Top 1950s Sci-fi Robots

[@michaelrtreat]

Thank you for bringing back these classic robots

[@AtomicSnackBar]

It's my absolute pleasure. There are few things I enjoy talking about more. And there is at least two more episodes to come.

[@nofaith5994]

I had a Robert the Robot. When you turned the crank on the end of his cable he moved forward and said: "I am Robert Robot, mechanical man, walk me and talk me where ever you can".

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That is killer. I had yet to run across anyone that actually owned one. Talk about a holy grail toy for me.

[@Phil-n1p]

Gog and Magog look like mutated Daleks 😲

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I've never thought of that. But they do kinda look like distant cousins.

[@AlliAsAlways]

You can never have enough robots. Unless you're a used robot salesmen.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Or someone allergic to robots.

[@chameleondream]

Round laser shooting eyeballs rule!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Yes, they do indeed. Maybe even the best of laser shooting eyeballs.

[@55Quirll]

Rob the Robot looks like one of the Rockem Sockem Boxing Robots. In the story, Farewell to the Master, it was the Robot that was the master and they created the humanoid life forms, which you don't find out till the end of the story. Not many who have reviewed 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' know that piece of trivia. Kudos to you for knowing it. Thanks for another good video.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Ah ok, so it was this one where I covered Gort. Do disregard my last comment. But thanks for the kudos. I am rather selective with my trivia, when I can be, and attempt to share stuff that isn't quite as common. Thanks again for watching. I do appreciate all the support of late. It really does help.

[@55Quirll]

@@AtomicSnackBar My pleasure, I enjoy seeing the movies you choose and the reasons behind them and any trivia that you may give. I watched and commented on Gort before watching No. 2 on the Robots, that was my fault. I enjoyed the 2nd one on Roberts two.

[@daveyoung7539]

Two important "robot' moments in my young life: 1) Approx 1963, I am perhaps 5 yrs old. My parents are asleep and I'm watching the 1951 Classic "TDTESS" movie, unsupervised. Between Gort's destruction of EVERTHING... and the Theramin, I don't know which terrified me more! I ran behind the TV so he wouldn't spot me. I guess that worked; I'm still here. 2) In our tiny little town of Churchland, VA (Portsmouth area) our little was home to Jim and Tammy Baker, of Mega-Church SCANDAL fame, in a little strip mall. They had a Saturday Morning Kid's Show with puppets, cartoons, etc. At some point (approx 1969) they somehow rented a "Robbie the Robot" and kept it in a closet. Since my regular barbershop was next door, one day I got a chance to climb in the Robot! My excitement was dashed by the interior reek of cigarettes, sweat, trash, and general dishevelment of the poor thing. Quite the disappointment. I enjoy your channel, thanks!!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That's a great story. And behind the TV, at that. Kids usually hid behind the couch. But you weren't taking any chances there. And really interesting about Robby. He was for rent for many years. That's why you see him so often in everything from sit-coms to B-movies. Thanks for sharing, Dave. I enjoyed both your childhood tales.

[@daveyoung7539]

@@AtomicSnackBar Like many in your audience, I've been a Robo-phile since reading Asimov in grading school. I always liked cheesy Sci-Fi movies as well; but loved them even more after listening to Zappa's "Cheepnis" (approx '73.) Good times....

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@daveyoung7539 I heard that song for the first time not terribly long ago. Off but on topic, I'm a big Monkees fan. And you may already know, but Frank actually made an appearance on their show in the second season. Quite good.

[@victorsamon9672]

I had THAT robot toy,,, He had a cable with a crank,you would turn and he would move!! PS: I lived near the Ideal toy factory,as a kid,! ( Jamaica Ave ) .

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@victorsamon9672 Now that is awesome.

[@Renshen1957]

The Actor inside Gort’s day job was the Doorman at Gorman’s Chinese Theater (now known as Man’s Chinese Theater), “Gort, Klaatu berada niktu!”

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That's neat. I don't think I knew that. Thanks for sharing.

[@mrdovie47]

The 1962 Creation of the Humanoids is a favorite of mine to unwind at dinner time viewing.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I am a big fan of that one as well. It even got a standalone video here on the channel not too long ago. Really good stuff. The film, that is.

[@mrdovie47]

@@AtomicSnackBar I looked up your video on the Humanoids, I agree, lots of dialog, but very interesting film.

[@paulbowler5345]

GORT is such a brilliant robot. A simple design but so effective. I watched The Day the Earth Stood agsin last weekend, brilliant film!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Kind of off topic, but very Bowler related, when compiling the entries for this second set of lists, I really wanted to include the Cybermen. But being that they are technically cyborgs and not full robots, I had to leave them off. Though I guess they could make the sequel to the 60s alien list. Thanks for watching, Paul.

[@paulbowler5345]

@@AtomicSnackBar Yeah, would be great to see The Cybermen feature on a list Perhaps you should do a best Cyborgs list?

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@paulbowler5345 Not sure I'd be able to break it down by decade, but I darn sure could make a list or two.

[@paulbowler5345]

@@AtomicSnackBar Yeah, obvious ones like Cybermen & Borg adide there's still plenty of cyborgs to choose from to make a list. The Bionic Man, Robocop,, Ghost in a Shell, Jason X, Tetsuo the Iron Man... loads of interesting posibilities.

[@creech54]

Great coverage of movie robots from my favorite sci-fi decade! Robby and Gort have always been my two favorites! (I got one of those Walmart Robby toys, too.) A couple of other good '50s robots are the ones from "The Colossus of New York" and the giant alien bot "Kronos".

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Both are fantastic choices. I have a kind of follow up to this series working around in my brain and both are on the list.

[@josemoreno3334]

Love those 1950s robots . Thanks for the Sc Fi 50s info.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

My pleasure. I always enjoy talking robots.

[@ICE9RLN0]

I think tin toys had a big influence on robots of the time.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I really dig those as well. I've wanted to start a collection for years. I have a tin clown, but no robots yet.

