NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #31/NN_1992_31.iso/spool/alt/tv/mst3k/3919

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Newsgroups: alt.tv.mst3k
Subject: MST3K FAQ 9212.20
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From: [e-mail] (Lisa Jenkins)
Date: 22 Dec 92 11:03:15 -0600
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                        _Mystery Science Theater 3000_
                          Frequently Asked Questions

This version was edited by Lisa Jenkins ([e-mail]) from
an originally compiled list from the _Satellite of Love Newsletter_ edited by
Rich Kulawiec ([e-mail]).

Last updated: December 20, 1992


CONTENTS
--------

Contents                  You're reading 'em!
The Basics                Simple information to get started.
Other Guides              Other informational guides available elsewhere.
Fan Club                  Best Brains' information club.
Other Stuff               Interesting stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else.
Other Electronic Forums   Internet/USENET forums.
Song Lyrics               The Love Themes.
Props and Sets            What the 'bots and sets are made of.
The Obscure               Only for the "true fan"!
Credits                   Figure it out, rocket scientist!


THE BASICS
----------

Q: What's the show all about?

A: _Mystery Science Theater 3000_, also known as MST3K or MST 3000, is a
program carried by Comedy Central on various cable companies.  It was
originally shown in Minneapolis, Minnesota on an independent station, KTMA
TV23, and then was picked up by HBO's Comedy Channel which later merged with
Showtime's HA! and became CTV which was later named Comedy Central (Got all
that?  Test later).  The show's premise is to view really bad movies and
heckle them.

Joel Robinson, a well-meaning custodian, was blasted into space by his evil
overlords at the Gizmonic Institute who subject him to bad films and monitor
his reactions.  Joel, in keeping his sunny disposition, has constructed robot
friends from parts of the satellite.

On Earth, the evil scientists select the cinemanic horrors and disguise them
as experiments to inflict on Joel and his robots.  They respond by
unmercifully shredding the movies from beginning to end while they are watched
from behind sitting in the theater.  The heckling draws from pop culture and
yuppisms, and many times consist of current issues in the news and media.
During the "host segments" they do parodies and annoy the mad scientists.

Q: When is the show on?

A: (All times Eastern/Pacific)
   Friday night/Saturday early 12:30 AM (previous seasons)
   Saturday morning 10:00 AM (current season)
   Saturday evening 7:00 PM (repeat of Saturday morning)

Q: If I have a satellite dish, can I pick up Comedy Central?

A: Yes.

West Coast: Galaxy 3, transponder 23
East Coast: Galaxy 1, transponder 1

However, it is scrambled.  You can subscribe to Comedy Central if you have a
satellite dish by contacting Showtime, HBO or any one of a dozen programming
resellers.  Comedy Central is VC-II encoded but since it's a commercially
supported channel, the subscription fee is nominal.  It costs about 50 cents
(or less, depending on who you buy from) a month to subscribe to it.

Q: If I want to show some of the episodes--at no cost--to the public, who can
I call?

A: You could call the Ghostbusters, but I doubt they could help you!  To get
permission to screen episodes at conventions or public group meetings, call
the following person:

Tony Fox
Comedy Central
1775 Broadway
9th floor
New York, NY 10019

Office: [phone]
   FAX: [phone]

Q: How can I get to view episodes I don't have?

A: Post your request to the newsgroups or the newsletter (see also
"Other Electronic Forums")  Alternatively, you might want to try sending mail
to someone else (check "From:" lines) who has commented on the particular show
you want.


OTHER GUIDES
------------

Q: How about an episode guide?

A: An episode guide is available.  It is posted to alt.tv.mst3k (see "Other
Electronic Forums") at the same time this FAQ is posted.  To receive an
additional copy, E-mail Lisa Jenkins ([e-mail]) with
"request MST3K episode guide" on the subject line.

Q: Where can I find magazine and newspaper articles on the show?

A: An article list is available.  Many of the articles have been typed to
ASCII files and can be E-mailed upon request.  To receive a copy of the
article list, E-mail Lisa Jenkins ([e-mail]) for further
details with "request MST3K article list" on subject line.

