From: jenkins@local.host
Newsgroups: alt.tv.mst3k
Subject: MST3K FAQ 9209.28
Date: 30 Sep 92 19:46:32 GMT
Reply-To: jenkins@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu
Organization: Organization, City, State, etc.


                        _Mystery Science Theater 3000_
                          Frequently Asked Questions

This version was edited by Lisa Jenkins (jenkins@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu) from 
an originally compiled list from the _Satellite of Love Newsletter_ edited by 
Rich Kulawiec (rsk@gynko.circ.upenn.edu). 

Last updated: September 28, 1992


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: G1, 1.
East coast: [unknown, please supply info to editor]

However, it is scrambled.  You can subscribe to Comedy Central if you have a 
satellite by contacting Showtime.  HBO also owns Comedy Central, but Showtime 
still has the rights over satellite feed.

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

A:  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: (212) 767-8746 
   FAX: (212) 767-8582

Q: How about an episode guide?

A: An episode guide is available.  Because of its size, it is seperate from 
the FAQ.  To receive a copy, please send E-mail to Lisa Jenkins 
(jenkins@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu) with "request MST3K episode guide" on the 
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 
(chaput@ils.nwu.edu).  Contact him for further details.

Q: Has anyone transcribed song lyrics from the show?

A: Yes.  There is a song list available which lists songs from the episodes 
and ones which have currently been transcribed.  E-mail Lisa Jenkins 
(jenkins@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu) with "request MST3K song list" on the subject 
line for further details. 

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.  The flyer entices you to buy your MST3K Life Survial Kit (the 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_), with letters 
and interviews.

Q: How do I order my kit?

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 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.   

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: 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
(212) 767-8600

"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.  Call ahead and make an appointment.  The absolute best time to tour 
is when the actors/writers are on vacation.  Office policy is no tours during 
filming days. 

Best Brains, Inc.
7615 Golden Triangle Drive, #J
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
(612) 941-8024

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

A: We're working on directions.  If you've been there, please help!  Send 
directions to Lisa Jenkins (jenkins@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu).

Q: What should I expect at the tour?

A: The tour only takes half an hour.  Two of the largest 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: Are there electronic newsletters/newsgroups?

A: Yes.  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 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 (rsk@gynko.circ.upenn.edu) 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 some other interesting things. 

Q: Where can I get computer images?

A: Besides the syrinx site for most MST3K items, 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 (pat@fitz.b17d.ingr.com). 

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

A: Post your request to the newsgroups or the newsletter; we're all 
circulating the tapes.  Alternatively, you might want to try sending mail to 
someone else (check the "From:" lines) who has commented on the particular 
show you want.

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: 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 Theater 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 Theater 3000"

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. 

Q: Who plays what part in the show?

Joel Robinson: Joel Hodgson (creator, executive producer) 
Crow T. Robot: Trace Beaulieu (writer) 
Tom Servo (from KTMA and first Comedy Channel season): Josh Weinstein (writer) 
Tom Servo (from second Comedy Channel 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 (this is not in the credits): Alexandra Carr (production manager) 
  or Jann Johnson (first season only; production manager) 
Cambot: Himself 

Dr. Clayton Forrester: Trace Beaulieu (writer) 
Dr. Larry Erhardt (from KTMA and first Comedy Channel season): Josh Weinstein 
 (writer) 
TV's Frank: Frank Conniff (writer) 

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)
Plant Guy and other extra characters: Kevin Murphy (associate producer, 
 writer) 
Other extra characters: Jim Mallon (president of Best Brains, executive 
 producer, director) 

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.

Hoverskirt--A plastic Holloween 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: What are some of the items on the set?

A: Items spotted so far include:

All over the set:  Assorted trays, drawer organizers, bowls, flower pots, ice 
cube trays, divided dinner plates, cups, silverware drawer trays, heart-
shaped bowls. 

Stage right of bridge:  Speak and Spell, plastic baseball bat, badminton 
raquet, child's potty seat, motorman's helper, Hungry Hungry Hippos game, Hot 
Wheels storage case, plastic bowling pins, large Millenium Falcon space ship 
(either model kit or action figure playset), toy trumpet, "Trouble" game with 
pop-o-matic center, Playschool ball with shaped holes in it that kids put 
shaped blocks into, rubber tyrannosaurus, toy telephone, telephone handset, 
egg tray, toy race car. 

Joel's desk in center of bridge:  Two bases for plastic birdbaths turned 
upside down, at least 7 cameras and one big Polaroid-type camera, whiffle 
ball, plastic angel, hair curlers, small plastic bowling ball.

Controls on top of desk:  Spray can tops for the buttons.

Over main door:  Silverware trays, Hungry Hungry Hippos game, two potty chair 
seats, two hockey-type shin guards, two plastic christmas lawn reindeer 
(upside down), front of a castle-shaped action toy playset. 

Stage left of bridge:  Toy horns and trumpets, two jello molds, two plastic 
baseball bats, plastic dish drain rack, another Playschool shape-ball, toy 
fencing sword, plastic ladle, plastic toy shovel, toy boat, toy crane, rubber 
brontosaurus, toy guitar or ukelele, two kitchen clocks (one is a large 
"sun"). 

Q: What is KTMA TV23?

A: It was an independent station in Minneapolis, Minnesota where MST3K first 
aired on Thanksgiving day 1988.  The station filed Chapter 13 shortly after 
putting MST3K "on hiatus," but has since returned and become KLGT, "Sonlight 
23," a religious broadcasting station. 

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: 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, Donald Cotnoir-
Strong, Matt Duhan, Nina Eppes, Patrick Fitzgerald, William Harrison, Larry 
Hastings, Marty Hoff, Dale Holod, Ed Hughes, Chad Jackson, Lisa Jenkins, Mary 
Lynn Johnson, Todd Johnson, Johnny Klonaris, R'ykandar Korra'ti, Rich 
Kulawiec, 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 
(jenkins@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu).  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. 


Lisa                         Jenkins@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu
1603 Thirteenth Street South
Moorhead, Minnesota 56560-3734

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This has been a test of the emergency broadcast system.
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