From: Jim Alexander Date: Mon Jul 9, 2001 12:42 am Subject: OT-- E-mail regained I just got MY e-mail abilities back after being without them for almost two days. If anyone has sent me any mail, please re-send. My ISP is providing HORRIBLE service, lately! I am sorry for the inconvenience. Thanks! Jim probecontrol@dynasty.net From: actingman@iname.com Date: Tue Jul 10, 2001 5:13 pm Subject: TV distribution site A friend found this site. It is for tv stations and program buyers to look up shows and movies. They let you do demo searches, but only shows you the first five results, and if yours is in the middle of the list, you are out of luck. I finally typed in "Gold Machine" and it popped up Search. Of course when you click on the title for details, you get the notice that you have to be a member. Mermbership is like $750 a year, but they have free VIP memberships for people who work at tv stations or related companies. If anybody out there thinks they can qualify for a VIP membership...give it a try. Then you can see what Search's official syndication status is here in the U.S. http://www.tv-episode-distribution.com/ From: DBoysen@aol.com Date: Wed Jul 11, 2001 12:45 pm Subject: Re: TV distribution site The site mentions something about free membership for NATPE members in the future. When that happens I should be able to get on. I would be very interested in learning if Warners is still actively selling SEARCH. From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Wed Jul 11, 2001 5:08 pm Subject: Any interest in SEARCH on VCD? Hello everyone: Don here again and through Bryan Durk, I have been contacted by someone who is interested in making VCD copies of some or all of the SEARCH episodes we have on tape. These VCDs could be run in a DVD player or on a computer. I have warned him that even our "original" tapes are still multigenerational and that there are reception and color problems throughout. I have suggested that the clearest episodes would be best served by VCD, such as the pro tape of the "Probe" pilot, the "Let Us Prey" with original commercials, and perhaps the Australian "Numbered for Death." I have sent him an email asking what the cost of these VCD copies would be, so I will keep everyone posted. If the price of a VCD is substantially higher than a tape, I'm afraid most folks will opt for a tape. But we will see. Everyone who would be interested in having VCDs made of our current SEARCH tapes, or would like more information, please email this list and let us know. Don Harden From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Wed Jul 11, 2001 5:42 pm Subject: SEARCH on VCD--more info Hi gang: Here is some more information on the VCDs we might be able to put our SEARCH episodes onto. Our contact purchased a Terapins VCD recorder about a year ago. The VCD format uses the normal CD-R that one can get from Circuit City and other places. The only disadvantage is his recorder tape square movies not in the 16x9 format. Since these are normal cd's you can watch them on any computer with a CD-ROM and on most DVD players. You can get about an hour on a VCD. He said he will send me a sample CD-R so I can see the quality. However, if VCD quality is not much better than the tapes we already have, most folks will likely stick with tape. So, I suggested that we start with the "Probe" pilot and/or the clear copy of "Let Us Prey" with the original commercials. Because it is 96 minutes, "Probe" will have to be put onto two disks. I think the cost will end up being the deciding factor, so when he sends that information to me, I'll pass it along. Don H. From: "Larry Clements" Date: Wed Jul 11, 2001 6:04 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] SEARCH on VCD--more info That's 40 bucks for the hundred cd's. ----- Original Message ----- From: dghprobe3@aol.com To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2001 2:42 PM Subject: [probe_control] SEARCH on VCD--more info Hi gang: Here is some more information on the VCDs we might be able to put our SEARCH episodes onto. Our contact purchased a Terapins VCD recorder about a year ago. The VCD format uses the normal CD-R that one can get from Circuit City and other places. The only disadvantage is his recorder tape square movies not in the 16x9 format. Since these are normal cd's you can watch them on any computer with a CD-ROM and on most DVD players. You can get about an hour on a VCD. He said he will send me a sample CD-R so I can see the quality. However, if VCD quality is not much better than the tapes we already have, most folks will likely stick with tape. So, I suggested that we start with the "Probe" pilot and/or the clear copy of "Let Us Prey" with the original commercials. Because it is 96 minutes, "Probe" will have to be put onto two disks. I think the cost will end up being the deciding factor, so when he sends that information to me, I'll pass it along. Don H. From: richard.rutherford@chch.ox.ac.uk Date: Thu Jul 12, 2001 2:02 pm Subject: Re: TV distribution site --- In probe_control@y..., actingman@i... wrote: > A friend found this site. It is for tv stations and program buyers to look > up shows and movies. They let you do demo searches, but only shows you the > first five results, and if yours is in the middle of the list, you are out > of luck. I finally typed in "Gold Machine" and it popped up Search. Of > course when you click on the title for details, you get the notice that you > have to be a member.... No doubt everybody else is already doing this, but I thought I'd save people some duplication by saying I followed up Don's tip and before I ran out of chances, I found this site also lists 'Adonis File', 'Moonrock' and 'Murrow disappearance'. It claimed not to have 'Suffer my child', 'Honeymoon to kill' or 'Numbered for death'. Other people may like to check other episode titles. Richard From: actingman@iname.com Date: Fri Jul 13, 2001 1:38 pm Subject: Thoughts of a new list member Folks, we have a new list member named Geoff Willmetts. He and Bryan and I have been trading emails, and I mentioned, since he isn't on line very often that I would paste together relevant portions of his notes and share them with all of you. All of the below is from just two emails, so there is a lot to think about. I think you should be able to figure out what he is referencing in my posts to him. If not, just ask. And as I said, he is a list member now, so you can ask Geoff as well. John ___________________________________________________________________________ When 'Probe' was shown on our ITV network, two scenes were exercised. The most significant one was Lockwood arguing with Cameron about which to rescue first, the jewels or Ullie. When it got re-shown on BBC2, we had it all without any adverts!!! It's probably on par with that Unicorn video - not available in the UK. We get a double repeat on TV in an 18 month period every 5-10 years or so. Oh, there's a UK video company called Kult-TV (www.kult-tv.co.uk) who re-issue videos of TV series if there's enough interest. I had to send them a review of their 'Ultraviolet' DVD this weekend (check out the bottom 'signature' for where I work on the Net) & included 'Search' as amongst the series they ought to consider. Very much a lone voice at present. I mentioned your site. Whether they take it up or not depends on demand though. A DVD version would save a lot of problems with conversions though. I joined your mailing list on Saturday so that makes 47 people. OK, so if I'm going to help you I need to know the distribution of people. I assume the majority are American with a couple of us Brits in there. What you really need to do is recruit someone with enthusiasm from either Australia or New Zealand. Someone arriving on their doorstep with some knowledge of how their stations work will have a greater effect than a phone call or a letter out of the blue. This was how the Dr Who episodes were discovered after all. If you do write them, I think a little research into their departments would be required. Target their archive or research department might be a good idea than going for anyone at the top. The turnover of such people is probably as bad as Stateside but the lower people are likely to stay there much longer. Explain the situation & a desire to see what they have might work. [I have a background in applied General Semantics. To me this is more a question of how to address the problem to get results. Many years ago, I suggested to one of the organisers, I knew vaguely at the time, of one of the Doctor Who back on TV campaigners to target the management rather than the director-general & it got quite a different reaction. Still no new series but it got the TV repeats going again. I wasn't even involved in that campaign. I just recognised the problem area & who to target for a better result.] I wonder it any of the NZ TV stations have a website?? Re: Hugh O'Brian. Getting him at conventions is not a good idea. Like any guest, he has to be all things to as many people as possible unless you can get an invite into the guests lounge. It would make a lot more sense to contact him at home if you can get the address & more quiet. I hope you run pieces/interviews on Angel Tompkins and Ginny Golden on your website. There's so few of them alive any more. Albert Popwell died in a heart op over a decade ago. Doug McClure, Burgess Meredith, Sir John Gielgud, Lilia Skala, Ford Rainey & Leslie Stevens are all dead. It's going to be a very sad affair if all that is announced is the obituary list. Re: Props. Might be an idea to do a straw poll amongst your 47 to see who would want a scanner & then let us all plague this chap & see if he can be encouraged to make some more. I assume you have his address & how much he charged originally to give some idea of the cost?? It sounds like the second best thing to owning the originals. I suppose apart from the scanner, there's also Lockwood's rope belt & lockpick buckle. Something else that can hardly be bought legally I guess. One thing I commented to Richard Rutherford is that the age of fans of the series is going to be pretty much of a generation in their 40s, doesn't it?? Finally, one of your photos shows Ullie & Lockwood together isn't complete as it also features Streeter. In a book called 'Movies Made For Television: The Telefeature And The Mini-Series 1964-1979' by Alvin H. Marhill (pub: LSP Books Ltd 1980. ISBN: 0-85321-081-0) page 92 there's a much larger picture. I can send you a JPEG attachment (please let me know the file size preference) or hardcopy if you'd prefer. Will you please stop salivating. You'll short-circuit your keyboard. I had a look at some of the earlier mailing list. There's a lot of mail there, isn't there?? It might pay to put together a condensed version of the important bits than having to wade through the lot though. You have my permission to put together a condensed version of my emails to you if you think there's anything you can use. I've been sending Richard ga-ga with my comments about how the TV scanner works. It's essentially a passive telemetrical device that is powered from Probe Control - explains what Kuroda is doing after all. Leslie Stevens appears to have known what he was doing in '72 or had the right consultants to advise him. The fact there is a reference to NASA suggests he might well have had the latter. Re: Novelisations. There's three pictures to a book. Don't tell me I missed them looking around the site?? I noticed some of your links aren't fully operational yet. You didn't answer my question about why the top half of your opening page is still there when linking into other pages you have, by the way. It might pay to ask a question through the forum for the last time anyone saw the pilot on TV recently. I can peg BBC2 to about 1994-95. As I said, we get a showing every 10 years or so suggesting that it has to be in a rotation box from Warner for foreign viewing. It would be interesting to see if there was a pattern to this around the world then put letters to the TV companies who showed it about the series itself & see if they take an interest, assuming the US ban is working. Sending letters to media mags & TV guides praising the pilot every time if gets shown wouldn't do any harm either. [Still need that info of where all these 47 hail from.] Again, these are longshots but it would stir up interest. Re: Using my legitimacy. It's an interesting thought but I have a suspicion I might fall foul to the same problem you had. We need to use what I can do as a card in your pocket until I look things over (more on that below). Looking through your forum at least gave an idea why Warner were pissed with Leslie Stevens. Objectively, it looks like he had loads of energy & was in great demand & figured he could do it all. Chances are, he probably could have except Warner saw it as a conflict of interests at the time. You both should understand the American business mentality better than me on such matters. The problem with that decision though is the people who were responsible have moved on many generations since then. In that respect, if we had anyone there who remembered the show we'd have an easier time. The latter is an important factor. 47 people writing or emailing ain't gonna get a 'Star Trek' reaction. It needs a different tactic. We need the general media to take notice & then spur something like the Sci-Fi Channel to think its worth acquiring the rights & use their buying muscle. In that respect, we do have a way to do this. This isn't something I've really looked into yet but it might be worth seeing if there are any Outer Limits websites who don't know about Leslie Stevens other work & see if they're interested in seeing it?? See how that swells the numbers. Both of you running a Search website would have more legitimacy than me in that respect. The trick then is to use something like the Sci-Fi Channel & show them what they're missing. Something like them could put more pressure than we could & if they treat Search as a missing classic will have more muscle with Warners to get viewing rights. Chances are they'd end up picking it up at a cheap price - something else to point out to them. [Again, we're going to need a name in their buying department as well.] In the mean time, let me ponder on Warners as well. I don't spend that much time on the Net. My work wouldn't get done otherwise but I'll have a look around their site for particular areas to put pressure on. Outside of their Research department I'm trying to think of the title of the office we need to focus on. Something like a show sales department. The main problem is with only 23 episodes, the only way it'll get shown is by syndication in some late night spot. From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Fri Jul 13, 2001 5:12 pm Subject: Re: Thoughts of a new list member Hi John: Thanks for bringing us Geoff Willmetts' interesting SEARCH observations. I have a cousin in England who visited us some years ago, so it's great to read some of his British-isms. Even though SEARCH only has 23 episodes, that didn't stop "The Prisoner", "Kolchak: The Night Stalker," "Battlestar Galactica" or "The Time Tunnel" (all single season shows) from becoming cult TV favorites. Last year on this list, it was sort of decided that Encore's Mystery Channel would be the best bet to run SEARCH because they had already run Leslie Stevens' "Name of the Game" series. And because they were least likely to cut the shows and they would be run without commercials. TV Land and Sci-Fi Channel were seen as lesser outlets because they tend to cut and speed up their shows