posted 01-05-2005 09:29 AM               

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A documentary film director is seeking people who knew astronaut Gus Grissom and participated in America's race to the moon in the 1960s. Scott Grissom, son of Gus Grissom and co-producer of a film simply entitled "Gus," said from his Houston home, "I hope those who lived and worked on the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs will contact us and share with the world their stories about my Dad and the space program."

Director Mark Estabrook will be in Florida during January and February of 2005 to collect interviews from retired NASA and contractor personnel: "To my knowledge, Gus Grissom has never been accurately portrayed in the media. I am especially interested in hearing from people who participated in the space program who can share direct knowledge of Gus and the space race."

Scott Grissom spent a number of years researching his father's death in the fire of Apollo 1. On January 27, 1967, tragedy struck the Apollo program when a flash fire occurred in Command Module 012 during a launch pad test of the Apollo/Saturn space vehicle being prepared for the first piloted Apollo mission. Three astronauts, including Lt. Col. Virgil I. Grissom, a veteran of Mercury and Gemini missions, died in the tragic incident.

Scott Grissom is hopeful that former NASA and North American Aviation employees working on Pad 34 on January 27, 1967, will contact Estabrook at 901-382-9040 to schedule an interview: "All of the early space pioneers are older and I want to get their oral history recorded before it's too late." Stories and anecdotes about Gus in the Mercury and Gemini programs are also welcome.

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posted 01-06-2005 08:42 AM               

Personally, I couldn't imagine anything further removed from the truth. In his position I guess it would have been easy to come to such a conclusion but IMHO I don't think there could have been anything sinister with NASA's intentions. Scott lost his father and clearly has a lot of hurt and anger pent up deep inside which manifests itself in these claims.

posted 01-06-2005 11:25 AM            

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NASA Boss: “Gee we sure have a lot of problems with the Apollo 1 spacecraft, how ever shall we fix them all in time for the launch?”

North American Big wig: “Why fix the problems at all?”

NASA Boss: “You don’t mean delay the launch? We can't do that! It would make us all look bad! We have never delayed anything and we never will!"

North American: “No of course not! What I’m suggesting is we place a bomb in the spacecraft to blow it all to hell and kill the astronauts in the process. We'll do it on the ground, not in space. That way no one will notice or even care. Then we can make a fresh start and everyone comes out looking good.”
NASA: What a brilliant idea! It’s the perfect solution to all our problems! But we have to get everyone to play along. (Turning to a NASA astronaut he asks) What do you think? Will the other Astronauts play along if we bump off three of their mates?”

NASA Astronaut: “Sure they will! Since it’s for the good of the program we’d all be thrilled to do our part to play along with this evil plot. Besides it would give us the opportunity to dress up in out fancy dress uniforms for the state funerals. We just love to do that!"

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posted 01-06-2005 02:27 PM            

If Mark Estabrook thinks the supposed murder of the Apollo 1 crew was carred out at the top level it would mean that James Webb, Harrisan Storms and Frank Borman were all involved. That isn't just absured, it's offensive.

Or does Estabrook think it was just a crazy tech who desided to take matter into his own hands and everyone has been covering for the guy for the last 37 years? What is to be gained from protecting a crazed murderer?

Perhaps both Mark Estabrook and Scott need to take a time out.

posted 01-06-2005 07:09 PM               

This kind of ridiculous and disrespectful reporting is an insult to Gus, Ed and to Roger. Those men died in a horrific and tragic ACCIDENT, one that will never be forgotten by anyone with a passion for space flight history.

NASA didn't just lose three employees that day, they lost family... and the seriousness of that loss can still be felt today.

Hold your glasses up gentlemen and honor the memory of three brave men...

Cheers.

Dana

posted 01-07-2005 11:40 AM               

This documentary is about Gus Grissom. Get it? From his early youth in Mitchell, Indiana to his death on the pad. For anyone to postulate about what my intentions are as a director is to show their ignorance in general.

These kinds of threads are hurtful to the Grissom family. I would hope that you refrain from telling the world what Scott and my intentions are, and wait until the film comes out before you criticize it. You might be pleasantly surprised, and yes, you might just learn a thing or two about Gus, NASA and space history in the process.

Sincerely,
Mark Estabrook
Director, "Gus"

posted 01-07-2005 12:01 PM               

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Originally posted by Mark Estabrook:
This documentary is about Gus Grissom. Get it? From his early youth in Mitchell, Indinia to his death on the pad.

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That's great to hear, Mark. Certainly, any effort to highlight the life of Gus Grissom - a highly respected astronaut among this community and others - is to be commended.

So to clarify and avoid further tangents, will you confirm that this project will not make any mention of theories relating to the AS-204 fire and (if referring to the accident) will only rely on the findings of the NASA Review Board?

quote:

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These kinds of threads are hurtful to the Grissom family.