Q: What are some of the most-often used lines on the show?

A: A catch-phrase catalog is currently being constructed by Cliff Chaput
([e-mail]).  Contact him for further details.

Q: What are all the silly names the Mads' have called Joel and vice versa?

A: A nickname file is slowly being put together.  The first season has been
compiled by Paul Ashley ([e-mail]).  Contact him for further
details.

Q: Has anyone transcribed song lyrics from the show?

A: A song list is available.  Many of the songs listed have been transcribed
and can be E-mailed to you.  To receive a copy of the song list, E-mail Lisa
Jenkins ([e-mail]) with "request MST3K song list" on the
subject line.

Q: Is there a "drinking game" for the show?

A: Yes.  It is available from Jonathan Hughes ([e-mail]).

Q: What is "Rock Climbing"?

A: There is no easy way to answer this, so see the Rock Climbing FAQ available
from Jason Corley ([e-mail]).


FAN CLUB
--------

Q: How do you join the MST3K fan club?

A: To join the fan club is free.  Just write them at the following address:

MST3K Information Club
P.O. Box 5325
Hopkins, Minnesota 55343

Q: What do you get when you join the club?

A: You will receive your official MST3K fan club card, attached to a yellow
neon flyer.  Your membership number is printed at the bottom of the address
label.  The flyer entices you to buy MST3K merchandise, including the Life
Survial Kit (a fan club kit).

You are also put on the MST3K mailing list and receive a lifetime subscription
to the MST3K _Satellite News_ (formerly _The Binding Polymer_).

Q: Do I have to order a fan club kit?

A: No.  The club is free.  The newsletters, postcards and flyers are sent to
you free of charge, just because you took the time to write a letter and lick
a stamp.

Q: I want to order a fan club kit.  How do I do it?

A: To order your kit, send a check/money order made payable to "Best Brains,
Inc." for $5 (Minnesota residents add 6.5% sales tax) to the fan club address.
You can re-order the Life Survival Kit at any time, which is a good idea
because they like to change the things offered in the kit from time to time.

Q: What if I'm not a member yet, and I want to join the club *AND* get my kit
at the same time?

A: Tell them in your letter that you want *BOTH* the Life Survival Kit *AND*
to be put on the mailing list.  Then enclose your check (see answer to the
question above).

Q: What's in the MST3K Life Survival Kit?

A: It may or may not contain the following items:

A folder stating, "Classified--contains top secret MST 3000 fan club
material."  Unfolded, the inside is the "MST 3000 'MOVIE SIGN' Home Viewing
Simulator (MSHVS)," which has the picture of theater seats with Joel and the
'bots at the bottom, with the instructions:

1) Cut out
2) Tape to your TV screen
3) Say stupid (but clever) things

Other items included in the kit:
 The MST3K Experiment Guide--a list of episodes.
 The lyrics to the current "Love Theme."
 The MST3K Technical Journal and/or some technical updates.
 MST3K Whacky Rolling Action Figure (marble not included).
 A list of mispellings of Tom Servo's name.
 Your official MST3K fan club certificate, which is a full 8 1/2 by 11.
 A sample issue of the MST3K _Satellite News_.
 Fan photos--one of Joel and the 'bots lounging in the Satellite of Love, and
one of Dr. Forrester and Frank lounging in Deep 13.  These are "autographed"
with character names, and the signatures are part of the pictures.
 The MST3K Price Rebel Icon Merchandise Temple-Catalogue, which may include
such items as the MST3K Fluid Containment Vessel (MST3K mug), the Mad
Scientist Clock, the MST3K Official Command Cap, MST3K Bumper Sticklers, MST3K
Life Survival Kit, t-shirts, posters, lunch boxes, etc.  (The items in the
catalogue are subject to change.)

Q: What if I'm in the fan club and I want to write another letter?

A: Letters are always welcome at the fan club, but make sure you put your
membership number on your envelope *AND* your letter so you won't be put on
the mailing list twice.


OTHER STUFF
-----------

Q: How do I get the "Funny Pages," Comedy Central's newsletter?

A: The newsletter is free.  Write or call Comedy Central.

