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Fantasy Fictioneer, v. 1, issue 2, January-February 1940
Page 3
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2nd Chicon Progress Report -by- Mark Reinsberg "Just what has been done on the Chicago 1940 World S-F Convention?" I've heard that question in multiple forms during the past few months; orally, written, and I believe, telepathically. Those who have read the 1st Progress Report in #1 Fantasy Fictioneer, must have been aware that very little can actually be done on the Convention, so far in advance. Details like publicity, contacting possible Convention - goers, preliminary negotitaions, and such, were naturally taken care of many months ago. But outside of that, and general streamlining of Convention machinery to take care of the "big push" that comes a scarce two months before the event takes place, it would be impossible to do anything definite. To date everything has been done that could be, everything that would assure the success of the Convention, from this long-range date. A unique idea was submitted by Jack Speer and Milton A. Rothman, which deserves mention in "what can be done" department. It calls for fans using their imaginations in making "science fiction costumes" patterened after characters who have became famous in the professional s-f field. Jack points out that the idea has been tried out on a small scale before by various groups and individuals, but that a "fashion show" at the Chicon would be no less spectacular. Quoting from Speer's letter: "Yours truly is planning a Dick Calkinish rig, complete with balsa-wood flying belt. After we (Rothman and Kummer, Jr.) got to thinking about it, the possibilities seemed endless. If he can dispense with his glasses some way, Milt plans to come as Dracula, and mentioned that Leslie Perri would make a good Dr Acula's Dawter. Kummer is thinking about dressing as an atom, and bringing along some of the awesome electrical equipment he showed us. Almost anybody can comb his hair down and be a mad scientist. We insist that the girls represent something more than the scientist's beautiful daughters that the reporters fall in love with. Almost any costume shop can supply a get-up suitable for representing Schachner's Kleon the Greek; while to represent a zombie would require no costume at all --- just good acting..... Continuing with excerpts from the same letter: ".... At any rate, the costumes should require as little explanation as possible. For example, if Ackerman came dressed in gray leather, there would be no question as to whom he represented. Bob Tucker with a pigtail and Oriental robe would be unmistakable as his own Hoy Ping Pong. Someone about Julius Schwartz's build would make a good Frankenstein dressed in a hair shirt. (It would add interest to the convention should he go around knocking peoples heads together). I don't know how anyone could make himself look like Tweel, but we thought it would be nice to try, It would be a good thing if the costume were keyed to the personality of the wearer. Thus, Moskowitz could be TWS's Petus Manxus in a Roman toga; while our Il Duce of Flushing Flats, if he could borrow a Bund Uniform, might come as the New Lasher..... Robt. Thompson could wander all over the Convention hall as Karpen the Jew. Van Houten might make a good Prester John. Dan McPhail could be a Paul illustration. And, if the police would allow, Kornbluth would makean excellent Alley Oop. Imagine Weisinger as Giles Habibula!
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2nd Chicon Progress Report -by- Mark Reinsberg "Just what has been done on the Chicago 1940 World S-F Convention?" I've heard that question in multiple forms during the past few months; orally, written, and I believe, telepathically. Those who have read the 1st Progress Report in #1 Fantasy Fictioneer, must have been aware that very little can actually be done on the Convention, so far in advance. Details like publicity, contacting possible Convention - goers, preliminary negotitaions, and such, were naturally taken care of many months ago. But outside of that, and general streamlining of Convention machinery to take care of the "big push" that comes a scarce two months before the event takes place, it would be impossible to do anything definite. To date everything has been done that could be, everything that would assure the success of the Convention, from this long-range date. A unique idea was submitted by Jack Speer and Milton A. Rothman, which deserves mention in "what can be done" department. It calls for fans using their imaginations in making "science fiction costumes" patterened after characters who have became famous in the professional s-f field. Jack points out that the idea has been tried out on a small scale before by various groups and individuals, but that a "fashion show" at the Chicon would be no less spectacular. Quoting from Speer's letter: "Yours truly is planning a Dick Calkinish rig, complete with balsa-wood flying belt. After we (Rothman and Kummer, Jr.) got to thinking about it, the possibilities seemed endless. If he can dispense with his glasses some way, Milt plans to come as Dracula, and mentioned that Leslie Perri would make a good Dr Acula's Dawter. Kummer is thinking about dressing as an atom, and bringing along some of the awesome electrical equipment he showed us. Almost anybody can comb his hair down and be a mad scientist. We insist that the girls represent something more than the scientist's beautiful daughters that the reporters fall in love with. Almost any costume shop can supply a get-up suitable for representing Schachner's Kleon the Greek; while to represent a zombie would require no costume at all --- just good acting..... Continuing with excerpts from the same letter: ".... At any rate, the costumes should require as little explanation as possible. For example, if Ackerman came dressed in gray leather, there would be no question as to whom he represented. Bob Tucker with a pigtail and Oriental robe would be unmistakable as his own Hoy Ping Pong. Someone about Julius Schwartz's build would make a good Frankenstein dressed in a hair shirt. (It would add interest to the convention should he go around knocking peoples heads together). I don't know how anyone could make himself look like Tweel, but we thought it would be nice to try, It would be a good thing if the costume were keyed to the personality of the wearer. Thus, Moskowitz could be TWS's Petus Manxus in a Roman toga; while our Il Duce of Flushing Flats, if he could borrow a Bund Uniform, might come as the New Lasher..... Robt. Thompson could wander all over the Convention hall as Karpen the Jew. Van Houten might make a good Prester John. Dan McPhail could be a Paul illustration. And, if the police would allow, Kornbluth would makean excellent Alley Oop. Imagine Weisinger as Giles Habibula!
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