1978 01 11 Voice

Magazine Overview

Scholastic Voice, Volume 62, No. 9, dated January 12, 1978, is a national magazine for high school students focusing on English and the language arts. Published by Scholastic Magazines, Inc., this issue features a prominent article on Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," a short story, a poem, and a contest for writing an energy commercial.

Article: "UFOs of the Third Kind"

The lead article, "UFOs of the Third Kind," delves into Steven Spielberg's film, highlighting its critical acclaim and its serious approach to the possibility of UFOs. The article contrasts "Close Encounters" with other science fiction films, particularly "Star Wars," emphasizing that Spielberg's film is based on actual UFO reports and aims to present a realistic experience of a potential extraterrestrial encounter. Dr. Allen Hynek, a scientific adviser for the film, is quoted, stating that the film is based on known facts about the UFO mystery. Spielberg explains his intention to create a "science speculation" piece, not necessarily to convert believers but to explore the cosmic mystery. He recounts his childhood missed UFO sighting in Arizona as a motivation for making the movie.

The article also discusses the historical context of UFO portrayals in Fifties films, often serving as allegories for Cold War anxieties. Spielberg differentiates these from his film's portrayal of a friendly, albeit mysterious, visitor. The film's special effects, created by Douglas Trumbull, are also detailed, including techniques for simulating UFO movements and cloud effects. Trumbull, who also worked on "2001: A Space Odyssey," describes the complex process of synchronizing miniature models, lighting, and backgrounds. The article touches upon the secrecy surrounding the film's production and the goal of making the on-screen events believable.

Poem: "An Afternoon at the Movies"

This short poem by Lewis Gardner offers a brief reflection on cinematic experiences, referencing "Billy the Kid," Bruce Lee, and "Shaft."

Story: "Dear Bill, Remember Me?"

Authored by Norma Fox Mazer, this story explores a young woman's attempt to write a letter to someone named Bill, who was her sister's boyfriend four years prior. The narrative suggests themes of memory, unresolved feelings, and the difficulty of communication.

Writer's Craft: IN Box Contest No. 3

This section announces a contest where Voice will award $25 to the best television commercial script on saving energy, with the winning entry to be published.

Other Sections

The issue also includes regular features such as "The Sentence Connection," "Relatives," "Crossword," "Your Turn," "The Language Game," "Goof of the Month," "The Reader's World," and "Sports; Films."

Next Issue Preview

The preview for the January 26 issue highlights an excerpt from Dan Rather's book, "The Camera Never Blinks," detailing his accidental involvement in covering the assassination of President Kennedy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Scholastic Voice demonstrates a focus on contemporary popular culture, particularly film, while also encouraging creative writing and civic engagement through the energy commercial contest. The editorial stance appears to be one that engages students with relevant and thought-provoking content, blending entertainment with educational and creative opportunities. The exploration of UFOs and Spielberg's film suggests an interest in examining societal fascinations and the intersection of science, speculation, and storytelling.