Jonathan Harris Took OVER "Lost in Space" and Became the STAR!

Here are my memories of the classic science fiction TV show "Lost in Space" and the character of Dr. Smith as played by the great character actor Jonathan Harris.
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This video is not intended for children under the age of 14. Quite frankly, kids...I'm just some random old dude talking about nostalgic TV and movie stuff from a really long time ago and I highly doubt that it is going to interest you.
#classictv #thegoodstuff #davesundstrom

[@mrled8555]

Dave I've always said if i was Lost in Space with Dr. Smith he would have been exiled out of the garbage chute.😅

[@jdsundstrom]

I don't know why they continued to put up with that crazy cowardly nut!

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

He was the writer of the show. Look it up for yourself.

[@alanr4447a]

That would be an ignominious insult...to the garbage!

[@thenostalgicpodblast]

The truth is Irwin Allen wanted Jonathan Harris to become a regular character on the show. The success of "Batman" down the hall at 20th Century Fox was the inspiration for the shift to campy stories in season 2 when the series was filmed in color. I'm a well read "Lost in Space" expert with connections to the cast.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Chance!

[@thenostalgicpodblast]

@@jdsundstrom You're welcome! I met Jonathan a few times at private functions through a mutual friend Jack Townsend of Lenoir, North Carolina. Mr. Harris was a true character!

[@annlavine3576]

The campyness ruined Lost in Space ( I cannot stand Batman sooooo stupid

[@jdsundstrom]

I love Batman. It will forever be one of my three favorite TV shows. 🙂

[@alanr4447a]

@@jdsundstrom Holy televisual treat!

[@pamelamays4186]

Dr. Smith walked so that Steve Urkel could run. As a young six year old at the time of LIS original airing, I wondered why Dr. Smith just wasn't left behind and abandoned on some desolate planet. In A Bug's Life, Jonathan Harris' character, Manny The Praying Mantis says Smith's famous catch phrase, "Oh the pain!" That line even made it into the Lost In Space. Gary Oldman delivered the line beautifully.

[@kendallrivers1119]

Tbh there was Fonzie and Alex P Keaton after Smith and before Urkel. All legends!

[@wolfstar_productions]

"Because he is a Human Being" Maureen Robinson Quote.

[@PaulHFleming]

I agree, Gary Oldham captures spirit of Johnathan Harris in The Fifth Element.

[@williamlangan5902]

Thanks, Dave! Dr. Smith was bumbling, cowardly and spoke the king’s English! He drove the Robinson family crazy and yet they still cared about him!

[@jdsundstrom]

Well said!

[@robertcuratolo5339]

Dr Smith was a bit too much.

[@matthewbaduria]

Lost in Space was way ahead of its time. With its special effects and family drama, this television series is similar to Swiss Family Robinson.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

Well, they WERE the Space Family Robinson. I didn't make it up.

[@alanr4447a]

The show did have a kind of "loose connection" to an existing comic book series called _Space Family Robinson._ During the show's run the comic book issues added a 'supertitle' "Lost in Space" smaller above the main SFR title.

[@Donathon-f6f]

​@@alanr4447aI remember that comic...

[@JP5466]

Met Bill Mumy in the 90's... great guy we talked about guitars. I had the original Red Remco robot.

[@alanr4447a]

Perchance did you all dine on fish heads?

[@JP5466]

@@alanr4447a ???

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep. I ate them up and all I can say is "Yum!".

[@mikel5582]

Nice overview Dave. And I agree; the adventures of Will Robinson, Robot, and Dr. Smith were the highlight of the show. "Danger Will Robinson! Danger!" If you Google the show cast, Jonathan Harris gets top billing. I heard a radio interview with him and he seemed just as crazy in real life as his character in the show.

[@jpwcpa]

Lost in Space was, for me, a very scary show back in the day, all because of Dr. Smith. When Dr. Smith encountered any sort of living creature on an alien planet, he would usually scream in fright and want to be protected from the monster by the robot or a member of the crew. Seeing a grown adult like him loudly screaming in fright was enough to convince me that the monster must be a really, really scary creature if even adults were frightened by it.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing!

