JELLIKINS WITH RIK MAYALL

 Another of Moonbase Junior's fave old TV cartoon theme songs. Jellikins with Rik Mayall.

A History That Never Happened By Paul A

Hi Woodsy

In their 2020 Mainline range Hot Wheels have included a series of ten models devoted to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. These are all existing models, decorated with graphics depicting various sports. 

On 1st August I picked up several new Hot Wheels, including the first Olympic model that I have seen. It is a large scale skateboard called Skate Grom, which carries the copyright date 2013 on its metal base. 

It is mainly purple, marked Tokyo 2020, and Skateboarding, the black plastic figure also has the Olympic symbol on his chest. This is model number 6 of the 10 in the series. Now to find the remaining nine. 

With the Tokyo Olympic Games deferred until at least next year, if they happen at all, what is going to happen to all the souvenirs that have already been produced ? Will they be sold, or scraped ? 

This little model now records a history that never happened - like something from a science fiction story, just like all the souvenirs produced for the planned coronation of King Edward VIII in 1937. 

Paul Adams 

New Zealand

i would go out tonight but i haven't got a stitch to wear

 

CRUMBS!

 

Now that's what I call a biscuit tin!

In the Sixties they thought we would have colonised the moon by now and erected domes everywhere to eat our biscuits in!

Its a lovely vision. 

Did or do you have any space related tins?

THE CINEMA'S CLOSED

Its the end of an era for me. Cineworld has closed all its UK and US cinemas due to Covid.

I have been going to to my local Cineworld with a friend for years - maybe 15 or 20 - and during its orange Wednesday period we went every week. There was hardly any fantasy, horror and sci-fi we didn't see.

I'm really quite gutted its all over. Oh I know its meant to be a temporary closure but it feels like Cineworld has shut forever. The end of cinema-going with my film buddy.

Is the cinema near you still open?

CRUNCHY FISH BALLS

Another food memory I have are crispy fish balls.

These crunchy mothers were small crispy battered balls of cod or haddock.

They were kept in the freezer and made by Birds Eye or similar and my Mum served them with home-made chip-pan chips and marrowfat peas.

I remember them being absolutely delicious!

Did you fish ball?

is this love that i'm feeling?

 

Honey West Book Review by Paul A.

Honey West, by John C. Fredriksen, Bear Manor Media (whose logo is a Panda head), 2009.

The book is devoted almost entirely to the 1965-66 TV series, with only a brief mention of the books, and a passing reference to the toys that were available at the time. These are not illustrated. Do not expect a detailed look at the world of Honey West. Overall, it seems rather lacking in depth and detail, but it does have some useful nuggets of information, including several interviews with the cast. It is useful rather than essential reading for the Honey West fan.

This is a 225 page paperback. The blurb on the back describes it as 'profusely illustrated'. There are 45 black and white photos, mostly portraits, with only a few shots from the show itself; with two colour photos on the cover. Only three of interior photographs have a caption, which seems odd.

Reflections on a Sylphic Sleuth (introduction)

The books were written by G.G. Fickling - actually husband and wife team Skip and Gloria Fickling, and we begin with an interview with Gloria Fickling, and the origin of the show. The original authors did not provide any scripts for the series.

There are also interviews with Anne Francis (Honey West), John Ericson (her partner Sam Bolt), and Gene LeBell (stuntman and martial arts instructor).

Then short entries on Irene Hervey (Aunt Meg), Sharon Lucas (stunt double for Anne Francis), Bruce the Ocelot (played by a number of female Ocelots and smaller Margays), and the AC Shelby Cobra car (mainly a general history of the Cobra, with only a little on the car in the show; but nothing on the Ford Econoline van used in most episodes). At least the Jaguar E-Type used in Burke's Law and one episode of the series is mentioned.

Next up is a synopsis and cast list for the episode of Burke's Law which introduces Honey and Sam, and then the 30 episodes of the series itself. Her final appearance, as Honey Best, in a 1994 episode of the revived Burke's Law is not mentioned.

Finally, there are 1960s interviews with Anne Francis and John Ericson that appear to date from just before the series went to air, and three pages of notes.

I was a little disappointed with this book, it would have been better with more detail and background information. Surely a section on the gadgets used (radios, tracking devices, smoke bomb earrings, and the like) would have been a fun addition ? These do get mentioned here and there, but a chapter would put everything together in one place.

Paul Adams 

New Zealand