Lost in Space (1965–1968)

A space colony family struggles to survive when a spy/accidental stowaway throws their ship hopelessly off course.

Creator:

Irwin Allen

Stars:

Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Guy Williams	...	Prof. John Robinson (84 episodes, 1965-1968)
June Lockhart	...	Maureen Robinson (84 episodes, 1965-1968)
Mark Goddard	...	Maj. Don West (84 episodes, 1965-1968)
Marta Kristen	...	Judy Robinson (84 episodes, 1965-1968)
Bill Mumy	...	Will Robinson (84 episodes, 1965-1968)
Angela Cartwright	...	Penny Robinson (84 episodes, 1965-1968)
Jonathan Harris	...	Dr. Zachary Smith (83 episodes, 1965-1968)

Storyline

In the year 1997, Earth is suffering from massive overpopulation. Professor John Robinson, his wife Maureen, their children (Judy, Penny and Will) and Major Don West are selected to go to the third planet in the Alpha Centauri star system to establish a colony so that other Earth people can settle there. They are to go there on a ship christened the Jupiter 2. However, Doctor Zachary Smith, an agent for an enemy government, is sent to sabotage the mission. He is successful in reprogramming the ship's robot, but in the process becomes trapped on the ship, and because of his excess weight, the ship and all on board become hopelessly lost and it now becomes a fight for survival as the crew tries to find their way back home.

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Plot Keywords:

robot | sabotage | famous opening theme | spaceship | alien contact | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

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Details

Official Sites:

New Line

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 September 1965 (USA)

Also Known As:

Space Family Robinson

Filming Locations:

Red Rock Canyon State Park - Highway 14, Cantil, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

20th Century Fox Television, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), Irwin Allen Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (83 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The robot's chest lights and motorized feelers were powered by an electrical cord which can occasionally be spotted.

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Quotes

[to Robot]
Dr. Smith: Yours not to question why; yours to do as I say or die.

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Connections

Referenced in Tales from the Crypt: Television Terror (1990)

User Reviews

Three Cheers For Bug Eyed Monsters

I'm glad to say that "Lost In Space" had a big influence on my childhood while growing up. Countless hours were spent "playing" Lost In Space in our basement. I barely, barely remember the first run except that the robot scared me, so I truly came in during the first syndication run. At age 42, I still enjoy all of Season One. The Magic Mirror, My Friend, Mr. Nobody, and Follow The Leader are all great examples of this show. It's unfortunate that the other two seasons went the way of Batman and became just plain silly and cartoonish. However the first season had action packed space adventure, a crash landing, jet packs, laser rifles, the chariot, scary monsters including the Cyclops and fantastic music by John Williams, (the best music ever created for TV in my opinion.) The Jupiter Two sets are still fantastic and believable today, including the fabulous creation of the Robot. The ensemble cast was excellent, and I for one wish that Smith had remained evil and menacing during the run of the show. It may not have been as intellectual as Star Trek but it was good, clean, scary fun!