Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Richard Matheson was primarily a fantasy, horror, and science fiction author, screenwriter, and teleplay scribe. He’s best known for being part of the iconic creators of stories prepared for The Twilight Zone. He scripted 16 episodes for Rod Serling including the famous Nightmare at 20,000 Feet that featured William Shatner in a memorable role. The film version of the iconic television series produced a remake of this fabulous episode. Each week, Matheson also wrote the introductory and closing statements spoken by Serling.        RICHARD MATHESON —————->

   After serving as an infantry soldier during World War II, Matheson began his prolific career in 1950, writing for The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. He became a member of the Southern California School of Writers, which included Ray Bradbury and another Twilight Zone alumnus, Charles Beaumont. His books and short stories were ripe for adaptation in cinema. Movies such as The Incredible Shrinking Man, House of Usher, Tales of Terror, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Raven, and I am Legend were all crafted by Matheson, with many of these titles paying tribute to Edgar Allen Poe. Roger Corman was as influential as Rod Serling in advancing Matheson’s career.

   His television credits also include episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Night Gallery, Star Trek, and The Night Stalker. Steven Spielberg was given his big break in 1971 when he created Duel, which starred Dennis Weaver. The young director was given his chance to shine on the television movie written by Richard Matheson. Stephen King cited Matheson as his creative influence and mentor. A character named Senator Richard Matheson appeared in several episodes of The X-Files. The series’ creator, Chris Carter, was a longtime fan of the author’s work.

   Matheson received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 1984, and the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Horror Writers Association in 1991. The Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted him in 2010. Matheson was scheduled to receive the Visionary Award at the Academy of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Films’ Saturn Awards on Wednesday. The organization is prepared to present the accolade posthumously, and the 39th annual ceremony would be dedicated to Matheson.

   Richard Matheson was 87.

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   The stage at Walt Disney Studios where The Mickey Mouse Club was produced is now officially the Annette Funicello Stage. Disney chief Bob Iger led a ceremony Monday dedicating the soundstage to the star, the Mouseketeer-turned-movie icon who died in April at age 70.

   Funicello’s family and colleagues, and even Mickey Mouse participated in yesterday’s dedication. Frankie Avalon, songwriter Richard Sherman and Leonard Maltin were among those honoring the late actress. Former Mouseketeers also attended the event.      ANNETTE FUNICELLO —->

   Julie Andrews is the only other entertainer to have a namesake stage at Disney studios. A fitting tribute for a fine entertainer, and champion in the fight against multiple sclerosis.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 25th, 2013 at 12:09 am and is filed under Blog by Manny Pacheco. You can follow any comments to this post through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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