1961 10 00 Playboy - Gerald Walker

Magazine Overview

This October 1962 issue of Playboy magazine, titled "PLAYBOY ENTERTAINMENT FOR MEN," features a cover price of 60 cents and includes a "FALL AND WINTER FASHION FORECAST PHOTOGRAPHED BY RICHARD AVEDON," an article titled "HOW I MADE MY FIRST BILLION BY J. PAUL GETTY," and the "YOUR 1962 PLAYBOY JAZZ POLL BALLOT."

A Far-Out Discourse on Intergalactic Intercourse

The issue prominently features an article by Gerald Walker titled "a far-out discourse on intergalactic intercourse." This piece delves into the burgeoning UFO phenomenon and the experiences of "contactees" – individuals who claim to communicate with extraterrestrial beings. The article introduces "Neptune," a peripatetic philosopher from an advanced civilization, who allegedly shared cosmic axioms with Orfeo Angelucci, an aircraft-plant worker in California. Neptune explained that interplanetary ships can approximate the speed of light, which he equated with the "Speed of Truth." He also spoke of "The Great Accident" being near and expressed a desire to help Earth's inhabitants, referring to humans as "the Children of Earth."

Angelucci, who claims chronic nervous disorders make him receptive to such visits, recounts four such experiences in his book, "The Secret of the Saucers." One notable experience involved a week-long trip in 1953 to "one of the larger planetoids of the shattered planet Lucifer," where he heard Muzak playing "Fools Rush In." The "natives" of Lucifer were described as generally similar to humans but not prone to fraternization. Angelucci recounts a moment where he made a "timid pass" at a young lady, experiencing a "strong telepathic impression" that sexual desire was merely a manifestation of materiality in lower spiritual worlds.

The Saucer Movement and Its Discontents

The article explores the broader "flying-saucer movement," which comprises about one hundred groups in America and others internationally. These groups generally believe UFOs are manned spaceships from other planets and that government statements to the contrary are lies, with the Air Force often cited as the "arch-villain" for investigating and dismissing sightings. Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker of the Air Force is quoted stating that investigations consistently concluded objects were not space craft and posed no threat.

However, the movement is split into two main camps: contactees and ufologists. Contactees claim direct or telepathic communication with "Space Brothers," while ufologists focus on objective research data and dismiss contactees as misguided. The term "Contact) men" is used derisively by ufologists.

George Adamski, a self-styled "philosopher, student, teacher, saucer researcher," is presented as a prototypical contactee. He claims to have met Martians, Venusians, and Saturnians who preach "Brotherly Love" as an antidote to "The Bomb." Adamski's experiences include riding in spaceships and penning articles and books. His membership was recently revoked from the ufologist-oriented National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), led by director Donald E. Keyhoe.

Keyhoe is known for coining the term "the silence group" to describe government officials allegedly withholding data on interplanetary craft. He claims Earth has been under observation for over 175 years and initially theorized a connection between Mars' orbital cycles and increased UFO sightings. However, this theory was challenged by sightings occurring when Mars was at its furthest distance from Earth.

NICAP, with four thousand members, is credited with advancing the saucer movement's respectability. The article notes the shift in the Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature from listing UFOs under "Illusions and Hallucinations" to a dedicated entry.

Contactee Narratives and Financial Pursuits

The article highlights the financial aspects of the contactee phenomenon, with groups charging dues and contactees selling books and other materials. Howard Menger and his wife, Marla Baxter, are presented as a "Tristan and Isolde" couple of the movement, having written books about their "out-of-this-world romance." Menger recounts meeting a "beautiful blonde Venusian woman" at age ten and later recognizing his wife as her sister. Marla describes her body being "contoured" by her Saturnian lover.

George Van Tassel is identified as a significant entrepreneur in the movement, having collected over $40,000 to build a "Longevity Machine" based on plans from Martians. He also runs the Giant Rock Airport and the College of Universal Wisdom, and organizes the annual West Coast Interplanetary Spacecraft Conventions.

Long John Nebel, a radio talk-jockey, provides commentary on the financial struggles of most contactees, who lecture for modest fees and often rely on the hospitality of others.

Religious and Esoteric Connections

The article touches upon the religious aspects of the saucer movement, noting Dr. Carl G. Jung's interest in its "religious flavor." Jung suggested that "space-guests" are sometimes idealized as "technological angels" in a time of collective stress. The movement has also incorporated elements of various religions, with some contactees claiming Jesus and Buddha were spacemen. The Second Coming is predicted to involve a saucer landing.

The article also explores the darker side of the movement, referencing claims of anti-Semitic and segregationist views attributed to "Space Brothers." George Van Tassel and others are noted for their involvement in politics, and the movement's teachings have expanded to include advice on health foods, organic farming, and various social and political issues, including a stance against "A- and H-Bombs."

Historical Precedents and Psychological Underpinnings

The article traces the historical roots of belief in otherworldly beings, from ancient "demon ships" and "vimanas" to the "Moon Hoax" of 1835 and sightings reported by Charles Fort. It discusses Theodore Flournoy's study of Helene Smith's alleged Martian communications and Dr. Robert Lindner's treatment of a physicist who believed he was Lord of the planet Seraneb.

Sigmund Freud's perspective is included, suggesting that the occult represents a "devaluation" and an effort to "regain by other 'supernatural' means the lost appeal of life on this earth." The article posits that the modern fascination with flying saucers is a continuation of this human need to believe in the exotic, dressed in contemporary "space suit" attire.

The 'Purity Syndrome' and Xenophobia

Professor Max Lerner's "purity syndrome" is introduced as an explanation for the interconnected attitudes within the movement, emphasizing purity of food, drink, body, and race. This syndrome, Lerner suggests, stems from a guilt feeling over one's own impurity, projected onto others, with "inferior" races serving as convenient scapegoats.

Other Features

Beyond the UFO focus, the magazine includes sections on "Barbie Fashions," "THE TERRY-ALL FOR COMFORT," and advertisements for products like "PLAYBOY'S RIBALD CLASSICS" and a "BOGEN-PRESTO" hi-fi system. The "LEADER" section continues discussions on the flying saucer movement and related esoteric beliefs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the burgeoning interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial contact during the early 1960s. Playboy presents this phenomenon through the lens of contactee narratives, ufological research, and historical precedents, while also critically examining the movement's internal divisions, potential for xenophobia, and its intersection with religious and esoteric beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and reporting on a significant cultural trend, offering a comprehensive overview of the subject matter, including its more controversial aspects, without necessarily endorsing all claims. The inclusion of fashion, finance, and jazz polls indicates Playboy's broader aim to cover various aspects of contemporary male entertainment and lifestyle.