[@loucosta8258]

@@jpwcpa you re welcome. from. D j. Lou!

[@mrsbluesky8415]

I was a young kid in the 60s and absolutely loved Billy Mumy. To me he was an older cute boy that was very smart. Haha. When I got older I appreciated Jonathan Harris and how clever he was to grab the spotlight. Bravo.

[@ERASEREPLACEPLACE]

I've always been a huge fan of Harris. Lost in Space would never have held my interest without Dr. Smith. Though not many remember "Space Academy", I totally dug Harris' very paternal portrayal of Commander Gampu in that short-lived show. I wish it had lasted longer. The way Harris played Gampu ...it was like Mr. Rogers was leading the academy.

[@jdsundstrom]

I loved "Space Academy" as well. Such a fun show!!

[@pauld6967]

I remember Space Academy and enjoyed it as a child.

[@Ravenscroft82]

It is sad that the other characters went into the background in favor of the Big Three, but for whatever reason, that's what fans wanted. As a kid, watching the show in reruns, they are who I was drawn to, definitely. The girls were pretty and the adults were...OK...but the Big Three had that special chemistry that made you want to see more. And of course the show couldn't really stay serious if your focus was a ten year old boy, a straight man robot and an over the top cartoon heavy. It does seem that over the years, the animosity cooled a bit and everyone got along better. Anyway, nice video, Dave; glad to see you again!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your memories! I always love reading your comments. 🙂

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

🎁Wonderful to see a new video from you Dave, Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!🦃🎅☃🎄

[@jdsundstrom]

Happy Holidays to you as well!

[@timothyroberts3352]

I love Dr Smith growing up. As an adult I found out he's from the Bronx just like me. Dave keep up the good work this video brought a smile to my face.❤😊

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for the comment and kind words. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video!

[@achild4363]

So glad to see another video Dave

[@jdsundstrom]

I've got a few more coming before the end of the year. 🙂

[@The_Fat_Controller.]

A story I had come across a long time ago was that the Smith character was about to be killed off during the first season. Harris was not pleased with that decision, so he decided to start hamming it up as a middle finger to those who wanted his character gone. The campiness Harris threw in was actually popular with the audience, so it was decided to keep Smith and write the character as being even more campy.

[@joegongora2200]

When Dr Smith started out he started out as an enemy agent dressed in an American military uniform. He wasn’t cowardly he was on a mission and knew what he was doing but, ended up being a castaway on the spaceship 🚀. He didn’t consider the other ship 🛳️ mates as his friends and who knows what foreign powers or government he was working for.😊

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jeffsadon552]

Diabolical dwarfs, my new band name

[@whydoibother1632]

LIS would not have been what it was, and is, if not for Doctor Smith! Definitely made each episode what it was. Never really mattered since by :55 everything ended and mostly went back to how it was originally. Doctor Smith made all the other characters what they were

[@Brucev7]

"Oh, the Pain, The Pain!" "Come long you Bubble-Headed Ninny!" Dr. Smith

[@jdsundstrom]

I can hear him saying those lines in my head right now. 🙂

[@PaulHFleming]

In pilot episode and most first season, Dr Smith was very sinister character. I liked how kept his face in shadow until after get aboard Jupiter II and reprograms Robot.

[@wfs000]

More about writers, producers, and directors wanted. All about getting more viewers. Not about one single actor.

[@cedarledgepublishing]

I kind of feel sorry for the rest of the cast pushed into the background. Years later VOYAGER kind of turned into the Captain, Doctor and 7 of 9 show and the rest got pushed back just like this.

[@kendallrivers1119]

It happens. It's unfortunate for the ones put in the background but you gotta give the people what they want and without the breakouts those shows never would've made it. Look at Family Matters. That show was this close to cancelation before Urkel showed up and made the show iconic.