for more and more commercials. At this point, though, those may be the only real choices. For whoever wants to give it a try, here's contact information for The Sci-Fi Channel: http://www.scifi.com/ http://www.scifi.com/feedback/ To email suggestions and comments for On-Air Programming Department regarding their U.S. feed: program@www.scifi.com The following info(which I hope is not outdated)is from: http://www.mst3kinfo.com/mstfaq/scifi.html "The main USA Network's switchboard number is: 212-413-5000. Ask for the Sci-Fi Channel, and you will be connected to their viewer response line, where you can leave a recorded message... Their snail mail address is: Audience Services The Sci-Fi Channel USA Networks 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 Bonnie Hammer is Senior Vice President, the Sci-Fi Channel Programming. She replaced Barry Schulman, who resigned in July, 1998." If anyone has any updated information or has already tried contacting them and got a response, let us know. Don H. ============================================================= --- In probe_control@y..., actingman@i... wrote: > Folks, we have a new list member named Geoff Willmetts. He and Bryan and I > have been trading emails, and I mentioned, since he isn't on line very > often that I would paste together relevant portions of his notes and share > them with all of you. All of the below is from just two emails, so there > is a lot to think about. I think you should be able to figure out what he > is referencing in my posts to him. If not, just ask. And as I said, he is > a list member now, so you can ask Geoff as well. > > John From: Marta Dawes Date: Fri Jul 13, 2001 6:40 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Thoughts of a new list member Someone on my Night Gallery list mentioned at one time that he had a contact at the Encore Channel. I passed along the request to show "Search" to him, but don't know if he can get anything through. I'll let everyone know if I hear anything. Marta dghprobe3@aol.com wrote: > > Hi John: Thanks for bringing us Geoff Willmetts' interesting SEARCH > observations. I have a cousin in England who visited us some years > ago, so it's great to read some of his British-isms. > > Even though SEARCH only has 23 episodes, that didn't stop "The > Prisoner", "Kolchak: The Night Stalker," "Battlestar Galactica" > or "The Time Tunnel" (all single season shows) from becoming cult TV > favorites. > > Last year on this list, it was sort of decided that Encore's Mystery > Channel would be the best bet to run SEARCH because they had already > run Leslie Stevens' "Name of the Game" series. And because they were > least likely to cut the shows and they would be run without > commercials. > > TV Land and Sci-Fi Channel were seen as lesser outlets because they > tend to cut and speed up their shows for more and more commercials. > At this point, though, those may be the only real choices. > > For whoever wants to give it a try, here's contact information for > The Sci-Fi Channel: > http://www.scifi.com/ > http://www.scifi.com/feedback/ > > To email suggestions and comments for On-Air Programming Department > regarding their U.S. feed: > program@www.scifi.com > > The following info(which I hope is not outdated)is from: > http://www.mst3kinfo.com/mstfaq/scifi.html > > "The main USA Network's switchboard number is: 212-413-5000. Ask for > the Sci-Fi Channel, and you will be connected to their viewer > response line, where you can leave a recorded message... > Their snail mail address is: > > Audience Services > The Sci-Fi Channel > USA Networks > 1230 Avenue of the Americas > New York, NY 10020 > > Bonnie Hammer is Senior Vice President, the Sci-Fi Channel > Programming. She replaced Barry Schulman, who resigned in July, 1998." > > If anyone has any updated information or has already tried contacting > them and got a response, let us know. > > Don H. > > ============================================================= > --- In probe_control@y..., actingman@i... wrote: > > Folks, we have a new list member named Geoff Willmetts. He and > Bryan and I > > have been trading emails, and I mentioned, since he isn't on line > very > > often that I would paste together relevant portions of his notes > and share > > them with all of you. All of the below is from just two emails, so > there > > is a lot to think about. I think you should be able to figure out > what he > > is referencing in my posts to him. If not, just ask. And as I > said, he is > > a list member now, so you can ask Geoff as well. > > > > John > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ -- Marta "The Graveyards of Omaha" http://members.nbci.com/martadawes "The New Twilight Zone" http://members.nbci.com/newtwilzone Join the Cinerama and Widescreen Movie Discussion Group http://www.egroups.com/group/cinerama_widescreen_movies Lord Byron, Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley Discussion Group http://www.egroups.com/group/mary_percy_shelley From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Fri Jul 13, 2001 8:25 pm Subject: Mystery Channel & Columbia House For the newer folks who may have missed it, earlier in the list I gave contact information for Encore's Mystery Channel at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/message/126 The other thing in Mystery Channel's favor is that they have made a specialty of running overseas ("for export only") programs! So, whoever can do so, please send a letter to the Mystery Channel (or any other cable channel you like) and ask them to contact Warner Bros. about running SEARCH. The address is: Encore's Mystery Channel c/o Programming Director Encore Thematic Multiplex 5445 DTC Parkway Suite 600 Englewood, CO 80111 Another suggestion has been to contact Columbia House and ask them to sell tapes of SEARCH. But I think they would be inclined against it since no one is running the series and hence, from their point of view, there is no demand. If and when SEARCH gets on cable, that would be a good time to send letters to them. I posted Columbia House contact info here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/message/126 If anyone has anything to add to any of this, please do so! Use your imagination and do whatever you can. Don H. From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Sat Jul 14, 2001 1:07 am Subject: IMDb on SEARCH & Ford Rainey The Internet Movie Database has a page on SEARCH, of which I have been aware for a while. However, others on the list might be curious to see it: http://us.imdb.com/Title?0068131 As you scroll down the page, you will find an area of "User Comments." There is a post by a "JamesL-4." Is this someone already on our mailing list? Also, someone mentioned that Ford Rainey may have died. I haven't been able to confirm this. The IMDb's listing for Rainey does not show a date of death. It does show that he's been pretty active in recent years. He appeared in two movies in 1999 as well as three episodes of "King of Queens" in 1998. His IMDb page: http://us.imdb.com/Name?Rainey,+Ford There are other Ford Rainey pages, here's another site devoted to character actors: http://www.what-a-character.com/cgi-bin/display.cgi?id=RaineyF Sci-Fi Channel has a page for Mr. Rainey along with a photo, due to his "$6 Million Man" role as Steve Austin's stepfather: http://www.scifi.com/bionicrod/faq/rainey.htm The California Artists Radio Theatre has a number of radio shows featuring people like Ford Rainey, Edward Mulhare and others available at: http://www.otrsite.com/cart/index.html There is also a "Time Tunnel" page which mentions that Rainey appeared in "The Death Trap" episode about an assassination attempt on President Lincoln: http://www.whiterabbit.com/~scrnsrc/episodes/time_tunnel.html Don H. From: actingman@iname.com Date: Sat Jul 14, 2001 1:14 am Subject: How many is enough? This may be wrong, but I read somewhere that Image Entertainment, when they released Space:1999 on laser disc in 1991, only made 500 copies of each 2 episode disk. That surprised me because I thought it would have to sell in higher numbers then that to be profitable. I wonder what the actual break even, and show a profit number is. I know part is how much are the rights...but after that...what is the actual number of sales that have to happen? From: michael beacom Date: Sat Jul 14, 2001 9:41 am Subject: Re: [probe_control] How many is enough? I doubt that is accurate- I cannot imagine any mass media which could attempt profitability at 500 pressings only. 5,000 would even be a small number. They have re-released these all on DVD and I see them in Boarders bookstores so I assume that there are more than 500 copies of these nationwide. Michael B. actingman@iname.com wrote: > This may be wrong, but I read somewhere that Image Entertainment, when they > released Space:1999 on laser disc in 1991, only made 500 copies of each 2 > episode disk. That surprised me because I thought it would have to sell in > higher numbers then that to be profitable. > > I wonder what the actual break even, and show a profit number is. > > I know part is how much are the rights...but after that...what is the > actual number of sales that have to happen? From: "Mark Speck" Date: Sat Jul 14, 2001 10:35 pm Subject: Welcome Geoff! Hi Geoff, and welcome to the list! Best, Mark From: "Mark Speck" Date: Sat Jul 14, 2001 10:37 pm Subject: Re: Ford Rainey Hey Guys! To the best of my knowledge, Ford Rainey is still very much alive. I've heard nothing about him passing away. Best, Mark From: "Mark Speck" Date: Sun Jul 15, 2001 10:47 pm Subject: Re: How Much is Enough? Hey Guys! Talking of Space: 1999 being reissued on DVD, I'd like to mention that, according to an ITC list that I'm on, over in England not only has Space: 1999 been reissued, but also a host of ITC series (Man in a Suitcase, The Champions, Department S, The Persuaders, et al) that have just as many or LESS episodes than Search! All of which makes me wonder, is there any hope for seeing our beloved series on DVD sometime soon? Or is that just wishful thinking? Best, Mark From: actingman@iname.com Date: Sun Jul 15, 2001 11:16 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: How Much is Enough? Of course over there, with most shows only doing six episodes a "series", 23 episodes would be a four year hit. Glad I have a multi-region player that also converts PAL to NTSC. Buying those Danger Man episodes. People in the Space:1999 fandom are fighting and screaming cause both A & E in the States and Carlton in the U.K. are using inferior, and in some cases damaged, sources to make the DVDs. Meanwhile they are doing new transfers of the other ITC series. At 02:47 AM 7/16/2001 +0000, you wrote: >Hey Guys! > >Talking of Space: 1999 being reissued on DVD, I'd like to mention that, >according to an ITC list that I'm on, over in England not only has Space: >1999 been reissued, but also a host of ITC series (Man in a Suitcase, The >Champions, Department S, The Persuaders, et al) that have just as many or >LESS episodes than Search! > >All of which makes me wonder, is there any hope for seeing our beloved >series on DVD sometime soon? Or is that just wishful thinking? > >Best, > >Mark From: actingman@iname.com Date: Sun Jul 15, 2001 11:23 pm Subject: New photos on the site I am glad, and relieved to announce, that I finished doing the grabs off of the Probe pilot. There are now a total of 214 grabs from the pilot. I used two different grabbers. The ones with the second grabber (which is also where the new ones begin) start with #141. (Bad Sentence...sorry) Bryan thinks one set is brighter then the other. I don't really see it. I would be curious what you folks think, each of you viewing on different monitors. www.probecontrol.com And of course scream out if there is a problem with any of the new ones. From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Mon Jul 16, 2001 12:05 am Subject: Re: How Much is Enough? --- In probe_control@y..., actingman@i... wrote: > Of course over there, with most shows only doing six episodes > a "series", 23 episodes would be a four year hit... John brings up a good point and it brings to mind that there is one six episode American series which is quite famous, has a cult following, aired on cable, and even had it's own series of feature films. I refer to the 1982 Leslie Neilsen series "Police Squad," from the folks who gave us the first "Airplane!" movie. It'd be nice if someone on the list could somehow infiltrate the proper Warner Brothers television distribution department and find out exactly why those 23 SEARCH episodes are just sitting in a vault somewhere gathering dust and find a way to reverse that situation. Is there any way to find out who is in charge of whatever department it is and bombard them with letters and emails, in addition to our contacting various cable outlets? Don H. From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Mon Jul 16, 2001 12:17 am Subject: Re: New photos on the site --- In probe_control@y..., actingman@i... wrote: > ...There are now a total of 214 grabs from the pilot. > > I used two different grabbers. The ones with the second grabber >(which is also where the new ones begin) start with #141. (Bad > Sentence...sorry) > > Bryan thinks one set is brighter then the other... ---------------------------------------- John, those new Probe grabs, starting with #141, do have somewhat better contrast and color than the earlier ones, which appear to be lighter with a slight greenish tint. Either way, thanks for taking the time to make these for us. These grabs can be useful for future reference and they are also interesting to look at by themselves. Don H. http://probecontrol.com/ From: actingman@iname.com Date: Mon Jul 16, 2001 6:04 pm Subject: A new script posted The newly scanned script on probecontrol.com is the Lockwood episode "Suffer My Child." As usual I left in misspellings...and as I remember, there is a bad one in there...I don't want folks to think it's a sick joke on my part. You can go to the site and look at it, or go directly to the script itself: http://probecontrol.com/Scripts/Suffer.txt One thing I have not been including with the scripts is a final page that I always assumed was inserted by the company that made copies for Lincoln Enterprises (who sold the script copies.) I have always assumed that the studios had their own typing pools, to protect the content of the stories. None of the Classic Trek scripts I bought from Lincoln at the time had this final page. None of the faded, obviously photocopied Search scripts had the extra page. Who knows? Anyway, on the high quailty mimeographed Search scripts is an extra page, and in the lower right hand corner is the following: BARBARA'S PLACE (we satisfy) Typing and Duplicating 9255 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, Calif. 90069 273-1015 272-1371 From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Tue Jul 17, 2001 2:20 am Subject: re: CD-R copies Hello everyone Just having my twopence worth here. If the material has to be split between CDs then there isn't much gain. Wait a few years & DVD copying will at least be affordable & get it all onto a single disk. By that time, there is a greater possibility of having better than multi-generation copies. There's also a secondary problem that if we irritate Warners the wrong way that they won't allow any access at all!! They can't do much about multi-generational copies, but CD will smell of commercialism to them & risk being sued. Specific reply to dghprobe3 - you don't appear to have a first name in one of your mailings but I take it you're Don H?? - I can give very valid reasons on why some shows were repeated & others haven't. Take Kolchak. About 10 years back we had a late night horror compilation hosted by Richard O'Brien from 'Rocky Horror Show' fame that featured Kolchak. It was the most popular part of the show & was continued after the compilation season ended. That's how I ended up with a near complete run of its episodes. The only loss was in the initial episodes not having the end credits which was a bit of a bummer but those are available elsewhere. 