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Two decades ago (Has it been that long? Jeeez, that makes me feel old!), Mystery Science Theater 3000 premiered on a local Minnesota TV station and became an instant cult hit. I guess they had to do something to keep warm!  This weekend, as part of the USA Film Festival, Dallas will salute the creators, writers and performers and host the 20th anniversary reunion of MST3K. But that’s not all! Gosh, it sounds like I’m selling Ginsu knives on late-night TV. A panel discussion featuring creator Joel Hodgson (Joel Robinson), Trace Beaulieu (Dr. Clayton Forrester/Crow), Frank Conniff (TV’s Frank), Kevin Murphy (Tom Servo II/Dr. Bobo, Mary Jo Pehl (Pearl Forrester) and J. Elvis Weinstein (Dr. Larry Erhardt/Tom Servo I) will be on hand to present favorite clips, answer questions and give the scoop and nothing but the scoop. The discussion will be followed by the event everyone will be waiting for – Cinematic Titanic Live Riffing! If you have to ask what that is, ask a MSTie. And if you don’t know what that is, there’s absolutely no hope for you.

I was fortunate to get a sneak peek of their new venture most appropriately called Cinematic Titanic, not because it’ll tank, mind you, but because I think they find these films at the bottom of the ocean or at least they’re headed that way, briefly saved from total obscurity. It was with great anticipation that I gathered my youngest son, popped their first segment into the DVD player and prepared to laugh with great abandon. It didn’t disappoint. With a title like, The Oozing Skull, well…… need I say more? Films with titles such as this are not directed by the likes of Martin Scorsese (except for his 1964 classic, It’s Not Just You, Murray!).

So, I am happy to report that They’re Baaaack! With minor modifications, but essentially the same game. Instead of Joel and Tom Servo and Crow, we have five commentators riffing on the movie’s lame dialogue. And although they don’t sit in the front row, they are still silhouetted, even though this makes it difficult for the listener to discern exactly who is saying what. They have even made room for identifiable guest “riffians” – but I won’t reveal their secret identity, lest I ruin the surprise. Below is an email interview with the shows creator, Joel Hodgson.

My name is Susan Kandell, and I’m conducting this email interview on behalf of PopSyndicate - I’m sure you have many fans amongst our readership.

Joel Hodgson: I happen to know for a fact our fans love PopSyndicate as well as PopSecret the microwave popcorn.

PS: What made you resurrect the concept now? Need a new car, boat......?
JH: For me personally, I just wanted to get back into it. The act of “Movie Riffing” is just so much fun. As time went on I started to regret having to leave MST3k when I did. I just wanted another chance to work with the people that made it all happen in the first place. Fortunately, everyone else was of the same mind, we just all wanted a second chance, and it looks like we got it in the form of Cinematic Titanic.

PS: Where do you find these gems (movies)? I imagine you sit around and view movies much like Max Bialystock read scripts in The Producers saying, “Gregor Samsa awoke one morning to discover that he had been transformed into a giant cockroach. Nah, it’s too good.”
JH: Actually, yes. We just watched a film that was actually compelling and interesting. At Cinematic Titanic we’re sort of in the business of “up-cycling” entertainment. That is, we’re trying to improve the original movie experience, if possible. When someone’s got an interesting thing going, why mess with it?

PS: Has anyone ever denied use of their film?
JH: Not yet - but I’m sure that’s coming.

PS: How does the process work? Do you all watch together or separately and make notes? I loved the riffing, you haven’t lost your touch - you had me at the discussion of the usage of toilet paper in a day line.
JH: Thanks for the note on the toilet paper line - makes me proud. In answer to your question, we all work on the films separately and then, using powerful computers, marry the film with our riffs. We then gather together and work the material so it has a nice flow - then in the act of riffing, more ideas usually emerge. Lately, we’ve had the chance to work the material live, like last December at ILM and this coming weekend at the USA Film Festival in Dallas. We all come from performing as stand-ups. That’s how we all met in Minneapolis.  So when the happy accidents happen while we’re performing we try to cycle that back into the show when we go into the studio.

PS: Ever feel compelled to let loose in a movie theater when hearing a ridiculous line? I can barely contain myself - so I imagine it must be hard for you.
JH: It’s kind of different when it’s your job, riffing in a place were people haven’t invited you to is sort of like a pro baseball player joining a beer league and then grandstanding when he get’s a good hit. It’s not socially acceptable. Sure, it be fun and all for the player, it’s just not socially acceptable.

PS: I loved the guest spots. Ever consider a film critic from Dallas? Any plans to bring back Crow or Tom Servo? Or son of Crow?
JH: We don’t own the characters from MST3k, they are controlled by Jim Mallon, whose keeping them alive in the form of flash animation, check out Jim’s unique take at MST3k.com.

PS: Speaking of Crow......My son and I were big, big fans and we have one question - was Crow’s head the top of a lacrosse stick?
JH: Crows head is made from: a soap dish, some day-glow balls from the game G’nip G’nop, a plastic bowling pin, and a....wait for it....Lacrosse mask.

PS: Well, thanks for the memories and welcome back! But be careful where you plant that TimeTube. Oh, one more thing.... personally, I think the doctor in The Oozing Skull looked more like Ernie Kovacs than Tennessee Ernie Ford. Just an observation......
JH: Here, Susan, I totally agree with you - Dr. Trenton does indeed look like Ernie Kovacs, but he also looks a lot like Tennessee Ernie Ford, in this particular case we opted for the name we thought was funniest.  I’m sure you’ll agree, when it comes to the funnier name, Tennessee Ernie Ford beat Ernie Kovacs hands down. However, in the light of day, I guess we probably could have called him “Tennessee Ernie Kovacs” and had the best of both worlds.

Thanks Joel!

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