by Delmer Padgett

Created on: May 11, 2010   Last Updated: May 17, 2010

Over the years the early 1970s Saturday morning children's program "Land of the Lost" has acquired something of a cult following. This science fiction adventure series has quite a number of older fans in addition too the ones that grew up watching it and it inspired the 2009 Will Farrell movie of the same name.

"Land of the Lost" ran on the NBC television network from 1973 till 1976 and a total of 43 episodes were produced during this three season stint. It was created by Sid and Marty Kroft who also developed other 1970s kids programming such as "HR Pufunstuf". The shows plot centered around the adventures of the Marshall family; scientist father Rick (played by Spencer Milligan), his son Will (this role filled by Wesley Eure) and daughter Holly (portrayed by Kathy Coleman). The Marshall's are on a scientific expedition and become stranded in the land of the lost when a great earthquake strikes the river they are rafting on and plunges them down a giant waterfall, (this is all explained in the theme song).

The land of the lost is an enclosed universe of dinosaurs, (whom the Marshall's give cute nicknames such as;  "Dopey", "Grumpy", "Spike" and "Big Alice"). There are also missing link type creatures called the "Pakuni", of whom one "Chaka" (played by Philip Paley) becomes a friend of the Marshall's and a main character in the program. The universe is controlled by mysterious structures called "Pylons" which may contain the key for the Marshall family too return to their own place and time.

The Marshall's main adversary in the land of the lost are nocturnal, cave dwelling creatures called the "Sleestak". The "Sleestak" are lizard like beings and very tall, nearly seven feet. The "Sleestak" were portrayed in the series by basketball players fresh out of high school. Though not credited by his real name, one of these was Bill Laimbeer, who went on to play in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons. There were never more than three Sleestak but with mirrors and other means the Krofts made it seem like many more. A shorter, much smarter Sleestak from the past of the universe was named "Enik". Sometimes "Enik" was helpful to the Marshall's sometimes he was an enemy. He basically looked after his own best interests.

Spencer Milligan left the program before the third season and it was explained in the new opening theme song, (now sung by Wesley Eure) that he was sucked through a time doorway back to 1970's earth. He was replaced by Ron Harper (who starred in another cult 1970's science fiction adventure series "The Planet of the Apes"). Harper was introduced as "Uncle Jack", who had been searching for the Marshall's and became stranded in the land of the lost himself.

Among the notable character actors to appear in "Land of the Lost" was gigantic Richard Kiel, (and yes, I too get him confused with Ted Cassady who played butler "Lurch" in "The Addams Family".) who was in two episodes of the series as Cro-Magnon "Malak". The complete series of "Land of the Lost' is available in a single inexpensive DVD collection.

Learn more about this author, Delmer Padgett.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.