'The Prisoner' has a very healthy fan following & gets a repeat at least once a decade in much the same way as the BBC repeats 'Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy'. Saying that, the video releases of both shows makes TV repeats has to hit the viewing figures in other than new viewers. As to 'The Time Tunnel'. It, 'Lost In Space' & 'Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea' were part of a mass Irwin Allen collection that Channel 4 decided to show about 15 years back. I recorded selected episodes of 'Voyage' (too many to have them all although I filled a dozen or so tapes) & all of 'Time Tunnel' for my collection. As to 'Galactica'. Since ITV, it's been re-shown on BBC twice. Not one of my favourite programmes though. I believe it tends to come up as part of a package deal when whichever channel is buying. Before anyone asks, when 'Probe' got re-shown, I had considered writing in & suggesting getting the series but a lone voice or two wouldn't be that effective. It needs someone with a voice inside any TV channel to champion the cause as well as a big letter response. Although I don't watch any satellite channel, the reason why I suggested the Sci-Fi Channel as a possible outlet is because we need to get the series shown anywhere that will inspire interest. Once a satellite channel had it & there's been viewing figures to back it up, the chances are greater that a terrestrial channel might pick it up knowing that someone will be watching. It's getting that initial chink in the armour open. From my POV, it's only the lack of being shown that is why our fan base is so small. I had no problem selling an article on it to TV Zone (TV Zone Special # 12 - it's still available from their company, let me know if you want details & I'll run the address) - a UK media mag - when I could back it up with photos. They'd probably have taken an episode guide off of me as well if I had complete access to the information they would need. Where I fell down previously was my lack of cast lists & a bit more detail some of the episodes I don't have scripts for & could try them again. Getting seen in media mags is one way to stir up interest. If you're looking for other places where 'Probe' is noted, try Microsoft's 'Cinemania' CDs, especially the 96 edition. It's also in Corel Home CD Guide's 'All Movie Guide II'. With the latter, looking at some of their other entries, I wouldn't take all their info as gospel. They've been inclined to kill off the odd supporting actor or actress who is still alive. And no, I didn't this as a source for Ford Rainey's death although it memory serves, it was in 1999. Oh, if memory serves again, I think Rainey actually played Lincoln in that 'Time Tunnel' episode. Again, hooking into fan sites of the actors is a good way to build up the fan base here or indicate such a fan base as our own exists. There will probably have to be some reciprocation though. This is where networking on the Net has to be an advantage than any other medium. Re: Space: 1999 on laser disk. Back in 1991, laser disks was very a rich man's sport so might explain the small numbers although like Michael Beacom, I don't believe it would have been such a small number as 500. It's academic anyway, as laser disk recorders are going the route of Beta video recorders, this time supplanted by DVD. Finally, Richard Rutherford suggested that I ought to run my more detailed comments about the TV scanner. The TV scanner is small enough to take some knocks & still function. As it's solid state that could be expected. I had considered the medallion chain a possible ariel but then not all Probes use it that way. The tie-pin, ring, broach & waistcoat chain wouldn't really provide enough of an ariel to make it practical. There's also the problem that Lockwood left the scanner on the table in 'Probe' & 'One Of Our Probes Is Missing' & 'Moonrock' where scanners were left connected to nothing & could still be accessed. Oh, I don't remember the name of the episode (Richard says its, 'Suffer My Child'), but it was one where Lockwood was thrown unconscious into a docks & Cameron ordered electrical stimulation to wake him up. Passive telemetry isn't impossible. It's the way a lot of spying equipment is designed to reduce tell-tale signs from being detected. The fact that Cheney's dog in 'Probe' reacted has more to do with the ultrasonic register than the transmission itself. That would be used to pick up & transmit sounds. There's a probably reason to believe the earjack is powered in a similar way, especially as Gloria Harding threatened to fry Lockwood's brain through it in 'Probe'. It was obviously used that way to help him overcome his nascent cold from the dungeon as well. You can see sinus suffers lining up for the operation now, can't you?? As John has commented, I've got a busy schedule. See where I work to recognise that. I'll run the eaddress signature below. If you don't see a reply from me here, assume that I've got nothing to add not that I haven't read your comments. Don't forget the straw poll on your countries please. Just so we don't get bogged down with 47 short messages, it might be an idea to relay them through either John or Bryan to tot them up. Stay tuned. Gotta go. Geoff Willmetts ********* GF Willmetts **************************** Commissioning Editor: http://www.crowsnestbooks.com THE E-BOOK PUBLISHER THAT TRIES HARDER Editor: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com THE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY MAGAZINE *************************************************** From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Tue Jul 17, 2001 2:53 am Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Video/DVD options Hello Mark Speck It's more like wishful thinking as all those programs are British. Of the re-issue on video/DVD options, I still think plaguing Kult-TV (I printed their website address before) would be a better option as they appear to be looking for other series to run with. All it needs is for them to believe there's a big enough interest to look further into it. They did wonders with a 60s TV puppet show called 'Space Patrol' although you might have seen it under a different name. Geoff Willmetts From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Tue Jul 17, 2001 3:04 am Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: CD copying Hello everyone Sorry if you end up with a repeat of this message. The second message appears to be in the pages before the first one otherwise. Just having my twopence worth here. If the material has to be split between CDs then there isn't much gain. Wait a few years & DVD copying will at least be affordable & get it all onto a single disk. By that time, there is a greater possibility of having better than multi-generation copies. There's also a secondary problem that if we irritate Warners the wrong way that they won't allow any access at all!! They can't do much about multi-generational copies, but CD will smell of commercialism to them & risk being sued. Specific reply to dghprobe3 - you don't appear to have a first name in one of your mailings but I take it you're Don H?? - I can give very valid reasons on why some shows were repeated & others haven't. Take Kolchak. About 10 years back we had a late night horror compilation hosted by Richard O'Brien from 'Rocky Horror Show' fame that featured Kolchak. It was the most popular part of the show & was continued after the compilation season ended. That's how I ended up with a near complete run of its episodes. The only loss was in the initial episodes not having the end credits which was a bit of a bummer but those are available elsewhere. 'The Prisoner' has a very healthy fan following & gets a repeat at least once a decade in much the same way as the BBC repeats 'Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy'. Saying that, the video releases of both shows makes TV repeats has to hit the viewing figures in other than new viewers. As to 'The Time Tunnel'. It, 'Lost In Space' & 'Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea' were part of a mass Irwin Allen collection that Channel 4 decided to show about 15 years back. I recorded selected episodes of 'Voyage' (too many to have them all although I filled a dozen or so tapes) & all of 'Time Tunnel' for my collection. As to 'Galactica'. Since ITV, it's been re-shown on BBC twice. Not one of my favourite programmes though. I believe it tends to come up as part of a package deal when whichever channel is buying. Before anyone asks, when 'Probe' got re-shown, I had considered writing in & suggesting getting the series but a lone voice or two wouldn't be that effective. It needs someone with a voice inside any TV channel to champion the cause as well as a big letter response. Although I don't watch any satellite channel, the reason why I suggested the Sci-Fi Channel as a possible outlet is because we need to get the series shown anywhere that will inspire interest. Once a satellite channel had it & there's been viewing figures to back it up, the chances are greater that a terrestrial channel might pick it up knowing that someone will be watching. It's getting that initial chink in the armour open. From my POV, it's only the lack of being shown that is why our fan base is so small. I had no problem selling an article on it to TV Zone (TV Zone Special # 12 - it's still available from their company, let me know if you want details & I'll run the address) - a UK media mag - when I could back it up with photos. They'd probably have taken an episode guide off of me as well if I had complete access to the information they would need. Where I fell down previously was my lack of cast lists & a bit more detail some of the episodes I don't have scripts for & could try them again. Getting seen in media mags is one way to stir up interest. If you're looking for other places where 'Probe' is noted, try Microsoft's 'Cinemania' CDs, especially the 96 edition. It's also in Corel Home CD Guide's 'All Movie Guide II'. With the latter, looking at some of their other entries, I wouldn't take all their info as gospel. They've been inclined to kill off the odd supporting actor or actress who is still alive. And no, I didn't this as a source for Ford Rainey's death although it memory serves, it was in 1999. Oh, if memory serves again, I think Rainey actually played Lincoln in that 'Time Tunnel' episode. Again, hooking into fan sites of the actors is a good way to build up the fan base here or indicate such a fan base as our own exists. There will probably have to be some reciprocation though. This is where networking on the Net has to be an advantage than any other medium. Re: Space: 1999 on laser disk. Back in 1991, laser disks was very a rich man's sport so might explain the small numbers although like Michael Beacom, I don't believe it would have been such a small number as 500. It's academic anyway, as laser disk recorders are going the route of Beta video recorders, this time supplanted by DVD. Finally, Richard Rutherford suggested that I ought to run my more detailed comments about the TV scanner. The TV scanner is small enough to take some knocks & still function. As it's solid state that could be expected. I had considered the medallion chain a possible ariel but then not all Probes use it that way. The tie-pin, ring, broach & waistcoat chain wouldn't really provide enough of an ariel to make it practical. There's also the problem that Lockwood left the scanner on the table in 'Probe' & 'One Of Our Probes Is Missing' & 'Moonrock' where scanners were left connected to nothing & could still be accessed. Oh, I don't remember the name of the episode (Richard says its, 'Suffer My Child'), but it was one where Lockwood was thrown unconscious into a docks & Cameron ordered electrical stimulation to wake him up. Passive telemetry isn't impossible. It's the way a lot of spying equipment is designed to reduce tell-tale signs from being detected. The fact that Cheney's dog in 'Probe' reacted has more to do with the ultrasonic register than the transmission itself. That would be used to pick up & transmit sounds. There's a probably reason to believe the earjack is powered in a similar way, especially as Gloria Harding threatened to fry Lockwood's brain through it in 'Probe'. It was obviously used that way to help him overcome his nascent cold from the dungeon as well. You can see sinus suffers lining up for the operation now, can't you?? As John has commented, I've got a busy schedule. See where I work to recognise that. I'll run the eaddress signature below. If you don't see a reply from me here, assume that I've got nothing to add not that I haven't read your comments. Don't forget the straw poll on your countries please. Just so we don't get bogged down with 47 short messages, it might be an idea to relay them through either John or Bryan to tot them up. Stay tuned. Gotta go. Geoff Willmetts ********* GF Willmetts **************************** Commissioning Editor: http://www.crowsnestbooks.com THE E-BOOK PUBLISHER THAT TRIES HARDER Editor: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com THE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY MAGAZINE *************************************************** From: actingman@iname.com Date: Tue Jul 17, 2001 8:48 pm Subject: Fwd: Probe vs Search Folks...I got the message below. I think the comment he is pointing to was written by one of us. If one of us did write it...is it based on anything that was in print, or quoted from someone connected with the show? >From: "Paul Walchak" >To: >Subject: Probe vs Search >Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 19:08:15 -0500 >X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2615.200 > >Hi, > >Stumbled onto your web site . . . saw in FAQ you're not sure of reason show >was retitled. Check out second to last bullet on >http://www.jumptheshark.com/n/nameofthegame.htm. Maybe this will help. > >Paul From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 12:52 am Subject: Hi Geoff Howdy folks, Don Harden here again. Geoff brought up some interesting points and I figured I'd add a little to them, so here goes: ------------------------------------------ ..There's also a secondary problem that if we irritate Warners the wrong way that they won't allow any access at all!! ------------------------------------------ I hadn't thought about the above, but he's right. We don't want to bite the hand that potentially could feed us. However, the VCDs Larry wants to make will mainly be for his own use and for whoever else wants to see SEARCH on their computer and certain DVD players that can handle them. Any donation/price for these I expect will be fairly low, comparable to or less than the dubs we currently do. In a way, I guess we should be thankful that Warner even allows foreign distribution only of SEARCH. How "Kolchak" was run in Britain was a bit of interesting news I hadn't heard before. In the U.S., during the summer of 1979, CBS was looking for something to jazz up their Friday Late Movie. They started running episodes of Kolchak as a lead-in to their feature. They did it again in 1988. Now it runs on the Sci-Fi Channel and Columbia House sells or sold tapes of the series. But it was CBS that got it out of the vault to begin with. "The Time Tunnel" was put into U.S. syndication by Fox back in 1974. It didn't do that well, so it was withdrawn. In 1983, for whatever reason, Fox tried again to syndicate "Tunnel" with a series of five movies which were ten of the episodes edited into a two hour time slot. Sci-Fi Channel now has it. ------------------------------------------------------- ...If you're looking for other places where 'Probe' is noted, try Microsoft's 'Cinemania' CDs, especially the 96 edition. It's also in Corel Home CD Guide's 'All Movie Guide II'. .. ------------------------------------------------------- I don't have either of those sources. Can Geoff or anyone else quote briefly or paraphrase what each source has to say about "Probe"? Thanks again. From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 1:07 am Subject: Re: [probe_control] Fwd: Probe vs Search Hi John: Don here and I believe it was one of our list members who made that post to the Jump the Shark site. We never really got an official explanation as to why the name of the series was changed from "Probe" to "Probe Three" to "Search." You can see the progression of name changes through the first six scripts. My filmclip clapboards show that the name changed during mid-July 1972, during the filming of "Operation Iceman." Cleveland Amory asserted in his TV Guide review--as part of a joke--that the name "Probe" was found to have been owned by someone else, but we have found nothing to back that up. Another speculation was that the name of the show may have been changed because of a humorous remark Angel Tompkins made at the NBC press conference, but again we have no real proof. Saying that the name of the show was changed for legal reasons was probably just a shorter way of repeating Amory's assertion. Hopefully one day we will run across someone who worked behind the scenes who knows the REST of the story... