Martin Landau: A Toy Tribute
I was kinda crushed to hear of the passing of Martin Landau yesterday besides being a fan of his work, there is also a true connection to him and this site.
It was my admiration for merchandise based on Space:1999 that got me into toy collecting in the first place, so without Martin Landau toys, no PlaidStallions. I figured the best thing to do would be to showcase my favourite items that feature his likeness, so please join me after the jump!
While I certainly don’t have a large collection of Space:1999 items, it is whittled down to my all time favourites. Like the AHI Parachutist above.
This is my all time favourite Mego figure, I remember finding it was like a holy grail at the time.
I can’t tell you how many hours i spent with this as a kid.
I got this from a former Mattel employee, it’s a rejected head sculpt for a 12″ figure based on Space:1999. It’s a shame this never was produced because it’s likeness is quite eerie.
I spent the better part of an hour setting up the Mattel Eagle yesterday, I was elated to find that I own two Commander Koenig figures. I got the news Landau had passed after this.
Finally, this is the poster I pass on my way to my office. It was a recent purchase and something I had spent decades looking for.
RIP Mr Landau.
I was happy a moment ago when my Gabriel Zorro action figure arrived in the mail, and then I get this sad news. Like you, I enjoyed Space: 1999 as a youngster, and then the re-runs as an adult. I had the Mattel action figures, and I must have also had the Moonbase Alpha playset, because I still have the small white table. I own a few more items now, not as many as you, but a nice collection, including the action figures, a few of the Donruss cards, and a Dynamite magazine. My brother once had a subscription and kept all the magazines.
That poster of yours is Dyn-o-mite.
I must have missed the episode with the parachutes…
All I had at the time was the classic green eagle. I actually had it before the series started for some reason, remember arguing with my parents about how it took off; they were adamant it took off like a rocket due to the large engines at the back. Clueless… 😀
He always seemed to add a little class to whatever he was in. L.I.M. Mr. Landau.
I remember watching Space 1999 with my Grandfather on Saturday afternoons.
I recently bought the DVD set, and still enjoyed the 1st season immensely. I have to admit though the 2nd Season was a bit rough. I'd sure like to learn the story behind the format change in the show.
RIP Mr. Landau, and thanks for the fine entertainment.