[@robertdee648]

Outstanding sequel that delivered a wealth of interesting trivia. Gort is a favorite of mine. I have the good fortune of seeing him standing 20 feet tall in brilliant black and white on the big screen.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I do wish we had a good revival theater somewhat near. There was a great one in L.A. I went to a few times, but it didn't really play classic sci-fi.

[@robertdee648]

@@AtomicSnackBar A revival theater would be great. Unfortunately, streaming videos have eliminated most of them.

[@TheMovieMassacreShow]

Robert the Robot was my Jam, I had a different version of him as a kid that did all of the same stuff, I loved that it's eyes lit up red, my Ghostbusters and Thundercat figures had many battles with it.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

You still have a Robert the Robot. Just a different one. He wears a hat and sunglasses. And he lives in your closet. Watching you. Always.....watching you.

[@orzelw]

You and I , both. Robert was unusual in a couple ways. First, he was driven by a flexible cable attached to a pistol grip sporting a crank handle. Turning the crack caused him to move on wheels, either forward or backward depending on which direction you turned the crank. Steering was controlled by the trigger on the pistol grip. With no pressure on the trigger, he would turn in one direction. Squeezing the trigger turned him in the other direction. Getting him to move straight ahead was a delicate balancing act of squeezing the trigger halfway. Secondly, he had an internal record. Another hand crank was located on his back. Turning that crank played the record with a short recording of his voice: "I am Robert Robot, mechanical man. Drive me and steer me wherever you can."

[@legiontheatregroup]

1954 was just an amazing year for movies in general. Them! Dial M for Murder. Rear Window. The original Gojira (Godzilla) release in Japan. Many more. That year just comes up over and over….

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I know what you mean. 1957 is another just like that and one of the greatest years for sci-fi. The list of films that came out in '57 is quite impressive.

[@fatdog1963rb]

Great list. The first 2 I knew nothing about so I'll have to change that thanks for the info

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Of the two, I would much more so recommend Target Earth. Gog has some great robots, but the first 30 minutes feels more like an industrial promo film than a sci-fi movie. Thanks for watching, good Mr. Blackmoor.

[@adiladil78]

What an absolute gem of a channel! I'm glad I found it. Keep up the good work.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Very nice of you to say. I do appreciate it. And welcome to the Snack Bar.

[@stevethomas760]

Not sure about anyone else but I'm ready to send in my 10 cents and a Kellog's box top for a flying Superman.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Right there with you.

[@ghibliinu6616]

Thanks! So much info here I never knew, this series rocked! More please!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I'm glad to hear you dug it. At present, the series runs up until the 80s. The first part of the 60s robots is down, though. I'm going to completely redo that one. But Part II is up and it's pretty spiffy, if I do say so myself. Thanks for watching these.

[@voronOsphere]

Great Part Two! I love all of these fun robots! Thanks for doing all of that research! I love it!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I'm glad to hear that. These robot episodes are some of my favorites. Heck, I'll probably keep doing them until I run out of robots. Thanks again, Ted.

[@voronOsphere]

@@AtomicSnackBar You're welcome! Keep 'em coming, please!

[@rgrif777]

Yes, I would rate Robby and the B9 (1960s) robots at the top with Gort 3rd. Tobor was pretty cool. I have all these movies and Target Earth on DVDs. I got to see in person the real 1939 World's Fair robot Elektro in Mansfield, Ohio about 15 or 20 years ago.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That is really cool. I've been a fan of Elektro since I was kid thanks to the Horrible Horror VHS tape from Good Times Video. Was he as big and imposing in person as he looks on screen?

[@voronOsphere]

The B9 "Lost in Space" Robot is one of the greatest!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@voronOsphere The two foot tall B9 toy presently guarding my living room agrees with you.

[@voronOsphere]

@@AtomicSnackBar Cool!!!

[@johnmarlin7269]

I remember Gog well, seeing it for the first time as about an 11-year-old with some friends on the Saturday creature feature. Funny, at our church last year we did a year-long walk through the Bible and Gog/Magog show up both in Genesis and Revelation. So I guess this robot is how we begin and end. Great presentation, thank you.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Oh, that's really interesting. I knew it was a biblical reference, but wasn't sure how the two fit in.

[@jimstafford9409]

Tobor ( Although perhaps not the same design as in other productions) also appeared in the first sci fi TV series Captain Video and his Video Rangers collectively titled "I Tobor." As I recall these episodes revolved around the mis-manufacture of "Robot 1" with the name reversed which resulted in a sentient being initially opposed to the Captain. p.s. I was a card carrying Video Ranger at age 9 or so.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Ah, that's neat. I'm not super well-versed in Captain Video. Though I have seen some of the "mechanical men." Wasn't there a Dr. Tobor on the show as well?

[@NeoNorse]

[Billy runs into the house, screaming] Mother: Billy! What's wrong? Billy: Tommy hit me! Mother: What? How did he hit you? Did he slap you? Billy: NO! He uh, He uh! He hit me inna' eye with Superman!!! Come on, you know it was true. It was the age of insanely dangerous, darwinian toys. If you don't believe me why don't you go play with your lawn darts or click-clacks? Thank you, Mr. Gray, for another fun outing.

[@tonysantiago255]

@ NeoNorse - Yeah, those were the good old days when any toy could potentially put your eye out. But you only heard those stories. I think mother's groups made them up in order to stop their boys from driving them crazy by begging and nagging and whining to buy them one. Click Clicks were banned pretty soon after they hit the market. Could have rumors started by rival toy companies as well. Ever hear of 'Toy Wars'? Cut throat business.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Superman related eye injuries were a real problem in the 50s. That's why so many super villains wore eyepatches in the 60s. True story. And than you, Mr. Norse, for another quite enjoyable comment.

