Midwestern Midcentury

The Ultimate Mid-Century Modern Home Theater Accessory?

 

The passing of Bob May, the man inside the Lost in Space B9 robot suit, has people searching the internet for info on May and the classic 1960s television show we all remember.

I had no idea how many people still follow the show, its story, and its stars.  For example, for only $24,500 YOU can own a full-size replica of the robot best known for his oft-delivered, "Danger, Will Robinson!"

B9Creations says the robot is officially licenses and based on the "season 3" model.  Features include a 240 watt stereo sound system and over 500 voice tracks by Richard Tufeld, the voice of the original robot.

For an additional fee, Richard Tufeld will record custom messages for your machine.  What could be cooler than that?

How about building your own robot?  Check out the B9 Robot Builders Club website and see if you have the right stuff.

Besides a "soil sample routine," one of several built-in programmed sequences in the B9Creations version, what in the world would you do with one of these robots?

How about dressing up like the Robinsons and asking the robot to make martinis in your home theater?

"Affirmative!"

 

 

Mid-Century Modern Television Update: Bob May of "Lost in Space" Fame Dies

   

Bob May, a stunt man and veteran vaudville actor who starred in the 1960s television series Lost In Space, has died at 69.

May was the man inside the iconic "B9" robot costume while actor Dick Tufeld supplied the voice of the machine.  The robot's familiar line, "Danger, Will Robinson!" is still a well-known catch phrase nearly on par with, "We're going to need a bigger boat," from Jaws.

It is said that May got the job by being the right size for the complex and bulky costume.

May also worked as a stunt man and appeared on a number of other television shows including The Time Tunnel.

I watched and loved this mid-century modern update of the Swiss Family Robinson tale.  Did you?