[@whydoibother1632]

LIS definitely a lifelong favorite

[@deopersad2915]

Awesome I remember watching growing up here in New Zealand they had alot of reruns after the series finished. But Doctor Smith's did make it fun to watch and scary as well lol

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! It's interesting to see how the show played in other countries.

[@JackieSkellington]

Merry Christmas 🎄 Mr. Dave

[@jdsundstrom]

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

[@JP5466]

Watch the first episode. Dr Smith is very evil doesn't seem as cowardly.

[@libertubey2199]

It was Harris' idea to turn Dr. Smith into a cowardly dope. This perhaps extended his stay on the show for the entire run.

[@pauld6967]

I recall an interview with Harris where he said that he insisted on the "Special Guest Star" billing ao he could bail out if the show turned out to be as bad as he feared it would be. However, once he got going with it, he found that he could enjoy staying. However, he realized that he couldn't stay sinister as he would be left behind by the Robinsons and/or Major West. I point out to people that anytime in seasons two & three where he has a chance to get back to Earth and/or do away with a Robonson he would return to his sinister nature. However, the second he realized the jig was up, he would instantly revert to the cowardly, hapless, forgivable Smith. I don't recall if it was on KZbin or one of the extras on my DVD boxed set but I saw a deleted scene from the second pilot episode. We see Dr. Smith and a female agent testing the base security. She is electrocuted by the perimeter fence and Dr. Smith wordlessly removes his wedding ring, thus showing how cold & ruthless the character is.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing!

[@pauld6967]

@jdsundstrom You're welcome.

[@paulsarnik8506]

He already had a Special Guest Star credit under his belt on Bonanza wher He played Charles Dickins irate over non copywrited versions of His plays. 🤓😎✌🏼

[@RayEvans-j1q]

I heard that he sensed that he was going to be killed off by the third episode! He managed to sell a new rebooted DR. Smith to Allen! Smith went from a sinister villain to a sniveling, self absorded irritant! Own the series! My fondest childhood memories were from season one! In glorious black and white!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing. Season one was a blast, and Dr. Smith was something else back then-so much drama in black and white!

[@richardmahfouz4392]

Some years after this series, Harris voiced the sinister Cylon 'Lucifer' in the original Battlestar Galactica series...

[@ThomasMccluskey-f1m]

One of my favorites. Met him at a convention in the 90s.

[@jdsundstrom]

No way! That's so cool! Those conventions during the 90s were such a blast.

[@scottsj4625]

I can barely remember the show. I was born in 1965 and like you I watched the episodes in the 1970s and I do remember Dr smith and the boy. And of course the Robot. Loved seeing those toys at the end of the video.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Scott. Yep, I wish I had one of those toy guns worth $15K. 🙂

[@dannystaton5386]

Greetings from South Carolina 🎉happy holidays

[@jdsundstrom]

Happy holidays to you as well, Danny!

[@johnmassung]

"Never fear, Smith is here!"( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@dennisdeleo74]

Saw LIS first run as an 8 year old, we got so into it as kids, my mom made it a milk, cookies and ice cream night. It was THE topic of conversation at school the next day…and if it was pre-empted for a special the next week, the announcer would say the words we dreaded to hear…”Oops, Sorry, Lost in Space will not be seen until 2weeks from tonight!” That bummed out every guy in the third grade. FYI, Jonathan Harris was born and raised in my hood, the Bronx NY.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Dennis!

[@alfredodoardi2717]

Oh the pain!

[@DansTravels5823]

I recall seeing an interview with Jonathan Harris, probably when it came out on the Sci-Fi channel, talking about what a rotten character Dr. Smith was. The original plan was to have him on a few episodes then kill him off and he would have been pleased with that. Then either on his own or because of Allen or the execs he camped him up a bit and then the show became what is most remembered. I do wonder if the show stayed with its original plan if it would be so well remembered in the years since it aired.

[@jdsundstrom]

It's a great question. Part of me believes that the show was so successful because of Harris. That said, I really do enjoy the more serious tone of the first season.

