Oh how I miss Mystery Science Theater 3000.
People ask me where my ideas come from. The short answer is “everywhere and nowhere”. However, that answer tends to send people into a tizzy. So answers can range anywhere from “everyday life on earth” to “everyday life on the planet Tooulquzort, via channelling a resident by the name of “Frunk”. This all depends on my transitional states between meds.
But there are admittedly sources of inspiration. Humorous beacons that shine brightly in the comedic night. And one those was (and continues to be, thanks to youtube) Mystery Science Theater 3000. Talk about inspiration. One of the funniest shows I’ve ever watched. Their format was taking old movies and adding their own hilarious ad lib track over the existing vocals. I can relate to the challenges that type of humor poses. Taking old clip art and coming up with funny captions takes a lot of work. Rewarding though it is. Not comparing my work to the stellar humor from MST3K here. So you Crow fans can drop those pitch forks and torches. Just a simple analogy.
I can only imagine what it must’ve been like to work on a show like MST3K. Must’ve been quite the hoot. I’d compare it with working for Warner Brothers Cartoons in their hey-day. That is if I knew what either was like. Still, a fella can dream.
The cats at MST3K would have me laughing so hard that I would nearly poop myself. I still sneak looks at old episodes on DVD or Youtube when I need a great laugh. One of my favorite lines of all time is comes from the “Mantis” episode (“But I got a Mantis in my Pantis”). My favorite episode is without a doubt “Space Mutiny“. (originally titled “Mutiny in Space”.) Stars Red Brown as Dave Ryder.
Luckily the Lads from MST3K have continued on in the form of Rifftrax. They now riff on popular releases and public service shorts. It’s a great way to view some favorite releases in a new laughing light. I’ve purchased a number of their riffs. Messrs. Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett shine as brightly as ever.


January 12th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
They also have a second movie series, Cinematic Titanic.
My favorite line ever – “We’ve secretly replaced their planet with Folgers crystals. Let’s see if they notice.” (from First Spaceship on Venus)
Single funniest episode – So hard to decide, but I’m going to go with “The Day the Earth Froze” (the “Sampo!” episode)… and without a doubt, the best short feature was Circus on Ice. (“There’s nothing sadder than a gut-shot fawn… on ice.”)
January 12th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Nice to know about RiffTrax! They also have a second movie venture, Cinematic Titanic.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I couldn’t agree more. I LOVE MST3K! And if you like Reb Brown movies (like anyone really LIKES them) you have to check out Cage. How this movie didn’t get the MST treatment I have no idea. He co-stars with Lou Ferrigno and they play off his speech impediment on a hilarious headwound.
Anyway, I love your site and I have posted some of your stuff on my blog and have gotten some good feedback. Keep it up!
January 12th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Dude.
Cinematic Titanic!
http://cinematictitanic.com
This is from the other folks who did MST3K. Joel, Josh, Mary Jo, Frank, and Trace.
And it is awesome.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
(I think my last comment got eaten by the URL monster.)
RiffTrax is great, but you must also check out Cinematic Titanic. Joel, Josh, Mary Jo, Frank, and Trace, with DVDs you can buy or download. They are great!
January 12th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
“I had a chicken leg once. I had to wear corrective shoes.”
Man, I miss MST3K too.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Thanks for the compliments and the links on your blog! I think the first time I saw Mr. Brown was in Fast Break. A Gabe Kaplan movie where Reb plays a hulking but good natured wall on a basketball team. He’s since gone on to act in many more movies that never got the MST treatment, but probably should have. No reflection on Mr. Brown. An actor has to act, and his career is better than some of his contemporaries. I’ll have to check out the movie with him and deaf Louie.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Craig, I’ll have to check out Cinematic Titanic. Thanks for the tip!
January 12th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Funny one Jane!
January 13th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Okay Gang. Just checked out Cinematic Titanic. My sides are hurting. I’m an immediate fan! Thanks again for the lead to this site.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Dude, the first MST3K movie provided one of my most-used, and best-loved lines of all time:
“Give Uncle Scrotor a hug.”
January 13th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
cechols,
AAAAAAAAAHH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!
I’m have added the quote to the image and am now using it as my desktop wallpaper.
January 15th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
It deserves it. I was thinking about getting it tattooed on my back.
Delightful!
February 5th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
We just got finished watching This Island Earth last night for the umpteenth time. It never stops being funny. MST3K is the only show in which I cannot have a drink lest I spew it out my nose.
February 6th, 2009 at 1:21 am
Hey Howdy to Claire! Nice to hear from you. For me, I rewatch Space Mutiny from time to time. Dang it, Reb Brown is just an under appreciated actor. . . or prop. . . or talking man-a-kin. Whatever. LONG LIVE MST3K. CRRRRROOOOOOOWWWWW!
February 12th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
We looooove MST3K so much we named our second born Miles, as in Miles O’Keefe from Cave Dwellers! “How much Chamberlain do you get with this baby? Miles O’Chamberlin”. Ok, so not as funny as the ‘bots, but you get the idea. I love that Shout Factory is now releasing the boxed sets. They’ve already included early episodes with the original Frank/Josh W. Awesome!
February 13th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Miles is a great name Ingred. And thanks for the Shout Factory tip. I can see additions to my birthday present list now. The boxed set will really be something to Crow about. . . wow, was that lame or what.