Forrest J Ackerman's Imagi-Nation

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***No copyright infringement intended*** 
FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND (words and distinctive lettering design) is a registered trademark of Philip Kim.  
I assume no rights to Famous Monsters of Filmland or the likeness of Forrest J Ackerman, but only wish to share my experiences and memories of Mr. Ackerman and share in "Keeping the legacy and vision of Uncle Forry alive and well." 
Please visit the Famous Monsters website at:  http://famousmonsters.com/


"Sci-Fi is Our High!" -- Forry's Legion of Nieces and Nephews

I now come full circle in my story ending where I started with Forry Ackerman.  When Forry passed away one action that helped work out the grief was to share photographs on Facebook that I had taken of himself and surrounding events.

Vincent Price says a few words about Forry.  (Introduction from the Booklet, "Forrest J Ackerman, Famous Monster of Filmland" - 1986 Imagine INC)

I finally came to terms with the "Forry experience" in my life while discussing him with author-friend Rick Atkins and coming to the conclusion Forry and myself were 'on a collision course'.  I recall enjoying Halloween, for example, as long as I can remember.  I remember enjoying shows like "The Outer Limits", "The Twilight Zone", "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", "The Munsters", "Lost in Space" and "Star Trek" since the first episode in 1966.  I wouldn't discover Forry's magazine until 1967.

Sometime after Forry's Project 6000, I had the pleasure of receiving my own signed glossy photo from him left over from that venture.  I was so happy to see his eyes light up when I was able to show him I still had this from the 1960's.  He saw it during his 89th Birthday Bash.

I loved that photo so much that I waited 30 years to get to that same wonderful Star and duplicate the pose.

[Photo by Tim Panik]

Can you see the absolute BLISS I have over being near this man?  A dream come true but little did I know it was only a beginning.  From 1995.

[Photo by Tim Panik]

Everyone who remembers Forry also remembers their first Famous Monsters.  Mine was #44 - May 1967, although if I recall correctly the issue always came out way in advance of its date.  The original was actually my older brother's but I read it to tatters.  Fortunately years later I obtained a mint original copy and cherish it to this day.

So where was I in 1967?  Ahh yes, the looooooong hot summer.  I do remember it.  It wasn't only Famous Monsters that I saw for the first time, but in Southeast Michigan we were introduced to the new 'horror host' Sir Graves Ghastly.  Our local 1960's version of "Shock Theatre".  Sir Graves would bring into our homes much of the Imagi-movies Forry was covering in his magazine.  Shows like "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea", "Lost In Space", "Star Trek", "Batman" & "The Wild Wild West" were still going strong and although it would be the one and only year for "The Green Hornet" & "The Time Tunnel", we'd soon have "Land of the Giants". Then there was the iconic mind expanding Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band released by my favorite group The Beatles along with the other sounds which would come out of the Summer of Love.  1967 was a good year.

[Photo by Robert Stoscup]

In 1966 for Hallowe'en I was a clown.  Here in '67 I became a skeleton.  Could this be my first monster?

How can you not think of Forry Ackerman and not be child-like?  Forry always reminded us that this universe of our childhood can certainly be expanded upon and not forgotten or completely tossed aside as we enter adulthood.  For in that universe we will find the deep roots that make up our foundation.

Famous Monsters, as any follower will tell you, expanded that universe.  The reader learned there were books that had been written which so many of the motion pictures we loved were based upon.  Famous authors we had not known before wrote these stories.  There were many artists of all kinds we did not know about which had come together to produce on celluloid the stories which captivated our imagination.  It was Forry who told us their stories.


[Photo by Robert Stoscup]

Late 1974, Famous Monsters of Filmland announced the First Annual Famous Monsters Convention that was to be held in New York City.

My heart sank.

I was only 14. My Father had just come through a life threatening situation that involved a kidney transplant.  My whole Summer of '74 was spent in a hospital by his side with Mom. My public education was at an end. Detroit schools were dying, the rot setting in, not to mention a teacher strike that had curtailed our graduation until sometime in July of that year. Everything was in a mess, and one thing that set my imagination on fire, something that could take me outside of what was happening was not going to be a probability in my life.