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Some of the things Scott, his family, and his supporters have done and/or posted to other forums (such as sci.space.history) have been (at least in my and others' opinions) hurtful to the good legacy of his father. I am sure it was not intended that way as I no doubt believe that he/they are doing what they think is right, but their actions have no less soured many to any project that originates with their involvement.

I, as I am sure many others here, would enjoy seeing a respectful and historically accurate documentary produced about Grissom. I think you will find this community very supportive if you can assure us that your intentions are clearly likewise.

posted 01-07-2005 01:45 PM               

It would be helpful - as Robert suggests - that you come back and confirm that this will not be a bio that culminates in conspiracy theories in regards to the fire. Simply showing what a hero Gus is, would be fantastic - WITHOUT the suggestions etc.

If thats the idea, then Im sure you would have legions of followers here, and elsewhere, to assist you in your goal. Im sure you can see why folks might be concerned.

Excellent point Robert.

Cheers!

posted 01-07-2005 05:33 PM            

Welcome to the board. I noticed from the link to the web site at the top of this string that your name is the first on the petition calling for a new investigation into the Apollo 1 fire.

Along with your signature you added the following note:

"The Apollo 1 families deserve to know who murdered their brave husbands and fathers, and why NASA lied to the American people."

Mark, those are your words not mine. They speak volumes about your mind set and intentions.

Gordon

P.S. Here is the link showing your comments on the Apollo 1 fire.
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?Apollo1&451

posted 01-07-2005 08:46 PM               

I am truly hopeful that any proposed documentary about Gus would likewise be respectful and sincere, and not go where it shouldn't. Apart from communicating with Scott, I also came into personal contact with many children of other fallen astronauts, and the loss and memories remain all too painful for them. As you'll appreciate, Gus's reputation has been badly bruised over the years, particularly in the film adaptation of "The Right Stuff," and it would be good to offer a documentary characterisation of him as the incredibly gutsy, talented, skillful, diligent, investigative and resourceful man he was. It is my sincere hope that this is where you are heading, as many of us grow tired of influential people saying we didn't go to the moon, that space research is a waste of money, that astronauts have encountered flying saucers, and that there's no imperative for us to go out and explore space while there's people starving on the steets of New York. Many of us give talks at schools and like institutions, and we grow weary of having to constantly present cases against these absurd assertions and suggestions, which in many cases are only the by-product of someone expounding sensation for reasons of profit - not history.

I'm certainly not one to pre-empt what you might be setting out to do, but as other collectSPACE correspondents have suggested, your past words and deeds seem to point in an unfavourable direction. And like so many others in this wonderfully eclectic group I'm just seeking an assurance that the memory and achievements of a great man and his colleagues are not going to be further clouded by theories, finger-pointing, and slamming NASA up against a wall.

I think a positive response by you to Robert Pearlman's questions would certainly set me at ease, as well as a lot of other people who truly admire the life and accomplishments of Gus, and Ed and Roger.

Ad Astra!

posted 01-07-2005 11:11 PM               

I will not present anything in this film that cannot be backed up with evidence, with one exception: criticism. I invite and encourage those from the NASA and their contractors of the era to refute anything Scott has uncovered or the government has released as a result of the Freedom of Information Act. But do it on film. And remember, much of what we have been asking for is still classified. Only Americans asking for a new investigation will make those files available.

There is new information coming out all of the time. It is a slow laborius process and all I ask is that you hold your attacks until after the film is released and you have a chance to view it.

This is not an attack on NASA. I never said NASA murdered Gus. But the American people and the families deserve better than what they were told in 1967. That is all I can say at this point, without engaging in a debate about what we have. If an independent investigation says Scott is wrong, then our system has spoken and the dust will settle.

Yes, I have helped Scott set up a website. But in all honesty, I have stepped aside from the very beginning to let him do with it as he pleases. I am not a poster in the forum, and I rarely engage in posts like this one. I respond here because of the press release I sent out seeking interviewees. In my opinion, it does no good to engage in personal attacks from either side of this issue. Gus deserves better than that. He deserves for people who knew him to step forward and give an oral history. That's it. It's that simple. No one is trying to manipulate someone into admitting little green men run the White House or that we never went to the moon, etc., etc..

Scott may not be the best communicator in the world, but he loved his Dad. He didn't ask for this stuff, it literally fell into his lap when NASA attempted to bury the CM in concrete with the Challenger. Only when reporters contacted his Mom did he go up to Langley to inspect the CM to see if it could be recovered for permanent, respectful display. Events unfolded from there. Scott is not posting all he knows because I have asked him not to. I have asked him to save it for the film rather than debate with thousands on the internet.

In conclusion, I come to the space community with an open hand. Help me give Gus a grand tribute, as a gift to the Grissom family and the next generation that follows us. Gus made the ultimate sacrifice for science and space exploration. The least we can do is hear his life story from all its highs, as well as lows.

posted 01-07-2005 11:51 PM            

There in one thing that Scott, you and I all have in common. We are all pilots. As pilots we know that sometimes wonderful people die in accidents. When that happens we mourn those who have left us but after that we move on with our lives. We move on out of respect for those who have died.

