The Production Guide
Martin Landau archives
Welcome to London

This is a welcome letter from producer Gerry Anderson to star Martin Landau, who had just arrived in London to prepare for the role in Space: 1999. It was saved in Martin Landau's archive, along with the envelope and the note (the bottle of Dom Perignon is long gone).

The Grosvenor House Hotel opened in 1929 in Mayfair, on Park Lane opposite Hyde Park. It is now owned by Marriott. As well as over 400 regular rooms, there are executive suites, many with views over the park. In 1973, suite 71 was the ATV suite, permanently rented by Lew Grade's ATV for actors and other celebrities who were visiting London. When Landau first arrived, on 7th September 1973, he stayed here, while looking for a house (he would eventually pick 31 Maida Avenue, Little Venice) and a school for his children (they would go to the American School in London, ASL, in St John's Wood).

Landau returned to Los Angeles, and returned a month later on 22nd October 1973 with Barbara and their two children.

Otis Skinner Blodget was Landau's representative at IFA, the talent agency (originally Ashley-Famous, now part of International Creative Management). Blodget, known as "Dick" Blodget, (1930-2007) was the son of actress of Cornelia Otis Skinner, and had worked as a director before becoming an actor's representative.

The miniature television that Anderson was investigating was the Panasonic TR-001, which would be used inside the comlock.

GA/EM

7th September, 1973

Mr. Martin Landau,
c/o A.T.V. Suite, (71),
Grosvenor House Hotel,
Park Lane,
LONDON W.1.

Dear Martin,

Welcome to London. It was my intention to meet you at London Airport, but I was assured by Dick Blodget that all the necessary arrangements had been made; which I must say was a help since, by the time you read this letter, I will be travel ling to Cambridge to inspect a brand new miniature monitor television set with a 2" screen which I am hoping will form part of the futuristic communications equipment that people like yourself will be carrying on their person in the year 1999.

If you made the trip non-stop from L.A., you must be reading this letter feeling like death and so, rather than call you, I suggest that you call me when you have slept it off. My home number is Gerrards Cross. (49) 85357 and the Studio number is 953-1600.

Sylvia and I realize that you are here to house-hunt, fix up schools and generally attend to your personal affairs, and so there may be days when you prefer to be left alone.

Would you, however, take it that we will be delighted to hear from you day, or night, and look forward to meeting you as soon as it is convenient, and are at your disposal to offer you whatever assistance or advice you may need.

If the hotel is as efficient as I think it is you will find a bottle of Dom Perignon, which is far better than any sleeping tablet that I have yet come across. Good health, kindest regards from Gerry and Sylvia and Reg Hill, our other partner who is looking forward to meeting you.