Don't misunderstand.  I know I was still a lucky kid.  My Dad and Mom were the best any child could ever have in support of his dreams.  It is just I knew I couldn't make this dream a reality.

One year later, it happened again. As promised there was a second Famous Monsters Convention in 1975.

It had been a better year for me. Dad was to the point where he could not only walk again but go back to the work he loved. I'd started High School but my thoughts still longed for the opportunity to be a part of an event such as this.

For now, it was not to be.

20 years had passed and during that time I'd finally (at least I'd thought) out-grown Famous Monsters.

Then in 1993 I found FM #200 and fell in love all over again. Forry was back and this time it seemed he was still aiming at his familiar audience only now he realized they had grown up... and FM had grown up too.   Forry was progressive.  He had finally the platform he'd always wished for.  Everything in this issue of Famous Monsters looked the same as the old FM I'd recalled as a kid...but it was still different.  Forry was talking to me as an adult.  I loved it!

FM #200 sure had promise!

Then I learned there was a 1993 convention that was highlighted in this issue.  I'd missed that but then later I learned my opportunity of a lifetime had finally come.

This event, also known as the "Son of Famous Monsters" Convention, would prove to be another chance at fulfilling what I once only thought could be a dream.  Thank goodness I didn't pass it up this time.

So I found eventually the dream of 1974-75 was surpassed!

1995 had been a year to free one's mind.  Time to 'get away'. I'd started out the year with a trip to Florida.  Before visiting Hollywood, I had to do the obligatory trip to Tijuana, Mexico.

This was a big trip.  It was the second of what I lovingly referred to as the "Four Corners Tour".

It started in Florida down to the Keys, then here in California (where I'd only visited one time previously) and it would go onward up through Washington to Canada then end in Maine.

We never finished it with Maine, but I have been as far Northeast as Boston.

One place we stayed.

As I wander from my story we break to stop and smell the flowers.....

...of California !

Of course in Hollywood, everyone seems to want a break!  [Shown:  Unknown 'actor' with Timothy Panik on the right.]

Finally at our destination at the Sheraton Universal! [1995]

Inside I am captivated by seeing the war machine from "The War of the Worlds" one of my favorite films of all time, tied with "King Kong!

Still it can't beat meeting the lady herself, Ann Robinson.

This was my first 'hello' to Ann.  Still I can not believe it to this day.

Please visit the Ann Robinson website at:  http://www.annrobinson.com/

Wonderful Lady!

Ann Robinson is truly a wonderful Lady.  We talked a little about our favorite home video version of "The War of the Worlds".  At the time it was the laserdisc which today still is the only copy I know which boasts of having all the sound effects from the film track in stereo.

Then it was off to "Kong's Island"!  Here is what is left from one of the dinosaurs.

More "Kong" props.

The very skeleton of "Kong".

I'm almost certain I have the arm of Mr. Bob Burns shown next to the King.

Yes, it is The King, so I've included one more shot.

Again, apologies to Mr. Burns for not taking a nice photo of him.  I still love having his arm, however, along with the "arm"ature !!

Please visit the Bob Burns website at:  http://bobburns.mycottage.com/index.html

The King himself graces another powerhouse issue of Famous Monsters in what was surely a wonderful 14th birthday present to myself.  The artwork was created by the legendary Basil Gogos.

Make-up artist and author, Michael F. Blake. [1995]

It would be roughly a 30 year wait before a more intense interest beyond the tantalizing photographs and stories that Forry Ackerman shared about Lon Chaney would germinate.  Until then the imagination soared in wonderment of what was beyond the initially available 50ft reels of Standard 8mm film containing the unmasking scene from "Phantom of the Opera".  I know for years I relished watching what was known as a 'complete' print of the film I was finally able to purchase in the 1970s along with a Super 8mm print from Blackhawk films of "Hunchback of Notre Dame".  Beyond that, little was known of the master of makeup, but then in the 1990s more films started to become available in home video formats and Mr. Blake's book "Lon Chaney:  The Man Behind The Thousand Faces" was a revelation.

