The Outer Limits Tribute Show
| Convention | |
|---|---|
| Name: | The Outer Limits Tribute Show |
| Dates: | September 13, 1997 |
| Frequency: | Once |
| Location: | Portland, Oregon |
| Type: | |
| Focus: | The Outer Limits |
| Organization: | |
| Founder: | Anthony Wynn |
| Founding Date: | 1997 |
| URL: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The Outer Limits Tribute Show was a special convention event in honor of The Outer Limits and the series episode Controlled Experiment that was held on Saturday, September 13, 1997 in Portland, Oregon.
This was held in conjunction with SpaceCon XII at the Days Inn/City Center in downtown Portland. It featured special guests Barry Morse and Grace Lee Whitney. This was the first reunion of the two actors who appeared together in the show. By special arrangement, the episode was screened at the con.
The event was organized by PortlandTrek and chaired by Anthony Wynn and Rose Marie Badgett, with assistance provided by Robert E. Wood, Charlene Scott, Terry S. Bowers, and Jenny Lobb. There were approximately 120 attendees.
Controlled Experiment is an episode of the original The Outer Limits television show. It is the only comedic episode of the series.
It first aired on January 13, 1964 on the ABC television network. The installment starred Barry Morse (Phobos One), Carroll O'Connor (Diemos), and Grace Lee Whitney (Carla Duveen).
Deimos and Phobos One are two Martians — their names also happen to be those of Mars' moons — the latter being a researcher who wants to understand the concept of murder. The duo investigate a shooting that is about to take place in a downtown hotel lobby via machine that can manipulate the flow of time. After extensive examination, Phobos One is ultimately unable to remain a passive observer and gives in to the temptation to alter the outcome. He prevents the murder from ever taking place. Phobos decides to remain on Earth indefinitely, finding that he enjoys life as a human being.
Morse states in his memoir that this show was shot as a pilot episode for a proposed science-fiction comedy series.[1]
Fan Reaction
From Mark Eidemiller, in the Post-Convention Report:
"Both Barry and Grace admitted sheepishly that they couldn't remember the episode - having done so many performances, and asked it they could hold on their comments until after the showing. So we all watched the episode. The loudest laughter I heard came from Grace herself, as she saw herself and her performance for the first time in some thirty-plus years. It was an excellent episode, and a good experience. Then Barry and Grace came up and commented on it, including some behind-the-scenes anecdotes.If you've seen the episode, which is on video, pay close attention to the scene towards the beginning when someone enters Carroll O'Connor's show, while Barry is hiding and making observations to his superiors. You will notice that, in describing the visitor's head, he notes 'ears flat, lying against t he head, no appreciable points, no antenna of any kind.' NO POINTS??? We all noticed this, and commented that this was an extremely unusual detail to observe. Noting that this was filmed in 1963... we can only wonder if maybe it had an influence on Gene Roddenberry in his creation of the famous Vulcan.
Also, it was brought out that 'Controlled Experiment' was intended as a possible series pilot, with the two character going from place to place, examining and commenting on human behavior. It was not picked up as a pilot, but the theme cam back around in the form of the series MY FAVORITE MARTIAN with Bill Bixby and Ray Walston, also during that time."[2]
Comment from Janet Schill:
"We all sat down as introductions were made by Terry Bowers and Sandra Sprecker. It wasn't soon after Barry Morse and Grace Lee Whitney joined us. They then started THE OUTER LIMITS episode which starred both Barry and Grace. After the video was shown it was a hoot to watch both of them review their involvement with the show. Interesting side note, Barry mentioned that both Carroll O'Connor and his character from this episode ('Controlled Experiment') were supposed to have turned into a spin-off series about two aliens reviewing human behavior. But, 'My Favorite Martian' halted any further plans (bummer - he said it could have been fascinating!).[3]
From a report by Jenny Lobb:
"Although I found the episode a bit slow and repetitive, I loved Barry's characterization of an alien discovering the vices of caffeine and cigarettes for the first time. After the episode, Barry and Grace answered questions about the episode."[4]
Remembrance by Anthony Wynn:
"In the interview, Grace Lee Whitney mentioned that one of her memories from the filming of the episode 'Controlled Experiment' was of watching Barry Morse and Carroll O'Connor playing chess on the set between takes."[5]
Cover of the program, illustrated by Robert E. Wood
Page 2 of the program
Page 3 of the program
Page 4 of the program
Reference
- ^ Morse, Barry (2007). Remember with Advantages. McFarland and Company, Inc. ISBN 978-0-7864-2771-0.
- ^ Post-Convention Report, SpaceCon XII/The Outer Limits Tribute Show, 1997, Mark Eidemiller, Page 1 [1]
- ^ Post-Convention Report, SpaceCon XII/The Outer Limits Tribute Show, 1997, Janet Schill, Page 4 [2]
- ^ Post-Convention Report, SpaceCon XII/The Outer Limits Tribute Show, 1997, Jenny Lobb, Page 12 [3]
- ^ Wynn, Anthony (2012), Conversations at Warp Speed, BearManor Media, ISBN 978-1-5939-3289-3.