[@Kaijushorts]

Gorilla style. That's some chimpagne comedy right there. the Gog/Magog thing makes me want to look into the names, I have a feeling there's some significance to them, unless video games are lying to me, yet again! Tobor's design looks really interesting with the clear elements, and the multiple handle things on the front for whatever reason is beyond the kid hanging off him. The eyes are pretty cool too. Speaking of cool eyes though, Gort is fantastic, I love a visor with a mono-eye!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Tobor was the cargo pants of sci-fi robots. Cargo pants have a bunch of pockets, Tobor has handles for your all your handling needs. Yet another part of his stand out personality. They really need to make some Tobor merch. I think he would lend himself well to a model kit.

[@Emily-Whitfield]

Robots rule❤❤❤❤❤

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Well said. That should be my battle cry.

[@flippy6553]

I took good natured issue with Gort's absence on the last list. 😅 Happy to see my man, errr Robot on this list

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Glad I was able to get out of the robotic dog house.

[@flippy6553]

@@AtomicSnackBar don't ever change ✌🏻 love your channel, love your delivery. Good stuff!!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@flippy6553 Well, thanks, Flippy. I appreciate that.

[@horrorhands666]

Target Earth grabbed my attention, I love the look of the bulky robot. ‘Filmed it gorilla style’ was a underrated joke, bravo! All of these robots are really cool, but let’s be honest, the real star of this video was that groovy piano music 🎶

[@AtomicSnackBar]

You, good sir, win the comment section again this week. Not only for acknowledging the power of the gorilla/guerilla style, but for noticing the background music. I don't think anyone has ever mentioned it. And I actually have a full review of Target Earth coming in the nearish future.

[@tonysantiago255]

@ Wacky World Lounge - Target Earth review - Yes! Another underrated unappreciated and underseen ( I'm just making up words now😉) 50s classic. Underoos!

[@HorrificNightmaresJM]

Awesome video buddy. Gog sounds cool, I'll have to check it out. Target earth also sounds good, i love the design. Gorilla style lol. Robert the robot, i recognize him. Tobor the great, nice. Fantastic video buddy.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That Robert the Robot. I've seen that imagine of him with the kid for years and years, but never knew what it was until semi-recently. Talk about a piece I would love to own. Thanks for watching, good buddy.

[@FreihEitner]

I just saw the 1970s version of this, and now seeing part 2 of the 1950 I'm seeing a lot of Maximilian (The Black Hole, 1979) in the Target: Earth robot design. It just needs spinning blades.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That's a good observation I hadn't considered. You've got me wanting to dig deeper and see if Target Earth was an influence of Max's design.

[@fredblonder7850]

Regarding Gog and Magog: There was only one operable robot, which they switched back-and-forth as needed. You never see both of them in motion simultaneously.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I didn't run across that tidbit in my research for the episode, but now that you mention it, it makes a lot of sense. Clever on their part.

[@BaronMorte]

Sweet. So this is where Bethesda ripped-off their Mr. Handy robot concept from in Fallout III.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I know the name, but have never played Fallout. I am just terrible at FPS. Truly truly awful. But neat to hear that there is a robot in there. And always good to talk video games. I tried a games episode. Did not go over well. I also got your Outer Limits comment, sorta. I see it in the notifications. But darn KZbin is hiding it on the actual video. So thanks for watching both.

[@IvorPresents]

OK, now I am ready, The Robots in G0G were terrifying. It was the sound effects that they used. Like the warming music in Jaws, that mechanical sound meant danger. Might also mention Gog was in 3-D. Nightmare stuff for kids, you must have mentioned the iconic Robby from Forbidden Planet. in a different group.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I actually went back and checked, cause I had forgotten who suggested what, but it was actually you that turned me on to Gog. I went and checked it out on your recommendation. And even as an adult I was impressed with the effects and presentation of Gog and Magog. I can only imagine how it was for audiences of the time....and seeing it in 3D. And you are correct, good sir. I do talk about Robby in the first part of the series. Thanks for watching and for the suggestion, Ivor.

[@IvorPresents]

@@AtomicSnackBar They used a process where they shot in Color, and 3-D. In the fifties. 3-D. used Cyan and Red glasses, It worked well with Black and White films, Creature from the Black Lagoon of 1954 was Black and White 3-D. Gog holds up very well.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@IvorPresents One of my very first theater experiences and one of the defining moments of my life was seeing Creature from the Black Lagoon in 3D. I was 3 years old at the time and loved every minute of it.

[@wimvanderstraeten6521]

The names of the robots Gog and Magog are a reference to the Book of Revelation.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I was aware that it was a biblical reference, but not the significance of those names. The writer of the film was quite cleaver in that aspect.

[@luisreyes1963]

To think the only "highbrow" movie mentioned here was The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951).

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I don't really take such things into consideration. It's all about how much I like the bot.

[@saiberunato]

I know Robby the Robot was an icon of 1950's sci-fi, but his design reminds me more of "dieselpunk" aesthetic from the previous era. Kinda like how a sci-fi robot might have been envisioned during the late 1920's to 1940's (based on the aesthetics of the day like Art Deco). I think by the 1950's to 1960's, it became more of the "atompunk" era in sci-fi. Gort nicely fits the atompunk aesthetic with sleek lines and no visible cogs or rivets. Of course, during that era, with the Cold War paranoia and fear of nuclear war, menacing robots like Gort fit the cultural zeitgeist. The robots from the old Magnus Robot Fighter comic books also follow that path. Anyway, interesting video. Keep it up!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I can certainly see where you are coming from on that one. His dark color scheme, rather than the usual bright silver, certainly lends itself to that dieselpunk aesthetic. Would just need to add a layer of crust and grit and there you go. Though that may just be my personal association with the genre. Thanks for watching. And if you were interested, this is a little series. Running up to the 80s at this point.

[@gregg2560]

Re: GOG - Billy Curtis was the "Mini Thing" in the final scenes of The Thing From Another World, & play "Mr. Zero" in an episode of The Adventures of Superman.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Oh, that's a good one. I don't think I new that. Actually, pretty sure I didn't, or I'd using that factoid all the time.

