1951 05 21 Life Interstellar

Magazine Overview

LIFE magazine, issue dated May 21, 1951, presents a diverse range of content, with a strong focus on the growing phenomenon of science fiction and its impact on popular culture, particularly Hollywood. The cover prominently features "THIS SUMMER'S BEACH FASHIONS" with a striking image of a model, indicating a blend of timely lifestyle content with deeper thematic explorations.

Science Fiction: A Growing Force

The issue dedicates significant space to science fiction, exploring its cultural impact and fan base. An article titled "Through the Interstellar Looking Glass" by Winthrop Sargeant delves into the world of "fen" (fans of science fiction) and their conventions, noting the rapid spread of this genre following the atomic bomb. It describes the unique language and customs of these fans, who communicate through "fanzines" and "cardzines" and gather at "fanferences." The article highlights the historical roots of science fiction, crediting the Greek writer Lucian as its founder, and discusses the evolution of the genre through authors like H. G. Wells and Jules Verne.

Hollywood Embraces Science Fiction

"The Fad Is Made for Hollywood" section examines how the booming popularity of science fiction has captured the attention of movie studios. It showcases examples of science fiction films, including Paramount's ambitious "When Worlds Collide," which depicts the destruction of Earth and colonization of a new planet, and 20th Century-Fox's "The Day The Earth Stood Still," which offers a more philosophical take on alien encounters. RKO's "The Thing" is also mentioned, focusing on alien invasions. The article notes that these films often feature themes of space travel, alien creatures, and futuristic technology, with "When Worlds Collide" specifically highlighting a rocket ship built for pioneers.

The Science Fiction Fanbase and Literature

Further exploration of the science fiction landscape is provided in the "SCIENCE FICTION CONTINUED" sections. It details the "fen" as a dedicated group, often seen as a fringe element of the American public, with an estimated two million readers. The article touches upon the "prozines" (professionally published magazines) and "fanzines" (amateur publications) that cater to this audience. The literary aspect of science fiction is also discussed, with mentions of classic works like George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four" and the philosophical depth found in some science fiction, contrasting it with more simplistic "space opera" narratives. The article notes the rapid obsolescence of science fiction due to its forward-looking nature but emphasizes that enduring works often transcend their scientific elements to focus on satire, humor, and humanity.

Fashion and Lifestyle

Complementing the speculative themes, the issue features "THIS SUMMER'S BEACH FASHIONS" with "8 PAGES OF COLOR," as advertised on the cover. The "LIFE'S COVER" section details the model on the cover, Lillian Marcuson Rekas, noting her multiple appearances on LIFE's cover. Another lifestyle piece, "A FANCY SUMMER," photographed by Milton Greene, showcases contemporary fashion trends.

Other Features

The magazine includes a variety of other articles: "The Myth About Salesmen" by Herbert Brean offers insights into the sales profession. "Through the Interstellar Looking Glass" by Winthrop Sargeant also touches upon the cultural phenomenon of science fiction. "The Discovery of Earliest Humans" delves into archaeology, while "The Navy's 'Dunker'" covers military affairs. Shorter pieces include "Wetbacks Swarm In," "How to Lose a World" (editorial), "Barbershop Quintet," "Camera Records Big B-36 Crash," "King of Egypt Weds the Daughter of a Commoner," and "The End Comes for Willie McGee."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of LIFE magazine reflects a post-war American society grappling with new technologies and anxieties, as evidenced by the focus on science fiction and the atomic bomb. The magazine balances speculative and futuristic themes with contemporary lifestyle content, such as fashion and celebrity profiles. The editorial stance appears to be one of observation and reporting on cultural trends, presenting both the intellectual and popular aspects of science fiction, and acknowledging its growing influence on mainstream media like Hollywood. There's an underlying theme of technological advancement and its societal implications, from space exploration to military capabilities.

This issue of Amazing Stories, dated June 1951, features a cover story on "The Shaver Mystery: The Most Sensational True Story Ever Told." The magazine delves into various aspects of science fiction, including its readership, the concept of extrapolation, and controversial topics like the 'deros' and dianetics. It also includes extensive advertisements for personal grooming products, watches, and military aircraft.

