On April 15th, 1999 I had the great fortune of asking Rex Reason a few questions that he kindly agreed to answer. That was the first of many times I would gather some poetic and inspired words from this man. Rex exuded through his words a genuine kindness and while at the time he didn't even know me- he treated me with great warmth. This is one of the main reasons (pardon the pun...) that I do this page. A wonderful actor he is, yet he is also a wonderful person and that is even more important to me. I hope you enjoy his answers to my ponderings as thoroughly as I.
What is your Greatest Accomplishment?
RR: My greatest accomplishment is still ahead of me.
The reason: I am still allowing the creative energy that flows through me moment by moment to find its way into all relationships of life be it person, place, or thing.
What do you think is the reason for the popularity of "This Island Earth"?
This Island Earth was a novel written by Raymond Jones. The book was originally published in three parts in "Thrilling Wonder Stories" magazine in 1949-1950 as "The Peace Engineers Trilogy". The film had a story line.
Film fans and science fiction fans felt that "This Island Earth" was a landmark or milestone film as Sci-fi films go, and one of the most original films of its genre, also perhaps, because it had its roots in the Sci-fi pulp novel magazine so popular in the 30s, 40s and 50s.
It was one of the few films to successfully bring what was called "Space Opera" to the screen.
What was it like on the set of "This Island Earth"?
Most of the special effects were created and filmed long before the actors were chosen and signed for their respective roles.
As a result the actors had to use their imagination to react to the special effects later incorporated into most of their scenes.
But- the interior of the flying saucer which the special effects department created within one of the largest sound stages on the Universal lot, had the glass tubes, monitering devices, large T.V. screen and eerie atmosphere that helped our performances more so than if they hadn't been there.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to go into the film industry?
My advice for any young person starting out in his or her life on this planet earth and in any career that they have chosen and particularily the Motion Picture Business (being it the most impressionable, and influential of all professions, on the public), is to find and take moments of QUIET periodically until they (the moments) become the priority in their lives.
All answers and directions for the individual, lie within these moments and when executed bring about results that become examples to others.
And- that's what the world needs more of, examples of individuals that are reaching for and releasing that IMPRISONED SPLENDOR out into this world.
Copyright 2007 Amtron Productions Ltd.