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- In a message dated 7/17/01 9:49:02 PM EDT, actingman@iname.com writes: >From: "Paul Walchak" >To: >Subject: Probe vs Search >Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 19:08:15 -0500 >X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2615.200 > >Hi, > >Stumbled onto your web site . . . saw in FAQ you're not sure of reason show >was retitled. Check out second to last bullet on >http://www.jumptheshark.com/n/nameofthegame.htm. Maybe this will help. > >Paul From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 2:57 am Subject: Re: Fwd: Probe vs Search Then again, I'm reminded of the short-lived 1988 Parker Stevenson series on ABC (and rerun on cable) which was called "Probe." Has anyone determined why were they able to use the name? Don H. ------------------------------------------------ > >From: "Paul Walchak" > >To: > >Subject: Probe vs Search > >Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 19:08:15 -0500 > >X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2615.200 > > > >Hi, > > > >Stumbled onto your web site . . . saw in FAQ you're not sure of reason show > >was retitled. Check out second to last bullet on > >http://www.jumptheshark.com/n/nameofthegame.htm. Maybe this will help. > > > >Paul From: DBoysen@aol.com Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 12:47 pm Subject: Re: Fwd: Probe vs Search I believe (and I thought I had read it in one of these posts.) that the reason for the change was due to a conflict with a PBS series which was also titled "Probe" that was running at the same time. Evidently, the PBS series was off the air by the time the Parker Stevenson series began. From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 2:56 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] shorter UK series Hello everyone Hello John specifically Re your comment: ‘Of course over there, with most shows only doing six episodes a "series", 23 episodes would be a four year hit.’ So, something like 'Doctor Who' must really have gone through the roof compared to something like 'Star Trek' having lasted longer than all the Trek series put together??!! Seriously though, the reason UK series aren't forced into big seasons is largely to do with funding & how many episodes is needed to tell their story. Our lot leave 'em begging for more, especially if you saw something like UK's 'Ultraviolet' that builds up the suspense over its episodes. Too long a season would have spoilt it. We also get a lot of foreign series – I believe you know which country - that go on forever that fills in the long season gap. Re: Who typed the manuscripts. All of my copies of the scripts have that in them. I'm pretty sure that it was from the original version. Although quite why they printed off the studio lot is debatable other than it was cheaper. I always assumed it was a contractual thing with the studio. Are they still around to ask?? Gotta go. Geoff Willmetts From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 3:00 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: Name changes Hello everyone & DB again Just a brief note. In the UK, 'Search' became 'Search Control' because there was already a kiddies program of the same name. This change wasn't particularly new as 'Top Cat' became 'Boss Cat' in the UK, largely because it was the same name as a popular cat food. Before you ask, I can't remember what it showed on the screen with 'Search' from memory but I think it was probably the original name. Geoff Willmetts From: actingman@iname.com Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 6:53 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Hi Geoff Problem here Don...I have a NYC TV Guide from 1969 showing Time Tunnel in reruns Sunday nights at 7PM on WOR channel 9...or it might be 1968...not sure...I have one from each year. If I can dig it out I'll do a low res scan...I love how TV Guide looked back then. And in 1977 a UHF station in Newark, NJ was running it at 4 AM on Saturday mornings (I stayed up to watch it.) And at that same time on trips to Baltimore I saw it on WBFF channel 45 Sundays at 3PM. That's why on the FAQ I included it in my list along with Galactica and The Prisoner as a good weekend show...I had seen it run as such. You are dead on correct about the 10 episodes being edited into TV movies. I think it was just to make an alternate market for the property. At 12:52 AM 7/18/2001 -0400, you wrote: >"The Time Tunnel" was put into U.S. syndication by Fox back in 1974. It >didn't do that well, so it was withdrawn. In 1983, for whatever reason, Fox >tried again to syndicate "Tunnel" with a series of five movies which were ten >of the episodes edited into a two hour time slot. Sci-Fi Channel now has it. From: actingman@iname.com Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 7:48 pm Subject: Angel Tompkins answers two questions! After raising on the list the question of the show's name change, it suddenly occurred to me that there were two people who could be asked. I wrote to Jim to add it to the list of questions for Ginny...in case it wasn't...and I sent a note off to our favorite medical telemetrist. This morning I check my email and whoa!!!...a gracious answer from the gracious lady herself. And she invited me to add it to the website...which I will to the FAQ...one of these days. Below is her answer as to why they changed the title of the show from Probe to Search. What's funny is in her next paragraph she answers a question I didn't ask...and have not felt comfortable asking about...concering the "infamous" press conference we have heard about over the years. Read and bask in the glow of finally an answer to one of our questions...from the nice lady herself: __________________________ The show was originally called "Probe" and when the pilot was announced to air in the press there was a local show back east that was already titled "Probe" and the guy threatened to sue if the series was aired under the title. So the series name after much conversation back and forth with the network and Leslie (the guy wouldn't sell the title either) to change the series to "Search." During the Pilot presentation to the network, John Christopher Strong III edited into the title shots a huge penis take off like a missile to mars with the title "Probe" right behind it and fear and laughter was heard in the network screening room as a joke. I told the story to the NBC press when they had their big junket for all their new series without blinking an eye, because I thought it was funny (and innocent)and Tony Franciosa was with me because he was being introduced (added) to the show of contract players and he was embarrassed or speechless. From: Marta Dawes Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 9:31 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Angel Tompkins answers two questions! Great information! I had never heard about the press conference. More to the point, I can see Angel Tompkins relating that story, and that makes it even funnier. I would have thought Tony Franciosa would have been able to handle a story like that, too, even in a public setting. He's been around Hollywood long enough. Marta actingman@iname.com wrote: > > After raising on the list the question of the show's name change, it > suddenly occurred to me that there were two people who could be asked. I > wrote to Jim to add it to the list of questions for Ginny...in case it > wasn't...and I sent a note off to our favorite medical telemetrist. This > morning I check my email and whoa!!!...a gracious answer from the gracious > lady herself. And she invited me to add it to the website...which I will > to the FAQ...one of these days. Below is her answer as to why they changed > the title of the show from Probe to Search. > > What's funny is in her next paragraph she answers a question I didn't > ask...and have not felt comfortable asking about...concering the "infamous" > press conference we have heard about over the years. > > Read and bask in the glow of finally an answer to one of our > questions...from the nice lady herself: > > __________________________ > > The show was originally called "Probe" and when the pilot was announced to > air in the press there was a local show back east that was already titled > "Probe" and the guy threatened to sue if the series was aired under the > title. So the series name after much conversation back and forth with the > network and Leslie (the guy wouldn't sell the title either) to change the > series to "Search." > During the Pilot presentation to the network, John Christopher Strong III > edited into the title shots a huge penis take off like a missile to mars > with the title "Probe" right behind it and fear and laughter was heard in > the network screening room as a joke. I told the story to the NBC press > when they had their big junket for all their new series without blinking an > eye, because I thought it was funny (and innocent)and Tony Franciosa was > with me because he was being introduced (added) to the show of contract > players and he was embarrassed or speechless. > > __________________________ > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ -- Marta "The Graveyards of Omaha" http://members.nbci.com/martadawes "The New Twilight Zone" http://members.nbci.com/newtwilzone Join the Cinerama and Widescreen Movie Discussion Group http://www.egroups.com/group/cinerama_widescreen_movies Lord Byron, Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley Discussion Group http://www.egroups.com/group/mary_percy_shelley From: Jim Alexander Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 9:45 pm Subject: Probe and Search-- one last time Don Harden wrote: We never really got an official explanation as to why the name of the series was changed from "Probe" to "Probe Three" to "Search." Cleveland Amory asserted in his TV Guide review--as part of a joke--that the name "Probe" was found to have been owned by someone else, but we have found nothing to back that up. and Then again, I'm reminded of the short-lived 1988 Parker Stevenson series on ABC (and rerun on cable) which was called "Probe." Has anyone determined why were they able to use the name? and D Boysen wrote: I believe (and I thought I had read it in one of these posts.) that the reason for the change was due to a conflict with a PBS series which was also titled "Probe" that was running at the same time. Evidently, the PBS series was off the air by the time the Parker Stevenson series began. ------------------------------------ Jim Alexander sez: Well. My ISP's e-mail server has been intermittent for the last few days. It's been burping up mail periodically. I already had some of this reply written by the time that I had read Angel's response. Though this is too-little-too-late, I'll send anyhoo. What I remember seems to synch up with Angel's explanation... I had always heard that that "local show" back East was a local News Program. The story I recall is that (and I've shared this with the list before, a looooong time ago) a big-city (New York?) network affiliate bought rights to the phrase PROBE to use in connection with their local news. As an aside-- the ABC affiliate I began working for in 1980 referred to themselves as "The EDGE" (it stood for Electronic Data Gathering Equipment), as in "Get the EDGE with Channel 7!" I am thinking that the "show back East" that Angel mentions was this News Program, and it was a similar situation to the (albeit small town) one I just related. When Don mentions in his e-mail that Cleveland Armory said the phrase was owned by someone else, he is correct. As far as the Parker Stevenson show... well, I expect that Mr. Boysen's response hit close to the mark. Though he mentions the PBS network in connection to the inability to use the name PROBE (which apparently is incorrect), I would guess that he IS correct when he suggests that the owner of the phrase PROBE had no use for it by the time that the Stevenson show was produced for the network. That's my 2 cents. BTW-- if anyone has e-mailed me... I may not've gotten your letters... Jim PROBEcontrol@dynasty.net From: Jim Alexander Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 9:56 pm Subject: OT: THE TIME TUNNEL in syndication actingman@iname.com wrote: >... I have a NYC TV Guide from 1969 showing Time Tunnel in reruns Sunday nights at 7PM on WOR channel 9...or it might be 1968... (snip) ... And in 1977 a UHF station in Newark, NJ was running it at 4 AM on Saturday mornings (I stayed up to watch it.)