[@jennifertochi6253]

Sterling your knowledge astounds me. I love your knowledge of 50's robots and of course loinclothes. Now I will have to see your number 4 and 5 movie because these are one's I have never seen. These videos you have been making me watch more 50's sci-fi and I love it.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Well, my knowledge on robots is all thanks to research. Hours and hours of research. My knowledge of loincloths, now that comes from years of training, experience, and working as a loincloth tamer for Tarzan.

[@jennifertochi6253]

@@AtomicSnackBar You are a great researcher Sterling. How did you get that job with Tarzan?

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@jennifertochi6253 Wrong place at the right time and a tub of body oil. I can say no more.

[@jennifertochi6253]

@@AtomicSnackBar You tease me so Sterling. Ha ha now I get to IMAGINE it. I have an evilly inventive mind. BEWARE.

[@williamcurry4868]

I’d love to see a model or action figure of the Target Earth robot👍

[@AtomicSnackBar]

They did do a model kit at one point. Pretty nice looking too. But with no painting or modeling skills, an action figure or vinyl figure is way more my speed.

[@Nebulous6]

Robert the Robot reminds me about the awesome 'chrome' robot that I had in the 1970s (about the same size). It had a more rounded body (like cylinders). And it also features red glowing eyes backed by little parabolic reflectors. Sadly, I have no idea what brand, product line, or name it had. It was certainly inspired by the generation of screen robots that you're showing here.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Did he have red and blue parts to his body? Because it sounds like the Mego Krome Dome robot.

[@Nebulous6]

@@AtomicSnackBar Hmmm.... I had to look that one up. Cool. Puts me in mind of the nifty UFO Commander 7 robots that I had (one of which also had a transparent dome head). The one I'm thinking of was larger, all chrome (so silver, I guess). I suppose it kind of looked like a fat version of that robot that chased Bugs Bunny around until he managed to rust it to a halt. I recall it being battery powered with little red LEDs for eyes.

[@vpower962]

Outstanding sequel to an outstanding video. Your research and trivia is top notch. I love hearing facts behind the movies.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

The trivia does seem to be taking off as the bread and butter of the channel.

[@kaljaxa5365]

Love the vids! Keep them coming. Tobor the Great and The Day the Earth Stood Still are part of my regular watch rotation. It's a collection of about 100 classic movies and about 70 serials from the 30s thru the 50s.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Serials are something I've been getting into in recent years. Watched the Green Hornet not terribly long ago. What are some of your favorites?

[@kaljaxa5365]

@@AtomicSnackBar oh that's hard to narrow down as I enjoy most all of them at any given time. I think I'll give you the list of the last 3 or 4 playlists I put together. I sometimes watch all day, others I put on for sleep time. Batman & Robin (1949) Blackhawk (1952) Spysmasher (1942) Superman (1948) The Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941) The Batman (1943) The Green Hornet (1940) The Green Hornet Strikes Again (1941) The Phantom (1943) The Shadow (1940) Buck Rodgers (1939) Captain Video Master of the Stratosphere (1951) Commando Cody Sky Marshal of the Universe (1953) Flash Gordon (1936) The Fighting Devil Dogs (1938)(First masked super villian - The Lightning) The Secret Code (1942) The Vanishing Shadow (1925) Undersea Kingdom (1936) Again, this is just the last 4 or so playlists I put together. There are lots of others I routinely watch including several about Zorro, Gmen vs. type serials and just others from the era that are generally considered just action/adventure.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@kaljaxa5365 Oh man, lots of good stuff there. I'd seen pictures of the robot from The Vanishing Shadow for at least a decade, but never knew what it was from. Just found out recently. I really like that charming fellow. Thanks for the recommendations. Is that Shadow serial the same as the pulp hero of the same name? And is that one on YT?

[@kaljaxa5365]

@@AtomicSnackBar LOL, I just realized (very busy at my place atm) that I shouldn't have linked other people's site on your pages. I apologize. Though it seems you already fixed it. The answer is yes, it's the pulp hero.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@kaljaxa5365 No reason to apologize at all. YT most have gotten it, because it certainly wasn't me. I'd be glad for the links.

[@gcaprecap]

I see what you did there with “gorilla style”. So I guess all those appearances as a gorilla mean he spent most of his career “monkeying around”? Huh, huh…you like that? 😂 I see calling a robot “Rob” or “Robby” continued through the 80s with the Nintendo robot made for the Gyromite game. Although all of these 50s robots are WAY cooler than him. So happy you included Gort as 1. Much like Creature is my Dad’s fave monster (from your last video), Day is his fave sci-fi. And he loves Gort. In fact I sent him a link to this video. He’s gonna love this as much as I did. Excellent follow up robot video dude!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

ohhh yes. Great comment. I went simply pineapples over it. Yup. I skipped right over bananas and went right to pineapples. Robert the Robot. Robby the Robot. Rob the Robot. And of course, R. Sterling the Robot. I'm sensing a theme here. Or perhaps a conspiracy? And once again, your pop is clearly a man of fine taste. I might need to hang out at his bar.

[@wayneclingman2328]

Robots baby Robots

[@tonysantiago255]

@ Wayne Clingman - I assume you meant that like; " Robots...Yeah baby! Robots!" As opposed to 'Baby Robots.' 🤔 Yeah, that's just weird.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

True words, Mr. Clingman. True words.

