Fantasy Film Expo

Convention
Name:	Fantasy Film Expo
Dates:	July 9-10, 1983
Frequency:	once
Location:
Type:
Focus:	multifandom, horror, science fiction, comics
Organization:
Founder:
Founding Date:
URL:
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Fantasy Film Expo was a multifandom media convention held at the Franklin Park Plaza in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July 1983.

Con Reports

Billed as a fantasy expo Multi-Media's Philadelphia convention, held at the Franklin Park Plaza July 9-10, did everything but fulfill my fantasies. If you are a comic book buff there was plenty to keep you interested. However, for the rest of us there was very little.

The only Trek contribution to the whole affair were a few books, toys, and Walter Koenig. Walter succeeded in putting a little life into the festivities with a performance of his play, "The Machiavellian Principle." Convention-goers got to audition for the various parts, while Walter, of course, played Chekov. It was a novel idea and should be employed at more cons.

Although the organizers had good intentions, they could benefit through consulting a knowledgeable fan. Never again will I put down a Creation convention, a much more Trek-oriented affair.

I attended the Multi-Media convention in Philadelphia, July 9-10.

A notice was posted at the registration area for auditions for Walter's play, "The Machiavellian Principle." My friend Lisa auditioned for a part and got it. She was cast in the role of Spock, which she performed on Saturday afternoon.

The backdrop on the stage was a painting of the Enterprise in orbit around a planet with Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. It was a good backdrop for the live performance. The play was good and the actors responded well with the coaching they had from Walter.. The play got a nice round of applause. On Sunday, the girl who played Uhura had a family emergency and couldn't stay for the play. I was asked to take her place on stage that day.

Inside the ballroom as we neared the stage, I think Walter had a second thought. He asked me if I knew the play. I responded in the positive.

The show started off well with the house in total darkness and someone humming the twilight zone music. The play started smoothly. When I glanced up into the lighting I lost my place and fluffed a line in the third set of Uhura's line.

The rest went off without a hitch.

We stood and waited as Walter read our names to the audience. I don't remember the applause because I was so relieved I lived through this and hadn't made a complete fool of myself.

The experience left me totally drained, but it gave me a deeper appreciation of actors and their trade.

Walter is a fine actor and a real professional. I'm glad I had this unexpected learning experience.

Multi-Media Philadelphia Fantasy Expo promised bigger and better events-- a live band, a Playboy model, and the Amazing Kreskin.

The band was, we hope, alive and well, but it must have been performing somewhere else, as was the Playboy model who was in Europe making a movie. The Amazing Kreskin appeared on stage for a talk which was included in the cost of the convention ticket, and for a 2-hour performance one evening for an extra charge (nominal). A surfeit of attendees was not evident, but his group is new, and seemed to be trying hard, so we'll see what develops in the future.

The Amazing Kreskin discussed ESP (he sincerely believes in the power of mind over natter), as well as the misuse of and importance (mistakenly) given to hypnosis as evidence in criminal investigations.

Walter Koenig was the ST guest. He answered questions in the usual format offered at this type of convention, although unusual fare was offered. Conventioneers were solicited (actually, they readily volunteered) to appear in Walter's play, "The Machiavellian Principle," and, after a short rehearsal, performed it on stage. They should all be congratulated for their efforts. I would be in a panic at the mere thought of appearing on stage with a professional actor, in front of an audience, no matter how friendly the actor, or the audience -- and their general spirit of participation further cheered by Walter's open and friendly attitude toward Trek fans.

In general the convention was dull for those whose main interest is not comic books. Perhaps more ST attraction would bolster spirits and serve as a better mode of advertisement. A convention may be the most efficient imaginable, but if very few know about it and it does not generate general enthusiasm, it will not succeed.