First Aired: July 24, 2022
At the start of this podcast I warned Scott and Steve, “Fasten your seat belts, this is going to be a bumpy dive.” As it turned out, that may have been an underprediction. There’s not much I can add now to what we discussed, but that’s not to say that I don’t have more to relate. I’ll do that after you listen again (if you choose to do that) …
or if you didn’t hear the podcast, listen to it here now and then continue into …
A DEEPER DIVE
There was much discussion in our podcast about the IDIC (a pin that Spock wore) and the problems it caused. But there was more to that story – more I have refrained from telling for 54 years. It was what happened on our third day of filming when we filmed the dining sequence in which the IDIC appeared.
As I remember, that scene (scheduled as the first to be filmed on the first day but not filmed) was inserted into the schedule where the already filmed Miranda/Marvick scene had been. The Miranda/Marvick scene was less than 3 minutes in length and had 2 characters. The dining sequence, a scene early in the story establishing important character relationships, was over 6 minutes in length, involved 6 characters and the work for the 3rd day increased from 10 pages to 13 pages with the dining scene the last to be filmed. We got to it late in the afternoon. We had the wide-angle shots completed as the clock was approaching 6:00. Next cama the first close-up of Bill Shatner. We completed that and Jerry Finnerman then prepared lighting Diana Muldauer’s close-up, which was going to be our last shot of the day. When he was ready, it was past 6:00. The actors took their positions. Leonard was seated left of the camera. David Frankham, “Scotty” Doohan, DeForest Kelley and Bill were seated right of the camera. I was surprised to see when Bill returned to the set that he had changed from his uniform to his civvies and had removed his make-up. I was more than surprised that as he sat down, he had a newspaper which he read while performing the off-camera for Diana. At the completion of the take (it was now 6:09) I said, “Cut. We’ll do it again and Bill put down the paper.” He turned to me to object and I continued, “We have to start. If camera is rolling at 6:12, the shot can be finished, so put down the paper and roll camera.” Camera rolled. The scene was acted again and at the end I said, “Cut. Print. That’s a wrap.” I turned and walked away. DeForest Kelley came rushing after me. He grabbed me by my upper arms and with a huge grin and blazing eyes he said, “I could kiss you.”
The Journey Continues
DeForest Kelley’s not the only one. How I admire you!
Very interesting. Does this mean that all the other actors were still in costume? I wonder if he had a dinner date? I am amazed that you were able to get such great footage with all the drama going on outside the shots. Thank you for sharing Ralph. I watched all of the interviews you did for the television archive. I was impressed by your remarks about Barbara Stanwyck. As an officer in the Navy I always took care of the sailors’ comfort. As a teacher I never drink water on hot triple digit days until all my students have satified their thirst. It’s nice to read that there are caring actors in Hollywood. What a classy lady! Because of Batman in 1966, my son loves Burgess Meredith in anything. He just watched the Twilight zone you directed with Burgess and told me he wants to be a director and editor now. Thanks again Ralph for sharing all your passion and pearls of wisdom.
Thank you. I’ve heard it said Bill acted the way he did because of the stress of being the star of the show and having so much dialogue to learn for each episode. I personally don’t believe having a lot of responsibility excuses diva-like behavior. But this was 1966-69, and sadly there were a lot of men who “acted out” in those days.
Steve Brant : “Men who acted out in those days”? Yes, as we know Women NEVER behave this way, then or now. Obviously, you are unaware of the origins of the word
”Diva”. Though it was admittedly inconsiderate, just what is your point? Why make it some faux – SJW gender issue? I came to the site because I have great respect for Mr. Senensky, not to listen to some lecture on “toxic masculinity”, an overused and meaningless phrase.
Interesting stuff. As always. Thank you.
Hi Mr. Senensky. My name is April Mabry. I am the writer Donald spoke to you about. I would love to connect with you. Please let me know what is the best way to communicate.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Hi April: First let me apologize. When Don Dalesandro e-mailed me your script, I was involved prepping to guest on the ENTERPRISE INCIDENTS podcast. As usual with the torrent of spam e-mails, when I went looking for the script it had disappeared from my computer. If you could send me a copy of it to (ralph@senensky.com) and we’ll continue our conversation and plans there.