Amiga Plus 1995 #2/Amiga Plus CD - 1995 - No. 2.iso/internet/faq/englisch/mysterysciencetheater-most

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Archive-name: tv/mst3k/most-faq
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Last-modified: 1995/3/5

                        _Mystery Science Theater 3000_
                       Most Frequently Asked Questions

This brief FAQ was created primarily for newbies who, for one reason or
another, cannot wait to read the regular FAQ.  It should contain the most asked
questions only.  The regular FAQ, along with the episode guide, is posted
monthly on Sunday (A.D.) to rec.arts.tv.mst3k, alt.tv.mst3k, and alt.fan.mst3k,
alt.fan.tom-servo, and the *.answers newsgroups.  If you would like a copy of
the FAQ or episode guide, please e-mail me ([e-mail]) with "FAQ
request" in the Subject: line.  Also remember to read the basic news FAQ found
on news.answers.
This version is edited and modified by Matthew Duhan ([e-mail])
from a version edited by Lisa Jenkins ([e-mail]) from
an originally compiled list from the _Satellite of Love Newsletter_ edited by
Rich Kulawiec ([e-mail]). As you can see, a lot of people went
into making this possible.  Special thanks to Julie Walker, Jim Mallon, and
Best Brains, Inc for providing a wonderful show and valuable information.  And
for allowing this FAQ to circulate.

Last updated: March 5, 1995
    Major overhaul!!


/----CONTENTS----\

Notes                     Notes on authors and organization of the FAQ
Contents                  See Contents
Basic Basics              What is MST3K and when is it on?
New Information           Recent questions and their answers
Other Questions           Other very frequently asked questions
Current Love Theme        The current opening theme lyrics


/----BASIC 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 (see "The Obscure"), and then was picked up by HBO's Comedy Channel which
later merged with Viacom's HA! and became CTV which was later renamed Comedy
Central (whew!).  The show's basic premise is to view really bad movies and
heckle them.

Mike Nelson, a hired temp, was blasted into space by his evil bosses in Deep
13. They force him to watch bad films and then monitor his reactions.
Mike, in order to keep his sunny disposition and his sanity, heckles the movies
with the help of three robots constructed from parts of the satellite.

On Earth, the mad scientists select the cinematic horrors, disguising them as
experiments to inflict on Mike and the robots.  They in turn respond by
unmercifully riffing the movies from beginning to end. We see the show from
behind their seats in the theater, seeing their silhouettes in the bottom of
the screen and hearing their comments.  The heckling draws mostly from pop
culture, but also from every other imaginable source, including science,
philosophy and history, and many times consist of current issues in the news
and media.  Three times during the film (roughly every half hour), Mike and the
'bots are given a break, at which point they do host segments.  During the
"host segments" they do parodies and annoy the mad scientists.

Q: When is the show on?
A: (All times Eastern/Pacific)
   Friday 8:00 AM and PM, and 2:00 AM (Viewer Request Friday)
   Saturday morning 10:00 AM (Viewer request of season 2 & 3 shows)
   Saturday evening 7:00 PM (Usually a new episode)
   Sunday morning 10:00 AM (Usually a repeat of Saturday night)
   Monday - Friday 12:00 NOON


/----NEW INFORMATION----\

Q: I heard Frank is leaving.  Is this true?
A: Sadly, yes.  Frank Conniff, who plays TV's Frank on the show, left Best
Brains in January.  His last episode will be 624: Samson vs. the Vampire
Women, airing on March 25.  As of now Best Brains has not yet found a
replacement.  Here is the letter which Frank wrote:

As of this January I'm leaving my job at "Mystery Science Theater 3000".
Why?  Because I've lost my mind.  But there are also a few other reasons.
I've discovered that after 5 seasons and 109 episodes, I have a need for
change, even if change means losing the best job IÆve ever had and most
likely will ever have.  I have a need to grow and evolve and to find new
challenges and adventures in my life.

The hardest part about leaving MST3K will be having to say goodbye to
everyone here at Best Brains.  It is unlikely that I'll ever be able to
find a group of people as intelligent, kind and down right fun as the BB
staff.  I will miss them all dearly.  They will no longer be my co-workers
but they will always be my friends.

