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The Forrest Ackerman Tribute
By Eric Swartz Sunday was a very special day at the Egyptian Theatre in honoring Forrest J Ackerman. For those who don't know, Forrest, Forry, The Ackermonster, or any of the other names he may be called by, was the original fan. He was the geek before all other geeks. He collected movie memorabilia from his favorite movies into an eventual massive collection stored in the Ackermansion here in Horrorwood, Karloffornia. He started Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine in 1958 which was the premiere magazine in acknowledging Sci-Fi (a word he created) and horror movies that other fan boys grew up with. Many of the filmmakers in the genre today grew up reading those magazines and owe a great deal of gratitude to Forry for it. I never expected so many people to attend this event. The line was in fact around the block and every seat was filled. The age of the fans ranged from young to old and everything in between. I have never been so humbled, by attending this event filled with so many important people and admirers of someone that was so close to them, whether in person or in spirit. Although I unfortunately was never able to meet Forry, I could sense how warm and inviting of a person he was from everyone around me. Guest speakers included Ray Bradbury, John Landis, Rick Baker, and to my surprise Guillermo del Toro. Some of the props on display from Forry's collection included the robot from 1927's Metropolis, and Bela Lugosi's ring from 1931's Dracula. Unfortunately, I was so eager to get to my seat that I only saw these at a glimpse. I thought they would be up all night but they were taken down hours later. They will be up for auction on May 1st so I hope I will be able to see them again. I am also still kicking myself that I have never visited the Ackermansion having been so close to it this entire time. After the remembrance, a documentary was shown by Michael McDonald and was full of great pictures and interviews. After that, they screened THE TIME TRAVELERS, a 1964 movie that featured a brief cameo by Forry. Forrest Ackerman said he never wanted a funeral where people would cry over him and preferred more of a celebration. This memoriam was that celebration and I am so honored to have attended it. I have a feeling its going stay with me for a very long time. |
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