... And at that same time on trips to Baltimore I saw it on WBFF channel 45 Sundays at 3PM. -------------------------------------------- Oddly enough, I fell in LOVE with THE TIME TUNNEL when our old CBS affiliate used to run in WEEKDAYS (yes, weekdays!) at about 4 in the afternoon, as I recall. Odd, but true. I don't think it lasted FOREVER in that timeslot, but I do remember is running there for awhile... I can't imagine it running 5-days-a-week in that slot, but it did. I remember enjoying it after school. Of course, being a kid at the time, I had no idea "how many shows" the series had lasted for, or about syndication, or anything like that. Jim probecontrol@dynasty.net From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 12:11 am Subject: OT--Time Tunnel syndicated --- In probe_control@y..., actingman@i... wrote: > Problem here Don...I have a NYC TV Guide from 1969 showing Time > Tunnel in reruns Sunday nights at 7PM on WOR channel 9...or it > might be 1968...not sure...I have one from each year. If I can dig > it out I'll do a low res scan...I love how TV Guide looked back > then... Hi John: The neat thing about a mailing list is that you find out a lot of things you never knew before. I hadn't realized "Time Tunnel" ran in other areas that much. I was going by what happened in Atlanta. It appeared in 1974, ran twice and then completely disappeared until 1983, when the 2 hour movie versions appeared. Starlog magazine at the time did report that it was Fox's attempt to cash in on the sci-fi movie craze that was still going on because of Star Wars, Jedi, Star Trek, etc. Did "Tunnel" ever get released on VHS tape? I think the only pro version of it out there is the Japanese Laserdisc version. Was there ever an American Laserdisc version? Don H. From: Jim Alexander Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 1:16 am Subject: OT--Time Tunnel syndicated Don Harden wrote: >... Did "Tunnel" ever get released on VHS tape? I think the only pro version of it out there is the Japanese Laserdisc version. Was there ever an American Laserdisc version? ------------------------------------ No. No domestic Laser version. Never released on video. Rats! The Japanese versions were released in two different Box Sets, which split the series in the middle. Jim probecontrol@dynasty.net From: Ian McKinnon Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 5:10 am Subject: RE: [probe_control] OT--Time Tunnel syndicated Hi all, Time Tunnel is currently being rerun on the Sci-FI Channel here in the UK. Perhaps it is also being scheduled for the US ? Ian Mckinnon -----Original Message----- From: Jim Alexander [mailto:probecontrol@dynasty.net] Sent: 19 July 2001 06:17 To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Subject: [probe_control] OT--Time Tunnel syndicated Don Harden wrote: >... Did "Tunnel" ever get released on VHS tape? I think the only pro version of it out there is the Japanese Laserdisc version. Was there ever an American Laserdisc version? ------------------------------------ No. No domestic Laser version. Never released on video. Rats! The Japanese versions were released in two different Box Sets, which split the series in the middle. Jim probecontrol@dynasty.net Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. From: Marta Dawes Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 7:30 am Subject: Re: [probe_control] OT--Time Tunnel syndicated Yes, but at least the Japanese laserdisc sets of this and many other obscure series are a godsend to us here in the US. That is, if you can get your hands on them, and if you can afford them. They're expensive, but very well made. I've yet to buy a Japanese laserdisc that has rotted. Marta Jim Alexander wrote: > > > Don Harden wrote: > > > >... Did "Tunnel" ever get released on VHS tape? I think the only > > pro version of it out there is the Japanese Laserdisc version. Was > > there ever an American Laserdisc version? > > ------------------------------------ > No. No domestic Laser version. Never released on video. Rats! > > The Japanese versions were released in two different Box Sets, which > split the series in the middle. > > Jim > probecontrol@dynasty.net > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. -- Marta "The Graveyards of Omaha" http://members.nbci.com/martadawes "The New Twilight Zone" http://members.nbci.com/newtwilzone Join the Cinerama and Widescreen Movie Discussion Group http://www.egroups.com/group/cinerama_widescreen_movies Lord Byron, Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley Discussion Group http://www.egroups.com/group/mary_percy_shelley From: Jim Alexander Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 8:33 am Subject: OT--Time Tunnel syndicated Ian-- How long do your prints run? An uncut 50 minutes, or 45 (edited) minutes? Thanks! Jim Alexander probecontrol@dynasty.net ------------------------------------------------------ Ian McKinnon wrote: Hi all, Time Tunnel is currently being rerun on the Sci-FI Channel here in the UK. Perhaps it is also being scheduled for the US ? Ian Mckinnon From: Jim Alexander Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 8:35 am Subject: OT--Time Tunnel syndicated >... Yes, but at least the Japanese laserdisc sets of this and many other obscure series are a godsend to us here in the US. That is, if you can get your hands on them, and if you can afford them. They're expensive, but very well made. I've yet to buy a Japanese laserdisc that has rotted. ------------------------------- I've heard that the Japanese laserdiscs were manufactured more conscientiously than our American stuff, and didn't suffer from Laser Rot. Thanks for confirming, Marta. Jim probecontrol@dynasty,net From: Cynthia_Hargraves@Paramount.com Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 12:57 pm Subject: Hello Everyone Hi, My name is Cynthia. Currently live in LA and work at Paramount.I loved Search since its debut in the 70's. I write and I work at Network TV. Search was the show that encouraged me to get into the entertainment business. I've been working in it for at least 15 years. As to my contribution to this group, I can possibly shed some light on the production questions you have on the show. Believe it or not, TV shows pretty much run the same way. Some of the questions you have on the show were due to more logistics than you can imagine and cost. I have also had the honor of having Leslie Stevens as my teacher for my graduate study at the American Film Institute. Unfortunately, I didn't get to know him for long. He passed away in mid-term. It was sad for all of us. What I can offer is what I know about him and what others knew. After Leslie passed, I couldn't imagine a teacher who could replace him. Onceagain, I was honored to have a teacher whom I admired since I was a child watching Star Trek. My teacher is Dorothy Fontana, writer and story editorfor the original series. She is now my good friend and mentor. She has helped me perfect my screenplay and I am really grateful. As for inside stuff, I am not sure. I do have a friend who works at Warner. I've been there a few times. Paramonts my turf though. Anyway. Hope to hear from you. Cynthia From: Bryan Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 2:28 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Hello Everyone I would like to say welcome to Cynthia! Cynthia originally contacted me with the post below, I felt her comments on Mr. Stevens were very interesting. Cynthia has given permission to pass this message along to the rest of the group. ========================================================================== Like you, I was 11 when I saw this show and was amazed. For a long time, I thought I may have been the only person I knew who saw the show. No one I talk too has every heard of it. Trying to explain the concept to anyone is tough if you haven't seen it. So, I just stopped talking about it. I had the honor of having Leslie Stevens, the creator, as my instructor at the American Film Institute for screenwriting. This show is a testimonial to who the man really is. He loved gadgets and was in the service. He was well traveled. I also believe he had some insight in to physics, but I'm not sure. He passed away while in the middle of our term. I was able to give him a copy of the pilot before he died. To my surprise, he said he never had one and hadn't seen the show in years. He and I both agreed that the show was ahead of its time. Because of writer/producers like him, I decided to work in the industry and follow in his footsteps. He was a great man to know and a true inspiration. I own one of the original scripts, "The Murrow Disappearance". That's the only one I was able to get some 20 to 25 years ago. Thanks guys for the putting the others on your site. I saw that you wanted video tape of any shows. Unfortunately, the pilot I have was taped off air and not really suitable to be copied. Once again, thanks. It's good to see I'm not alone. We need more innovative television shows like this one. P.S. e-mail me back with information on your discussion group. From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 4:36 pm Subject: Hello Cynthia Hi Cynthia: Don here and welcome to the SEARCH Mailing List. We're glad you found us and yes, you are not alone. It's great to hear from people who work in the television business, especially someone who remembers SEARCH when it first ran. It's also good to hear from someone who has actually met people like Leslie Stevens and Dorothy Fontana. If your contact at Warner Bros. could make some gentle inquiries about the "overseas only" status of SEARCH and how that classification might be changed to allow U. S. syndication to cable, etc., that would be terrific! Warner's decision to have SEARCH only run in foreign markets was made during the 1970's, well before cable channels mushroomed before us. At the very least, would your contact be able to find out which countries currently run SEARCH, or have run it in recent years? That would be helpful in our attempts to track down better dubs and/or the episodes we still seek. Thanks for getting in touch and we hope to hear more from you soon. Don Harden ========================================================= --- In probe_control@y..., Cynthia_Hargraves@P... wrote: > Hi, > > My name is Cynthia. Currently live in LA and work at Paramount.I > loved Search since its debut in the 70's. I write & I work at > Network TV. Search was the show that encouraged me to get into the > entertainment business. I've been working in it for at least 15 > years... From: Cynthia_Hargraves@Paramount.com Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 5:12 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Hello Cynthia Hi Don, I'm not sure how much I can help you there. I'll see what my friend can do. He's not in Distribution, so it may not be that easy. Just a little info. That decision may be entirely up to what it's worth to Warner to bring it home. What the original deal was. If they have to pay residuals to the actors or to Leslie's estate for created by credit. They may not do it. But, I'll see. It may take time. Cynthia From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 5:40 pm Subject: Robert Justman photo online For folks who want to see a fairly recent photo of Robert Justman, the first line producer of the SEARCH series, you can go to this link: http://members.aol.com/IDICPage/Justman.html It's a scan of the SkyBox card showing Robert Justman posing with Greg Jein's studio model of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 from DS9's "Trials and Tribble-ations" episode. Justman was associate producer and co-producer of the classic "Star Trek" series. He also worked with "Star Trek: The Next Generation." He co-authored the "Inside Star Trek" book with Herbert Solow. His work with Leslie Stevens goes back to the days of "The Outer Limits" during the early 1960's. Don H. From: Marta Dawes Date: Thu Jul 19, 2001 8:27 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] OT--Time Tunnel syndicated I can't tell you the number of American-made LD's that we've bought, even new releases, that already showed signs of rot. The Japanese LD's, some of which are 15 years old, are still perfect. It's definitely a quality issue, and worth every penny of the extra expense. It's too bad they never issued a set for "Search." The 1st season of CBS' "New Twilight Zone" series from the mid-80's was only released on Japanese LD (and on PAL VHS in Europe). I can tell you that we spent a fortune on those 12 LD's, and today are extremely glad we did, since those episodes are available uncut no where else in the world. It's because of that quality and obscurity that Japanese LD's are so valued. Marta Jim Alexander wrote: > > >... Yes, but at least the Japanese laserdisc sets of this and many > other obscure series are a godsend to us here in the US. That is, if > you can get your hands on them, and if you can afford them. They're > expensive, but very well made. I've yet to buy a Japanese laserdisc > that has rotted. > ------------------------------- > I've heard that the Japanese laserdiscs were manufactured more > conscientiously than our American stuff, and didn't suffer from Laser > Rot. Thanks for confirming, Marta. > > Jim > probecontrol@dynasty,net > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. -- Marta "The Graveyards of Omaha" http://members.nbci.com/martadawes "The New Twilight Zone" http://members.nbci.com/newtwilzone Join the Cinerama and Widescreen Movie Discussion Group http://www.egroups.com/group/cinerama_widescreen_movies Lord Byron, Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley Discussion Group http://www.egroups.com/group/mary_percy_shelley From: actingman@iname.com Date: Wed Jul 18, 2001 8:58 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] shorter UK series Geoff, Where did you get your copies of the scripts? Where you getting them from Lincoln Enterprises at the time? There in the U.K.? How did you hear about them? At 06:56 PM 7/18/2001 +0000, you wrote: > Re: Who typed the manuscripts. All of my copies of the scripts > have that in >them. I'm pretty sure that it was from the original version. Although quite >why they printed off the studio lot is debatable other than it was cheaper. >I always assumed it was a contractual thing with the studio. Are they still >around to ask?? From: actingman@iname.com Date: Sat Jul 21, 2001 8:06 pm Subject: Some web site updates I found a Probe picture buried that I forgot about...of Elke, with the worde "Probe" in the frame next to her. It's on the "publicised" section. I got it mail order from some company in 1980. Also, the bad links on that page have been fixed. Next to be fixed will be the images from Moonrock. And we will add an autographed picture from Deanna Lund. From: Jim Alexander Date: Sat Jul 21, 2001 10:17 pm Subject: Frontiere's theme for SEARCH A thought occurred to me the other day-- I think I'll contact Neil Norman to find out if Frontiere ever recorded the theme to SEARCH. Norman's the big sci-fi music enthusiast who worked with Dominic Frontiere's master tapes to put out the OUTER LIMITS disc. I'm thinking Norman might be somewhat accessible. Jim Alexander probecontrol@dynasty.net ---------------------------------- actingman@iname.com wrote: Gang: Look at the note I got below...and the interesting thing is not that I actually got it the same day it was sent to me. I have never heard about the theme being recorded and released. Has anybody else? >X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise 5.5.2 >Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001 14:06:33 -0400 >From: "Jean Paquin" >To: > >A few years ago, I was a public affairs interviewer for radio and TV. >During a FM radio show, I heard the Probe theme (long version) that, >according to credits, was composed by Dominic Frontiere. I have been >trying to find the theme on Napster and other web sites but couldn't find >it (except on ProbeControl.com which is a truncated version from the TV >series). What was the orchestra playing the movie's theme? I might be >easier to locate it this way. You might even know where to get it. But one >thing is for sure: it has been recorded on vinyl in the 70's. > >Jean From: Jim Alexander Date: Sat Jul 21, 2001 10:19 pm Subject: Probe-Search Theme Music >... Since Crescendo Records released Mr. Frontiere's "Outer Limits" CD in 1993, I always thought it would be great if someone like Neil Norman could get things rolling for an official SEARCH music CD. Maybe one