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RIP Mike “Touch” Connors

Tarzana, Calif.–Mike Connors, best known for playing detective Joe Mannix on 1960s and ’70s show “Mannix,” died here Jan. 26. He was 91. He had been diagnosed a week ago with leukemia, according to his son-in-law Mike Condon.
MSTies will recall that, as “Touch” Connors, he played Bob in the movie in episode 503- SWAMP DIAMONDS. He also played Tony Lamont in THE DAY THE WORLD ENDED (riffed by fans in Sci-fi Channel’s “MST3K: The Home Game”).

Variety has the story.

Thanks to Paul for the heads up.

Episode guide: 620- Danger!! Death Ray

Movie: (1967) A suave secret agent is on the case after a Europey evil organization makes off with a death ray and its inventor.

First shown: 1/7/95
Opening: Crow has contact lenses, Tom has sneakers on
Intro: Frank is a talent agent
Host segment 1: Servo builds a death ray for peaceful purposes, but can’t resist using it on Crow
Host segment 2: “This is your life, Mike Nelson”
Host segment 3: Crow’s designs for sunglasses seem a bit woman-ey
End: Cambot gets emotional, Frank has a glamour shot
Stinger: John Cameron Swayze intercepts the watch
(216 votes, average: 4.51 out of 5)

• I’m not a big fan of the foreign spy movie episodes, but this one clicks with me. Maybe it’s because the movie is just barely watchable, the riffing is fun and most of the host segments work. The result is one I really like.
• You can find this one on Shout’s “Volume XXVI.”
• This movie’s original Italian title was “Il Raggio Infernale.”
• This was the first episode of 1995. It would be difficult year in MSTiedom.
• Crow’s contact lenses and Frank the talent agent are a great start.
• Callback to Crow’s screenwriting career. That’s Mike as Torgo, of course.
• Mike wears his sailor suit/Tom wears his sneakers into theater.
• Crow’s giggle, every time the movie pretends the toys are real, is so infectious!
• Callbacks: Starfighters music, “This nose wheel feels mushy.” (San Francisco International), “We tampered in God’s domain.” (Bride of the Monster), “I’m dyin’ in a rush!” (Kitten with a Whip).
• Segment 1 is strange, but it ends with the arresting image of Crow’s eyes catching fire. A classic moment.
• Non spaghetti ball bumpers: film canister, book, beaker
• Mike is very funny at beginning of segment 2, warily fending off Tom’s attempt to start the sketch. The segment is JUST long enough.
• Segment 3 is fun too. Perfect progression from slightly woman-ey to VERY woman-ey.
• Nice to see Cambot involved in a segment for once! But he’s sooo sensitive.
• Um, has anybody noticed the HUGE body count in this movie? Sheesh!
• Set designer Arrigo Equini, who was a scene designer for “Secret Agent Super Dragon,” is the ONLY person on this movie who worked on another MSTed movie.
• CreditsWatch: Host segments directed by Kevin Murphy.
• Fave riff: “Hi. Welcome to Jack Ruby fantasy camp.” Honorable mention: “Look, let’s just put our balls on the table, shall we?”

RIP Mary Tyler Moore

Greenwich, Conn.–Mary Tyler Moore, whose comic timing and all-American beauty made her a leading TV star and Emmy Award-winning actress before she took on dramatic roles in films, and whose 1970s situation comedy about the life of a professional single woman was considered a cultural and feminist milestone, died on Jan. 25 at a hospital here. She was 80.

Her series was set in the Twin Cities, and so there was no way it, and she, couldn’t come up on MST3K. She and the series were referenced many times in theater riffing and she was mentioned in host segments in episode 311- IT CONQUERED THE WORLD and 1010- IT LIVES BY NIGHT.

The Washington Post has the story.

Funko Pop to Release MST3K Figures

From the London Toy Fair we have news that Funko Pop will create MST3K figures. Stay tuned for more info when we get it.

Weekend Discussion Thread: Alternate Endings

I feel like we did this, but I searched and couldn’t find anything.

So let’s go with Rick’s suggestion:

In “Girl in lovers lane” Crow and Servo suggest an alternate ending. My girlfriend suggests that many MST movies lend themselves to alternate endings.
For instance, in Devil Doll, would it have not been ironic after Hugo and Vorelli soul switch that Hugo, now fully transferred into Vorelli, would be arrested (as Vorelli) for the Butt Lady’s murder?

Suggestions?

I’d suggest a darker ending to “Robot Holocaust” — just when everybody thinks it’s all over — cut to Torg … whose eyes light up.

Your suggestion?