Please read more about Michael F. Blake at:  http://www.wonderlance.com/mdm_july2010_artistry_michaelfblake.html

Since I had family living in Colorado Springs, CO upon my next visit I made certain I sought out the "Lon Chaney Theatre", a place dedicated to the actor from his hometown.





*Updated 9 June 2013

According to Mr. Blake [*in his book "Lon Chaney - The Man Behind the Thousand Faces"] this was once known as the Little Theatre located in the City Auditorium and with his urging the 225-seat venue was re-named the "Lon Chaney Theatre" in 1986 as Colorado Springs finally honored their hometown star.





*Updated 9 June 2013

*Too bad, this is not inside the Lon Chaney Theatre.  I thought it was when I posted this photo, but as corrected by Mr. Blake in a quote from Facebook today:  This photo "is the main theatre of the City Auditorium" and "the Lon Chaney Theatre is a small (99 seat theatre) that is off to the side of this main room."

A plaque commemorating Michael F. Blake's efforts.

Where Frank Chaney, Lon's father met Lon's mother Emma Kennedy.

Emma's father John Kennedy was the first superintendent of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and her mother Mary Kennedy was matron when it was established in 1874.

[Frank and Emma Chaney were married December 5, 1877.]

Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind

As Mr. Blake pointed out this was the home the Chaney family lived in 1894.

Colorado Springs, CO

I had so many questions for Gloria Stuart.   Fortunately I never had to ask her personally because not only did she answer a lot during the Hall of Fame dinner, but she also covered all I could imagine in her commentary recorded for "The Old Dark House" Laserdisc. [1995]

Artwork from the LaserDisc cover for "The Old Dark House".  Note:  The commentary Gloria Stuart gives was recorded before her experience making "Titanic" [1997] and is a wonderful testament to the idea of, 'it isn't over until it's over'.

For more on Gloria Stuart's commentary for "The Old Dark House" see:  http://www.jamescurtis.net/james_whale_s__the_old_dark_house__43334.htm

No one in Fandom is nicer to the 'flock' than Ron Chaney.

Such a nice guy!  Ron made the FM Son of Con '95 a real fun experience.

I'd met a real cool family!  Years later I had the fun of sharing this with Jaclynn Chaney [left].  Today Jennifer Chaney [right] and Jaclynn help Ron assure The Legacy Lives On!

Chaney Entertainment, Inc. (formed 1992) to preserve and perpetuate the Chaney Family history.

For updates on Chaney Entertainment, visit  the official website at:  http://lonchaney.com/

When we'd first arrived at the hotel it was during the late evening.  We were a mess and were so tired that it was all we could do to just get to bed.

The early morning found myself creeping down to the car to get our luggage.  On the way up to my room, there He was!....     GrandPa!!!

Al Lewis was so kind.  I'll never forget him.

There I was.  All I could think was, "Here's GrandPa! ...  GrandPa!...  I look like Crap!"


It didn't help that Al Lewis was in full character, even at 7 am in the morning although it was astonishing.   He kept 'punching' my arm all the while saying, "How are ya'?, how are ya?"

Lot's of Love back to you Mr. Lewis!

Adam West was another friendly encounter.  Lots of memories with this guy!

Our Icon.....

...comes alive!!.....'er ....is it alive????

Outside the Universal Ballroom [1995]

I'd originally requested to be able to sit at Gloria Stuart's table as my second choice.  I figured there was no way I'd get my first choice, that of being a guest at Forry's table!  Who would have thought?  While contemplating what questions I'd have for Ms. Stuart, I got the surprise of my life.

I was told my seat for the Awards Dinner would be 'a good one.'  How about Front & Center with The AckerMonster himself!!  Uncle Forry was so modest about it too.  Unfortunately at the time I didn't have a conversation with Pam Keesey [sitting next to Forry] but we took care of that nine years later.

I was also honored to be sitting across from Sigmund & Mary Wahrman [Forry's in-laws].  They made dinner quite enjoyable.

Forry approves!

Shown here:  Ray Harryhausen and his wife Diana.

The Hall of Fame inductions begin with Adam West and organizer Ray Ferry.