This has been a hard decision for me to make, but everyone here has been
extremely supportive.  I'd like to thank all you fans for your love and
support throughout the years.  I hope all you Misties out there will be
equally understanding.  If any of you run into me in the future, I hope
you'll be nice and tell me how much you enjoyed my work on MST3K and how
much you admired me for taking that big risk in my life when I left the
show.  If you do, I promise IÆll give you one of my patented TV's Frank
smiles, look you straight in the eye and say, "would you like some fries
with your order?"

Frank Conniff
___________________________________________

Frank will be working on new projects including a humorous
autobiographical book and has, as he describes it, grandiose plans for
screenplays, TV shows, plays novels, etc.

I'm sure you all join us here at BBI in wishing Frank all the best albeit
with a tear in our eye.

Jim Mallon

push the button frank

Q: Is there ever going to be a theater release of MST3K?
A: Yes!  Best Brains finally managed to sign a deal with Gramercy Pictures.
Best Brains will be filming the movie in Minneapolis, with a new and more
elaborate set.  The host segments will be a bit longer, but basically it will
be like a regular episode.  Gramercy will be in charge of distribution.  The
film will hopefully be ready to be released in September.

NOTE: Please do NOT e-mail juliewa with questions about the movie.  She has
said that she is not at liberty to discuss it any more.  Thank you.

Q: So what's the film going to be?
A: We do not know.  Best Brains is keeping that information confidential for
now.  However, it likely will NOT be "This Island Earth," which was done at the
1994 Conventio-Con-Expo-Fest-A-Rama.  This is because at the time, BB was
hoping to sign a deal with Universal, who owns the rights to TIE.  Since they
are now signed with Gramercy, this seems highly unlikely.  Also, BB would have
said if it were to be TIE, as that is what several others had announced.
Whatever the film is, rest assured that it will be a good MSTing.  Jim Mallon
has been quoted as saying, "If we do a bad movie, it will be the one thing we
will be remembered for. Trust us. It won't be a bad movie."

Q: Can we expect MST3K to go into syndication anytime soon?
A: Why yes!  Right now, BB is trying to get MST3K syndicated to be picked up by
local TV stations for the fall.  So write your local station and tell them you
want MST3K!  BB is going through a syndicator, and is offering both the regular
two-hour format and the Mystery Science Theater Hour format.  Most stations
will probably pick up the MSTH format, due to it being shorter.  However, no
additional footage will be cut.  In either case what you see on CC is what you
will see in syndication.


/----OTHER QUESTIONS----\

Q: Who is this Joel that people talk about and appears on the midnight shows?
A: Joel Robinson was the original character blasted into space by the mad
scientists.  He worked at Gizmonic Institute as a janitor.  In 512 "Mitchell,"
he managed to escape from the ship.  Joel is the one who originally built the
robots to keep him company.
Joel Hodgson, who plays Joel Robinson, is the original creator of Mystery
Science Theater 3000, and one of the founders of Best Brains.

Q: This "new guy" Mike Nelson looks familiar.  Where have I seen him before?
A: Mike Nelson is already known for his special characterizations of Jack
Perkins, Michael Feinstein, Gamera, Mothra, Morressey, Torgo, and hexfield
viewscreen guests among many others.  Mike began hosting in 513 "The Brain That
Wouldn't Die."

Q: How did Joel manage to get off the ship?
A: Mike Nelson's character was introduced at the beginning of 512 "Mitchell" as
a temp in Deep 13.  Through the course of the skits, Gypsy heard the Mads
talking about getting rid of him, and thought they meant Joel.  She then
managed to get Joel off the ship with Mike's help (by using Frank's keys).
Joel was put in an escape pod named the "Deus Ex Machina" (located in a box
marked "Hamdingers") and launched towards Earth.  The Mads, needing a
replacement, hit Mike on the head and send him up.

Q: Why did Joel "step down" from his on-screen role (Phase 4)?
A: Joel Hodgson decided to take it easy for a while and not host the show
anymore.  He has other plans in the making, including other television shows
and movies.  As of episode 512 "Mitchell", Joel was replaced by Mike Nelson,
head writer for MST3K.

Q: So what is Joel Hodgson doing now?
A: Joel is now working in LA.  He is no longer working at Best Brains, nor are
there any plans for him to in the future.  He has done writing for the Paula
Poundstone Show, among other things.

Q: What is this Mystery Science Theater Hour?
A: Best Brains and Comedy Central decided to divide the normal two-hour shows
into two-part one-hour shows.  There were several reasons for this decision.
First, it allows the show to be viewed at an earlier time block, due to its
shorter length.  Also, it will more easily allow the show to go into
syndication, if the Brains ever wish to do so.

