William Shatner's Star Trek Memories (1995) (V)

Director:

Michael Mahler

Writers:

Michael Mahler (writer) &
Harry Werksman (writer) ...

Genre:

Documentary | Biography

Tagline:

William Shatner looks back at twenty-five thrilling years in the Star Trek universe.

Plot:

Cast members of the television and movie series "Star Trek" reminisce about the making of the series and the films, and give their opinions on why the series has been so successful.

Plot Keywords:

Television | Autobiographical | Star Trek Spinoff | Independent Film

Cast

William Shatner	...	Himself
Leonard Nimoy	...	Himself
DeForest Kelley	...	Himself
James Doohan	...	Himself
Walter Koenig	...	Himself
Nichelle Nichols	...	Herself
George Takei	...	Himself
D.C. Fontana	...	Herself

Runtime:

69 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Movie Connections:

References "Bonanza" (1959)

Fascinating Captain!

Well, maybe I won't go that far. The documentary charts the beginnings of the Original Series through to its final season and closure in 1969. Although the information presented is interesting and sometimes thought-provoking, it's unlikely to be new to die-hard fans of the show.

For those who remember the show fondly all those years ago, but are not Trekkies (as they were then) the information provides a welcome insight into the casting and show's mentality. All of the major cast members get a good amount of air time to reminisce and tell stories about their experiences and the whole thing is presented in a harmless and affectionate light.

There are no real in-depth discussions of particular episodes, though several are touched upon, which was a shame, but the running time is only 60 mins so it's hard to expect too much detail.

Inevitably, the documentary touches on the morality of Star Trek and points at the many episodes which were written to highlight a particular aspect of the human condition or the state of the world at the time the show was aired. Admittedly, although most viewers will know this about Star Trek anyway, it amazes you more now to see how different a world it was in the late 60's from what we have today. The infamous inter-racial kiss scene is perhaps the most noteworthy example of just how different things were back then.

In summary then, the documentary won't really tell you much you don't already know, unless you are a complete Star Trek novice, but it is gentle and entertaining nonetheless.