#039Lost #Space039 #Robot #Auction
The original “Lost in Space,” which aired on CBS from 1965 to 1968, was created by Irwin Allen at the height of the space race. The series began as a “Swiss Family Robinson” adventure for the rocket age, but soon devolved into an intergalactic “Gilligan’s Island.” It was predictable, it was repetitive and was often incredibly dumb. But if you watched its original run (or if you’ve seen it in reruns), you know it to be one of the more delightful series from the era of classic American TV.
All of which helps explain why a precise recreation of the “Lost in Space” Robot—easily the most memorable character from the TV series—sold for $237,500 at Heritage Auctions recently. Although a machine endowed with superhuman strength and futuristic weaponry, in the series the Robot often displayed human characteristics such as laughter, sadness and mockery, as well as singing and playing the guitar.
With his major role often being to protect the youngest member of the crew, Will Robinson,” the Robot’s catchphrases were “That does not compute” and “Danger, Will Robinson!”, accompanied by flailing his arms.
In the early 1990s, producer/writer/director Kevin Burns, who owned the original Robot from the series, needed a robot that could be used in some of the TV projects he was planning on producing. He commissioned Academy-nominated visual effects model builder Greg Jein to do the job, using original studio molds. The reproduction of this classic TV character stands 75 inches tall.
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