Q: So what's the difference?  Should I watch and tape both versions?
A: The Mystery Science Theater Hour has introductory host segments given by
Jack Perkins, first seen in 310 "Fugitive Alien" (played by Mike Nelson).  In
order to fit these introductions, about 5 minutes have been cut from each
episode.  As with the reruns, Best Brains has only done MSTH versions of
Phase 2 up.  General consensus seems to be to tape the new introductions
but not the movie in edited form.

Q: Will the Comedy Channel 1989/90 season be shown on Comedy Central again?
A: No.  Although Comedy Central has shown clips on _Short Attention Span
Theater_ of the first Comedy Channel season, Best Brains feels that at that
time, they did not have their "chops down".  In addition, BBI does not have the
rights to the movies any longer.

Q: What happened to 204 "Catilina Caper"?  Why won't CC show them any more?
A: The rights Best Brains had for showing this movie expired.  Thus, CC can
no longer show it unless they renegotiate the contract.  Since they are to be
shown on Comedy Central, it is they, and not Best Brains, who must renegotiate
the contracts.

Q: Do the Brains at Best Brains, Inc. have an e-mail address?
A: Yes.  Write to Julie Walker, the official spokesperson for Best Brains on
the 'Net and Info Club Poobah, at [e-mail].  She also has addresses
[e-mail] and 74201,[e-mail], but the AOL is the preferred
address.

Q: Are there USENET newsgroups?
A: Yes.  The current active newsgroup on USENET is rec.arts.tv.mst3k.  There
are two other newsgroups, alt.tv.mst3k, and alt.fan.mst3k but they are not
available at all sites.  Most articles posted in rec.arts.tv.mst3k should be
crossposted to alt.tv.mst3k and sometimes crossposted to alt.fan.mst3k.

Q: Where are anonymous FTP sites for MST3K related things?
A: There are several sites:

Site: clover.cleaf.com
Directory: /pub/mst3k (pictures, sounds, R#9 Newsletter, transcripts, much new)

Site: ftp.ee.pdx.edu
Directory: /pub/mst3k (sounds, pictures)

Site: ftp.cs.odu.edu (128.82.4.1)
Directory: /pub/mst3k (sounds, images, Fanfic, FAQs, LPBN back issues, MST3K
                       Wallpaper, just about everything)
NOTE: This site is closing!  Please inform me when things here get moved
elsewhere.

Site: spider.navsses.navy.mil (157.187.16.101)
Directory: /pub/mst3k (sounds, pictures)

Site: gynko.circ.upenn.edu
Directory: /pub/rsk/mst3k (SOLN back issues)

Site: isis.dccs.upenn.edu (130.91.16.6)
Directory: /pub/mst3k (pictures)

Site: cais.com
Directory: /usr/jdfalk/mst3kadv (MST Adventures)

Site: ftp.netcom.com
Directory: /pub/caddy/mst3k (sounds, MST wallpaper)

Site: vincent.iastate.edu
Directory: /mst3k

Site: mmg.im.med.umich.edu
Directory: /usr/anon/mst3k/sounds (sounds)

Site: grind.isca.uiowa.edu
Directory: /info/journals/lpbn/ (Load Pan Bay News)

Site: ftp.ids.net
Directory: /mst3k.dir/

Site: ftp.cdrom.com
Directory: /pub/cica/misc/mst3k.zip

Site: ftp.umd.umich.edu
Directory: /people/nhughes/mists (MSTings)

Site: ftp.u.washington.edu
Directory: /pub/user-supported/starfish (QuickTime movies of MST3K.  Large!)

Site:ftp.digex.net
Directory: /pub/access/tomservo (QT movies and other things)

Site: sumex-aim.stanford.edu
Directory: /info-mac/gui/ad (Torgo AfterDark screen saver)

Site: fas.harvard.edu
Directory: /pub/hrsfa/SIGs/MST3K (FAQ, Episode Guide, KTMA pics)

Please remember to limit your down-loads to less than 1 Meg per day and
to use off peak hours.  This will help to ensure that sites like these
will continue to provide access to these files.