[@jsuperawesome]

Oh that’s a flamethrower on Gog and Magog I got that confused with something else or maybe I have been watching to much Rick And Morty.... not funny... well anyway the storyline for this one reminds me of Saturn 3. I have to say that I have only seen The Day The Earth Stood Still from this video so obviously Gort is a stand out for me. But I have to say I really dig the design of Tobor The Great. That movie sounds like a good time as well based off of your description and the footage. Anyway this was another excellent, highly enjoyable, highly informative video from a time period I’m not all that familiar with. I hope you are having a superawesome weekend good buddy.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

It was an easy mistake to make. They were some sexy bots. I haven't seen Saturn 3. Seen the trailer though many times. I have it on at least on trailer comp, probably several. I kind of lose track of which is on which. Of all the movies I show cased here, Target Earth would be my highest recommendation. But I have a full review of the film itself coming soonish, if you want to wait for that. Thanks for watching and making the comments a little extra saucy this week.

[@gregg2560]

I seem to recall another Robert the Robot, but it was from the 1960s Gerry Anderson TV show, Fireball XL5.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

It's a fitting name for a robot, if I do say so myself. Another one I quite like is Robert Cop.

[@gregg2560]

@@AtomicSnackBar It does have a certain ring to it

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@gregg2560 And if you aren't familiar with Robert Cop, just do a quick search for "Robert Cop figure."

[@gregg2560]

@@AtomicSnackBar I did. EXCELLENT!!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@gregg2560 I would love to own one of those one day.

[@davidleary5639]

Informative, funny, geeky but not pedantic .Great Video

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Thank you much, David. I certainly try. I figure there's way too many film snobs out there either overanalyzing things or just tearing everything to shreds. Not my idea of a good time.

[@davidleary5639]

No you are dead right .Especially if you are a sci fi fan .I watched your review of The Creation of the Humanoids .Then I watched another review and the guy was slagging it, just to look clever .I lasted three minutes then switched off.@@AtomicSnackBar

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@davidleary5639 I'm sure you picked up from my review, but I thought Creation of the Humanoids was fantastic. As long as you don't mind dialog heavy films, I highly recommend it. And as far as reviews as well, I look at it this way. There's way too many things out there I enjoy to waste my time on things I don't. Thanks for watching, David. Always nice to hear from a like mind.

[@davidleary5639]

Excellent .Ive seen Creation of the Humanoids .It has a great atmosphere to it. as your video made clear .@@AtomicSnackBar

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@davidleary5639 And that weird, unsettling Jack Pierce makeup is something else.

[@FeverDreamlandTheater]

Hey Now! The sequel vid is here! Awesome selections Rob and what an abundance of awesome trivia in each case. 'Target Earth' I stumbled across not long ago while researching 50's sci-fi. I really dig the design for that robot. I do not want to spoil all your picks here in the comments so I'll just mention the highlight for me may be your number 2 choice. Love the "NOPE" moment with the axe, lol. Oh and your #1 is a fantastic choice as well. Truly iconic. Always cool to have a fresh vid from you, have a killer weekend man!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

The "nope" moment is a great one. I just love a good unexpected backhand. Especially an unexpected backhand from a robot. Don't love getting them though. But you know robots. They can be touchie. Thanks for watching, pal. Always a pleasure to have you grace the comments section.

[@josephmatthews9866]

FOOTNOTE : the robot from TARGET EARTH , maybe the first mechanical man to be depicted as walking up a flight of stairs after it's victims!!! ( guess the elevator was too much trouble for it ) 😊😊😊

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That's a great catch. I never thought about that. And you're right. Robots notoriously dislike elevators. Jealousy maybe? Thanks for watching, Joseph.

[@josephmatthews9866]

@@AtomicSnackBar thanks for the thanks 😊 But now I need to correct myself, a friend showed me a DVD of an Italian movie from the silent era called the MECHANICAL MAN , although part of the film is lost it does indeed show the robot chasing someone up a staircase !! Unbelievably it also runs after a guy escaping in a hige speed car !! ODD , but good fun !!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@josephmatthews9866 Well, that sounds downright awesome. I'm going to look into that right now. Thanks for the tip. EDIT: Already found it here on KZbin. That is a killer robot design too. Very my style.

[@josephmatthews9866]

@@AtomicSnackBar And again my thanks, and keep watching out for stair climbing robots !!!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@josephmatthews9866 That's good advice. And I should probably stop trying to teach them to climb stairs as well.

[@Gappasaurus]

“Fun” fact: Tobor is “robot” spelled backwards. Bet you never woulda guessed that, would ya? 😆

[@AtomicSnackBar]

*stares blankly back at you*

[@Gappasaurus]

@@AtomicSnackBar Well deserved 😐

[@Gappasaurus]

@@AtomicSnackBar Side note, if you’ve never seen the toy commercial for the ‘70s Tobor (no relation to The Great, unfortunately) be sure to check it out here on YT 😁

[@doltsbane]

I'd add Kronos, from the 1957 movie of the same name.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I was doing a bit of research just the other day on good ol' Kronos for an upcoming episode. I don't want to say too much, but it'll be a spin-off of this series. Thanks for checking this one out.

[@littleshopofelectrons4014]

I loved this video. I would like to suggest another video for you to consider making which looks like a subject that you haven't yet covered. This video might be called "Top Science Fiction Machines from the 1950s". For inclusion I would like to suggest a little-known but very interesting movie made in 1958 from Czechoslavakia called "Invention for Destruction". It was re-named "The Fabulous World of Jules Verne" for the USA market. It uses an unusual combination of live action, animation, and stop-motion photography. The images have the appearance of wood-cut illustrations from Jules Verne novels. I have a copy but It may be difficult to find.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That is a really good idea. I've been wanting to dig into more prop related videos. I have tentative outlines for episodes about spaceships and space suits. I've just held off because specific background information and trivia can be really tough to find on these older films. Something you might be interested in, in my review for Chandu the Magician I touched on a little prop trivia.

[@YandereShiki]

Those robots look so straight to the point. Robots now are kinda Overdone.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Overdone is a good word for it. Busy would also work. Those Bayverse Transformers movies....I'm not even sure what I'm looking at half the time when I see the trailers.

[@horrorhands666]

@@AtomicSnackBar I totally agree, sometimes less is more - I much prefer seeing a slow-moving robot stomping around rather than over the top cgi

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@horrorhands666 Very very true. I'm a big fan of being able to tell what it is that I'm looking at. Call me silly that way.

