US AND THEM

Many years ago I had a friend who lived across the street from L.A.'s Loyola Marymount University in the upstairs of his grandfather's house. The tenant upstairs from that in a tiny loft was an engineering student who could walk across the street to the campus. One of his interests was developing and building laser lights. On more than one occasion he would invite us up and show us his latest creation (along with the proper music and, um, "fruitless tomato" leaves). We were always amazed and aghast at the fantastic light show that had ensued.

I don't remember too much other than that or what his intention was for them, but this was the early 1970's. The first official laser light show was in 1973 at the Griffith Observatory and Planetarium in Los Angeles. Not long after that, rock concerts began to use the technology, so this guy, needless to say, was on the leading edge.

Before laser lights, the psychedelic atmosphere at rock concerts (other than the self-administered type) was by the use of projected images called a "liquid light show". This was accomplished by the use of projecting liquid slides or overheads behind the performers, creating a very hip visual experience. Being present at a few of these, I can tell you that they were quite an effective mood-enhancer, especially with bands like Pink Floyd.

This article from SHOW magazine (April 1971) provides images from some of the more well-known shows, such as The Joshua Light Show which was used to great effect at Bill Graham's Fillmore East. The article discusses the beginnings of the psychedelic light shows, their development and use. Far out, Man!

THEM AND US

I recently came across this old issue of SHOW magazine (April 1971). I remember buying the odd issue now and then when they contained anything about monsters, sci-fi, etc. This one has an interesting look back at science fiction films, including BEM's and giant insects as Harlan Ellison discusses the difficulties filmmakers had with putting SF in its proper context. 

CAGNEY, CELEBRITY STOCKS AND CHARITY

Here's a two-page featurette from SHOW magazine (June 1957) that promo's James Cagney's role as Lon Chaney in MAN OF A THOUSAND FACES that was to be released in August of that year. It includes the apocryphal statement that the many body contorting techniques of Chaney's make up were partially to blame for his death (!).

Even in the 1950's, actors were trying to escape the shadow of the IRS. Here's a story on how they were trying to avoid high taxes by making a business out of their name and selling stock (!).

And, finally, here's a story about a Hollywood charity ball that included Jayne "Fully Packed" Mansfield as a cigarette girl (!).