Q: Are there any World Wide Web (WWW) sites for MST3K?
A: Yes.  There are several currently known.
   http://www.cs.odu.edu/~warren/mst3k/MST3K.html
   http://topquark.cecer.army.mil/~roland/mst3k/mst3k.html
   http://www.ee.pdx.edu/cat/chaos/html/mst3k.html
   http://www.scs.unr.edu/homepage/rory/mst3k/mst3k.html
   http://sunsite.unc.edu/lunar/mst3k/mst3k.html
   http://jaquenetta.wx.ll.mit.edu/MST3K/
   http://www.public.iastate.edu/~hunter/mst3k.html
   http://www.engin.umich.edu/~jgotts/mst3k.html
   http://www.engin.umich.edu/labs/mel/mneylon/mst3k/mst3k.html
   http://www.wpi.edu:8080/~patrickd/tomservo.html/
   http://www.physics.duq.edu/~sensor/msthome.html
   http://www.interaccess.com/users/thor
   http://unicorn.dorm.umd.edu/~spatula
   http://www.c3.lanl.gov/~adelson/funlinks/mst.html
   http://grove.ufl.edu/~cirop20/mst_html/mstop.html
   ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/isis/www/torgo.html

Q: Are there any MUSHs with MST3K areas?
A: Yes, there's one on TinyTIM.
Telnet: myelin.uchc.edu 5440
or      yay.tim.org 5440
Where: Plane 36 from the Nexus.

Q: Are there any MOOs with MST3K areas?
A: Hell, yes!  The DigiVerse, only the rootinest, tootinist MOO around!
telnet digiverse.digitas.org 7777
or     140.247.147.99 7777
Where: Head east and south until you reach the (R)A.T.M. Inn.

Q: Is a FAQ for the USENET MST3K newsgroups available?
A: Yes.  A FAQ devoted to the USENET newsgroups rec.arts.tv.mst3k and
alt.tv.mst3k (see "Electronic Forums") is available from Matthew Duhan
([e-mail]).  This FAQ deals with aspects of the newsgroup and
the people on it more than MST3K itself.

Q: Is an episode guide available?
A: There are several episode guides, most of which are posted periodically to
the USENET newsgroups rec.arts.tv.mst3k and alt.tv.mst3k (see "Electronic
Forums").  An ASCII episode guide which can be used with a mail merge program
(such as on Word Perfect) was created by Brian Siano ([e-mail]).  It
also includes information such as host segment scripts and notes on the movies.
Also posted are Malcom Austin's episode guide which began the SOLN (see
"Electronic Forums") episode guide and the SOLN episode guide which includes
most of the information found in all of the episode guides.  One of the most
complete guides is the one posted with this FAQ by Matthew Duhan
([e-mail]).

Q: Is there a brief episode guide available, which just lists name and episode
number?
A: Yes.  The Brief Episode Guide is available from Matthew Duhan
([e-mail])

Q: I really like the short films they do, but I forget which episode they're
from.  Is there a  guide just to the shorts?
A: Yes.  A Shorts Guide is available from Matthew Duhan
([e-mail]).  It contains all the shorts shown by episode and
alphabetically.

Q: Is there a guide that lists all the various repeated jokes within a
particular episode?
A: Yes.  A List of Lists Guide is currently in the works.  It contains such
lists as the names for "Touch" Connors and things thrown at the blackboard
during commercial breaks (Phase 4).  For a copy, e-mail Matthew Duhan
([e-mail]).  For submissions, e-mail Matthew Duhan
([e-mail]) with "LOL" in the Subject: line.

Q: I've seen some people MiSTing USENET articles.  Is there a guide to the
proper format for doing this?
A: Yes, it is available from Matt Duhan ([e-mail]) or Michael
Neylon ([e-mail]).  In addition, there is a mailing "dibbs"
list.  To subscribe, e-mail [e-mail].

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

Alternately, you can e-write Julie Walker, Info Club Liason, at [e-mail]

Q: Where can I get a list of MST3K episodes which will be airing every month
on Comedy Central?
A: You could call Comedy Central's Schedule line.
  [phone]
   x1300 for MST3K
   x1301 for MST Hour
This is a regular toll number (i.e. neither 800 nor 900) so you'll be charged,
but not charged excessively

In addition, it is posted to rec.arts.tv.mst3k and alt.tv.mst3k every Saturday
by Mike Pearce ([e-mail]).  Also, [e-mail] (Scott
Fabbri) keeps them in his .plan if you finger him.  And if you have WWW access,
several of the MST3K Web sites keep schedules.