Comedy Central
1775 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
[phone]

"Funny Pages" is mailed monthly and lists all the programming for Comedy
Central, including the month's episodes for MST3K.

Q: If I happen to be in the Minneapolis area, can I tour the Best Brains
studio?

A: Yes, but only on limited times due to tight schedules.  Call ahead and make
an appointment.

Best Brains, Inc.
7615 Golden Triangle Drive, #J
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
[phone]

Q: I've got an appointment.  Now, how do I get to Best Brains?

A: We're working on directions.  You can get directions by calling and asking
Best Brains.  If you've been there, please help the FAQ!  Send directions to
Lisa Jenkins ([e-mail]).

Q: What should I expect at the tour?

A: The tour only takes half an hour.  Two points of interest are the
soundstage where the Satellite of Love and Deep 13 sets reside, and the
workshop where they build the props and repair the 'bots.

Q: Who plays what part in the show?

A: Here's a list of character names and the people who play them (and other
stuff they do as part of the Best Brains production staff).


--GOOD GUYS--

 Joel Robinson: Joel Hodgson (creator, executive producer)
 Crow T. Robot: Trace Beaulieu (writer)
 (Tom) Servo (from KTMA and Comedy Channel 1989/90 season): Josh Weinstein
(writer)
 Tom Servo (from Comedy Channel 1990/91 and Comedy Central seasons): Kevin
Murphy (associate producer, writer)
 Gypsy (from KTMA season): Josh Weinstein (writer)
 Gypsy (from Comedy Channel and Comedy Central seasons): Jim Mallon (president
of Best Brains, executive producer, director)
 Magic Voice (not shown in credits; the voice has been done by all the
individuals listed below at various times): Jann Johnson (production manager),
Alexandra Carr (production manager), Ellen McDonough (production coordinator),
Kevin Murphy (associate producer, writer)
 Cambot (from KTMA season): Kevin Murphy (associate producer, writer)
 Cambot (from Comedy Channel and Comedy Central seasons): Himself


--BAD GUYS--

 Dr. Clayton Forrester: Trace Beaulieu (writer)
 Dr. Larry Erhardt (from KTMA and Comedy Channel 1989/90 season): Josh
Weinstein (writer)
 TV's Frank (from Comedy Channel 1990/91 and Comedy Central seasons): Frank
Conniff (writer)


--OTHER GUYS--

 Jack Perkins and other extra characters: Michael J. Nelson (head writer)
 Miracle Growth Baby (After): Timothy Scott (editor)
 Miracle Growth Baby (Before): Eli Mallon (Jim Mallon's son)
 Robert Plant: Kevin Murphy (associate producer, writer)


OTHER ELECTRONIC FORUMS
-----------------------

Q: Are there electronic newsletters/newsgroups?

A: The current active newsgroup on USENET is alt.tv.mst3k.  There are two
other newsgroups (alt.fan.mst3k, alt.fan.tv-mst3k) but these are not available
at all sites.

There is also an electronic mailing list on Internet edited by Rich Kulawiec
named _Satellite of Love Newsletter_.

Q: What is the _Satellite of Love Newsletter_ (SOLN)?

A: It's a fan-run electronic newsletter that started in the late summer of
1991.  Issues come out erratically.  The items in the newsletter are
contributed by its readers, of which there are a few hundred, and generally
consist of detailed reports of tours, lengthy discussions on the show,
transcriptions of favorite skits, and (unauthorized) reprints of newspaper and
magazine articles.

Q: How do I submit items to the newsletter?

A: Send mail to Rich Kulawiec ([e-mail]) with the keywords
"MST3K," "SOL," "MST 3000" or "Mystery Science" anywhere on the subject line.

Q: How do I get back issues of the newsletter?

A: From an anonymous FTP site.

Location:  "syrinx.umd.edu" or "128.8.2.114"
Directory: "mst3k"

This site includes most of the back issues, some GIF and JPEG images, and
sound files along with other interesting things.

Q: Where can I get computer images?

A: Besides the syrinx site, there are others available via another anonymous
FTP site.

