Bill Mumy`s retelling of this episode of his life is just mesmerizing. You could tell it in his eyes,his mannerisms. I believe Tippy Hedron had similar stories.
This is an interesting study of how what you say to children can really effect them profoundly - even if you're not totally serious. That experience really affected Bill Mumy, and I disagree with MrJohn9273's thought that Bill may just think too highly of himself. It's clear that he took the time to think about his performance and make sure that he did "deliver the goods," (and if you've seen the episode, you know he absolutely did. It was a terrific performance) to make heads or tails of why Hitchcock chose to scare the crap out of him. The reality is that Hitchcock probably forgot about it by the time he got in his car to go home. But to the child, it stayed with him forever.
It's one thing hearing of various tales, often from books-- bios and such. Much more compelling hearing it from the "horse's mouth" and seeing it too. Good of you to do this interesting show, Mr. Mumy.
This is yet another example where I'm particularly glad that I did not personally know some of the great talents that I admire. I really love Hitchcock's work and Orson Welles' work, et al. And I hear and see some of these anecdotes related by close associates who reveal the true nature of the person. It's certainly true that the art and the artist are two different subjects, but I'm just glad that I do not personally have an unpleasant memory to associate with 'giants' such as these gentlemen.
According to a story I heard, Hitchcock"s father once had his friends in the city jail lock him up for being late from school. So maybe the genetics pass on.
Yes, Hitchcock might of been brilliant with the help, support and talents of his wife, but, that did not make him a nice man- I have heard many accounts such as Bill Mumy's. Anyone who takes pleasure of scaring or hurting anyone, especially, a small child is certainly at the bottom of humanity- Bill Mumy was one of my favorite actors growing up- The other, Kevin Corcoran- I always wished they would work together-
I'm with you, Bill. I'm sure I saw all three episodes. He's a jack-a. You did good work. You must be good because you're nothing like Will. lol! He did good work, too, but the ends do not justify the means. Dear Bridget was my first experience with the Mumy. That's when I crushed.
what a terrible experience bill. I have to say that you gave an excellent performance in this. I also enjoyed your performances in bewitched and lost in space.for hich to treat you this way was disrespectful and obviously upset your 7 year old mind......awful.
I like you Billy but u take too long to tell a story. Also I'm trying to decide if you are just being straight up or you have too high opinion of yourself.
of course he's full of himself all actors are (though they say it's about the 'character' it's about them) and we the adoring audience are to blame... but the kinda sad thing imo is that he drags out this story because it makes him seem at least for one moment in time superior to the great A. Hitchcock...also not for nuttin but he might have been less traumatized if Mumy's mum had taken his fright at all seriously....
Bill Mumy`s retelling of this episode of his life is just mesmerizing. You could tell it in his eyes,his mannerisms. I believe Tippy Hedron had similar stories.
This is an interesting study of how what you say to children can really effect them profoundly - even if you're not totally serious. That experience really affected Bill Mumy, and I disagree with MrJohn9273's thought that Bill may just think too highly of himself. It's clear that he took the time to think about his performance and make sure that he did "deliver the goods," (and if you've seen the episode, you know he absolutely did. It was a terrific performance) to make heads or tails of why Hitchcock chose to scare the crap out of him. The reality is that Hitchcock probably forgot about it by the time he got in his car to go home. But to the child, it stayed with him forever.
You should of wished him away into the cornfield Bill.
It's one thing hearing of various tales, often from books-- bios and such. Much more compelling hearing it from the "horse's mouth" and seeing it too. Good of you to do this interesting show, Mr. Mumy.
This is yet another example where I'm particularly glad that I did not personally know some of the great talents that I admire. I really love Hitchcock's work and Orson Welles' work, et al. And I hear and see some of these anecdotes related by close associates who reveal the true nature of the person. It's certainly true that the art and the artist are two different subjects, but I'm just glad that I do not personally have an unpleasant memory to associate with 'giants' such as these gentlemen.
I read a article where Bill told this same exact story back in the early 90s. I'm sure that was scary to a kid.
I love this story
Also ..bang bang was excellent. I was brought up with that morale.
According to a story I heard, Hitchcock"s father once had his friends in the city jail lock him up for being late from school. So maybe the genetics pass on.
Yes, Hitchcock might of been brilliant with the help, support and talents of his wife, but, that did not make him a nice man- I have heard many accounts such as Bill Mumy's. Anyone who takes pleasure of scaring or hurting anyone, especially, a small child is certainly at the bottom of humanity- Bill Mumy was one of my favorite actors growing up- The other, Kevin Corcoran- I always wished they would work together-
I'm with you, Bill. I'm sure I saw all three episodes. He's a jack-a. You did good work. You must be good because you're nothing like Will. lol! He did good work, too, but the ends do not justify the means. Dear Bridget was my first experience with the Mumy. That's when I crushed.
Does anyone know how to find the script Bill wrote for the Lost in space epilogue ?
what a terrible experience bill. I have to say that you gave an excellent performance in this. I also enjoyed your performances in bewitched and lost in space.for hich to treat you this way was disrespectful and obviously upset your 7 year old mind......awful.
Hitchcock wanted real tears from a young Billy Mumy so he told him that his Mother was dead.
I like you Billy but u take too long to tell a story. Also I'm trying to decide if you are just being straight up or you have too high opinion of yourself.
of course he's full of himself all actors are (though they say it's about the 'character' it's about them) and we the adoring audience are to blame... but the kinda sad thing imo is that he drags out this story because it makes him seem at least for one moment in time superior to the great A. Hitchcock...also not for nuttin but he might have been less traumatized if Mumy's mum had taken his fright at all seriously....