Q: What's the address of Comedy Central, so I can complain about yet another
screw up involving MST3K?
A:
Comedy Central
1775 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
[phone]

In addition, their e-mail address is:  [e-mail]

The president of CC is Bob Kreek.  His extension is 8552.
His fax number is [phone]

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 well in advance
and make an appointment.
Update: You have to call the Thursday before the next week's Friday to
schedule a tour for that Friday.  Therefore, to have a tour on Friday the 9th
you have to call Thursday the 1st.

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

Office: [phone]
   FAX: [phone]

Q: Which way do the 'bots face when in the theater?  It looks like they
actually face away from the screen if you look at Crow.
A: The 'bots, in addition to Mike and Joel, face toward the screen, with their
backs to Cambot and thus the audience.  In the opening sequence, the shot is
reversed (Joel's "Gizmonics" logo is backwards) because the shot was set up
with Crow on the left of Joel but looked better reversed, so that they matched
their order during the show.  In the theater, Crow's head creates an optical
illusion due to trying to view a three-dimensional object two-dimensionally.
However, it has been seen both from the CC special "This is MST3K" and from the
tour that the 'bots do in fact face toward a white screen, with their backs to
the camera.  (Actually, there is also a teleprompter on the floor in front of
them, not to mention this is where Trace and Kevin lie).

Q: Who is this Richard Basehart that Gypsy is so fond of?
A: He is a long-time movie and TV character actor, best known as the star of
the 1960's TV series _Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea_.

Q. Why is Tom Servo's head look a cylinder in several episodes of the Comedy
Channel's 1990/91 season (Phase 2)?
A. Servo was given a "haircut" in episode 205 "Rocket Attack USA."

Q: How can Servo zoom up and down the theater seats with no problem but needs
to be carried in the theater by Mike or Joel?
A: In episode 110 "Robot Holocaust" Servo reminds Joel to carry him over the
heating grid.  Mike is also informed of this fact in 513 "The Brain That
Wouldn't Die."  Apparently Servo's hoverskirt has difficulty providing enough
force to carry him over on his own, although he has done it on occasion.

The show-production reason for this is that when they enter the theater,
Mike can walk in, and Trace can slide Crow over from the right, but Kevin
must be already sitting down under where Tom Servo sits.  Mike has to carry
Tom Servo in and hand him to Kevin Murphy, and carry him out at the end.

Q: How does Tom Servo know when it is time to leave the theater?
A: Because he was built with those "special parts" that tell the time.

Q: Why does Gizmonics Institute and the "G" logo no longer appear?
A: The Mads do not work for Gizmonics Institute, they are renegades who used to
work there, before blasting Joel into space.
The real-life reason is that Joel Hodgson owns the rights to these things.
Now that he no longer appears on the show, they have been removed.

Q: I remember a debate about computers in one episode.  Which computer does
BBI prefer?
A: In 304 "Gammera vs. Barugon" there was a debate over whether Macs or IBMs
were better.  The debate was not resolved, but was ended when Joel asked if
anyone had seen the mouse for his Amiga.  In real life, BBI likes all three
types of computers.  When they started they could only afford one computer and
had some debate about going Mac or IBM.  Now they have 8 IBM's, 5 Macs, and
one Amiga.  The writers tend to prefer Mac, though.


/----CURRENT LOVE THEME----\

Q: What are the lyrics to the opening song?
A: There are three different versions of the opening song.  Here are the
current lyrics.

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

Music: Charles Erickson and Joel Hodgson
Lyrics: The Brains

In the not-too-distant future
Way down in Deep 13,
Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank
Were hatching an Evil Scheme.
They hired a temp by the name of Mike,
Just a regular joe they didn't like.
Their experiment needed a good test case,
So they conked him on the noggin
And they shot him into space. (Get me down!)

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 Mike can't control
Where the movies begin or end (la-la-la)
He'll try to keep his sanity
With the help of his robot friends.

Robot Roll Call:
Cambot!  (Show yourself!)
Gypsy!  (I'm not ready!)
Tom Servo!  (Hello there!)
Croooow!  (That's one "o"!)

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

Q: If I have a correction or additional information to add, who do I send
it to?
A: E-mail it to Matthew Duhan ([e-mail]) with "FAQ" in the
Subject: line.

Special thanks to many MiSTies from coast to coast.

_Mystery Science Theater 3000_, its characters and situations are copyright
1993 Best Brains, Inc.  This publication is not meant to infringe on any
copyrights held by Best Brains, Comedy Central or its employees.  The
information herein is subject to being wrong.  This FAQ is free to distribute
as long as this notice remains intact.