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Waldo Lydecker vs Dr Smith from "Lost in Space!"

posted 8 years ago by KutWrite (1332)
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I just saw this movie last night.

I was instantly shocked by the similarity in looks, character, actions and especially speech with those adopted by Johnathan Harris as "Dr Smith."

After the Pilot episode, Smith became more comical. But in the Pilot and 1st few episodes, he's more evil and manipulative, SOOO like Lydecker!

"Laura" is a fine movie, but "LIS" fans should watch it also for this character similarity.

Oh, some similarities with Burt Lancaster's character, too, in "Sweet Smell of Success."

[–] Gubbio (3893) 8 years ago

Clifton Webb was openly gay, and Waldo Lydecker was written to be "coded" that way, or closeted.

Johnathan Harris had developed a "flamboyantly fussy" demeanor, and his manner of speech sounded British; he worked hard to get rid of his NY accent.

That's where the similarities end.

Many people believed Harris was gay, but he was survived by a wife of 60-some years.

[–] liscarkat (18897) 5 years ago

Lydecker would have dismissed Smith with a judo flip over his shoulder. Or maybe I have Lydecker confused with Mr. Belvedere.