[@tonysantiago255]

@ HorrorHands - once again, fast moving flash over substance. Modern audiences are continually dumbed down.

[@shannonszabadosfan4661]

will there be a part III featuring Moguera from The Mysterians 1957

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Interesting you bring up Moguera. He was in the original version of Part I. He was supposed to be in the remake episode, but I just could not find enough footage to fill the extended segment. I even did all the research and everything. So long answer short, if I can find the footage one day, he will definitely pop up in something.

[@tonysantiago255]

What a great and 'diverse' selection of robots. In the 1960s those toy mechanical robots were still popular. The one I coveted in my visits to the toy department had flashing light, a grinding sound when it walked and when it stopped, two doors on it's chest would open up and spray you with machine gun fire! Alas, it was still too expensive for my parents to spring for. Had you already mentioned that Tobor is Robot spelled backwards? The Robot scout of Target Earth haunted my dreams after catching it on a local Saturday afternoon TV show called Worlds Beyond in SE Florida when I was a kid. Simple, angular, and cool. And something of a Cyclops in the Robot World. I so have to make a point of seeing Gog. Did you know that Gog and Magog are names from the book of Revelation in the Bible? And not in a good way. Think Armageddon. The End of Days stuff. How could neglect THE most iconic robot of all from the movie which set the unmatched standard for 50s sci-fi?! "Gort. Klaatu barada nicto!" Excellent selection my friend. Another Robot home run.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

ohhhhhh man. I remember that chest firing robot well. When I was a kid we stopped at a small vintage shop on the way to the Pine Mountain man-made-beach. They had almost no toys. But there on the shelf was the robot. I really wanted him too. Don't recall why I didn't get him. It was a kind of fancy place, so he was probably expensive even then. But no, I didn't mention the backwards spelling of Tobor. I can't give away all his secrets. He would never forgive me. He's a good bot, but doesn't mean he likes gossip. As to my omission of Gort, the first list was just my personal favorites. Even more subjective a list than usual. And they are pretty darn subjective. As great as Gort is, I didn't see The Day the Earth Stood Still as a kid, so I held no real attachment to him.

[@tonysantiago255]

@ The Wacky World Lounge - Yeah, it's kind of interesting how much the things that impact us as kids, sticks with us throughout our lives. Kind of scary to think about, considering the insanity that's being pushed on children in schools today. The Day the Earth Stood Still was the quintessential sci-fi movie for the 60s kids growing up on TV. But I can understand why you wouldn't have that same attachment. It's probably my favorite movie, but Escape From The Planet of the Apes would have to be on that list along with Disney's Pinocchio, so...totally subjective. I have Gog on my Amazon Prime so I know what my Saturday morning viewing is going to be! It also starred one of my favorite character actors in his later years: Herbert Marshall. Interesting factoid: he lost one of his legs in WW1(?), before becoming an actor and co-starred in many popular films of the 1930s and 40s. Like James Doohan/Scotty of the original Star Trek series, who lost two of his fingers in an accident, they never let it stop them from having a successful career. And you never knew unless you knew. Cool toy robot close encounter. Another movie I need to rewatch. Little guy escaped us both and now I shutter to think what he goes for on eBay.😶 😑 Like the toys and comics your Mom threw out when you went away to college. Luv ya Mom.😘 So...when are we gunna see a 60s edition of cool robots? You know I've got a bunch of suggestions and from most excellent movies you should see. The list is never ending. And considering the poor quality of movies today; thank God for that. Ah...nostalgia. Think about the schlock kids of today are going to grow up believing are good films. Poor little people.

[@tonysantiago255]

Have you ever read 'Farewell to the Master'? Nothing like the movie except some of the names. Definitely in the inspired by or suggested by category. The movie was cut out of almost whole cloth by screenwriter Edmund H. North. Great stuff.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@tonysantiago255 Interesting you mention favorite movies. There has been a tag going around where people list their five favorite films of all time. It got me thinking, so I've been trying to make a similar list, just for myself. It's been very difficult. But you know what is on that list? Escape from the Planet of the Apes. It was one of the first and easiest choices. As to Gog, the robot designs are great. Thus them making the list. But the film itself takes about 30 minutes to start. It really feels like an industrial film for the whole first part. They just take the investor around the lab and explain each part. For a long time. Worth watching, just keep that in mind. I actually didn't know that about Doohan or Marshell. And I do have the list for 60s robots part II started. But when I actually make said episode depends on how well this follow up does.

[@tonysantiago255]

@ The Wacky World Lounge - Yeah, your Favorites list is difficult to pair down, even to 5. And can change throughout your life. Your tastes in foods will change too. Change: the only constant in nature. But again, totally subjective and you never need to justify or apologize for your choices. It's also why I never buy into 'Top' lists. Especially from the Academy awards. Top Sci-fi movies always includes 2001, which as I have stated in the past; I hate. But I love movies so there are so many great films and darn it, I just keep discovering more. Mostly from before 1970. But there are still a few that randomly slip through the Hollywood machine today. Hey! Dr. Who had The Daleks which were really actors seated inside the canister like frames and using a bicycle petal system, would glide around the sets. Gog and Magog had to have utilized the same system, but maybe 10 years earlier! Speaking of which, I did watch it and those 2 where the only characters I enjoyed in the movie. The script was awkward although some of the actors did their best, but certainly not their career best. I really disliked the feminism of the female lead and didn't subjectively find her or the short haircuts of that period. I like feminine long hair. On women. Thor's hair appeals to some chicks but I can understand why in the early comics he got a lot of flack about it. But I digress. Again. Overall, I was disappointed in the movie and Ivan Tors (of Flipper fame) was a little too interested in sounding scientific and probably used it to pad out the running time of the movie. In this case, less would have been more. It would have worked better as about an edited down hour long TV program. And there was no real mystery that the electronic brain ( they didn't use the term computer.🤔)was the villain, but the real mystery was why the heck when they realized they had an unidentified flying object buzzing above them, they didn't just call Strategic Air Command immediately. For some of the smartest people around, they sure were dumb. 2001 s****.

