Monday, July 9, 2012

The Cash-Landrum Video Documentary Collection


The Cash-Landrum case has been covered several times on television over the years, and below is a collection of what is available online. Several key video documents of the Cash-Landrum UFO case are not available, chiefly:
  • "Good Morning America" (ABC TV) 1981 Featured Vickie Landrum and was the first televised national coverage of the case.
  • That's Incredible!'" ABC-TV/Alan Landsburg Productions, broadcast November, 16, 1981. Features Vickie Landrum hypnotized, also appearing: Colby Landrum, Betty Cash, Dr. Leo Sprinkle and John Schuessler. This episode also featured a recreation of the event which the witnesses felt was accurate.
If you know where to locate these or others, please contact me.


Cash-Landrum Case Video Coverage

"The UFO Experience" September 1982, an hour-long documentary created by San Francisco TV station KPIX, directed by Ron Lakis. Features interviews with Colby Landrum, Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, Dr. V. B. Shenoy, John Schuessler and Major Dennis Haire of Ellington AFB. Also, of note is an on-scene recreation of the incident by the witnesses, with a small commercial helicopter playing the role of the UFO.

Segment begins at 13:50.
The UFO Experience


HBO documentary America Undercover episode: “UFOs: What's Going On?” August 1985
Robert Guenette, 1985, 56 minutes, HBO Cable TV/Robert Guenette Production, produced and directed by Fred Rosen.
Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum were interviewed, Colby shown, and it included comments on the case by Phil Klass and Stanton Friedman. Video of BC demonstrating how VL's handprints were left in the dashboard. The Cash-Landrum segment begins at 35:30.


UFOs: What's Going On?


UFO Cover Up? Live 10/14/1988
Notorious for its wild claims, this program had another credibility problem. The producer required guests to "perform" a pre-written script. The claims made by "Falcon" of the UFO's origin were outrageous, but Betty seemed to like the idea of the US Government's involvement.
Segment with Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum:
 
UFO Cover Up? Live


Unsolved Mysteries February 6, 1991
Interviews with Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, John Schuessler, Dr. Bryan McClelland and L.L. Walker. This show was broadcast in prime time and reached millions of people. It lives on in reruns even today, and is the best-known media coverage of the case. 


Sadly, there are many inaccuracies in it, and the depiction of the UFO bears little resemblance to what the witnesses initially described.
See partial transcript with photos at http://unsolved.com/archives/texas-ufo




Sightings (Fox television series) season one, episode 11 from July 31, 1992
Interviews with Vickie Landrum and John Schuessler. There are some sensational claims by Vickie Landrum, claims that disagree with the documented facts of the case.


Sightings


Encounters: The UFO Conspiracy, Feb. 22, 1994 on Fox, pilot episode of the 90s TV series. Hosts: John Marshall, Sandra Pinckney, Russell Rhodes, Natalie Brunt. Featuring: Stanton Friedman, George Knapp, Jim Dilettoso, Bob Oechsler, Bruce Maccabee, Larry Fawcett, Don Berliner, Betty Cash, Steven Schiff, Chuck DeCaro. The Betty Cash segment begins at 6:26 and runs about four minutes.


The Unexplained episode "Close Encounters" from July 9, 1998.
Produced by Towers Production, Inc. for A&E Network ; writer/producer Kevin Barry. 
Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, John Schuessler, Dr. Bryan McClelland, attorney William Shead, and Ken Storch are interviewed.




The Unexplained: "Close Encounters"

Mysterious Worlds episode, "UFO Secrets" aired in the USA in 2002, it was produced for TLC, originally shown on The Learning Channel, written and directed by Kevin Barry. It featured the last known filmed interview with Vickie Landrum and included archival footage of Betty Cash (from Encounters: The UFO Conspiracy, Feb. 22, 1994). It also featured re-enactments of the story and new interviews with John Schuessler, and Dr. Bryan McClelland. (This French language version aired on France's Planete Choc.)


Mysterious Worlds: UFO Secrets

Link to English version below. Segment starts at about 12 minutes.
Watch Mysterious Worlds Online - S01:E05 - UFO Secrets | Tubi TV


UFO Hunters "Alien Fallout" episode aired January 14, 2009.
Kevin Barry writer/producer. Colby Landrum, Mickey Geisinger (Betty Cash’s daughter), Dr. Bryan McClelland and Colonel George Sarran were interviewed. This show focused on the US Government conspiracy theory and the legend of the road burned by the UFO. 

UFO Hunters: Alien Fallout

These videos sometimes vanish either due to copyright claims or users closing their accounts. I'll periodically refresh the links as available.


More C-L Documentaries


This YouTube playlist features some of the videos above, plus several others since discovered:
. . .