[@mrgreen2769]

Well when you narrow it down it was always Will, Smith and the Robot always getting into trouble.

[@kennethwilkinson8244]

i have the whole lost in space series on dvd. dave.

[@jokebone1]

Shows how much I know, I always thought he was from the UK

[@nickimontie]

I had no idea this was an Irwin "Disaster of the Week" Allen production!

[@jdsundstrom]

Indeed. Irwin was quite a prolific TV producer during the late 60s with other classics like "Land of the Giants" and "Time Tunnel".

[@wb3381]

I wish Guy Williams had more air time

[@michaelgarcia8602]

A Classica.

[@lucrativesoundsent.1274]

Wow! I cannot help to notice that the Lost In Space toy gun closely resembles the Transformers G1 Megatron gun. I know that it was modeled after a real gun, but the resemblance is uncanny!

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm not an expert in Transformers merch...but that's a pretty sharp observation!

[@paulsarnik8506]

Yeah I learned Mumy's correct pronunciation from Moltar, if all characters, from Soace Ghost Coast to Coast! 🤓😎✌🏼

[@thrashpondopons8348]

SO looking forward to the upcoming Retro-Pals! Hope to see you all there!

[@jdsundstrom]

Me too. It's going to be amazing!

[@popjaw1andOnly]

I was a young boy in the early 70's, and I had a small die cast metal Lost In Space "action figure" (not doll) Robot. It was maybe 3 or 4 inches tall. It had a clear glass head and it's arms wouldn't extend from the body. Disapponiting. It had tiny little wheels built into feet and it rolled good on smooth surfaces. When our family moved to the country, I never saw it again. It truly got lost in space. At the time, I disliked Dr Smith's antics. Now I appreciate Jonathan's excellent acting.

[@jdsundstrom]

I can totally relate to having a favorite toy go missing-a real bummer. Thanks for sharing your memories.

[@popjaw1andOnly]

@@jdsundstrom YW, sir. Thanks for your work, that keeps bringing those great memories back!

[@cadeevans4623]

Didn't know this thanks for sharing Dave interesting topic

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for watching!

[@cadeevans4623]

anytime buddy anytime

[@larrygrebler5054]

Dr. Smith is like a goofy crazy uncle. Always getting himself in some kind of trouble, that needs help getting out of. In the end the family just laughs it off and says that good old uncle so and so for you.

[@jdsundstrom]

You're absolutely right!

[@raymondkizer1216]

The first 5 episodes of this show was true sci-fi, after that it became the Dr. Smith, Will Robinson, and Robot show. If the show had stuck with its original formula and featured more Guy Williams, this show could have gone somewhere instead of devolving into utter campiness. Just my 2 cents!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Raymond!

[@markgerard3674]

Dave, do you know where Jonathan Harris is from? I originally thought he was English. He is where from where I'm from, The Bronx, New York. I found out a few years ago. He was also a regular on another show before Lost, The Bill Dana Show sitcom

[@jdsundstrom]

Crazy stuff for sure. I guess that accent is just what would be called an "actor's accent". 🙂

[@markgerard3674]

@jdsundstrom Not really. I read he was in poverty growing up in the depression and learned how to speak eloquently as you mentioned to get acting jobs. but I'm not saying people from the Bronx speak badly since I am also from the Bronx to not be misunderstood

[@markgerard3674]

Also, Dave, I noticed most of the Lost in Space cast were on other shows, some were hits, some weren't. June Lockhart, Lassie, Guy Williams Zorro, Angela Cartright Danny Thomas Show, Jonathan Harris Bill Dana Show as a contemptible hotel manager (Show was filmed before a live audience. Mark Goddard was on a show called Many Happy Returns as a married man married to Elinanor Donahue. Just think if some of these shows were hits the Lost in Space cast might have looked a lot different

[@michaelstaunton1632]

👍👍👍📺

[@BrianG-x4u]

I still watch it but both Dr smith and the robot became so goofy. Antimatter man is the best episode but the robot acted so afraid and cryed so much.

