The line in the first chorus; “See androids fighting Brad and Janet,” of course refers to Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, the hero and heroine in the very play/film you’re about to watch. Janet was played by Susan Sarandon in the film (pictured above in a screen shot from the film), who went on to join the ranks of Hollywood’s A-list actresses, where she remains today.
Right after Brad and Janet are mentioned, the line “Anne Francis stars in Forbidden Planet” is sung and that she did, along with a pre-gray-haired Leslie Nielsen and Robby the Robot (pictured with Anne, above) in that 1956 sci-fi drive-in classic. Anne passed away at the age of 80 on January 2, 2011.
In the second verse, the singer goes on to reveal; “I really got hot when I saw Janette Scott fight a Triffid that spits poison and kills,” referring to Jeanette’s performance in the 1963 cult classic The Day of the Triffids (later re-titled Invasion of the Triffids). As of this writing, Ms. Scott (pictured above in a promo photo from Day of the Triffids) is still alive and well at 81.
Film producer George Pal was probably talking to his wife, Elisabeth Josepha “Zsoka” Grandjean about one of his animated films in the above photo, but the line near the end of the second verse; “When Worlds Worlds Collide said George Pal to his bride, I’m gonna give you some terrible thrills” refers to George telling Zsoka about his 1951 sci-fi thriller. However, they had been married for 21 years by then, so it’s doubtful if he still referred to her as “his bride” at that time.
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About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. Currently in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco, besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
Love the song! Love the Movie! Never really paid attention to all the names mentioned, but this is very informative. Thanks!
Awesome article!