He was also the writer of a script entitled "Space Family Robinson," (1964) which, along with the Gold Key comic "Space Family Robinson" (1962) that predated it, was claimed to have been the inspiration for
Irwin Allen's TV series
Lost in Space (1965). Details were revealed in
Ed Shifres' book "Space Family Robinson: The True Story" (Windsor House, 1996), re-published as "Lost in Space: The True Story" (Windsor House, 1998). The book was extremely controversial and critically acclaimed, with excellent reviews from notable Hollywood writers. Neither Melchior nor the creators of the "Space Family Robinson" comic series received recognition as original contributors of what became "Lost in Space". At one point Prelude Pictures hired him as a consultant on its film
Lost in Space (1998), but Melchior never received his contracted royalty payment and the Supreme Court refused to even review the case.
