Star Trek Flashcards
What is “The Cage”?
“The Cage” is the inaugural pilot episode of Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry and directed by Robert Butler, completed on January 22, 1965, with a copyright date of 1964. It was rejected by the network and wasn’t the official pilot.
What was the second attempt at making a Star Trek pilot?
Despite being rejected by NBC in February 1965, it paved the way for the creation of the second pilot episode, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.”
When did footage of “The Cage” get released?
Original footage from “The Cage” found its way into the season 1 two-part episode “The Menagerie” in 1966, but the complete, all-color version was not televised until 1988.
Was the entirety of “The Cage” ever released?
Released on VHS in 1986, the public got its first glimpse of “The Cage” with a special introduction by Gene Roddenberry, showcasing a hybrid of color and black-and-white footage.
What major character appeared in “The Cage”?
Leonard Nimoy’s iconic character, Mr. Spock, was introduced in “The Cage,” making him the only cast member retained in his original role for the subsequent series.
Who was the captain of the USS Enterprise in “The Cage”?
In the pilot episode “The Cage,” the captain of the USS Enterprise is Christopher Pike, not James T. Kirk, who later became the iconic captain of the series. Pike is also the main character in “Star Trek” Strange New Worlds” played by Anson Mount.
How was Spock different in “The Cage”?
Spock, portrayed by Leonard Nimoy, is present in the pilot, but his character differs from the later, more reserved and logical Spock seen in the rest of Star Trek. He displays a youthful eagerness in “The Cage.”
Who was the first officer in “The Cage”?
The role of first officer is held by a character named Number One, played by Majel Barrett, a departure from the familiar dynamic of Spock serving as the first officer in the subsequent series.
How was the style in “The Cage” different than the rest of the series?
The pilot’s weaponry and technology differ from the series, featuring lasers instead of phasers, and distinct props for communicators and handheld weapons. NBC deemed the pilot “too cerebral” and “too slow,” leading to the commissioning of a second pilot, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.”
What led to the original Star Trek series ending?
The original Star Trek series, which aired on NBC from 1966 to 1969, faced low ratings and was canceled after three seasons. Paramount Pictures sought to recover production losses by selling syndication rights, leading to reruns in 1969. Despite its initial struggles, the show gained a cult following, sparking rumors of a franchise revival in the late 1970s.
What was unique about Star Trek: The Motion Picture?
The film was the first major Hollywood adaptation of a television series that had been off the air for nearly a decade to retain its original principal cast.
What were the Visual Demands for Star Trek: The Motion Picture in a Post-Star Wars world?
Star Trek’s producers recognized the need for high-quality visuals after the success of Star Wars’ groundbreaking optical effects.
Who were the original choices for director of special effects for Star Trek: The Motion Picture?
Douglas Trumbull, initially considered for special effects director, declined due to commitments on Close Encounters. John Dykstra was the next choice but was also busy with other projects.
Who ended up with the role of creating the special effects for Star Trek: The Motion Picture?
Paul Rabwin suggested Robert Abel’s company for effects. Initially bidding $4 million, the scope grew with the film’s expansion to The Motion Picture, and the final bid increased to $4.75 million.
What were the special effects challenges for Star Trek: The Motion Picture?
Difficulties arose as Abel and Associates struggled with the steep learning curve of motion picture production. Rumors surfaced about difficulties regarding the special effects. A year into the production, millions of dollars had been spent but almost no usable footage had been created; Abel and Associates was not experienced in motion picture effects. By 1979, it became evident they couldn’t meet deadlines, leading to creative differences and Paramount’s decision to fire them.
