Philcon Reporter, Monday Issue
This is Monday’s issue of The Philcon Reporter, published by and for The 11th World Science Fiction Convention in Room 1010.
Editorial Staff: Dave Kyle, Harlan Ellison, George J. Viksnins, Karl Olsen, Norman G. Browne and David Ish.
“. . . AND WHOSE LITTLE BEM ARE YOU?”
Last night, with the Con spirit pervading the atmosphere bubblingly, the perennial masquerade, a convention tradition, was executed with the usual attitude of light-heartedness that has been the keynote for past masquerades.
With Ric Binkley, Frank Kelly Freas and Ed Eshwiller (probably the three top artists in the field today) as judges, the parade of contestants was not only stimulating, but at moments often staggering.
The final note was struck when Mrs. Dick Wilson, whose hubbie’s stf has most recently appeared in GALAXY, won the award as “The Lady in Red”, and why not — what dandy underpinnings! A gentleman who was unfortunately unnamed won as the most unusual, for he was a Bergy BEM with a massive stomach; and the Niclels of Detroit won on the best science fiction costume as Buck Rogers and Wilma. The gorgeous Carol Pohl won runner-up for the most beautiful costume (with an equally gorgeous pair of gams).
There was no dearth of innovation either at the audience level, having dozens of cleverly worked up outfits and esoteric puns in costume.
An enjoyable time was expected, and was had by, all and sundry (and it was Sundry, ‘cause today is Mondry), as the New York Science Fiction Circle conducted one of the year’s most pleasant social events.
SHORT REVIEW by Harlan Ellison
“The Game from Outer Space”, presented by the PSFS and written by Harold Lynch, was seen and enjoyed during the noon session yesterday, as a clever take-off on a TV panel program was roundly set forth.
“GAME”, while appearing slightly amateur in its format, was still of a stimulating nature and lampooned everything from [illegible name] to Bennett Cerf.
The cast included Lyle Kessler, Peggy Gordon, Buddy McKnight, Joe Wheller, George Sinclair, Marvin Snyder, will Jenkins, and others.
BANQUET
Some people in our midst have been wondering if the banquet was worth the price asked for it. Well, personally, I believe the banquet was worth it and more. The food might have been only $2 worth, but the entertainment, etc. was definitely worth even more than the balance. I wouldn’t have missed Isaac Asimov’s (did I spell it right?) excellent toastmastering (new word) for the world. His wit is as sharp as you’ll ever see, and he really felt at home up there. In case you couldn’t afford t attend the banquet, here are the receivers of the various awards —
Novel: THE DEMOLISHED MAN by Alfred Bester.
Fan Personality: Forrest J. Ackerman, who turned his award over to Capt. Ken F. Slater of Operation FANTAST.
PROMAG: tie between ASF [Astounding Science Fiction] and GSF [Galaxy], that is, GALASTAUNDINGXY.
Cover Artist: Ed Emsh and Hannes Bok (another tie).
Interior Illustrator: Virgil Finlay.
New Personality: Philip Farmer.
No awards were given to Fanzine and Short Story, because no single item received enough votes to get a majority.
Incidentally, if you’ve been wondering who thought up this wonderful idea of awards, it was Harold Lynch, who, ironically, was not even mentioned.
The banquet was concluded by wonderful singing and guitar playing by Ted Sturgeon and the piano playing of Judy May, now Mrs. Dikty.
– George J. Viksnins
ALLEN PRESCOTT SHOW
Mr. and Mrs. Willy Ley, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Pratt, L. Sprague de Camp, A. J. Budrys, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Dikty and Mr. and Mrs. Russell Swanson spent 20 minutes this morning on WPTZ-TV being interviewed. The publicity to science fiction was very favorable. None of the usual cracks about Buck Rogers and Tom Corbett. Mr. Ley displayed his plaque; de Camp talked about his latest books. Fletcher Pratt showed model ships from his famous Model War Game. Definitely a gain for science fiction.
– George Viksnins
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