Robby the Robot
Author: Allen Butler
The 1950's were the
decade of the science fiction film. More science
fiction films were produced in these 10 years than any
other decade to date. Such classics as "The Day the
Earth Stood Still," "It Came From Outer Space" and "The
Invasion of the Body-Snatchers" were huge hits across
America. This science fiction craze was also
responsible for one of the most enduring creations in TV
and movie history: Robby the Robot.
Robby the Robot was
the star of 1956's "Forbidden Planet," produced by
MGM. "Forbidden Planet" was one of the most daring
science fiction films of the 1950's, exploring not only
deep into the outer reaches of the universe but also
into the human mind.
For his first appearance
in cinema, Robby the Robot was the assistant of
Altair-4's Dr. Morbius. In Robby the Robot we see the
portrayal of a new kind of robot for science fiction
movies: one based on the Three Laws of Robotics
developed by author Isaac Asimov rather than the more
traditional vicious killing machine that was a staple of
pulp science fiction. For
viewers of "Forbidden
Planet," Robby stood out as one of the most enjoyable
and memorable parts of the picture. His presence is
especially made clear in the movie posters for the film,
featuring Robby the Robot holding the beautiful Altaira
against a desolate alien landscape.
Robby the Robot was built
in mid 1955 by the MGM prop department for a reported
cost of $125,000, an expensive "prop" for those days. He
was designed by effects artist and art director Robert
Kinoshita, whose presence would also be known in a
number of the decade's other science fiction films. The
voice of Robby was donated by talented actor and
announcer Marvin Miller.
Although Robby the Robot
made his smash debut with "Forbidden Planet," his career
was far from over. His next appearance would be
co-starring in the B-movie "The Invisible Boy" in 1957,
detailing the adventures of Robby and a ten-year old boy
whom he can make invisible. With a smaller budget and a
more standard science fiction plot, this movie has not
become the memorable success that Forbidden Planet was,
but cemented Robby's place as an important robot
character.
Since 1957's "The
Invisible Boy" Robby has gone on to make appearances
in 10 films, from the Japanese science fiction film "Uchu
Kaisoku-sen" to 2003's Looney Tunes: Back in Action.
Robby the Robot also made
his presence known in a number of television shows of
the 1950's and 60's, including such notable science
fiction fare as "The Twilight Zone" and "Lost in Space,"
along with many other shows. Robby in fact continues
making appearances in shows even up to this day,
including 2005's situation comedy "Stacked." Robby has
proven himself to be a true star, one who continues to
make an impact in the cinematic world.