Location:  "isis.dccs.upenn.edu" or "130.91.16.6"
Directory: "pub/mst3k"

The shots were made by Donald Cotnoir-Strong, and provided by Patrick
Fitzgerald ([e-mail]).


SONG LYRICS
-----------

Q: What are the lyrics to the opening song?

A: These are the lyrics for the current MST3K theme played on Comedy Central.

"Love Theme from Mystery Science Theatre [sic] 3000"

Lyrics: Joel Hodgson and Josh Weinstein
Music: Charles Erickson and Joel Hodgson

In the not-too-distant future--
Next Sunday A.D.--
There was a guy named Joel,
Not too different from you or me.
He worked at Gizmonic Institute,
Just another face in a red jumpsuit.
He did a good job cleaning up the place,
But his bosses didn't like him
So they shot him into space.

We'll send him cheesy movies,
The worst we can find (la-la-la).
He'll have to sit and watch them all,
And we'll monitor his mind (la-la-la).
Now keep in mind Joel can't control
Where the movies begin or end (la-la-la)
Because he used those special parts
To make his robot friends.

Robot Roll Call:  (Let's go!)
Cambot!  (Pan left!)
Gypsy!  (Hi, girl!)
Tom Servo!  (What a cool guy!)
Croooow!  (Wisecracker!)

If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
and other science facts (la la la),
Then repeat to yourself, "It's just a show,
I should really just relax
For Mystery Science Theater 3000!"

Q: Didn't the lyrics change?

A: If you were ever so lucky to have actually seen the KTMA TV23 episodes,
you would note that the lyrics used to be different.

This is the original MST3K theme as it aired on KTMA TV23 from Minneapolis.

"Love Theme from Mystery Science Theatre [sic] 3000"

Lyrics: Joel Hodgson and Josh Weinstein
Music: Charles Erickson and Joel Hodgson

In the not-too-distant future--
Next Sunday, A.D.--
There was a guy named Joel,
Not too different than you or me.
He worked in a satellite loading bay,
Just polishing switches to pay his way;
He did his job well with a cheerful face,
But his bosses didn't like him
So they shot him into space.

We'll send him cheesy movies,
The worst ever made.
Joel says when you got lemons,
You make lemonade.
Now keep in mind he can't control
When the movies begin or end,
Because he used the extra parts
To make his robot friends.

Robot roll-call--
Cambot
Servo
Gypsy
Crow!

If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
And other science facts,
Just repeat to yourself "It's just a show,
I should really just relax
For Mystery Science Theater 3000."

Q: Where have I heard "Satellite of Love" before?

A: The Jerry Lewis Telethon people call the satellite the "Satellite
of Love."  It's also the title of a song recorded by Lou Reed on his 1973
_Transformer_ album produced by David Bowie.


PROPS AND SETS
--------------

Q: What are the robots made of?

A: This list is very general.


---CROW---

Mostly made of sporting equipment:

Eyes and head--glow-in-the dark pingpong balls; pupils are square bits of
electrical tape.  His head (around his eyes) is a soap dish.  Top of head is
hockey/lacrosse mask (Cooper XL7FG).

Mouth--plastic bowling pin cut in half.

Arms--adjustable desk lamp parts, with closed-cell foam tubing (the kind used
to insulate water pipes) on the upper part.  Popeet toys for part of upper
arm.

Neck--a Popeet toy.

Torso--a set of Tupperware from a set called "Floralier" plus part of another
set.  It was a flower-arranging set. No longer made.  The set consists of a
tall conical vase that snaps into a short conical vase that then snaps onto a
tray.  Two trays, face to face make his shoulders and the vases are below,
turned upside down.

Legs--more lamp parts.

The whole thing (save eyes) is then spray-painted gold over its original
plastic.


---TOM SERVO---

Mostly made of toys:

Head--gumball machine (it comes in that red color, although the head and torso
have been painted from time to time to keep the same consistancy in color)
made by Carousel Industries of Des Plaines, Illinois; the name for it is
"executive snack dispenser."  His beak is spray-painted silver after the
manual dispenser handle is removed.

Torso--barrel from "Kid's Barrel Bank."  Flashlight heads for shoulders.
Slinkys for arms.  Doll hands.  Parts from model kits.

