Telstar by The Tornados, as written & produced by Joe Meek, was released in the UK on August 17th. The archetypal fantastical pop track, it was out in the shops just over a month after NASA had successfully launched the track’s inspiration, the Telstar communication satellite. I wish there was a movie/book/TV or radio show/podcast/comic detailing what was happening in the brief weeks between the rocket going up and the record reaching number one. I can’t help but think that would be one heck of a story. Today, for example, was T Minus 17 days for the single. What was going on?
Alfred Bester Steps Away From Fantastical Book Criticism
In this month’s The Magazine Of Fantasy And Science Fiction, as published today in 1962, Alfred Bester explained his resignation from the post of the journal’s book critic. His reasons for doing so could have been written by a reviewer today. He expressed disappointment and bafflement at professionals who’d responded badly to honest, reasoned criticism. As for fans, he wrote, “too many … are deeply offended by criticism in any form, feeling that this is an attack on their status”. By focusing their attentions and affection mainly or wholly on fantastical prose, Bester wrote, these readers have lost the broader perspective:
“There are contemporary novels, classics, plays, stories, articles: there’s music to listen to, concerts, operas, ballet scores: there’s the living theatre, as well as motion pictures and television … If one is exposed to the full spectrum of the arts, one cannot help but see science fiction in true perspective and lose the parochial passion which too many fans display.”
Bester added that what had discouraged him most was “the fierce pride of ownership displayed by many authors and fans. They feel they own science fiction. It’s their pet to play with as they choose, and no adult is allowed into the nursery, much less touch the toys. This is very sad … What am I to do when (both pros and fans) reject communication on an adult professional level?”
Today Bester is remembered for a host of achievements across many genres and mediums. By 1962, his resume already contained two stone-cold sci-fi classic novels, namely The Demolished Man and The Stars My Destination. He had been a successful writer for comics, radio and television too. It’s hard to imagine that his criticism, his advice, had no value. But as we’ve seen time and time again in our own era, that’s not always a relevant factor when fannishness comes into play.
Plus ça change etc etc ….
August 1st 1962’s Fantastical TV and Radio
BBC TV – 5.00pm – Noggin & The Ice Dragon: 5: The Treasure (repeat)
“In which evil is disclosed but not overcome, and a cannon is fired.” (RT)
BBC TV – 5.10pm – The Boss Cat: The Long Hot Winter
“A film cartoon series about the gang of alley cats captained by the ever-resourceful and formidable Cat.” (Radio Times)
First shown in the USA on January 3rd 1962.
ITV – 9.15 – Tales Of Mystery: Nephelle
“A governess comes under the influence of a dead dancer.” (Evening Standard)
“Stories with a supernatural slant. Tonight tells what results when a Roman burial tomb is unearthed.” (Daily Herald)
The Almanac Of The Fantastical will return tomorrow …
The Almanac Of The Fantastical 