day... -------------------------------- Whoops. My face is red. As usual, Don has a line on things. I saw this about 2 minutes after I sent out the other letter. That's what I get for cleaning out old mail... :) Jim probecontrol@dynasty.net From: Jim Alexander Date: Sun Jul 22, 2001 12:39 am Subject: Encore Channel contact I know this is kind of 'delayed', but-- --Good luck Marta! Hope you can work something up! Jim Alexander probecontrol@dynasty.net ------------------------------------------ Marta Dawes wrote: Someone on my Night Gallery list mentioned at one time that he had a contact at the Encore Channel. I passed along the request to show "Search" to him, but don't know if he can get anything through. I'll let everyone know if I hear anything. Marta From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Sun Jul 22, 2001 3:08 pm Subject: Dominic Frontiere sheet music Hi gang: Don here and I did some searches on Dominic Frontiere and there is a bit of his sheet music available at this address: http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/a/search.html?id=13285 Rat Patrol By Dominic Frontiere. Arranged by Peter Reynolds. For Marching band. Published by Southern Music Company. (LV732MB) Wouldn't it be neat to find some sheet music for SEARCH? Actually, though, some of the background music in "Rat Patrol" found it's way into SEARCH from time to time, especially some of the military sounding music in parts of "The Packagers" episode. Don H. From: actingman@iname.com Date: Sun Jul 22, 2001 12:58 am Subject: Re: [probe_control] Probe-Search Theme Music Doesn't mean you shouldn't contact him nonetheless. At 09:19 PM 7/21/2001 -0500, you wrote: >> >... Since Crescendo Records released Mr. Frontiere's "Outer Limits" CD >> in 1993, I always thought it would be great if someone like Neil Norman >> could get things rolling for an official SEARCH music CD. Maybe one day... >-------------------------------- >Whoops. My face is red. As usual, Don has a line on things. I saw this >about 2 minutes after I sent out the other letter. That's what I get for >cleaning out old mail... :) > >Jim >probecontrol@dynasty.net From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Mon Jul 23, 2001 10:27 pm Subject: Probe-Search album Hi folks: Don again. Several months ago I was talking with Anthony Taylor by phone and mentioned the idea of Crescendo or Neil Norman putting out a SEARCH album or CD. As I recall (and Anthony please correct me if I have misremembered), Anthony said that he had asked Mr. Norman about it once and the reaction was that it probably wouldn't sell enough to make the project worthwhile. However, IF we can ever get SEARCH on cable and IF it "gets popular", (like "Rockford Files" did a few years ago), that situation could change. It's a shame Crescendo didn't include the PROBE/SEARCH theme as part of their "Secret Agent File" album a few years ago. Maybe if they ever do a SECOND secret agent album... Don H. ====================================================== --- In probe_control@y..., actingman@i... wrote: > Doesn't mean you shouldn't contact him nonetheless. > > At 09:19 PM 7/21/2001 -0500, you wrote: > >> >... Since Crescendo Records released Mr. Frontiere's "Outer Limits" CD > >> in 1993, I always thought it would be great if someone like Neil Norman > >> could get things rolling for an official SEARCH music CD. Maybe one day... > >-------------------------------- > >Whoops. My face is red. As usual, Don has a line on things. I saw this > >about 2 minutes after I sent out the other letter. That's what I get for > >cleaning out old mail... :) > > > >Jim > >probecontrol@d... From: dghprobe3@aol.com Date: Mon Jul 23, 2001 10:33 pm Subject: Hugh O'Brian photo online Hi folks: It's not the greatest picture of him, but someone posted a photo of Hugh O'Brian online. It's apparently a convention appearance and he is signing autographs with Wyatt Earp pictures nearby. http://members.aol.com/moonpics/obrian.jpg From: "Mark Wilson" Date: Mon Jul 23, 2001 10:51 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Probe-Search album I wonder how much it would be for us to duplicate the band and record our own high quality Search album (or single...). Wonder if it would be as satisfying as listening to the original....hmmmm. Geez, wonder if we could all get together and resurrect the show itself...maybe a movie, like was done for "Lost in Space", "Mission Impossible" and "Batman". It would be fun updating the telemetry equipment, both external and internal devices. A derivative show perhaps, differing from the original "Probe" or "Search" to avoid any lawsuits...;) But keeping enough of the ideas, principals and technology that would make it our beloved "Search"...only more popular than the first appeared to be with the general public. Maybe the audiences are more sophisticated nowadays.... Just a thought... --Mark ----- Original Message ----- From: dghprobe3@aol.com To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, July 23, 2001 10:27 PM Subject: [probe_control] Probe-Search album Hi folks: Don again. Several months ago I was talking with Anthony Taylor by phone and mentioned the idea of Crescendo or Neil Norman putting out a SEARCH album or CD. As I recall (and Anthony please correct me if I have misremembered), Anthony said that he had asked Mr. Norman about it once and the reaction was that it probably wouldn't sell enough to make the project worthwhile. However, IF we can ever get SEARCH on cable and IF it "gets popular", (like "Rockford Files" did a few years ago), that situation could change. It's a shame Crescendo didn't include the PROBE/SEARCH theme as part of their "Secret Agent File" album a few years ago. Maybe if they ever do a SECOND secret agent album... Don H. ====================================================== --- In probe_control@y..., actingman@i... wrote: > Doesn't mean you shouldn't contact him nonetheless. > > At 09:19 PM 7/21/2001 -0500, you wrote: > >> >... Since Crescendo Records released Mr. Frontiere's "Outer Limits" CD > >> in 1993, I always thought it would be great if someone like Neil Norman > >> could get things rolling for an official SEARCH music CD. Maybe one day... > >-------------------------------- > >Whoops. My face is red. As usual, Don has a line on things. I saw this > >about 2 minutes after I sent out the other letter. That's what I get for > >cleaning out old mail... :) > > > >Jim > >probecontrol@d... From: Date: Tue Jul 24, 2001 1:45 pm Subject: New file uploaded to probe_control Hello, This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the probe_control group. File : /ProbeID.jpg Uploaded by : rraucci2@yahoo.com Description : P.R.O.B.E. ID Card You can access this file at the URL http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/files/ProbeID.jpg To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files Regards, rraucci2@yahoo.com From: rraucci2@yahoo.com Date: Tue Jul 24, 2001 1:53 pm Subject: PROBE ID Card Well, Thanks to Jim and Don for the dubs. I really enjoyed them. I added a blank PROBE ID card I'm working on to the files section. I took a stab at figuring out how it should read from the scans on the website. To make one for yourself, use a small headshot with a neutral background, trim it to fit the space that says "staff photo", down to the end of the gray line, and glue it in. Type in your name, and figure out your rank and status (Probe One, Omega Unit, Active, or Stand-By). Sign your name on the big line above the numbers at the bottom. Laminate and punch a slit on top for a clip, and you have access, baby! Richard (Any comments? Let me know.) From: Linfoot@btinternet.com Date: Tue Jul 24, 2001 3:27 pm Subject: New Search In response to Mark Wilsons post re a new Search series or movie, I have to say it`s an excellent idea and one I have thought about for a long while. Search is such a fantastic scenario in the first place that making an updated modern version would not only make a highly successful series attracting a huge fanbase but also bring our original into cult status for a mass audience. The 70`s technology, although ahead of its time, would still need to be tweaked, computers smaller of course and the all important hi-tech probe control having a few new tricks. Maybe all 48 of our members can work as co-producers, and all come up with some storylines ! I am sure we can have a lot of arguments over who will play the new Cameron ! Lets hear your nominations... Anyway who wants to "pitch" it to Warners ? If they decline, threaten to take it to Fox ! It seems to me most of these studios are run by accountants now instead of visionaries so we would need to go in heavy on the merchandising side, everyone will want a Scanner ! Anybody want to form a production company ?! Paul Linfoot From: Cynthia_Hargraves@Paramount.com Date: Tue Jul 24, 2001 4:35 pm Subject: Regarding "New Search" Hi Everyone, I'm Cynthia, work at Paramount, Network TV Production. I currently have my own (up and coming production company). I knew Leslie Stevens. I talked to him before he died regarding bringing Search back. He smiled then laughed alittle. Heaven knows what that meant. We talk some and knew, as you all did, that the show was ahead of its time. However, and here is comes. I inquired about Search with Warner sometime ago when I was doing research for a project. They own the rights in perpituity for the show. You can't pitch it to them. They own it. If for some reason they want to do it, what they might and probably will do is take the idea and develope it themselves and change things. Leslie is no longer alive to bring back what we loved about the show. Something like that happened when Gene Roddenberry died. Star Trek wasn't the same. After all, and I really hate to say this, they have people already on their "A" list who can produce, direct and write the scripts. We would be out of the picture. It seems that the business is small, but it's not. People in Fox know people in Paramount and so on. Some even have deals in place for whatever reason. What I am saying. Pitch to Fox, Warner will find out. As a rule all studios keep track of whats out there long before they hit the screens. Do your best no get involved with a lawsuit. As a response to the accountants. There are many creative people in this business. However, the cost of a show or film often becomes a very serious factor. More today than I would say 30 to 40 years ago. Scripts get cut. Sets are built to be cost effective. It all trickles down. There are independent ways to bring Search back. As this time, since I have some interest in a ressurgence. I can say how until I'm sure. As for music and tapes guys, I'll do some poking around. I have a friend a Warner. But he works for a major production company on the lot that has several picture deals. He doesn't have much contact with Distribution, but I'll see. Take care----END RUN----Cynthia From: Bryan Date: Tue Jul 24, 2001 7:02 pm Subject: www.probeconrol.com is down. Sorry everyone. I didn't get around to re-register the domain name, and it was shut down. It will be back within 10 hours. Sorry about the inconvenience. Bryan From: Jim Alexander Date: Tue Jul 24, 2001 7:24 pm Subject: Regarding a new "Search" Cynthia_Hargraves@Paramount.com wrote: >... As for music and tapes guys, I'll do some poking around. (snip) ... I'll see. ------------------------- Thanks so much, Cynthia! I'm sure I speak for us all when I say that we appreciate your efforts! Jim Alexander probecontrol@dynasty.net From: Bryan Date: Wed Jul 25, 2001 12:54 pm Subject: www.probecontrol.com is backup Just wanted to let everyone know that www.probecontrol.com is back up and running. I renewed the Domain Name Registration for 2 years. Sorry for the inconvenience. From: Bryan Date: Wed Jul 25, 2001 2:04 pm Subject: New link on website. On the main page of the website, you will now find a new link to see Search merchandise of yesterday and today. People seem to be making 2 main requests about the website. First, a sounds page; secondly, re-doing the main page with better navigation. If there are any other requests that people have that should take priority, please let me know. Thanks, Bryan From: "Larry Clements" Date: Wed Jul 25, 2001 2:35 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] New link on website. What is the ip address of the site? It has not propagated yet. ----- Original Message ----- From: Bryan To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2001 11:04 AM Subject: [probe_control] New link on website. On the main page of the website, you will now find a new link to see Search merchandise of yesterday and today. People seem to be making 2 main requests about the website. First, a sounds page; secondly, re-doing the main page with better navigation. If there are any other requests that people have that should take priority, please let me know. Thanks, Bryan From: Bryan Date: Wed Jul 25, 2001 3:13 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] New link on website. If you hit your reload button on your browser, it should propagate. You can also get there manually by going to www.probecontrol.com/merchandise.html What is the ip address of the site? It has not propagated yet. From: "Mark Wilson" Date: Thu Jul 26, 2001 10:19 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Regarding "New Search" Cynthia, that's really interesting stuff! It's great that you're on the inside of the business, knew Leslie and are a "Search" fan! Hopefully we can find a way to bring our fav show back to life! A couple of questions come to mind. 1. Can someone purchase the rights to "Search" from Warner? What are they doing with it that they want to keep it? 2. What if we created a brand new show, derived from the themes of the original. Different title? (are all titles "frozen" forever or owned, so we will never be able to call a show "Search" or "Probe" again? What happened with the show called "Probe," a series which was co-created by Isaac Asimov and aired on ABC from March 7th, 1988 to June 29th, 1988 for a total of seven episodes? Is this the "Probe" that caused the title change to "Search?" Perhaps we could come up with a new title.... "The Probe Chronicles" or "Probe Quest" or "Probe, the Next Generation" "Beneath the Planet of the Probes" ;) Something cool.... 3. How do we get Warner to bring "Search" back? 4. Is there any further info you can give us on what general avenues there might be to bring a show like "Search" back - independent of Warner? Thanks! Mark ----- Original Message ----- From: Cynthia_Hargraves@Paramount.com To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 4:35 PM Subject: [probe_control] Regarding "New Search" Hi Everyone, I'm Cynthia, work at Paramount, Network TV Production. I currently have my own (up and coming production company). I knew Leslie Stevens. I talked to him before he died regarding bringing Search back. He smiled then laughed alittle. Heaven knows what that meant. We talk some and knew, as you all did, that the show was ahead of its time. However, and here is comes. I inquired about Search with Warner sometime ago when I was doing research for a project. They own the rights in perpituity for the show. You can't pitch it to them. They own it. If for some reason they want to do it, what they might and probably will do is take the idea and develope it themselves and change things. Leslie is no longer alive to bring back what we loved about the show. Something like that happened when Gene Roddenberry died. Star Trek wasn't the same. After all, and I really hate to say this, they have people already on their "A" list who can