mars expedition flick than a moon-landing one, thus distinguishing it from the movie that rushed it into production, Destination Moon. (In my estimation, both movies are pretty darn cool.) 

I thank Mel for bringing out the starry-eyed kid in me once again!

RIP, GREGORY SIERRA...

You were a personable and familiar face on television and the big screen, impressing my childhood with your portrayal of Julio Fuentes on the smash sitcom, Sanford and Son. 

You were also a regular on Barney Miller and Soap, as well as making strong impressions on The Mod Squad; Kung Fu; The X-Files; All in the Family, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air; Zorro and Son; Something is Out There; and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

On the feature route, you covered Beneath the Planet of the Apes; The Clones; Honey, I Blew Up the Kid; John Carpenter's Vampires; Papillon; The Culpepper Cattle Co.; Machismo: 40 Graves for 40 Guns; Wrath of God; the Castaway Cowboy; Red Sky Morning; Weekend of Terror; The Towering Inferno; The Thief Who Came to Dinner; The Laughing Policeman; Let's Get Harry; The Night They Took Miss Beautiful; The Trouble With Spies; Goodnight Jackie; Mean Dog Blues; A Low Down Dirty Shame; and Ray Bradbury's The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit. 

You were an actor I always sought out, Mr. Sierra: a great guy of great talent. Your passing touches a special part of my heart, and forever in my heart, you'll remain. 

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: APES #1 & #2

RIP NATALIE TRUNDY...

You made monumental, science-fiction history by starring in four of the original "Planet of the Apes" adventures for your diligent spouse, Arthur P. Jacobs: "Beneath", "Escape from", "Conquest of" and "Battle for", playing a mutant, a compassionate, human scientist and Caesar's mate, Lisa.

You also occupied "The Careless Years", "A Girl Can Tell", "The Monte Carlo Story", "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation", "Walk Like a Dragon", "Huckleberry Finn '74" and such television series as "Bonanza", "Quincy", "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour", "Thriller", "Climax!" and "The Twilight Zone".

Your arresting aura was always recognizable, no matter the disguise, and your performances empathetic and touching throughout. 

May your kind soul now grace dear Heaven, while your legacy continues to grow upon this Earth.