Producer Irwin Allen is known for several hit movies and TV shows, namely the 1972 epic feature film, The Poseidon Adventure, and the original Lost in Space series. This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the beloved sci-fi show, which initially aired on CBS from 1965 to 1968.
A Closer Look
Since its debut in the 1960s, Lost in Space has been rebooted for both the small and big screen. The original series starred Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen, Billy Mumy, Jonathan Harris, Mark Goddard, and the Robot (played by Bob May, voiced by Dick Tufeld, who doubled as the show’s narrator).
Not a massive hit during its initial run, the show has since become a cult classic.
However, according to an article in Yours Retro Magazine, all was not well on the set, particularly because Harris, in playing Doctor Zachary Smith, was a scene stealer. Yours Retro described Harris as “a very experienced, funny, enthusiastic, and sometimes hammy actor,” who seized several opportunities to glow in the spotlight. The actor was even allowed to include his own improvised dialogue.
Several later episodes, Yours Retro continued to report, there was a deliberate focus “on the show’s other stars in a bid to redress the balance, this often backfired, however, as ultimately most of Lost in Space’s best stories tended to be those centered around the boy, Will, played by Billy Mumy and Dr. Smith.”
By 1967, Allen was a busy producer with three TV shows airing simultaneously. As Yours Retro revealed, Allen’s then-newest series, The Time Tunnel, ended that year, and in 1968, it was also decided to end Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. In this way, Allen’s new series, Land of the Giants, would debut that fall.
As Yours Retro magazine conveyed, “Hopes were initially high that Lost in Space would continue into a fourth season.” But ratings began to falter, Allen had a falling out with CBS over budget cuts, and the show was canceled.
“Some of the cast took this [development] better than others,” Yours Retro documented.
“I think that’s for the best at this point,” said June Lockhart, who would later replace Bea Benaderet in the female lead of the CBS Saturday night country comedy, Petticoat Junction. “The show had run its course, and it was enough for all of us.”
In the End
“In contrast,” Yours Retro concluded, “actor Billy Mumy, then just turned 14, promptly burst into tears” upon learning of the demise of Lost in Space. After 83 weekly adventures, the last episode was broadcast in March 1968, and “the Robinsons’ time in space had come to an end.”
Related:
- Former Child Star Angela Cartright Turns 73: ‘Danny Thomas Show’/’Lost in Space’/’Sound of Music’
- TV’s ‘My Three Sons’ Surviving Cast Members Enjoy Reunion at ‘The Hollywood Show’ in Burbank
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This article originally appeared on Newsbreak.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
