ENTERPRISE INCIDENTS: Metamorphosis

First Aired: November 7, 2021

METAMORPHOSIS was the most unique production experience in my 26 years behind the camera. On the ENTERPRISE INCIDENTS: Metamorphosis podcast that I did with Scott and Steve, we discussed the contributing people who were a part of that experience. I now want to say there was one person in that illustrious group who for me stood out, who stood taller. That was director of photography, Jerry Finnerman.

According to the International Movie Data Base, Jerry joined the cinematographers’ union while in his 20’s. Starting as an assistant cameraman in 1959, he worked at the Warner Brothers studio in Burbank, California. He became a camera operator in 1961 on the production, A MAJORITY OF ONE, working for the first time with the esteemed director of photography, Harry Stradling Sr. Four years later he again operated for Stradling on MY FAIR LADY. I do not know how Jerry’s name made the list of  aspirants for director of photography on the STAR TREK series after its second pilot sold. I do know that Stradling encouraged the young man to accept when the offer was made. Jerry did. He signed the contractual commitment.

But Jerry realized it was going to be an intimidating assignment. The 2nd STAR TREK pilot had been photographed by Ernest Haller, like Harry Stradling one of the giants of Hollywood cinematographers. Haller’s entry into the profession had been in Silent films. He had a long association at Warner Bros and was the favorite cameraman of the queen of the lot, Bette Davis, having photographed both of the films for which she won the Best Actress Academy Award. He photographed Joan Crawford’s MILDRED PIERCE, also an Academy Award winner and was himself nominated 7 times for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, winning in 1939 for GONE WITH THE WIND. His were going to be big shoes to fill and Jerry wavered. He told me he decided to ask to be released from his contractual commitment, But the wise Herb Solow, Head of Production for Desilu Studio, would have none of that. He told Jerry if he walked away from this assignment, he would never work in Hollywood again. Jerry reported as scheduled.

I did not know any of this when I reported to direct THIS SIDE OF PARADISE, the 24th episode in the series’ first season. But now, more than a half century later, as I look back I am amazed by the remarkably original, creative, skillful and imaginative photography that novice cameraman created. Jerry told me the early episodes were not without controversy. NBC did not like the way he was photographing the show. They thought Jerry was getting too artsy with his lighting; They thought it was not right to have colors on walls and on people, that he should just light the whole set fully. STAR TREK fans ever since should be thankful that Gene Roddenberry stood up for his young cameraman. He told the network he liked what they were doing and refused to have any changes made.

Now here is the ENTERPRISE INCIDENTS: Metamorphosis podcast to be listened to — either again or for the first time …

…and then I hope you will join me as …

I DIVE A LTTLE DEEPER INTO WHERE
I HAVE NOT GONE BEFORE

I recently in my last Deeper Dive posed the question: Why had STAR TREK become a Phenomenon? I have had Comments left with answers that I commend, that I respect.

But that I differ with.
I look at the answer differently
Some pertinent facts!

It took 10 years from the
STAR TREK TOS cancellation in 1969
until the 1979 production of
STAR TREK: The Motion Picture.

It took another 8 years before a new series,
STAR TREK: The Next Generation
began weekly airings in 1987.

But daily syndication airings for the original series,
which had been purchased for its stations in several large cities
by Kaiser Broadcasting in 1966
began the week after
STAR TREK TOS was cancelled in 1969.

 I was aware of the debuts of the new movie and new series, but totally disinterested. Some time in the mid 70’s I received a telephone call from television station KTLA in Hollywood. The station was daily running episodes of STAR TREK TOS and the lady calling excitedly invited me to participate in a special they were going to be filming about the series. She was shocked, disbelieving when I replied I did not care to participate.

We will now fast forward to when I started my website, RALPH’S CINEMA TREK, in 2011. Much happened in those intervening years. The enormous success of STAR TREK TOS in syndication had led to STAR TREK feature films with the original cast, and several new STAR TREK television series with different casts and appendages to the STAR TREK title: (i.e. The Next Generation). The proposed plan for my website was to present on each post a fly-on-the-wall view of the filming of one of the nearly 200 productions I had directed, plus film clips. And my original plan was to do them in the chronological order in which they had been filmed. But although my feelings about STAR TREK had not changed, I was starting a new website which would be seeking viewers. Hopefully in search of those viewers, on my very first post the episode I presented was THIS SIDE OF PARADISE and here is what I wrote:

STAR TREK was a phenomenon. I directed six and a half episodes of the original series, working a total of only ninety days. And yet today if you google-search my name on the internet, you will think I spent most of my career directing STAR TREK. So although STAR TREK was five years after I began my journey in film, let’s begin our trek into the past there.