[@interwebkaiju]

Who doesn't love a singing robot? This list just makes me even more disappointed by modern movie robots (not JUST because they don't sing)

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That don't have enough wacky little walks either. But everything awesome needs a theme song.

[@lurkerrekrul]

Gog - I like the design of the robots and thought they looked quite realistic. What I had a problem with was the way they flail their arms around, even when they're working normally. Their movements have to be programmed, so did someone program them to flail their arms for no apparent reason, and if so, why? If that's not normal behavior, why does nobody comment on them acting strangely?

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Perhaps Don Knotts was their programmer and all the others were just too nice to say anything about the flailing. Or it's also possible they were meant to go on to stand outside of car dealerships. Really makes you think. Thanks for watching. I've enjoyed your comments.

[@lurkerrekrul]

@@AtomicSnackBar Little things like that bug me. Like in The Terminator when the gunshop owner says "You can't do that." to the terminator loading the shotgun and it replies "Wrong." before shooting him. Or when it tells the cop at the desk "I'll be back." Neither one is necessary. Why speak to someone who's about to die? The cop at the desk wasn't even paying attention, so it could have simply turned around and walked out. A terminator (that hasn't been reprogrammed) should only speak to humans when logic dictates that talking to them would make its mission easier. It asks the punks for their clothes because having them give them up voluntarily would have attracted less attention and posed less risk of damaging its human disguise. It told the guy in the truck to get out because he could have tried to interfere and it was easier and faster than killing him. It doesn't bother to speak to the guy using the pay phone, it just yanks him out of the way. He didn't matter.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

​@@lurkerrekrul I must say, I am generally the same way. I let it slide in films with a more comedic or light hearted tone. But I absolutely hate one-liners in what is supposed to be a serious movie. Drives me nuts when someone is in a life or death situation and they stop to say something clever.

[@lurkerrekrul]

@@AtomicSnackBar Not just one-liners, but illogical things. I loved Lost in Space, but even when I was little, many of the continuity problems bothered me. Like how the Jupiter II could have two decks, plus an engine section, AND room for the landing legs. Of course the real explanation is that the ship was originally meant to have only one deck and when they added a lower deck later in development, they didn't change the model. Or where the Spacepod was kept, since there wouldn't have been room for it. Or room to store all the Chariot parts. Two episodes that really drove me crazy; 1. The creature living in the engine room. The set they used for the engine room was HUGE! It wouldn't even have fit into the ship if it was the only thing in there! 2. The episode where the robot's tread section goes AWOL and the top half of the robot is just floating with nothing to support it. Another common thing on 60s and 70s TV shows, and probably even into the 80s, was someone watching something happening on a security monitor that always showed a perfectly framed image of wherever the action happened to be taking place at that moment. As if they had an invisible drone that could perfectly follow the action without anyone noticing.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@lurkerrekrul Another thing like that is when shows and movies show a person's memory or their dreams....yet it's not from a POV perspective. How the heck would they be able to see themselves? I always ask.

[@dubuyajay9964]

Are you from the 50's? You look exceptionally young for a Baby Boomer.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

I guess you would say I'm from the 80s. But when I was about 7 or 8 my mom got me the Horrible Horror VHS tape from K-Mart and that changed everything.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

And I was certain Devo from Ohio someplace as the original. Next thing will be that they're all trial lawyers now.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

You know, it's been so long since I've seen this episode, I'm not totally sure what you are referencing. Refresh me, if you would.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

@AtomicSnackBar No episode mentioned. You're busy! I will leave my comment there for you review later.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe Alrighty. Sounds like a plan.

[@kallianpublico7517]

What is a robot? A machine? A machine extends our abilities, our already existing abilities. Like a wedge or pulley extends our ability to do work. Is a robot more than an extension of our ability to "do" work? Like a computer is it framework to capture our intentions, desires? A recipe book not just for construction but destruction? A perfect robot would be able to do anything we wanted it to, like a puppet. Or like something that we could posess, in the demonic sense. It wouldn't have intentions of its own, like a child. It would only do what we wanted it to do. Telepathic mind control or telekinesis would enable us to control people and things to our heart's content. Is this what a robot is? A vessel to extend our physical abilities? A vessel to bottle and enact our mental or emotional intentions? A puppet? A metaphor for telekinesis? In the movies "Westworld" and "Terminator" the robots seems to be imbued with intention. Not emotional desire, but cold intent. The intent to kill. Is there an algorithm for murder? In Westworld the robot is unsophisticated but his intent is aided by his strength. In Terminator the robot is sophisticated. He is canny. He can change voices, ask questions, change clothes, act unobtrusive, blend in. The Terminator robot seems to have intent. Not as unsophisticated as Yul Brynner's robot in Westworld but just as "single" minded. Ultimately that sort of single minded intention doesn't make the robot more human. No. In the end that kind of intention starts to resemble fate. As if fate were pursuing our protagonists and not just some dumb, mindless machine. Be careful what we program our machines to do. They'll be doing it long after we're gone. Sort of like those giant stone statues on Easter Island.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Much like with humans and the nature vs nurture debate, there is the robot vs android debate. All androids are robots, but not all robots are androids. And at what point does the robot come to be known as an android? When does cold intent straddle that line and move over into the realm of desire? It's hard to really compare Yul Bot to T-800. Yul's was programming gone wrong. T-800's was programming executed perfectly but mixed with desire, thus he would be an android. But can the same be said about Yul? Quite interesting indeed, Kallian.

[@dubuyajay9964]

Was the Robot from "Lost In Space" built in the 50's or 60's?

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Our buddy the B9 is a 60s bot. Interesting factoid, he wasn't even in the pilot.