Hoverskirt--A plastic Halloween bowl.  Base is made of foam tubing.


---GYPSY---

Made of household items:

Eye--heavy-duty flashlight.

Head--two child's car seats.

Neck--hose "drain tile."

Lips--foam tubing.


---CAMBOT---

Rotating alarm light on top.  Neck is some sort of hose, a la Gypsy.


The original Gypsy from KTMA TV23 was made of parts which became part of
Comedy Channel's Cambot, but both robots have been revised since then.

Q: I'm building robots.  Where can I find parts?

A: Wherever you can find them!  Tom Servo's gumball head can be found at Mr.
Bulky's, a candy shop.  You might want to look for various items at
Everything's A Dollar store where everything's a dollar.

Q: What are some of the items on the set?

A: There are seven panels and half-panels in the bridge set and what follows is
a list by panel numbered stage right to stage left.  Some of these items are
off-screen most the time and will rarely if ever be seen on TV.

Upper half of stage rightmost panel--motorman's helper; potty seat; crescent
wrench; badminton raquet; bendable Gumby doll (screwed on to wall through the
"heart"); Hot Wheels storage case; flatware trays; LEGO carrying case; shoe
lasts; model train tracks.

Lower half of stage rightmost panel--Speak 'N' Spell; flower pots; plastic
baseball bat; Tupperware grater; ice cube trays, toy jeep; plastic ketchup
bottle.

Half panel stage right beneath window--hair curlers; toy truck; toy golf club;
ice cube trays; Hungry, Hungry Hippos game; toy pistol; Millenium Falcon model
(this might also be the action playset); film reel; Star Wars Snow Speeder.

Panel areas surrounding Hexfield Viewscreen--flower pots; speaker; toy
dinosaur; toy telephone; Trouble Pop O Matic game; toy trumpets; telephone
handset; hair curlers; mouse excercise wheel; toy race car; baby rattle.

Also on stage right--bendable Poky; Big Bird head; plastic bowling pins;
Playschool ball with shaped holes in it that kids put shaped blocks into; egg
tray; two clocks.

Pentagonal panel above door to theater--flatware trays; kneepads; two potty
seats; Hungry, Hungry Hippos game; plastic Christmas reindeer cut in half
(upside down); front of a castle-shaped action toy playset; bird cage cut in
half (one on each side).

Hexagonal panel with hose--speaker; flatware tray; plastic dish drain rack;
hair curlers; Jello mold; plastic baseball bats; half a plastic horse; toy
trumpets and horns.

Half panel stage left under window--toy ukelele; toy pistol; toy boat; hair
curlers; bowling pin; ice cube tray; Darth Vader Action Figure Storage Case;
small pitcher; small toy car.

Stage leftmost full panel with hose--motorman's helper; toy push mower;
Santa's head; toy trucks; bowling pin set; baby rattles; toy pistols; large
flashlights; canteen; pitcher; toy brontosaurus; mug rack; toy fire truck;
wrench; shoulder pads; flower pots; sections of slot car track; model train
tracks.

Also on stage left--Fozzy figure sitting in cup; Playschool shape-ball; toy
fencing sword; plastic ladle; plastic toy shovel; toy boat; toy crane; two
kitchen clocks (one is a large "sun"); kid's doctor kit case; baby's busy box.

Desk front--two bird bath bases (upside down); whiffle ball; toy bowling ball;
hair curlers; seven 35 mm cameras; one Polaroid camera; birdcage cut in half
(one on each side); plastic angel; doll's face; toy bird whistle.

Controls on top of desk--spray can tops (for the buttons).

All over the set--assorted trays; drawer organizers; bowls; divided dinner
plates; cups; silverware drawer trays; heart-shaped bowls.

Q: What is the Mads' keyboard made out of?

A: A teletype.


THE OBSCURE
-----------

Q: What is KTMA TV23?

A: It was an independent station in Minneapolis, Minnesota where MST3K first
aired on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1988.  The station went bankrupt
shortly after putting MST3K "on hiatus," but has since returned and become
KLGT, "Sonlight 23," a religious broadcasting station.

