[Eric Paddon]

Being a die-hard fan of the old 1978-79 sci-fi TV series "Battlestar Galactica" I recently bought the boxed set of the entire series on DVD and was surprised to notice that in one episode when a visit to a ruined and abandoned alien city is called for, the abandoned ruins of Expo 67 were utilized, in particular the U.S. Pavilion and a lot of other surrounding environs. An interesting look at the remains of this particular Fair before more of what was left was torn down, I think, and also a creative use for it.

I'm still hoping to catch that "McCloud" episode sometime that had the key scene on the NYS Towers.

[This message has been edited by Eric Paddon (edited 11-11-2003).]

[Bill Cotter]

Which episode was that, Eric? I am working my way through the boxed set as well.

I have the McCloud episode if you don't snag it off air.

[Eric Paddon]

That was "Greetings From Earth" which truthfully is probably my least favorite episode of the series. Dirk Benedict and Bobby Van were sent on location to do the scenes there and Dirk I think mentions on the commentary track for the pilot episode that it was very cold when they shot that particular episode there.

[Eric Paddon]

Thanks for the offer on the "McCloud". I may take you up on that.

[Jim]

Eric,

I attended Expo on the opening weekend in 1967 on a school trip. In 1976, I returned for the Olympic Summer Games in Montreal and visited Man and His World. By then, only Ile Ste. Helen remained open while Ile Notre Dame (site of the Soviet, British, French, West German and Canadian pavilions) was closed. However, one could ride the still operating Expo Minirail and that was an incredible trip. The train took us through Man and His World but the ride through the Expo "ruins" on Ile Notre Dame was surreal. I remember saying that it was like a trip through a futuristic ghost town. The little train followed its original Expo route through pavilions, under waterfalls, wrapping around gardens and pavilions; it was incredible because there were no people on the ground and the buildings, at that point, were silent, and empty. In spite of that, the lights remained on and there was still a sense of the glories of Expo. Some pavilions, of course, were gone (West Germany and the USSR) but the Minirail travelled around the site of the massive German tent as it had in 1967.

While Ile Ste. Helene continued to operate until 1981 as Man And His World, Ile Notre Dame was slowly falling into ruin. Much of it was demolished for the international garden festival in 1980 (and those incredible gardens remain today). Of course the stunning French Pavilion and the Pavilion of Quebec were preserved and, today, are combined as the glittering Casino de Montreal.

I would love to see the film you have described. I remember that, even in decay, the Expo site was glorious with its stunning architectural triumphs, the beautiful St. Lawrence River and the skline of magnificent Montreal.

Talk about another world's fair; that would be the perfect site.

[This message has been edited by Jim (edited 11-13-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Jim (edited 11-13-2003).]

[Eric Paddon]

"I would love to see the film you have described."

Well it's part of the big boxed DVD set that costs $90 even discounted, but much as I love Galactica, I wouldn't want you to spend that much just for those few scenes in one episode! I don't remember if Galactica is back on the Sci-Fi Channel yet, but I think it will be soon (when they debut the misguided remake next month) and your best chance is getting it when it airs then.

[Bill Cotter]

I just finished watching the episode. It was really eerie to see those giant buildings, or what was left of them, standing there empty and decaying. I guess they left most of Expo 67 stand in place for quite some time. It's too bad no one seems to have shot similar footage of things like the US Pavilion from 64, although the McCloud footage of NYS is fun to watch.

[Eric Paddon]

The 64 US Pavilion in its ruined state would have lent itself well to some post-nuclear war drama I think.

[Bill Cotter]

A view of Expo '67 during its prime:




[This message has been edited by billcotter (edited 11-16-2003).]

[Jim]

If you notice carefully, one can spot the Minirail running directly through the US Pavilion. It is just below the platform with the USA logo on it. This was a remarkable aspect of Expo, I believe. The Minirail was not merely transportation throughout the grounds, it actually became a vital part of a number of the pavilions and an attraction in its own right. The train traversed the grounds and passed through pavilions, under waterfalls, around the edge of the islands (giving remarkable views of the Montreal skyline), over busy promenades and so on.

To this day, when one visits the Biosphere on Ile Ste. Helene (the former USA Pavilion), one can see the opening in the sphere's superstructure through which the Minirail once passed. I have to believe that of all the great world's fairs, Montreal had one of the most dramatic and unique locations. The islands were rich with history and greenspace. The amusement area, La Ronde, was actually isolated from the Fair (although linked by the Minirail, of course). The brand new Metro had a station right on Ile Ste. Helene, in the very heart of the Exposition itself. That station remains today, but in 1967, one stepped out of the Metro station and immediately stood in front of the US Pavilion with the New York State pavilion and the Korea pavilion just beyond. The hottest days were cooled by breezes off the St. Lawrence. Many of the pavilions utilized the water in their design and the major national pavilions were built along the river itself. And always, there were the breathtaking views of Montreal and its skyline. Perhaps The Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco in 1939 had a similar feel to it. In any event, Expo's island location was pure genius.