[@dubuyajay9964]

@AtomicSnackBar How they get him?

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@dubuyajay9964 The pilot was a standalone episode. When the show was picked up, they went back and re-filmed it with the added Robot and Dr. Smith.

[@orzelw]

I was terribly disappointed watching Target Earth in the movie theater. I was all set for giant robots. What a let-down! 😐

[@AtomicSnackBar]

You know, I never thought of that. But they do look like giants on the poster, don't they?

[@orzelw]

@@AtomicSnackBar Sci-fi movie posters were notorious for misrepresenting the actual movies. Another misleading element within the movie (at least I thought) was the shadow of the robot high up on a neighboring building. Its shadow covered four stories of the building's windows, and that was only as far down as the robot's mid-thigh. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqPWYnx_eatsrpY

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@orzelw Oh, he was probably just hanging out on one of those things window washers use for skyscrapers.

[@AlanEmmons-qw6bg]

But Tobor is robot spelled backwards from the eight man cartoon! And racer X was really speeds (Racer) brother Rex who ran away from home years ago!! Rex has been in the bathroom for so.long Do you think he needs a laxative? As I always say!! Know 💩. An early try at anime.😜

[@AlanEmmons-qw6bg]

"In monochrome!!!"

[@AtomicSnackBar]

@@AlanEmmons-qw6bg I remember 8-Man. Or at least, a version of it. They played a film on one of the Sci-fi Channel's Anime Weeks back in the 90s. I used to always really look forward to those. As to Racer X's bathroom habits, it was a bit before my time. So I can only speculate at this point.

[@Donathon-f6f]

Those bots look like they influenced the robot ( Cyborg) Box from Logan's Run..,. They still didn't do credit to the book.... honestly, I'm not sure you could do any accuracy to the book now... Peace

[@AtomicSnackBar]

They so rarely do. But that is still a darn good movie, nonetheless. Speaking of Box, I'm watching the very underrated Planet of the Apes TV series currently. Roscoe Lee Browne was on an episode. Quite good.

[@Donathon-f6f]

@@AtomicSnackBar that series started off great and was getting better...the 70s just were not a good time for TV adaptation of movies. .... really or anything sci Fi... have a great day

[@tizzieblack3384]

Klaatu barada niktu.

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Well said.

[@Renshen1957]

Gog and Magog were biblical, the reference as to the end of the world. Symbols of the nations who align with the devil and attack you know who….

[@AtomicSnackBar]

That's interesting. I remember running across that it was a biblical reference in my research for the episode, but not the meaning of said reference. Thanks for sharing.

[@PuncherOfAbs]

The second robot from the movie in Chicago has a Deco feel

[@AtomicSnackBar]

He is quite stylish, even as far as robots go.

[@paullevine1813]

Very well done & enough to make me hit that subscribe button. Funny that Gort did seem to be seamless until you see him from the back & sorry, but you just can't hide that rubber suit from folding when he walked. Such a fine film as all these oldies are. You seem very laid back & i am as well & a musician since i started playing guitar back in 67. I asked one of these AI Art guys to use one of my songs to make a vid & i do believe you would like it. I will leave the link to his channel so if you want to leave him a comment i will see it as he agreed to make this & give me credit for the music. Very cool & i just asked for the things you see & the AI did the rest. I do have some other posts if you like what you hear & click on my icon & you can give a listen if you like to ROCK & from the smoke i see i think i can safely say OH YES i do LOL !!! Enjoy & i look forward to the rest of your vids as I'm a Horror, Monster & SCI FI buff from the 60s . Robots Rock !!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4u2gnd_qa-Ihpo🛸🚀 Though it's really not a Monster flick my favorite film is Mario Bava's Black Sunday aka The Mask of Satan 1961 with the legendary Barbara Steele & her dual roles in that as the Vampire Witch & her double the princess Assa. Awesome film !!!

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Ah, very cool, Paul. I was definitely digging it. Started out with some AC/DC vibes, but once the soloing kicked in, it went to a whole other place. A little Skynyrd influence, perhaps?

[@paullevine1813]

@@AtomicSnackBar My main band was the original Allman Brothers Band. Got lots of influences but i was taught to play as myself. No LS or AC DC influence but i did like them. Thanks for listening & i will send you another track i think you will like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmjYan2JidOGmKc The story behind this is real my wife's best friend is a Wicca & i tease her all the time about being a Witch so i wrote this tune for her as i still have the Broomstick i put by the door when she visits, She asked what's the Broom for, i told her just in case yours won't start !!! . I could use some comments so if you like this one leave me a comment on my page it's always welcomed. This track is from the same sessions as the other tune & the same friends. ENJOY ..

[@PuncherOfAbs]

Gog and Magag are to to mythological giant brothers famous for not having hearts

[@AtomicSnackBar]

You'd think they would have mentioned that in the film. Or at least alluded to it.

[@PuncherOfAbs]

You should do with the staff robots/Annedroids where are the humanities called into question or they are striving to be human. Like project ring the kolchack episode. Or the Cory case robot on I think the outer limits or twilight zone I can’t remember which

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Mr. Ring. That's a great robot. I think I covered him in one of the '70s episodes. But darn if I can't remember for sure.

[@PuncherOfAbs]

That’ll loin ya

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Sounds like you were watching one of my Sword & Sorcery videos.

[@PuncherOfAbs]

Gog and Magog are to giants who can’t be killed because they don’t have hearts or souls. Or that there soul hearts are housed some place hidden. I can’t remember which mythology

[@AtomicSnackBar]

Yeah, I think they appear in several places. I haven't looked too deeply into it.

[@PuncherOfAbs]

Do you remember Robbie the robot The tin man too commercial from the 70s

[@AtomicSnackBar]

No, I sure don't. What was the product?

[@PuncherOfAbs]

@@AtomicSnackBar Robbie the robot and the ten man 2 really good looking robot toys