There were many stories on the C-L case, especially local news stories from Texas, from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU. If anyone has more information on locating other programs, please post a comment or send an email.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

1st Press on the Cash-Landrum case


The first news story to cover the Cash-Landrum incident was the tabloid
Weekly World News March 24, 1981. At that time, the magazine carried "legitimate" stories and not yet transformed to a parody of tabloid newspapers. 



If the embedded pages above are not visible, use this link instead:


I'm guessing the interview and photos were taken in mid-February (speculating that the hearts on Colby Landrum's outfit were related to Valentine's Day).

How this story happened:
On Feb. 2, 1981, Vickie Landrum called Robert Gribble of NUFORC (the National UFO Reporting Center) to report the UFO incident. Gribble reported it to APRO (Aerial Phenomenon Research Organization, where it was intercepted by rogue APRO member Bill English. Then English contacted the Weekly World News and sold them the story. (Not as heinous or unusual as it sounds, as UFO groups had close alliances with tabloid papers at the time.) English had Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum record their story on a tape and forwarded it it to Dick Donovan who wrote the story for the Weekly World News.

Following this, Cathy Gordon of the Conroe Courier wrote a 2-part series that may have beat the tabloid into print, appearing Feb. 21 & 22, 1981.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Cash-Landrum: The Second Testimony of Betty Cash

The second testimony:
Betty Cash’s handwritten account of the UFO incident 

Betty’s original account of the incident is very sketchy and lacks important details that surfaced later. This transcription was made of Betty’s handwritten notes as presented in John Schuessler's The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident on pages 253, 254.

Below, I've preserved the format, matching each line to a line of the original handwritten line, and retained the unconventional spelling and capitalization. There were some crossed through words, which are indicated with [Xed], and some words were written over, which I've attempted to identify in the bracketed line below it.





(Written on Parkway Hospital lined stationary)

PARKWAY HOSPITAL
233 W. PARKER ROAD - 697-2831 - HOUSTON TEXAS 77022



2-7-81
I, Betty Cash, was feeling fine the 
Monday of Dec. 29th, my friend & her 
grandson was going to play Bingo & on
our return Back home we were between
[“Back” appears to have been written over the word “From”]
New Caney & 1960 on the Huffman Crosby
F.M. Road, there was this Bright object
that made the Sky just split up & it
looked like the world was coming to
and End it was a very Bright Red.
As we kept Driving along it seemed
to have gotten closer to the ground.
Vickie told me I had Better stop
or we were going to run into it so I did,
her grandson was so afraid he was
screaming & pulling on his grandmother
Asking her not to get out. , she opened
the door & I got out to. [Xed] But he
[“look” appears to have been crossed out]
pulled her Back into the Seat she looked
out the glass But she said the
light Was to Bright for her to see very
much of the figure Because it was
Burning her Eyes. [Xed]  she got out of the Car &
[Word crossed out, “she" written above it]
stood with one Arm on the car door & one
arm on the Car top, but the light was
so bright & the heat was to much so
she [Xed]  only stood there a short time, the
[“I” appears to have been crossed out, “she” written before it]
object started Back into the sky & again
it had the whole sky(?) lit up & the
[“lit” appears to have been written over another word]
object Moved Upward at this time, I started
Driving Again the Inside of the car 
 Over to Page 
2. 


(Stamped at the bottom of page one)
CASH BETTY J  365 75
01 25 81 51FDW PR 02 10 29
SHENOY V MD RED MI
2404044 PKWY YS


PARKWAY HOSPITAL
233 W. PARKER ROAD - 697-2831 - HOUSTON TEXAS 77022


was so hot we had to turn on the
Air Conditioning, we got to the stop Sign
on 1960 & I counted 23 Helicopters’. As
I sat there looking at the object, I
Carried Vickie & Colby home let them out
it [Xed] took me almost 20 Minutes
[“Woud” appears to have been crossed out.]
to get home, By this time I had a
terrible headache. , lumps were all over
my neck & head, my face was Red
like it had been burned & my Eyes were
swollen Shut & later my Eye lids Bursted
After I was in the Hospital, My face
pilled off & most of my Hair is out &
it is Still Coming out I was Desperalty
sick within 30 minutes after looking
at the object, I stayed home trying to
get Better Until the 2nd Day of Jan. 1981
And I’m still here on Feb 6th 81
I Went home for 9 days But I was so
Sick Again with the Headaches & Lumps
on my head I had to return to the
Hospital and I’m still here, I know
I was not sick until this happed & I
know that is what is wrong with me.
[Ends here, photo of document cropped]

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

UFO Evolution: The Piney Woods UFO

    
  How I wonder what you are.     
Up above the world so high,     
Like a diamond in the sky.
-"The Star" by Ann and Jane Taylor

Initially, the two adult witnesses were unable to describe the object due to the bright light coming from it. The boy, Colby said it was "diamond-shaped".  As the coverage of the story progressed, the women began using the diamond description. Later, further details about the craft were revealed by investigators- completely new details.

