Earth vs. the Sci-Fi Filmmakers: 20 Interviews
by Tom Weaver
McFarland & Company, 2005
Reviewed by William I. Lengeman III
(First published in Apex Digest)

All hail the great Tom Weaver, a writer who has probably done as much as anyone to document the history of genre film, particularly in the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres.

By my count, this is something like book ten for Weaver. Once again he has sought out a variety of actors, writer, producers, directors and others, many of whom are getting on in years and may not be around to tell their stories much longer.

The interviews collected here originally appeared in Video Watchdog, Fangoria, Starlog and several other magazines. The sole exception is the transcript from a 1964 talk by Merian C. Cooper, who co-wrote, co-produced and co-directed the original King Kong movie. While not one of the stronger pieces in the book, this one is worthwhile for its historical value.

Many of the interviewees here are not exactly household names, with one exception - Peter Graves, who is better known for his role in Mission Impossible than for his earlier work in genre film.

All of the interviews are worth a look, but a few stand out from the pack. Gary Clarke, who appeared in How To Make a Monster and Missile to the Moon, among others, approaches his session with more than a little enthusiasm and a great deal of humor, a valuable asset when discussing films that generally weren't Academy Award material.

Another interesting session is with Robert Dix, an actor who tended to be overshadowed by his famous actor father, Richard. Dix candidly recalls an early life of great privilege and offers some dead-on truths about the illusions of fame and fortune.

But it's the extensive interview with Arch Hall Jr. - which first appeared in two parts in Fangoria and which runs to about fifty pages - that pretty much forms the centerpiece of the book.

Hall reminisces to Weaver at great length about his time in the family business, acting and doing a little bit of everything else for his father's - Arch Hall Sr. - low budget production companies, Rushmore Productions and Fairway Films.

Another great effort from Weaver. I've had the pleasure of reading a few of his other books, but this one made me want to seek out more.

Copyright 2007 – William I. Lengeman III