produce, direct and write the scripts. We would be out of the picture. It seems that the business is small, but it's not. People in Fox know people in Paramount and so on. Some even have deals in place for whatever reason. What I am saying. Pitch to Fox, Warner will find out. As a rule all studios keep track of whats out there long before they hit the screens. Do your best no get involved with a lawsuit. As a response to the accountants. There are many creative people in this business. However, the cost of a show or film often becomes a very serious factor. More today than I would say 30 to 40 years ago. Scripts get cut. Sets are built to be cost effective. It all trickles down. There are independent ways to bring Search back. As this time, since I have some interest in a ressurgence. I can say how until I'm sure. As for music and tapes guys, I'll do some poking around. I have a friend a Warner. But he works for a major production company on the lot that has several picture deals. He doesn't have much contact with Distribution, but I'll see. Take care----END RUN----Cynthia From: "Mark Speck" Date: Thu Jul 26, 2001 11:47 pm Subject: Welcome Cynthia! Hi Cynthia, and welcome to the list! (sorry it's so late!). Best, Mark From: "Mark Speck" Date: Fri Jul 27, 2001 12:48 am Subject: Re: Probe-Search Album Hey Guys! I'm just catching up on things I wanted to respond to. Anyhow, I have a better idea: why doesn't GNP Crescendo or Varese Sarabande or whomever put out a Best of Dominic Frontiere with all the scores plus some of the incidental music? That might sell a little more than just a CD devoted to a single show. Just a thought... Best, Mark From: "Mark Speck" Date: Fri Jul 27, 2001 1:05 am Subject: Re:Regarding a New Search Hello again! I think the idea of a new Search, if it ever happens, should be handled by Warners, and I can think of the perfect producer for it! My pick for producer would be John McNamara, who is currently under contract to Warners. He has produced a couple of underrated shows for the studio, Vengeance Unlimited and the remake of The Fugitive, and is involved with a new fall series for ABC, Thieves. He has a good sense of action. I think he'd be a good fit for a new Search (though no one on this Earth could replace Leslie Stevens!). Best, Mark From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Sat Jul 28, 2001 11:48 am Subject: Re: [probe_control] all kinds of search Hello everyone Lots to go through with particular points addressed to:- Hello Don H. Re: "Inside Star Trek". When I was visiting a nearby town a couple weekends ago I saw this particular book in remainder stock. Chances are the same thing would apply on your side of the Atlantic as well by now. Hello Jim Alexander. There is something else to consider. Every whip's while we see the best of TV theme music selections on CD, especially from the 60s & 70s. If anyone has an ear to that part of the industry, it might be interesting to recommend 'Search'. If it was crap music it wouldn't have a chance but it was one of the most humable pieces I still carry in my head. Likewise, as Dominic Frontiere is still alive, I think some effort ought to be made to track him down for some more direct questions about the music. Oh, if any of you are familiar with another TV theme music giant, Laurie Johnson - he did 'The Avengers' & a stack of others - had a CD of them out in 1998 from Redal/Polygram Classics & Jazz. Again, it's a question of contacts & see if they can get Dom Frontiere to gather his tracks together & include 'Search'. There's certainly enough ways to go about getting this done if we put our heads together & it'll all help to raise the programme's profile. Hello Jean Paquin I don't think the 'Search' theme was released in vinyl in the UK. Looks like there's going to be some investigation of the deleted record websites, doesn't there?? For myself I’ve queried the Song Search website. Nothing on their records but of the suggested links to try I found a biography of Frontiere on www.getmusic.com. His is artist number 10606. Hello Don H. again Re: CD release. The problem with 'The Rockford Files' is that it was on TV for several seasons. 'Search' lasted only 23 episodes. It's far too much wishful thinking to believe that a CD would sell. You'd have a better time suggesting to this Neil Norman a compilation of Dominic Frontiere's work & ensure the 'Search' theme was amongst them. If that garnered a suitable response then talk about a CD solely on the 'Search' material. I presume you can get the sales figures for the 'Outer Limits' CD?? If they were reasonably high that would also help the case. I can't recall seeing any of these 'Secret Agent File' albums - although I've found a list of the first album's contents - so I'm going to be asking this blind: Is there any likelihood that there will be a third album?? If so, then it would be worth pushing for that one simply because they would be looking around for more material. It might even be useful to be more than helpful & suggest other spy series other than 'Search' so we don't look too obsessive & help to fill the album with other missed tunes. I can certainly think of a few British secret agent shows that deserve having their themes included: Callan (starred Edward Woodward), The Sandbaggers, The Freewheelers (a Laurie Johnson track no less on a superior 70s older children's series). Has 'The Equaliser' been done?? Load up enough choices & he'd probably move on a fourth album. Hello Mark Wilson I hate to put another dampner on you but this might be from a different perspective. Now people have seen how small cameras can be made, there wouldn't be any need for any update for any of the telemetrical equipment that was used. What was shown on 'Search' is less than 5 years into the future. We could actually see a real-life verion of Probe agents. As to Paul Linfoot's comment about computer size. Considering the processing power & various database access, mainframe computers would still have to be used although there's a fair bet that the staff could be reduced to half since a lot of it can be computerised. I often wondered how 'Mission: Impossible' got away with being shown. After all, it was only demonstrating CIA 'Black Bag' operations. Anyone spot any similarities between it & a certain Watergate incident - except the latter didn't get away with it! Then again, if the CIA had tried to stop it, it would have been a dead giveaway to what they did. Saying that, M:I was a lot of their field agents favourite show. The one real crazy idea why 'Search' wouldn't be reshown in the USA could be that the CIA or NSA are considering doing a variation of the series & don't want to leave clues. It's no wilder than your idea of resurrecting the series & probably no less fanciful. Thinking aloud here, there have been a few films around that have used such devices. 'Sneakers' springs to mind & that abominable film version of 'Mission: Impossible'. Hello Richard Raucci Re: ID cards. So just how do you get past the handprint that lets you into Probe Control itself?? I always felt wearing the ID card a little superfluous myself cos you couldn't get in without the handprint. Considering that Lockwood carried his ID card in his jacket which could easily be stolen it couldn't be in the same class as, say, the UNCLE badge. Speaking of which, I could understand it being a magnetic lock release on the doors but a woman agent's fingers dipped in a chemical identifier to make it work?? Pulease!!! 'Search' got it so right without resorting to such a gimmick answer by staying within acceptable boundaries. Hello Cynthia_Hargraves Nice to have a lady with some sense here. In some earlier conversations in here someone mentioned hearing Dominic Frontiere's 'Search' theme as a vinyl track. Your comment about Warner's owning everything suggests that it might have appeared on a Warners owned record label. Any thoughts which - this applies to all of you - might send us in the right direction in tracking it down. It's a lot easier looking up obsolete records if we know the label & serial number. After all, just because Frontiere composed it doesn’t mean the single was released in his name. Hello Bryan Changes to the website?? Well, having the top half of the main screen on each page really does need changing. It looks like you've linked it in. It would look better if there was just a mini-logo of 'Search' at the top of each page or if you want to be a little exotic have the picture of the diamond from 'Probe' rotating in one corner as well. My erstwhile publisher where I edit on the net mobilised my picture using said technique. Gotta go. Geoff Willmetts ********* GF Willmetts **************************** Commissioning Editor: http://www.crowsnestbooks.com THE E-BOOK PUBLISHER THAT TRIES HARDER Editor: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com THE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY MAGAZINE *************************************************** From: "Mark Wilson" Date: Sat Jul 28, 2001 4:10 pm Subject: RE: [probe_control] all kinds of search Hi Geoff, No dampener here! I have a great imagination and it tells me there are plenty of potential updates to the old Search technology that would not only bring it up to date, but well into the future. I wouldn't care to duplicate the now-simplistic "small camera" routine. This is something that, as you say, can be done in real life nowadays. I enjoyed your comment about Search not being resurrected because of the CIA and NSA...lol! Imagine a futuristic Probe agent, one with nanocomputer implants, embedded optical and aural circuitry that not only can transmit back to Probe Control, but can enhance the agent's own perceptions, hearing and vision, laminated bones and nano-servos for increased strength and endurance, powered by a small nuclear power plant embedded in the agent's body...perhaps some embedded weapons could be included. Oh, yeah...! That's just a start! Maybe a little too "Six Million Dollar Man"ish, though. But then again....it might be cool direction for the Search/Probe technology. As for the idea of bringing back the show being fanciful or wild...well, yeah. I would have thought so too back in the early 1960's...however I was part of a little letter writing campaign that brought back a small show called "Star Trek". Yep...and that little goodie did pretty well for itself over the years. I had the opportunity to know Gene Roddenberry and Arthur C. Clarke back in the early 1980's when another resurrection of a couple of 60's and 70's goodies came to fruition..."ST, TNG" and 2010: Odyssey 2... At the time, I was working in the entertainment industry, doing little things like Directing, Stage Managing, producing, etc. Dropped out of it at the end of the 80's to pursue other interests.....but my flights of fancy have a little backing in reality...;) Anyway, if the group wants to pursue bringing the show back or creating a new one...I'm behind the project 100%! Thanks, Mark -----Original Message----- From: Geoff Willmetts [mailto:gfwillmetts@hotmail.com] Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2001 3:48 PM To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [probe_control] all kinds of search Hello everyone Lots to go through with particular points addressed to:- Hello Don H. Re: "Inside Star Trek". When I was visiting a nearby town a couple weekends ago I saw this particular book in remainder stock. Chances are the same thing would apply on your side of the Atlantic as well by now. Hello Jim Alexander. There is something else to consider. Every whip's while we see the best of TV theme music selections on CD, especially from the 60s & 70s. If anyone has an ear to that part of the industry, it might be interesting to recommend 'Search'. If it was crap music it wouldn't have a chance but it was one of the most humable pieces I still carry in my head. Likewise, as Dominic Frontiere is still alive, I think some effort ought to be made to track him down for some more direct questions about the music. Oh, if any of you are familiar with another TV theme music giant, Laurie Johnson - he did 'The Avengers' & a stack of others - had a CD of them out in 1998 from Redal/Polygram Classics & Jazz. Again, it's a question of contacts & see if they can get Dom Frontiere to gather his tracks together & include 'Search'. There's certainly enough ways to go about getting this done if we put our heads together & it'll all help to raise the programme's profile. Hello Jean Paquin I don't think the 'Search' theme was released in vinyl in the UK. Looks like there's going to be some investigation of the deleted record websites, doesn't there?? For myself I’ve queried the Song Search website. Nothing on their records but of the suggested links to try I found a biography of Frontiere on www.getmusic.com. His is artist number 10606. Hello Don H. again Re: CD release. The problem with 'The Rockford Files' is that it was on TV for several seasons. 'Search' lasted only 23 episodes. It's far too much wishful thinking to believe that a CD would sell. You'd have a better time suggesting to this Neil Norman a compilation of Dominic Frontiere's work & ensure the 'Search' theme was amongst them. If that garnered a suitable response then talk about a CD solely on the 'Search' material. I presume you can get the sales figures for the 'Outer Limits' CD?? If they were reasonably high that would also help the case. I can't recall seeing any of these 'Secret Agent File' albums - although I've found a list of the first album's contents - so I'm going to be asking this blind: Is there any likelihood that there will be a third album?? If so, then it would be worth pushing for that one simply because they would be looking around for more material. It might even be useful to be more than helpful & suggest other spy series other than 'Search' so we don't look too obsessive & help to fill the album with other missed tunes. I can certainly think of a few British secret agent shows that deserve having their themes included: Callan (starred Edward Woodward), The Sandbaggers, The Freewheelers (a Laurie Johnson track no less on a superior 70s older children's series). Has 'The Equaliser' been done?? Load up enough choices & he'd probably move on a fourth album. Hello Mark Wilson I hate to put another dampner on you but this might be from a different perspective. Now people have seen how small cameras can be made, there wouldn't be any need for any update for any of the telemetrical equipment that was used. What was shown on 'Search' is less than 5 years into the future. We could actually see a real-life verion of Probe agents. As to Paul Linfoot's comment about computer size. Considering the processing power & various database access, mainframe computers would still have to be used although there's a fair bet that the staff could be reduced to half since a lot of it can be computerised. I often wondered how 'Mission: Impossible' got away with being shown. After all, it was only demonstrating CIA 'Black Bag' operations. Anyone spot any similarities between it & a certain Watergate incident - except the latter didn't get away with it! Then again, if the CIA had tried to stop it, it would have been a dead giveaway to what they did. Saying that, M:I was a lot of their field agents favourite show. The one real crazy idea why 'Search' wouldn't be reshown in the USA could be that the CIA or NSA are considering doing a variation of the series & don't want to leave clues. It's no wilder than your idea of resurrecting the series & probably no less fanciful. Thinking aloud here, there have been a few films around that have used such devices. 