Some of the key illustrations of the UFO most closely associated with the original witnesses:


Colby & Vickie Landrum March 1981
MUFON Journal April 1981

MUFON Symposium Proceedings 1982

Colby Landrum early 1981

APRO Bulletin Sept. 1981

Betty Cash Aug. 18, 1981 (Bergstrom AFB interview)

MUFON Journal Nov. 1981

The Unexplained 1982

The UFO Phenomenon Time-Life Books 1987


UFO Cover Up? Live  Oct. 1988

Unsolved Mysteries February 6, 1991


The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident 1998


UFO Hunters Alien Fallout episode aired January 14, 2009

Monday, April 2, 2012

Saucer Smear editor Jim Moseley on the Paracast


Jim Moseley was the featured guest in the first episode of Gene Steinberg's show, The Paracast, and was and invited back many times over the years. Jim was the publisher of Saucer News and later, Saucer Smear, active in ufology from 1953 up until his death in November 2012. Below is Gene's tribute to Jim published January 21, 2012, followed by Jim's Paracast appearances linked in chronological order.

Jim MoseleyThe UFO Field’s Enduring Treasure by Gene Steinberg


The Paracast Show Archives: James W. Moseley Episodes

Explore the personality side of the world of UFOs with Jim Moseley, editor/publisher of Saucer Smear; prolific UFO and paranormal author Brad Steiger

Conspiracy theory expert Kenn Thomas, publisher of Steamshovel Press, talks about the real conspiracies and the ones that don't pass the logic test. In addition, controversial "Saucer Smear" editor/publisher Jim Moseley discusses the "Culture of Ufology."

Conspiracy theory expert Kenn Thomas, publisher of Steamshovel Press, talks about the real conspiracies and the ones that don't pass the logic test. In addition, controversial "Saucer Smear" editor/publisher Jim Moseley discusses the "Culture of Ufology."

Spend an evening with the inimitable James W. Moseley, editor of Saucer Smear and his designated replacement, cultural anthropologist and UFO researcher Christopher Roth. This is going to be one rollicking session that will focus on UFOs in popular culture.

Meet UFO researcher Philip J. Imbrogno, an expert on UFOs and psychic phenomena in New York's Hudson Valley. Also don't miss a special appearance by Jim Moseley, the always-irreverent editor of "Saucer Smear."

Veteran UFO/Paranormal Researcher Roundtable featuring Jim Moseley, editor of "Saucer Smear," and T. Allen Greenfield, author of "Secret Cipher of the UFOnauts" and "Secret Rituals of the Men In Black." During this session, travel through 50 years of UFO history.

We present a special three-hour tribute to the late Fortean author, John Keel, author of "The Mothman Prophecies" and other books. The all-star guest list of UFO and paranormal researchers includes Tim “Mr. UFO” Beckley, Jerome Clark, Loren Coleman, Jim Moseley, Brad Steiger and Curt Sutherly.

 We feature veteran UFO researcher Jim Moseley, editor of Saucer Smear, and contactee/abductee David Huggins, who is featured in the book “Love in an Alien Purgatory: The Life and Fantastic Art of David Huggins.

 Co-host Greg Bishop presents filmmaker Bob Wilkinson, director of “Shades of Gray,” a documentary about the amazing life of UFO researcher and provocateur Gray Barker. Along for the ride are two of Gray’s close friends, Jim Moseley, editor of Saucer Smear and T. Allen Greenfield. And don’t miss a special cameo from co-host Paul Kimball.

 Co-host Christopher O’Brien presents the UFO field’s famous “trickster” himself, Jim Moseley, editor and publisher of “Saucer Smear,” a thought-provoking publication that emphasizes the unique personalities in the field, and their eccentrics.

 Gene and Chris are joined by the irrepressible Jim Moseley, Editor/Publisher of Saucer Smear, who will discuss the fakes and the outright frauds he has discovered, and sometimes exposed, in the UFO field since the 1950s.

 Gene and Chris are joined by the irrepressible Jim Moseley, Editor/Publisher of Saucer Smear, who will discuss the fakes and the outright frauds he has discovered, and sometimes exposed, in the UFO field since the 1950s.

 Gene and Chris welcome back the inimitable Jim Moseley, Editor/Publisher of "Saucer Smear," an irreverent look at the entire UFO scene. Jim will come onboard to present not only his solution to the Roswell UFO crash, but answers to many questions from our loyal listeners. This is one episode you won't want to miss!

