FAR OUT SPACE NUTS was the brainchild of veteran comedy performer Chuck McCann, a Saturday morning presentation from producers Sid and Marty Krofft, his co-stars Bob Denver from GILLIGAN'S ISLAND and 3'11 Patty Maloney as the tiny alien known as Honk (she had played one of the monsters menacing Kim Darby in 1973's "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark"). Inspired by the childlike antics of Laurel and Hardy, Denver as Junior inadvertently sends up the rocket when he thinks he hears McCann as Barney shout out 'launch' instead of 'lunch,' the pair working for the NASA commissary, befriended by the non speaking Honk, who naturally communicates through her namesake. 15 episodes were produced, one of the more notable guest stars being legendary scene stealer John Carradine, seen in the second broadcast "The Crystallites," alien creatures made of glass, the actor decked out in heavy powdered makeup as their silver garbed ruler Trental. As Barney tries to effect repairs on their ship, Junior is entrusted with finding water, only for Honk to shake down coconuts instead, giving up chocolate milk for Junior's enjoyment. Barney of course refuses to taste it himself, unaware that its lingering effects make his partner transform into a hairy green monster with fangs every time he sneezes. This later comes in handy after the Crystallites capture them, intending to make Junior their new king, if only for a single disastrous day. As silly a getup as any he was required to wear during his seven decade career (somewhat reminiscent of 1958's "The Cosmic Man"), Carradine's booming voice provides all the gravitas necessary to carry it off without embarrassment.