Q: What is "Play MST for Me"?

A: It's a videotape made available for members of the fan club only.  It
contains 30 minutes of songs from the various MST3K experiments.

Q: Who is this Richard Basehart that Gypsy is so fond of?

A: He's the star of the TV series, _Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea_.

Q: Why is the Comedy Channel 1989/90 season production numbers different than
the original air dates?

A: We honestly don't know.  It is obvious from viewing the episodes that they
were shown in a different order than the production numbers tell us.

Q: Why is Josh Weinstein who played the original Tom Servo and Dr. Larry
Erhardt no longer with the show?

A: It was never publicized why he left the show.  The best guess is that he
needed time to mature (he was 18 at the time of his departure) and make his
own name in comedy.  He now performs stand-up in Los Angeles and has written
for various comedy shows (no, _The Simpsons_ is *NOT* one of them).

Q: Why can't we see through Tom Servo's head in the theater when we know his
head is translucent?

A: Puppet doubles are used for filming the theater segments for the show.
These doubles are painted black (such as the evil dark spectre "Timmy" in show
416 "Firemaidens from Outer Space").  They make better outlines for the final
mix and don't glare back at the camera.  (Although they stick their tongues
out occasionally. }B-D )

Q: Was Joel Hodgson, who created the show and plays Joel Robinson (wake up,
people!), born in Minnesota or Wisconsin?

A: Stevens Point, Wisconsin.


CREDITS
-------

Q: Who are some of the contributors of this information?

A: Among the many folk who have sent along information, notes, and general
silliness, are--

David Arnold, Malcolm Austin, Keith Barrett, Jeremy Billones, Jason Corley,
Donald Cotnoir-Strong, Matt Duhan, Nina Eppes, Patrick Fitzgerald, William
Harrison, Larry Hastings, Marty Hoff, Dale Holod, Charles R. Hoynowski, Ed
Hughes, Chad Jackson, Lisa Jenkins, Mary Lynn Johnson, Todd Johnson, Johnny
Klonaris, R'ykandar Korra'ti, Rich Kulawiec, Donna K. Lang, Frank G. Neves,
Synth F. Oberheim, Brian Perler, Lon Ponschock, Joshua R. Poulson, Ellen
Sasse, Joel A. Schenkenberg, John D. Shull, Will Silver, Dave Spensley, Chuck
Tomasi, Lance Visser.

And many other MiSTies from coast to coast.


If you have further information to include in this FAQ or note any mistakes
made here in this listing, please feel free to contact Lisa Jenkins
([e-mail]).  Make sure "corrections MST3K FAQ" is noted
in the subject line.


_Mystery Science Theater 3000_, its characters and situations are copyright
1992 Best Brains, Inc.  This publication is not meant to infringe on any
copyrights held by Best Brains, Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime or its
employees.  The information herein is subject to being wrong.  This FAQ is
free to distribute as long as this notice remains intact.


                  |=-- CABLE'S MOST WANTED COMEDIC FACES --=|     _
                          ,     ,                                [ ]
      _,-(@)_            (\____/)            ,***,              (   )
     / \  \_ \            (_oo_)            | , , |              |>|
    /   \     \             (O)             (  .  )           __/===\__
   <    :------:          __||__    \)       \ = /           //| o=o |\\
    `#---\====/        []/______\[] /       /|`-'|\        <]  | o=o |  [>
    ##                 / \______/ \/       `  \~/  '           \=====/
     ##               /    /__\                |              / / | \ \
                     (\   /____\                             <_________>
      Gypsy           Crow T. Robot      Joel Robinson        Tom Servo

           ,=-=,                 Lisa Jenkins                 _\=|=/_
          ;" @ ";       [e-mail]        < O-O >
         ( =   = )                                            |  ^  |
         <   ^   >  |=-- MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000! --=|   \ /_\ /
         _(  o  )_                                             `-_-'
       __\_`-_-'_/__     1603 Thirteenth Street South          /( )\
           \___/             Moorhead, Minnesota              `  |  '
         TV's Frank               56560-3734          Dr. Clayton Forrester

                (Tom Servo by Brian Heil/used with permission)