Science Fiction and Extrapolation

The issue begins by introducing the Hydra Club of New York, a group of science fiction enthusiasts who discuss the merits of scientific accuracy in their favorite genre. The article "How to Extrapolate" explains that science fiction writers use known facts and hypotheses to imagine future scenarios, citing examples like the miniaturization of radio sets and the potential for universal languages through whistling or machinery that performs all thinking. The writer emphasizes that science fiction writers can extrapolate freely, even if their creations contradict established science.

The Shaver Mystery and the Deros

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "The Shaver Mystery," which centers on the concept of 'deros' – subhuman cave dwellers believed to inhabit underground cities and be responsible for various misfortunes and catastrophes. The stories, purportedly based on the 'racial memory' of a welder named Richard Shaver, were published in Amazing Stories under the editorship of Raymond Palmer. The 'deros' were linked to numerous unexplained occurrences, including mysterious disappearances and reports of flying saucers. The controversy surrounding these stories led to a petition to ban the magazine and a resolution from the Queens Science Fiction League expressing concern about the potential impact on readers' sanity. Editor Palmer eventually discontinued the Shaver stories, and the magazine also faced criticism for publishing Cleve Cartmill's story detailing the atom bomb's mechanism during World War II.

Dianetics and Editorial Controversies

The magazine notes that John W. Campbell Jr., editor of Astounding Science Fiction, faced criticism for publishing "The Aphrodite Project" and later for promoting the psychological 'science' of dianetics, founded by L. Ron Hubbard. Despite protests from the science fiction community and denouncements by psychologists, Campbell maintained his faith in dianetics, even claiming to have cured his daughter's broken leg using its methods.

International Reception of Science Fiction

The issue touches upon the global perception of science fiction, noting that Soviet Russia views it as a tool of capitalism designed to confuse the masses. A Moscow literary magazine is quoted as describing U.S. science fiction as "arch-reactionary and screamingly shameless," using it to promote war propaganda.

Science Fiction's Influence on Science

Despite criticism, the article highlights the significant readership of science fiction among scientists. It mentions that cyberneticist Norbert Wiener and geneticist Herman J. Muller are fans, and that libraries at major U.S. atomic research centers handle a large volume of science fiction. It also points out that many scientists are also science fiction writers, including Eric Temple Bell (writing as John Taine), Isaac Asimov, and Robert S. Richardson.

The Darker Side of Future Visions

While some science fiction offers an optimistic view of progress, the issue notes that a considerable amount of contemporary science fiction depicts a darker future. Stories often portray humanity as a helpless victim of its own machines, with themes of failed international cooperation, dehumanization by calculating machines, and societal decay.

Military Aviation and Air Power

The latter part of the magazine focuses on military aviation, with extensive advertisements and articles detailing the efforts to rebuild America's Air Power. It discusses the complexity and cost of modern aircraft, including bombers like the B-36 and B-47, and the development of new models like the B-52. The articles emphasize the extensive training required for crews and ground personnel, the need for extensive logistical support, and the long lead times involved in aircraft design and production. The Strategic Air Command (SAC) is highlighted as a crucial component of this effort, requiring constant maintenance and readiness.

Advertisements and Product Placements

The issue contains numerous advertisements for products such as Vitalis hair tonic, Bufferin, Zodiac watches, Mennen Talcum for Men, Anacin, Outgro for ingrown nails, Tampax, Prince Albert tobacco, Dazey can openers, Dr. Scholl's Foot Balm, Bur-Mil Cameo stockings, Mr. Boston Rocking Chair whiskey, Creamelles macaroni, and various aircraft manufacturers like United Aircraft Corporation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the speculative nature of science fiction, its intersection with scientific fact and public perception, and its role in shaping future visions. The magazine seems to present a balanced view, acknowledging the imaginative power of science fiction while also addressing its controversies and potential for misinterpretation. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploring these complex issues within the science fiction community and beyond, while also promoting products and highlighting national defense efforts.