The next decade writing on the website proved to be a personally gratifying experience, and in the Comments left on my posts, a very illuminating one! Here’s peek at some of those Comments:

I was only 11 when Star Trek began
and I loved it and watched it religiously

These are the shows I grew up on

 …the wonderful series I grew up with
in the 60s – they’re a real treasure

I’m 60 now, and Star Trek has
been in my life for 55 of those years

watched this episode at a very young
age when the series was in syndication

When I was a kid, this (Metamorphosis)
was not one of my faves because there
wasn’t much action but as I’ve gotten
older, I’ve changed my tune.

Growing up, I watched the series
after school when it was in
syndication on UHF stations.

I have been a teacher of
Latin and Greek in high schools
and universities for about 30 years.
Having been raised (or self-raised)
on Star Trek TOS,

I was introduced to the show at age 13,
in the middle of its second season, and
from that first night my world, and how
I thought about it, changed.

I admit that when I first saw Return to Tomorrow
I was in the full, ecstatic glow of having discovered
Star Trek, and EVERY new episode was a gigantic
adventure and true revelation

just revisited this site as my
13-year old daughter is now
interested in Star Trek.

Being a fan of the original
Star Trek from the 80s on

As for the ending, I’m not surprised.
Nor was I when I saw it as a teen.

This (Return to Tomorrow) was the first
Star Trek episode I watched. I remember
lying on the floor in my Grandfathers
living room on a visit to him in Knoxville
and when it came on I was mesmerized.
I’ve been a fan ever since.

Confidentially, as a kid, watched the show
because the girls were good looking in
the jump suits! And, of course the tazers!

I like to think we all mentally mature with age.
In 1969, I was 14 & wasn’t really knocked out
by “Is There In Truth No Beauty”,
but now I’m 65 & I “get” it.

And, a belated happy 55th anniversary of
the series premier…I was 13 at the time
and have been a huge fan since then.

There are many things I realize as I read those Comments. They were written by grown-ups who had first viewed STAR TREK when they were kids. Many of them had been written by people who had been born after the original STAR TREK was cancelled. The syndication viewers were no longer limited like it had been for those viewing the original broadcasts of one showing a week from an affiliate of one television network. Independent television stations in cities spread throughout the nation were airing daily showings and showings again of those 79 original episodes. Eventually that grew to cities in nearly every nation in the world. What I’m saying is that was a lot of kids at an impressionable age meeting and loving STAR TREK.

What I am going to write now is NOT based on any major research on my part. I have not contacted or interviewed anyone. This is just what I personally think and I start with something I have stated elsewhere in these ramblings. It was anticipated that the new medium of Television would be visual radio and in much of its programming it was, but it proved to be much more.

The art of Theatre dated back to the Greeks (and probably even before that). In the earlier part of the 20th century an infant form of storytelling (and at that stage very short) was introduced that could be viewed on jukebox Nickelodeons, which could be set up in any empty store front location. Plus there was another form of storytelling developing in Hollywood that evolved into what turned out to be a new art form — Film. With the creation of the film camera the length of telling a story could be longer and the scope of the storytelling could be broader and more complicated. This then led to the size of the viewing sites being enlarged, which eventually led to the creation of the enormous Movie Palaces of the 30’s. The new medium of television brought that storytelling into the intimacy of people’s living rooms. Now to return to that question I posed before:

Why had STAR TREK become a Phenomenon?

STAR TREK was cancelled after its 3rd season. It had not completed its 5-season mission to explore strange new worlds. But STAR TREK didn’t die. It opened in syndication and as I reported above, it created a lot of kids at an impressionable age meeting and loving STAR TREK. And then there was a convergence of that producer with a vision and that avid audience of young people.

THE PRODUCER: Gene Roddenberry’s original goal as already reported was to create a WAGON TRAIN to the stars, a Space series with a multi-ethnic crew involved in adventure stories about real people. Roddenberry’s 1st pilot for NBC was rejected. The network said it was “too cerebral” but they were still interested and ordered a 2nd pilot. I personally think the 2nd pilot WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE is more cerebral. It’s also more adventuresome. There is more action, more danger and mystery; deeper, more intense character relationships. In essence the 2nd pilot is more Science Fiction; less Fantasy Island. And as with most of the TREK stories, there was a morality involved and something to be learned. The 2nd pilot was approved by the network and the series was placed on the schedule. That was a victory but not the end of the battle. Roddenberry wss relentless, as were his key staff people, in not only maintaining the quality of his pilot, but constantly striving to improve it. That was not always easy. His relationship with the network was far from affable. He proved a worthy opponent.