Do you really think that Gus and the others would want to be mourned 38 years after their passing? How much is enough? Scott lost his dad and I’m very sorry. But do you know what? I lost my dad to. Lots of guys have lost parents, siblings and even children. Are we all suppose to be emotional cripples? I don’t want or need pity. Do you want pity? Does Scott want pity?

posted 01-08-2005 01:14 AM               

I hope you can understand that what is said here is not intended as a personal attack, but rather deeply-rooted concern in how Grissom's legacy is carried forth. Sometimes, being too close to a particular story (such as being a family member) can cloud good judgment as to what is accepted fact and what is tainted by emotional or sentimental bias.

Obviously, you will produce your film as you so choose. However, if you desire the full cooperation of the space history community, then you must be ready to leave speculation and biased controversy on the cutting room floor. An open mike oral-history serves very few as it provides no context for the validity of the information being presented.

Consider that the reasons you outlined as to why "both sides" must be provided a voice read very similar, if not nearly identical, to those who would have us believe we never went to the Moon (not that I am suggesting you believe in such). The 'professional' hoaxers (those who sell books, videos or establish pay-per-view internet sites) uniformly describe having "evidence" that is either confirmed within still-classified (and unidentified) archives, or that they cannot share unless packaged first within a for-profit project. They use urban legends (such as the Challenger being encased in concrete) coupled with a poor understanding of basic scientific and engineering priniciples to further their case, rather than reject statements told to them at face value and consult those with the first-hand knowledge and experience to know better.

As has been asked of him on sci.space.history and elsewhere, if Scott truly believes he has sustainable evidence, then he should bring it all forth for the world to see, study and debate. He should be ready to defend his beliefs but also be open-minded to accept being corrected. As for yourself, research and verification should preface reporting, not vice versa. You, Scott, and I will only be on this planet a finite time, but your film will outlive us all. You, I or anyone seeking to document history, owes it to future viewers to present a clear presentation of the facts, not speculation.

As others have stated, a documentary aimed at celebrating the accomplishments of Gus Grissom would be warmly received, if not cheered. However, I feel to use your film and his death to raise questions where debate does not exist beyond that of a few individuals is a disservice to the hundreds of thousands who worked to make Apollo possible.

Respectfully,

Robert Pearlman, Editor

posted 01-08-2005 02:40 AM               

Mr. Estabrook:
The above statement is simply mind-boggling to me. If such evidence exists, its value to history and to the American people far exceeds the profit value from anyone's film. If the evidence exists, it should be brought forth right now.

As a fellow Hoosier and aviator (although nowhere near his level!), I have always had a special respect for Gus and what he accomplished in his career. I agree with the feelings of others who would welcome anything that would honor the memory and accomplishments of Gus Grissom. I also agree that some of your previous statements make it hard to believe that this will happen.

Again, please submit any and all information you have now. Saying that you have information that will not be released until your film is released, and money is made, reeks of a moon-hoax type conspiracy theory.

Respectfully,

Chris Lemon

posted 01-08-2005 04:00 AM               

Research has been going on now for ten years, with more being done as we speak. Scott has no debt to pay to your or any other internet group; his family has paid all the debts they intend to pay.

As for me, I'm off to make a documentary. I encourage all of you to do the same.

posted 08-30-2006 02:53 PM            

In addition, has anyone heard anymore regarding the documentary 'Gus'?

posted 08-30-2006 07:46 PM               

[Edited by hlbjr (August 30, 2006).]

[Edited by hlbjr (August 30, 2006).]

posted 08-30-2006 10:11 PM            

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Originally posted by hlbjr:That said, I hope a good biography of Gus is on its way as it is long overdue.

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Have you read this one, which got very favorable reviews? http://www.amazon.com/Gus-Grissom-Astronaut/dp/0871951762/sr=1-1/

posted 09-04-2006 01:55 PM               

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Originally posted by Stephen Clemmons:
For those of you who has been following the conspiracy theory, here is a good followup report conducted by a second investigation conducted by NASA at the urging of Honorable James Sensenbrenner, Jr., US House of representatives, Committee on Science.
I have no real date but it was conducted shortly after Scott came out with his conspriracy theory.
It concerns the material that Scott was supposed to have found that caused the accident. (ie alumminum plate)
Go to http://www.clavious.org/img/hill-pg-1.jpg

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posted 12-15-2006 03:39 PM               

1. Claims that NASA 'raided' the astronauts homes immediately after the fire and removed all material with reference to Apollo, including personal diaries; and

2. Claims that an engineer, Clark Mac Donald, came forward to Scott. Mr Mac Donald (or MacDonald) claims to have been hired by either NASA or NAA to investigate the fire, and found evidence of sabotage. I have been unable to verify the existance of such a person, muchless his claims.

These claims seem to be based on an article written in the Star tabloid. I understand Scott did repudiate some of the claims made by the article, saying they were fabricated by the Star.

Can anyone shed any light on these issues, or would anyone be able to contact Scott?