The next in our series on fan films is at the other end of the spectrum from the large-scale production of "Of Gods and Men" (earlier column). The "tribute film" entitled "Star Trek: U.S.S. Hathaway" has been in production for a couple of years, intending to release their story in four parts. So far, they have produced a 2-1/2 minute trailer that gives us a glimpse at all of the characters and a hint of the plot. In the trailer, the costumes look great, the effects are quite good, and the actors all seem quite sincere.

The story takes place in 2285, during the period around "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" and "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock", and uses the Genesis experiment as their starting point. Brad Hathaway and Alan Decker penned the teleplay, based on a story by Hathaway. This fan production is based just south of Toledo, Ohio.

You'll also find three teasers showcasing other effects shots. Visit their site USSHathaway.com for these video clips. If you have an interest in working on a fan film, consider making a trip to Ohio and volunteering your services to help them complete this production!

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Star Trek Remastered

This weekend's Remastered episode is "The Savage Curtain" - production number 77 which first aired on March 7, 1969.

The teleplay is by Gene Roddenberry and Arthur Heinemann, from a story by Roddenberry. Heinemann also penned the original-series episodes "The Way to Eden" and "Wink of an Eye".

Director Herschel Daugherty had one other Trek credit: "Operation: Annihilate!". After several uncredited film roles including the James Cagney classic "White Heat" (1949), Daugherty began a long career directing episodic television in 1955. His numerous credits include Hawaii Five-O, Mission: Impossible and genre favorites Time Tunnel and Six Million Dollar Man.

Also notable is the uncredited appearance of Janos Prohaska as the Excalbian, another in his series of heavy-makeup roles.

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Remastered Trivia

The conceit of this episode - appearances by famous and infamous figures from history - is quite intriguing. The legendary Vulcan figure Surak, introduced here, was seen again in a later episode of a Star Trek series. Name the series and the episode title.

Send your answer to me at mwade@roddenberry.com

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Star Trek Family Birthdays

BIrthday wishes this week go out to one of the key contributors to TNG and Voyager, a regal actress, and the creative force at the helm of the next movie:

J.J. Abrams - (Director, "Star Trek (2009)") - June 27
Alice Krige - ("Borg Queen" - "Star Trek: First Contact") - June 28
Jeri Taylor - (Co-creator and executive producer, Star Trek: Voyager) - June 30

 

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