RIP Harlan Ellison…
Harlan Ellison, one of the world’s foremost science fiction writers, has died at 84. His death was announced by a family friend via twitter.
“Susan Ellison has asked me to announce the passing of writer Harlan Ellison, in his sleep, earlier today. “For a brief time I was here, and for a brief time, I matter.’ – HE, 1934-2018. Arrangements for a celebration are pending.”
Ellison’s 1969 post-apocalyptic novel “A Boy and His Dog” was made into a 1975 cult film starring Don Johnson.
In the film, a young man wanders a post-apocalyptic world with his best friend, his dog. Oh, and the dog can talk!
“A Boy And His Dog” captured Ellison’s writing perfectly: sharp, surreal at times, with pointed political commentary and a prescient view of the future…
Here is more about that incredible sci-fi film:
https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/21/talking-dogs-don-johnson-a-boy-and-his-dog-classic-sci-fi/
Ellison also wrote for many great TV shows such as “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and “The Outer Limits” – but his most memorable TV project was “Star Trek”, which led to a longtime feud with the show’s Creator!
Here is what Deadline.com reports:
Ellison’s Star Trek episode, “The City on the Edge of Forever,” is often cited as among the original series’ very best. Ellison himself was no fan of the end result, though, often complaining about rewrites. The 1967 episode had Captain Kirk (William Shatner) traveling back to 1930s New York and falling in love with a pacifist memorably played by Joan Collins. The twist: Kirk is faced with the prospect of saving the life of his new lady love, but doing so would altar the course of history to the extent that Germany would win World War II.
Revisions made to the script by, among others, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, so angered Ellison that the two feuded for years.
But without a doubt, his novel-turned-cult classic “A Boy And His Dog” will always be remembered…a great film that was released on DVD a few years back and worth getting.
RIP Harlan Ellison…
Categories: 70's Cinema, Action Films, Art, Books / Media, Cult Movies, Exploitation films, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Grindhouse, Hollywood, Independent Cinema, Movies, Obscure Movies, Talent/Celebrities, TV Show
johnrieber 
Rest in peace, a fine writer.
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That is classic Trek. I’m yet to see The Boy and His Dog but I’m told it’s kind from the same cloth as Australia’s Mad Max and is really good. John Cusack is a fan.
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Yes it is worth checking out!
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What a great tribute! He was definitely an interesting man, with some interesting stories!!
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Thank you for the comment…one of the most original writers in the business!
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I love that episode of Star Trek. He was a fine writer and I’m sad for his passing. Nice tribute, John.
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Writers generally get less attention than the stars of the shows or films they work on. When I saw the post title, I didn’t know his name at all. No doubt he is better known in America.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Such a loss!😱
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In his sleep must be what we all aspire to in that thing that we can’t avoid. The D word. Death. He leaves a great body of work. RIP sir.
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Yes, he was iconic…so many of the legends disappear from sight for their last years, and the new generation knows nothing about them
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True words, John, true words indeed
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