Richard Carlson (1912-1977) Like Mara Corday, did not appear in many sci-fi films, but it’s quality over quantity. Richard received a Master’s Degree in English, and taught drama at his college briefly, before he decided to dive into acting himself. He bought a theater in Minnesota and starred himself. Why didn’t I think of that? He also wrote screenplays, and did some directing. He seemed to be destined for stardom, but never quite reached A status. He appeared in many movies and TV shows in his career, but the few science fiction films he appeared in has given him cult status that’s lasted through the years.
His first appearance in a sci-fi film was the under appreciated Magnetic Monster. Which, technically, doesn’t have a monster in it. But it’s a good little film, none the less. His next two cemented his status as sci-fi dude extraordinaire. It Came From Outer Space, co-starring the coconut-wielding Professor himself, and the legendary Creature From the Black Lagoon. I respect Gilly very much, although I admit I am jealous that he got to do two sequels, where I didn’t even rate one. Despite the major success of my film. Umm, anyway… his next (and last) foray into sci-fi was over a decade later, but was a gem in it’s own right. Valley of Gwangi, featuring the wonderful stop-animation of human Ray Harryhausen. I could go on, but I need to strafe a building.
Ladies and gentlemen, Richard Carlson.
Best Wishes,
GC
“Strafing fine communities like yours since 1957″
Richard Carlson’s B-Movie Filmography
The Magnetic Monster 1953
It Came From Outer Space 1953
Creature From the Black Lagoon 1954
The Valley of Gwangi 1969