I came across a bunch of old publicity stills from Season 1 –many of these were used during Trek’s syndicated heyday in the 70’s; a fact I found a bit frustrating at the time because (and this will sound so geeky) the uniforms are not the final form used, but the ones used for the two pilots and the first episode filmed; The Corbomite Manuever. Real Trekkies knew that the sleeker, more streamlined uniform shirts with thinner contrasting collars were the norm on the show, whereas these were a bit chunkier. I’ve noticed that the stills favor Nimoy’s right side, but both sides of that angular stone face looked fine to me! The other interesting note here is how prominently Grace Lee Whitney (Yeoman Rand) featured, although she only lasted 13 episodes and her look was radically altered. (Although I must admit, I loved the women’s uniforms with pants; they were much more practical for scaling all all those fiberglass mountains!) Also, I love Spock’s gentle smile in this group shot.
I’ve fixed the color and noise in most of these pictures, which is par for the course with this kind of thing. As example, this quick shot of Nimoy and Hunter between scenes was faded and beat up. But as I look at this image afresh, one can only imagine how different Trek would have been if it had not been radically changed by the time it aired. (You can read speculations about this in the great guide, Star Trek FAQ by Mark Clark)
BTW, the color photo here of Spock holding the Enterprise was a poster on my brother’s wall for years. As a child of 5 when Trek first aired, the photo actually scared me a little, (!) for Mr. Spock seemed so…sinister! Of course by the time Trek hit syndication I was madly in love with him, and the poster had been transferred to my bedroom walls for a good 5 years! ( oh, how life’s opportunity was misused!)
I also have a new publicity photo of Spock as well as one of Kirk and McCoy from eBay that I’ve never seen before! This being Thanksgiving week here in America, it’s truly something to be thankful for! Boy, he looks mad here!
http://31.media.tumblr.com/bae00c3ec0c96ef5f603c41ee8af1948/tumblr_n3h4d72UEl1s4rha3o4_250.gif
Great look back at the stills and memories! The photo of Spock holding the Enterprise has always been one of my favorite early publicity stills. I remember it was used as the illustration on the card of a Star Trek toy I got when I was 11. It helped me make one of my first crude models of the ship made of wood and cardboard.
One thing though. You’re mistaken about the first regular episode for the series. It was “Corbomite Maneuver”–not “Mudd’s Women”.
Live Long And Prosper!
🖖
Oops! I actually knew that! Must have been distracted when I wrote that! Yes, Corbomite Maneuver was the first shot after where No Man…(with the uniform change!) Fixed it! Thanks!