'Sneakers' springs to mind & that abominable film version of 'Mission: Impossible'. Hello Richard Raucci Re: ID cards. So just how do you get past the handprint that lets you into Probe Control itself?? I always felt wearing the ID card a little superfluous myself cos you couldn't get in without the handprint. Considering that Lockwood carried his ID card in his jacket which could easily be stolen it couldn't be in the same class as, say, the UNCLE badge. Speaking of which, I could understand it being a magnetic lock release on the doors but a woman agent's fingers dipped in a chemical identifier to make it work?? Pulease!!! 'Search' got it so right without resorting to such a gimmick answer by staying within acceptable boundaries. Hello Cynthia_Hargraves Nice to have a lady with some sense here. In some earlier conversations in here someone mentioned hearing Dominic Frontiere's 'Search' theme as a vinyl track. Your comment about Warner's owning everything suggests that it might have appeared on a Warners owned record label. Any thoughts which - this applies to all of you - might send us in the right direction in tracking it down. It's a lot easier looking up obsolete records if we know the label & serial number. After all, just because Frontiere composed it doesn’t mean the single was released in his name. Hello Bryan Changes to the website?? Well, having the top half of the main screen on each page really does need changing. It looks like you've linked it in. It would look better if there was just a mini-logo of 'Search' at the top of each page or if you want to be a little exotic have the picture of the diamond from 'Probe' rotating in one corner as well. My erstwhile publisher where I edit on the net mobilised my picture using said technique. Gotta go. Geoff Willmetts ********* GF Willmetts **************************** Commissioning Editor: http://www.crowsnestbooks.com THE E-BOOK PUBLISHER THAT TRIES HARDER Editor: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com THE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY MAGAZINE *************************************************** From: Jim Alexander Date: Sun Jul 29, 2001 3:05 pm Subject: Leslie Stevens/William Shatner-- 'INCUBUS' DVD Ladies and gentlemen-- Yesterday, I purchased the DVD of the 1965 film Incubus, which, as you know, is the last film that Stevens directed before 1987's 'Three Kinds of Heat'. It has a (rather useless) commentary by William Shatner, as well as another by producer Anthony Taylor (no, not our Anthony Taylor!), and cinematographers Conrad L. Hall (Oscar Winner for American Beauty), and William Fraker. The commentary tracks provide a handful of insights on Stevens which you may find interesting. I will make the DVD available to anyone on the SEARCH list who's interested (and not considering picking up their own copy). Send me your address, and I'll get it out to the first one who writes me back. I think it might be best to keep it in the States, at least for now. And when you're done with it, perhaps you can let the list know, and mail it to the next party who'd like to see it. All I ask is that you take good care of it, and package it safely (an oversize container would be great) to keep it from getting busted up by the Post Office. Enjoy! Jim Alexander probecontrol@dynasty.net From: Bryan Date: Sun Jul 29, 2001 3:23 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] Leslie Stevens/William Shatner-- 'INCUBUS' DVD Jim, What a generous offer. I think I might buy it myself, I didn’t know it was out on DVD; I’ll look for it. Ladies and gentlemen-- Yesterday, I purchased the DVD of the 1965 film Incubus, which, as you know, is the last film that Stevens directed before 1987's 'Three Kinds of Heat'. It has a (rather useless) commentary by William Shatner, as well as another by producer Anthony Taylor (no, not our Anthony Taylor!), and cinematographers Conrad L. Hall (Oscar Winner for American Beauty), and William Fraker. The commentary tracks provide a handful of insights on Stevens which you may find interesting. I will make the DVD available to anyone on the SEARCH list who's interested (and not considering picking up their own copy). Send me your address, and I'll get it out to the first one who writes me back. I think it might be best to keep it in the States, at least for now. And when you're done with it, perhaps you can let the list know, and mail it to the next party who'd like to see it. All I ask is that you take good care of it, and package it safely (an oversize container would be great) to keep it from getting busted up by the Post Office. Enjoy! Jim Alexander probecontrol@dynasty.net From: Jim Alexander Date: Sun Jul 29, 2001 7:10 pm Subject: More on INCUBUS >.... Don here and I caught your mailing list post on INCUBUS, the Leslie Stevens film starring William Shatner. I understand the movie was filmed in the language of Esperanto, reflecting Stevens' fascination with languages, but there are usually subtitles in English. ---------------------------------------- English and French on the DVD. Yes-- you are correct. Stevens' view was that there are/were 7,000,000 people around the world that spoke Esperanto (a mixture of, I believe, Greek, Latin, English, and other languages). However, as the commentary tracks point out-- there were never more than a literal handful of people in any region who spoke the language-- so it would be almost inconceivable that the film could play to any sizable audience in any one location-- at least an Esperanto-speaking audience, that is. And there's the rub. However, the film-- language excepted-- can obviously be taken on its own terms, and is ultimately, a fascinating experiment. It won a handful of awards, and is apparently highly regarded by many critics. It won a prize at the prominent Venice Film Festival at the time. Lastly-- it was lost for 30 years, and the single surviving print-- where the DVD was taken from--was only recently discovered. ---------------------------------------- >... It's a cult film and it shows up on eBay frequently. I've never seen it before, but if you watch eBay fairly closely, one may be able to pick up a tape or DVD for a reasonable price. If you've seen it, I was wondering if you could write a quick review of it, did you like it, did you enjoy it--that sort of thing. ---------------------------------------- Sure. Thanks for asking. Being a huge classic TREK fan from Day One-- I was interested in seeing William Shatner's pre-Star Trek performance (he would play Kirk in approximately another 2 years). As you probably already know, the pre-Trek Shatner was a much more subtle, controlled performer, as he had not developed all of those somewhat grandiose thespianic quirks that we've all come to know and love. ;) Ultimately, to me, the movie plays very much like a 60's OUTER LIMITS episode-- which is meant to be a compliment-- as I regard the series highly. This is multiplied by the fact that, I believe all (except the Beginning and Closing themes) of INCUBUS' music is scored with Dominic Frontiere's LIMITS library music, and is quite recognizable (especially to anyone who owns the Neil Norman-produced OUTER LIMITS CD collection). Also-- Stevens' took his LIMITS TV production crew almost to the person-- to shoot INCUBUS, so it has an almost identical look and feel. Of course, due to its 70-plus minute running time, the pace is a lot more leisurely than a 50-minute LIMITS episode. Stevens' then-wife (they divorced later) plays the female lead, and it's interesting to see what kind of woman he was married to. The commentary contains many notes regarding the "Incubus Curse", which involves some disturbing circumstances later suffered by the cast of the film. INCUBUS survives through a SINGLE print-- which was French subtitled. To subtitle in English-- the film's producers literally covered up the French titles with English ones. Critically-- My 'horror' tastes run mainly, though not exclusively, to the Universal and Hammer horror lines. I've never been a big B-Movie horror fan. And, INCUBUS (shot on a modest low budget), certainly qualifies as that. I stress however, that it is superior in that the production had scores of talented people working on the film. As previously mentioned, Conrad L. Hall went on to win an Oscar for 1999's American Beauty, and along the way, was cinematographer for such films as In Cold Blood, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, as well as performing the same duties for THE OUTER LIMITS. I liked the odd feel of the film, and while it's almost impossible to creep me out, I stayed with the premise up until the very end. Unfortunately, I found the final pay-off weak. It's impossible not to watch INCUBUS however, and not admire what Stevens, cast, and crew were attempting. Whether you think they ultimately achieved the desired effects-- is up to the individual. ;) Jim From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Mon Jul 30, 2001 4:53 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] bionics too far Hello everyone & especially, Hello Mark Wilson As to updating the Probe technology. The TV scanner was more than a mini-camera. The majority of its facilities still can't be done today at that scale but I would bet within the next 5 or 10 years. The main difference now as opposed to 1972 is people are going to be more prone to believe it possible than backwhen. The important thing to remember is 'Search' was written in current day tense not somewhere in the future. To be true to that, you'd still have to be in our present & maybe a little advanced tech. As to employing nanotechnology. None of the Probe agents were cyborgs which is essentially what you're suggesting. Likewise, if you refer back to the original TV series & novelisations, the carrying of weapons was frowned upon. The Probe Division is a search & occasional rescue mission. The Probes themselves are very independent people. If Weverka's first novelisation is anything to go by, Lockwood was very suspicious of being 'wired' into Control until he was reassured that he wasn't going to be a robot. They can't work outside the law. Look what happened when 'Knight Rider' became 'Team Knight Rider'. Bigger or more doesn't make it better. The strength of ‘Search’ came from being detectives with a heck of a support team. I can scotch your suggests a better way anyway. It's not only '6 Million Dollar Manish' but it was done there. One of the revised Bionic 90 minute revivals of the early 90s starring someone called Sandra Bullock had most of her technology nanotech in the way you describe. Even if you had your way, you'd be faced with a lawsuit from Universal. You’d also wouldn’t be reviving it for the right reasons. [The one bonus today is that the actor can carry a scaled camera that way for POV shots rather than having the camera crew doing all the work.] It would be better to start off with the assumption that the time for 'Search' to be here has arrived & look at what could be done at Control. I could reduce the cast there to 3 & still get funny things. You'd have a computerised translator that wouldn't necessarily get the translator spot on would be the first thing. The first translation of English to Russian to English again translated 'out of sight, out of mind' into 'invisible idiot'. A dependence on technology alone can create its own problems. As to 'Star Trek's letter campaign. You & several thousand others are to blame for the last 3 ST shows, huh?? The original ST lasted 3 seasons & it was the syndication of the series that helped keep it alive. I suspect that syndication would have happened at some point anyway. 'Search' lasted 23 episodes with no repeats outside of the USA. It doesn't speak much for its chances, does it?? I'm being realistic here. Name me any series, outside of 'Police Squad' & ‘Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy’, that has been syndicated with so few episodes in the USA. More so, any Warner series with so few episodes. As you commented, you dropped out of TV work 11 years ago. I think you'd be hard-pushed to use this as a means to re-jump-start your old career. As Cynthia commented, Warner can call on their own people. Tuning out for now Geoff Willmetts ********* GF Willmetts **************************** Commissioning Editor: http://www.crowsnestbooks.com THE E-BOOK PUBLISHER THAT TRIES HARDER Editor: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com THE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY MAGAZINE *************************************************** From: "Mark Wilson" Date: Mon Jul 30, 2001 7:33 pm Subject: Re: [probe_control] bionics too far Geoff, Thanks for the laughs! You're a pretty funny guy! --Mark ----- Original Message ----- From: "Geoff Willmetts" To: Sent: Monday, July 30, 2001 8:53 PM Subject: Re: [probe_control] bionics too far > Hello everyone & especially, > > Hello Mark Wilson > As to updating the Probe technology. The TV scanner was more than a > mini-camera. The majority of its facilities still can't be done today at > that scale but I would bet within the next 5 or 10 years. The main > difference now as opposed to 1972 is people are going to be more prone to > believe it possible than backwhen. The important thing to remember is > 'Search' was written in current day tense not somewhere in the future. To be > true to that, you'd still have to be in our present & maybe a little > advanced tech. > > As to employing nanotechnology. None of the Probe agents were cyborgs which > is essentially what you're suggesting. Likewise, if you refer back to the > original TV series & novelisations, the carrying of weapons was frowned > upon. The Probe Division is a search & occasional rescue mission. The Probes > themselves are very independent people. If Weverka's first novelisation is > anything to go by, Lockwood was very suspicious of being 'wired' into > Control until he was reassured that he wasn't going to be a robot. They > can't work outside the law. Look what happened when 'Knight Rider' became > 'Team Knight Rider'. Bigger or more doesn't make it better. The strength of > 'Search' came from being detectives with a heck of a support team. > I can scotch your suggests a better way anyway. It's not only '6 Million > Dollar Manish' but it was done there. One of the revised Bionic 90 minute > revivals of the early 90s starring someone called Sandra Bullock had most of > her technology nanotech in the way you describe. Even if you had your way, > you'd be faced with a lawsuit from Universal. You'd also wouldn't be > reviving it for the right reasons. [The one bonus today is that the actor > can carry a scaled camera that way for POV shots rather than having the > camera crew doing all the work.] > It would be better to start off with the assumption that the time for > 'Search' to be here has arrived & look at what could be done at Control. I > could reduce the cast there to 3 & still get funny things. You'd have a > computerised translator that wouldn't necessarily get the translator spot on > would be the first thing. The first translation of English to Russian to > English again translated 'out of sight, out of mind' into 'invisible idiot'. > A dependence on technology alone can create its own problems. > > As to 'Star Trek's letter campaign. You & several thousand others are to > blame for the last 3 ST shows, huh?? The original ST lasted 3 seasons & it > was the syndication of the series that helped keep it alive. I suspect that > syndication would have happened at some point anyway. > 'Search' lasted 23 epis