THE AUDIENCE: By the time STAR TREK began airing in syndication in 1969, those impressionable young people I referred to above had watched on television when our astronauts landed on the moon. The imaginary ventures into space of comic strip Buck Rogers had given way to a different vision and what they saw made them true believers when STAR TREK started making daily syndication entries into their homes, their lives. They admired heroic Captain James T. Kirk, wanting to emulate him, willing to follow him on adventures in space that no longer seemed impossible.

There is a German legend dating back to the Middle Ages, of a piper, dressed in multicolored (“pied”) clothing, who was a rat catcher hired by the town to lure rats away with his magic pipe. When the citizens refuse to pay for this service as promised, he retaliates by using his instrument’s magical power on their children, leading them away as he had the rats. The phrase “pied piper” has become a metaphor for a person who attracts a following through charisma or false promises.

I again ask the question: Why had STAR TREK become a Phenomenon?

Gene Roddenberry was a modern American pied piper who led hordes of multi-ethnic young people from around the world as he ventured into space via the USS Starship Enterprise with its multi-ethnic crew. The Alexander Courage theme song is playing and the voice of Captain Kirk is saying, “Space ,,, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Star Ship Enterprise, its endless mission to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new lives, new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before

The journey continues

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42 Responses to ENTERPRISE INCIDENTS: Metamorphosis

  1. Tom Downes says:

    Thank you for the insight.

  2. Marleen Roberts says:

    Regarding Jerry Finnerman – his work was what first drew me in to Star Trek, especially the way he used color. Color TV was still in its early stages when Star Trek began, and Finnerman made wonderful use of it, even better than the movies I was seeing at the time. To this day, when I think of Star Trek, I actually remember the color first – especially from Metamorphosis . The stories, the acting, yes, of course, but the color pops first into my mind.

    • Ralph says:

      Thank you for writing that Marlene. I am so annoyed by what is being written today about STAR TREK and Jerry Finnerman’s name is rarely if at all mentioned.

  3. Ted Cohn says:

    Ralph, you are amazing, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your great work on, love for and dedication to Star Trek. Live longer and prosper!

  4. C. Ralph Adler says:

    Hey, Ralph, from another Ralph who has commented on your site before (we commiserated about how much we hate the name!). My only purpose in dropping by today is to once again express my admiration for your talents, the high bar for standards you set for working in television both before and behind the camera, and your great generosity in telling us your stories. You and I may never fully agree on the “risk is our business” scene, but I have always been amazed, and grateful, for the level of taste that informs all of your work, and life. Hoping beyond words that you are well and enjoying all your days.

    • Ralph says:

      Hi Ralph: You don’t have to give a reason for “dropping by.” Messages like the one you dropped today are MORE THAN WELCOME AND DEEPLY APPRECIATED!

  5. Tom Downes says:

    While watching “The Omega Man” tonight on TCM saw Judy Pace was considered for the lead female role which went to Rosalind Cash. You had directed Pace two years earlier in 1969 for the Insight episode, “The Death of Simon Jackson.” As I wrote a few years ago, this was the first Insight episode I ever saw and I recently watched it again. Good stuff.

  6. Kim Messick says:

    Hi Ralph,

    Just wanted to say hello! It’s been a while since we spoke, but I’m happy to see you’re still going strong and posting new content. As always, you provide a wealth of information about the nuts and bolts of television production. It’s given me a new level of appreciation for the professionals who put together the stories coming across our screens. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

  7. Sandy Cain says:

    Every time I see DIRECTED by RALPH SENENSKY, all I can think is, “The man must continue”. Thank you, Ralph – for this, for that, and for all you have done, your amazing body of work.

  8. Luis R. Diaz says:

    Greetings Ralph,
    My deepest thanks for the huge catalog of work you have directed. And many thanks for sharing your website and pod casts – these are pure treasures for your fans.
    If the information on the Internet is correct : I warmly wish you a happy and healthy 100th birthday on May 1, 2023 — may all your birthday wishes come true.
    Respectfully yours,
    Lou

  9. Eleanor says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your very interesting stories and thereby the history of television production.

    Have a wonderful 100th birthday on May 1st!

  10. Chris Davison says:

    Hi Ralph,
    “Metamorphosis” and “Is There In Truth No Beauty” are two of the all-time best Trek episodes, you introduced us to Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations!
    Thank you for all of your contributions over the years and for your humility and kindness, and Happy 100th Birthday!

    Chris

  11. Sandy Cain says:

    For all you have done – and continue to do – I eagerly await your 100th birthday celebration. I will drink to your health, and watch “The Pony Cart” and “Metamorphosis”. God bless you. L’chaim!