Adam West said that people may be wondering what he was doing at a Famous Monsters Hall Of Fame Dinner.  He said any magazine that has page after page in it featuring him is worthy of his approval!

The award Mr. West was holding up referenced the Best Make-up Ever as being Jack Pierce's creation, the Frankenstein Monster.  I believe these awards were chosen by Famous Monsters' readers and apparently the United States Post Office came to the same conclusion as shown above with a set of stamps including yet another one honoring Boris Karloff and Mr. Pierce's work.

Daughter of Frankenstein!  Sara Karloff speaks.

Al "GrandPa" Lewis gets teary eyed remembering Fred Gwynne.

Al Lewis

Ann "War of the Worlds" Robinson.

Ann Robinson

Not a great photograph by any means but all I had to show William Schallert's participation in the event. Mr. Schallert, as I recall, was animated [as shown here] and very funny.

The Man Himself!

Forrest J Ackerman, without whom none of this would be possible.

Ray Bradbury

The Bat Pack is completed with Ray Harryhausen.

Adam West introduces Carla Laemmle.  Without her Uncle Carl, Founder of Universal Pictures, and cousin Carl Laemmle Jr., think of how many supernatural thrillers and experiences of gothic terror none of us would have experienced.

Carla Laemmle and Adam West.

I wouldn't meet author Rick Atkins at this time, but I've learned many years later that he also attended this convention.  Rick is very close to Carla [whom we still enjoy today at age 102!] and not only shares birthday visits with Carla every year [their birthdays being within days of each other] Rick authored Carla's story in his book "Among the Rugged Peaks:  An Intimate Biography of Carla Laemmle" which is not only a wonderful insight into Carla's life but her experiences on the Universal lot where she lived during the making of so many iconic motion pictures.  I'm proud to have got to know Rick over the past few years and connect with him as a brother.

Hear a short interview with Rick Atkins about Carla at her 102nd birthday at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgNLah4uJDI

Director Joe Dante at the podium.

Robert "Day the Earth Stood Still" Wise which, of course, is only a tiny fraction of what this man has accomplished.

Director Robert Wise

Then there is Gort!

The motion picture Gort appeared in, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951) shown here with Patricia Neal.

We all love Robby the Robot.   He became kind of a rival to the "B9" or the Robot from "Lost in Space".

In the beginning there was "Maria".  From "Metropolis" [1927] she became quite the love interest of Forry's!

Fritz Lang's "Metropolis"

I can't escape my fondest memories of the "B9" probably because that is my earliest introduction to any type of artificial life form.

The time spent at the Universal Sheraton Hotel was magical.  It was several days of co-habitation with so many icons we had all grown up with.  To be able to simply walk down to the lobby where piano music played quietly and witnessing our heroes enjoying each other's company in-between guest appearances was a sight to behold.

Outside during breaks in the schedule of events, one little miracle occurred.  I just happened across the 'star' of the person I was named after.  I guess I'm a bit of a living tribute to John Charles Thomas.

Even though my own father's name is Robert Charles and mine is John Charles, I was actually named after John Charles Thomas the singer.

Being born at the end of July 1960 and learning that Mr. Thomas died late that same year, we can only assume that somehow I'm a 'sideways' legacy of this famous person.

When it comes to Shirley Temple, however, there is no mistake:  This Family Loves Shirley !

My mom was born just before her.  We just think she's the greatest!

I think Fredric March's portrayal of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the tops!

Also along the walk I found the man that started it all (at least in the United States) Lon Chaney.

As Uncle Forry always told us:  Lon Chaney Shall Not Die!

So joyful at realizing a chance to be a part of Chaney  history, I couldn't help recreating Forry's poise over the Chaney Star...and repeating it here!

[Photo by Tim Panik]

With so much more recorded at the "Son of FM Con" event back in 1995 and I will continue with that in my next post.  To round off this first part, I would like to share addition photographs that were taken upon our trip up the coast of California after the Convention.

Beautiful Sequoia Park in California!

Yosemite National Park, CA

Getting 'abstract' again!

Serene



Most photographs originally published December 5-6, 2008 & January 14, 17, 23, 30, 2009 on my Facebook account along with some new ones!




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