RIP Harlan Ellison…
Harlan Ellison, one of the world’s foremost science fiction writers, has died at 84. His death was announced by a family friend via twitter.
“Susan Ellison has asked me to announce the passing of writer Harlan Ellison, in his sleep, earlier today. “For a brief time I was here, and for a brief time, I matter.’ – HE, 1934-2018. Arrangements for a celebration are pending.”
Ellison’s 1969 post-apocalyptic novel “A Boy and His Dog” was made into a 1975 cult film starring Don Johnson.
In the film, a young man wanders a post-apocalyptic world with his best friend, his dog. Oh, and the dog can talk!
“A Boy And His Dog” captured Ellison’s writing perfectly: sharp, surreal at times, with pointed political commentary and a prescient view of the future…
Here is more about that incredible sci-fi film:
https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/21/talking-dogs-don-johnson-a-boy-and-his-dog-classic-sci-fi/
Ellison also wrote for many great TV shows such as “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and “The Outer Limits” – but his most memorable TV project was “Star Trek”, which led to a longtime feud with the show’s Creator!
Here is what Deadline.com reports:
Ellison’s Star Trek episode, “The City on the Edge of Forever,” is often cited as among the original series’ very best. Ellison himself was no fan of the end result, though, often complaining about rewrites. The 1967 episode had Captain Kirk (William Shatner) traveling back to 1930s New York and falling in love with a pacifist memorably played by Joan Collins. The twist: Kirk is faced with the prospect of saving the life of his new lady love, but doing so would altar the course of history to the extent that Germany would win World War II.
Revisions made to the script by, among others, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, so angered Ellison that the two feuded for years.
But without a doubt, his novel-turned-cult classic “A Boy And His Dog” will always be remembered…a great film that was released on DVD a few years back and worth getting.
RIP Harlan Ellison…