[@salvationsplace]

So Despised where lost in space was taken and it was lead by Harris. It started as a high quality Sci-fi and descended into carrot monsters as did the dr smith character. from scary as hell to fool. Its a shame

[@loucosta8258]

I. love. Lost in space. TV. Show. A Classci Show was for me so funny. from D j. Lou

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, DJ Lou!

[@alanr4447a]

6:00 It's hard to tell whether the boy on the "Roto Jet Gun" box is Billy Mumy, or Kurt Russell, who guest-starred in one episode in season 1. It looks sort of like a cross between them. Oh, the pain, the pain...

[@jdsundstrom]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@sside8]

I wonder what the laser rifle would go for now.

[@paulsarnik8506]

To paraphrase IA's famous (from Harris' PoV at least) "Do MORE Smith, less Antiques Road Show type stuff!;🤓😎✌🏼

[@McMahonHater]

I think Dr. Smith inspired C3PO in some ways.

[@jdsundstrom]

Well...they both have British accents, so maybe!

[@McMahonHater]

@jdsundstrom Yes, but C3PO's "oh we're doomed, doomed I tell you" sort of dialogue reminded me of the Doctor.

[@zoperxplex]

That commercial was in no way representative of the kiddie fare “Lost in Space” had become.

[@jdsundstrom]

Correct. The first season was decidedly more adult.

[@PaulHFleming]

Why did have turn Dr Smith character into woman in early 2000s reboot mini-series? Just didn't feel same as Original. However, nice June Lockhart makes cameo appearance.

[@jdsundstrom]

I thought Parker Posey was quite good in the Netflix series. I also thought Gary Oldman was great in the theatrical film.

[@gsr4535]

I prefer the 1st season. A little more real adventure sci-fi. 2nd season....ugh. But the 3rd season actually improved a little.

[@achild4363]

Hello Dave

[@jdsundstrom]

Hello!

[@achild4363]

@ so glad to be here for another video

[@dougwright111]

Unfortunately, he was also part of the demise of the show too as the show deteriorated into a spoof of space travel versus a true action/adventure series.

[@ecayari]

I remember watching this show and also got really annoyed by Dr. Smith and his antics. Have to agree that he stole the show everytime. Never confirmed this but was he the voice of Uncle Martin in the animated version of My Favorite Martian?

[@jdsundstrom]

Yes. He was. 🙂

[@mikesilva3868]

Scifi classic 🎉

[@dcrock1592]

First haha! Whee!

[@jdsundstrom]

Nicely done!

[@rf159a]

Gary Oldman was a better Dr. Smith. Harris just ruined the original show!

[@geraldscott4302]

Jonathan Harris RUINED Lost in Space, and damaged the careers of the rest of the cast. That is what he should be remembered for.

[@jdsundstrom]

Yikes! Totally disagree...but I do appreciate you sharing your perspective.

[@annlavine3576]

too much of DR Smith/ Would like to see more of John, Maureen, Judy, and Penny

[@DAVIDALANJONESRIDGE]

Oh, Ok, I'll use the stronger word. I hated this character. He was a bully, conman, egotistical, a charlatan, selfish, and a crybaby.

[@jstnxprsn]

Or as I refer to him as the guy who made Lost In Space Unwatchable. He ruined any chance of legitimacy that show ever had. It could have replaced the later show, Star Trek, as the original great "serious sci fi" show.

[@jdsundstrom]

I lay the blame of the show going from serious to silly not on Harris but Irwin Allen himself.

[@jstnxprsn]

@@jdsundstrom I've heard it was the network execs who sent it down the road to Crapville.

[@jdsundstrom]

That's possible as well. Everyone was trying to make the next big campy TV show hit because of "Batman".

[@MrAxholio]

JMO but I think he ruined the show.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@The_Fat_Controller.]

I agree.

[@JohnAnderson-jy2js]

Actually Jonathan Harris demanded special guest star status he took the part after Carroll O'Connor turned it down