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"When I was a teenager, in the 1970s and early 1980s, I became entranced with the classic Hollywood films and their stars of the 1940s and 1950s; especially the often unsung and even derided low budget films (B-movies or second features) produced in this era. Later, through much biographical research I increasingly enjoyed the challenge of locating some of the survivors and sending them letters expressing my enjoyment of their work; and I have especially liked to create cartoon tributes to surprise these players who have not received the recognition of their more famous and celebrated contemporaries. Teenagers From Outer Space , filmed in Los Angeles, USA in 1957 and released by Warner Bros. in 1959, has become something of a star attraction in cult circles; and having read about it, I first saw the motion picture at a B-Movie Film Festival in London UK in 1998; and the audience sat in enraptured silence (although some had giggled at other B-films shown). Teenagers From Outer Space has the distinction of having been written, directed, produced and even acted in by one man - would-be entrepeneur, Tom Graeff (1929-1970); and stars a band of players, all of whom were at least in their twenties. The black & white film, a Science fiction fantasy, has a lot of atmosphere and contains some good acting; but has often been mocked through some of its poor special affects- through lack of budget. However,I have found it compelling to watch; and there are some very-well photographed scenes. In 2005, I located the actor who played the lead corrupted alien 'teenager', Thor: actor Bryan Grant (1931-), in films from the 1950s to 1968; and thereafter working in real estate. Today he lives in Hawaii. Here is the cartoon tribute card created for him: it was a challenge as there are few surviving photographs from the film; so my creation involved freeze-framing a video, in order to capture the likenesses of Bryan Grant; surrounded by fellow stars of the film: from left, clockwise - Dawn Anderson, David Love (the male lead), Helen Sage and Harvey B Dunn. Bryan Grant was delighted - especially since the tribute reached him on his birthday..which I didn't know! To the right is a signed photograph, taken in c1961, that he kindly sent me, in gratitude." Ink & coloured pencil on card, Private collection, Hawaii.

By: Stephen B Whatley Copyright © All Rights Reserved

Taken: September 9, 2008
Uploaded: September 9, 2008

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