  12. AJ says:

    Ralph – I enjoy reading your posts (almost) as much as I enjoy watching your work. Thank you!

    And – happy birthday!

  13. Chris Davison says:

    Hi Ralph,
    quick question: a number of people have been emailing you birthday wishes, wondering if these emails have been getting through? Thanks!

    • Ralph says:

      Indeed they have and are much appreciated!

      • Chris Davison says:

        Ok great, William Shatner emailed you last week to share personal memories and birthday wishes. The email would have come from his personal assistant, Kathleen Hays. You guys did some great work together back when!

        • Ralph says:

          Thank you for telling me. Because it came from a woman’s name I didn’t know, I thought it was some smart ass being cte. I answered it today.

          • Chris Davison says:

            My pleasure, glad that you and Bill were able to connect.
            Have more information to share and will follow up by email. Hope you are happy and healthy and well.

            Chris Davison

  14. Tom Downes says:

    I see where Ginny Newhart, wife of Bob Newhart, just passed away. I did not know she was the daughter of Bill Quinn, who appeared in numerous television shows. You directed him in two episodes of Insight. Some folks will remember him as the cranky senior citizen in the Kick the Can episode of the Twilight Zone movie. He was also the blind man in Archie Bunker’s Place show.

    • Ralph says:

      I didn’t know Ginny Newhart I did know Bill Quinn and his wife beyond those 2 INSIGHTS you mentioned. Theere were many other shows and the Quinns joined a small group of us to attend Theatre productions.

  15. Chris Davison says:

    Good morning Ralph,
    some of your fans got together and signed a birthday card in honor of your 100th birthday today: https://app.grouptogether.com/RalphSenenskys100thBirthday

    Thank you for all you have done, may you continue to Live Long And Prosper.

    Chris Davison

    • Ralph says:

      Thank you Chris. I found it. I read it. I am a bit overwhelmed.

      • Chris Davison says:

        Hi Ralph,
        I hope your day was amazing on Monday, your work has inspired so many people across the years and decades and you’ve done it with kindness, warmth and humanity.

        Chris Davison

  16. Sandy Cain says:

    Happy Birthday,

  17. Joanie Reuben says:

    Cousin, Ralph. A slightly belated Happy Birthday! Sandy said it was your 100th! I hope you had a very special day and that you’re as chipper as ever. One of these days we’ll get up your way for a visit.

    Stay cool!

    Love,

    Joanie Reuben

  18. Jay Garver says:

    Happy Birthday Centurion! Hope you are well and thank you for all the entertainment over the years!

  19. Lori says:

    Ralph, you are the reason Star Trek was sooooo good. The episodes you wrote we intriguing and always thought provoking. I can’t overstate how impressive you are- your writing talent, your filmography, and the passion I hear. And I loved your guest appearances on The Enterprise Incidents!!
    Take care and thanks from a 60’s gal in Winnipeg, Canada!

    • Ralph says:

      And thank you for those encouraging words from an older guy in California . Incidentally Canada is loaded with my Senensky relatives. That all started in Winnipeg, where i visited 91 years ago

  20. Marleen Roberts says:

    Mr. Senensky – I’m sorry I’m late with the birthday wishes but I do wish you the very best of upcoming years. Your blog has been like taking a course in directing, and I recommend it all the time. Thank you. Marleen Roberts

  21. Ralph says:

    Thank you. And you’re only 2 days late. June 1 was also a birthday. That was when I was 100 years and 1 month old.

  22. Robert J. Cammaroto says:

    Golly, sir…without excuse, my apologies for
    missing your 100th birthday…shortly thereafter,
    I turned 70…I am catching up to you!

    Anyhow, a happy belated 100th…I promise to be
    timely for your 101st.

    And, thank you for your past kind answers to my
    generally goofy questions.

    Best regards,
    Bob Cammaroto
    South Daytona, FL

  23. David P Smith says:

    Dear Ralph, I am 74 years old and had the time of my life growing up and watching the shows that you directed. Reading your memories of the shows you directed has brought a kind breeze of nostalgia to me….remembering these shows I often watched with my parents in our living room. Thank you for having a guiding hand in the creation of so many memorable episodes of my favorite shows back when the world was young.

    Here is to your continued good health, sir.

  24. Tom Downes says:

    “Out of the hundreds of television professionals I’ve interviewed, maybe only three (Norman Lloyd, Del Reisman, and Ralph Senensky, for the record) have had what seemed like total recall, and Stewart might belong in that company.”

    Stephen Bowie wrote this today on his Classic TV History Blog. He was writing on Patrick Stewart’s new biography.

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