Life in early 1960s America was a weird and wonderful combination of Cold War-era tension and congenial baby boomer Utopia. Our fractious, fun-loving state of mind allowed Pat Boone, Rat Fink, Connie Francis and Alfred Hitchcock to co-exist very comfortably, and a significant chunk of this pop culture was ruled by a horde of aliens and monsters.
On the small screen, no series better captured America’s shadowy side then science fiction anthology “The Outer Limits,” which literally took over one’s TV set every week. As your screen went black, the sinister “control voice” intoned: “There is nothing wrong with your television. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission...”
The classic ABC series, created by writer-director Leslie Stevens, is focal point for a 50th anniversary celebration at Burbank’s Creature Features this weekend, and it promises to be a gloriously horrific affair. With an exhibition of original “Outer Limits” inspired art work, a display of vintage series memorabilia and production still, it’s anchored by an appearance from OL authority David J. Schow, who will sign and discuss his just published “The Outer Limits at 50” and 1999’s definitive “The Outer Limits Companion.”
