How did a 1960s TV series spawn a feature film 30 years later? By becoming a cult classic.
“Lost in Space” (PG-13), out Friday, is based on the TV series about the Robinsons, America’s first family in space (above). The series, which ran for three seasons, was the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” of the ’60s (though a bit dorky). Now, thanks to Sci-Fi Channel reruns (at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Central Time weekdays), fans old and new can enjoy the show. The music is cheesy, the special effects crude and the costumes over-the-top tacky. (For a crash course on the series, catch the Sci-Fi Channel marathon from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time tomorrow.)
The series highlight is the villainous Dr. Smith. His futile attempts to sabotage the Robinsons’ mission are a hoot. He and Robot, the Robinsons’ smart-mouthed robot watchdog, make a great comedy team, with Smith hurling classic insults like “meandering mental midget” or “lily-livered lead-lined lummox.” And Robot, the transistorized tin Toto, has great moves. When Robot senses danger, it swivels at the hips, bobs its head, swings its short Slinky arms and bleets, “Danger, danger.” (Psst: The secret to a rad “danger dance” is to shuffle stiffly and flap your bent arms at the elbows.)