February 12, 2012 -- Kevin D. Randle and Jim Moseley  Gene and Chris will be flies on the wall for this episode, featuring a "great debate" on Roswell, the Roswell "Dream Team," UFO abductions and other topics featuring Kevin D. Randle, author of such books as "Reflections of a UFO Investigator," and Jim Moseley, Editor/Publisher of "Saucer Smear."

Gene and Chris present a special "Voices of the Past" episode featuring Jim Moseley, Editor of Saucer Smear, and long-time broadcaster Bob Zanotti. We will revisit the active UFO and occult scene of the New York area in the 1960s, and present long-forgotten show excerpts featuring such researchers as August C. Roberts, Dominic Lucchesi, John J. Robinson, and Yonah Fortner. For a change of pace, we'll also present two of the more outrageous contactees of the period: Andy Sinatra, "The Mystic Barber," and Alexander McNeil.

Jim Moseley passed away on Nov. 16, 2012, and was memorialized in a Paracast episode. 

Gene and Chris remember Jim Moseley, the UFO field's court jester and editor of "Saucer Smear," who died on November 16. His close friends join us with their anecdotes about Jim's amazing life.
. . .

Gene Steinberg launched the site jimmoseley.com to remember the life, work, and merriment of James W. Moseley.







































Monday, February 13, 2012

What is this?

What is this?
Could it be a glowing UFO blasting flaming exhaust across the ground?

It's a CH-47 at twilight. Imagine the effect in total darkness on a country road in Texas.

The picture is a still frame from the clip below found at about 2:40.
Mute the sound to avoid irritating music.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

100 helicopters- Robert Grey airfield, came in, for effect



George Sarran

On the UFO Hunters episode "Alien Fallout", Bill Birnes questioned Colonel George Sarran about the following entry in his notes:
  
- 100 helicopters- Robert Grey airfield, came in, for effect

Colonel Sarran was unable to explain the entry. The implication was that he'd uncovered a massive helicopter operation and then buried the evidence. A bit of digging reveals the probable source for the helicopter notation. 

According to October 1982 issue of the MUFON Journal article written by John Schuessler:
On 19 March 1982 I was called by Lt. Col. George Sarran from the Department of the Army Inspector General office in the Pentagon. Col. Sarran explained that his office had received the inquiry from the Air Force Liaison Office because the Air Force had concluded their units were not involved. He explained that his interest was in the possibility that Army helicopters were involved. He would be investigating that allegation. He stressed that the U.S. Army had no opinion about the unidentified object or UFOs in general.

Lt. Colonel George Sarran made these notes, in March or April 1982, probably during a phone conversation with UFO investigator John F. Schuessler in preparation for their first meeting in May. The "100 helicopters" notation seems to be just a recording of Schuessler’s comments. Compare them to earlier published statements by John Schuessler:
One significant helicopter operation took place at Gray Air Force Base near Killeen, Texas, where more than 100 helicopters came in from the field “for effect.” 
-The Spectrum of UFO Research: The Proceedings of the Second CUFOS Conference (Sept. 25-27 1981, book published 1988
(Published first in UFO Report Winter 1981 Vol. 9, No. 4: Texas UFO Trauma by John Schuessler)
 The unit operating out of Ellington AFB in Houston had landed before the sighting time. Robert Gray Field had 100 helicopters come in from the field at one time "for effect," but claimed to have avoided the Houston area. Hence, no one claims the helicopters that filled the Huffman area sky that winter night.
"Cash-Landrum Radiation Case" by John F. Schuessler -MUFON UFO Journal November 1981 pg. 6: 
 Update: Another clarifying entry found:
At the Robert Gray Field near Fort Hood a spokesman said they might have 100 helicopters from the field home at one time "for effect", but he claimed they avoided the Houston area.
"Blind Terror in Texas" by John F. SchuesslerThe Unexplained (UK magazine) 9(107) 2121-25, (1982)
Update: On a site hosting a video of the UFO Hunters episode, one of Col. Sarran's co-workers spoke on his behalf:
Author exitpleasantrealty    The characterization that Mr. (Former Colonel) Sarran was lying is quite incorrect - - you have to know Mr. Sarran as I do and have for six (6) years - - he literally (even after retirement and becoming a businessman) writes down notes copiously. As soon as we saw this episode we knew someone had mentioned "100 helicopters" and he had merely wrote it down...........if they had shown all the notes instead of just that line you would have probably seen more info - - this man doesn't lie. 
It made for a "gotcha" moment on the UFO Hunters show, but in this case, the charges are false.