2492 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Mon Mar 1, 2004 7:30pm Subject: Re: Video List worldsecanalyst In a message dated 2/29/2004 10:33:46 AM Eastern Standard Time, dmanmetz@... writes: > I agree with you also, because I recalled that the sci-fi channel was brand > new and there a show that rotated all of the short lived sci-fi shows around > 8 or 9 o'clock. I rememebered how shocked I was to see Gemeni Man(which > lasted about 6 episodes in 1976), The Invisible Man (1975) with David McCallan of > The Man From Uncle, The Magician (1973) with Bill Bixby, Beyond Westworld > (1980), Probe (1988) with Parker Stevenson, The Imortal (1970)with Christopher > George, Fantastic Journey (1977), and there were few more that I can't > recall. I myself was after both The Fantastic Journey and Otherworld during that period. It's a pity I missed taping Immortal. Further, Sci-Fi was running the complete Dark Shadows series at an accelerated pace. I can assure you that SEARCH was not programmed for airing. 2493 From: "bfiler2002000" Date: Tue Mar 2, 2004 10:46pm Subject: Re: Search on Sci-Fi in 93-94? bfiler2002000 --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "dghprobe3" wrote: > --- In probe_control, Nic Olinsky wrote: > > I remember episodes of Search on SCI-FI in the 93-94 time frame. > They were shown as part of a series that ran little known, or quickly > cancelled sci-fi tv shows. I remember Search was shown as well as > > Fantastic Journey, and The Man from Atlantis. > > Hi: Earlier on this list, I believe someone mentioned that SEARCH > had been shown on the Sci-Fi Channel sometime in the last ten years. > Upon further investigation, it was found instead to have been Parker > Stephenson's "Probe" series of 1988. > > But anything is possible. It's more likely that it was an airing of > the "Search" version of the "Probe" pilot, as it seems the "overseas > only" designation for the series would have been in effect during > 1993-94. Can anyone confirm which episodes may have been run? It > would be interesting one day to run across a tape of a Sci-Fi airing > of SEARCH, if indeed it did run there. I also had the Sci-FI channel in 1993-'94 and had high hopes of seeing SEARCH again, I did see some of the others such as FANTASTIC JOURNEY (I thought it was just as awful as I did in 1976, I was taping that for a friend who was a Roddy McDowell fan and didn't get Sci-Fi...) and GEMINI MAN, but not SEARCH, the closest thing I ever saw was PROBE with Parker Stevenson. It was OK, then and now, they had some clever mysteries as I recall, but still, it wasn't SEARCH... 2494 From: "bfiler2002000" Date: Tue Mar 2, 2004 10:56pm Subject: SEARCH script bfiler2002000 There was a member here who was working on a script for a SEARCH revival and had been working on it for a number of years already. It hasn't been mentioned in a while and I was wondering how things were going with it. I also had a couple of questions. You inspired me to start kicking around a script idea (no, not SEARCH...)and I was wondering if there was any legal stuff you had to do or people you had to contact before or sometime after you started that maybe I should get out of the way before things get too far. If you are ready for some non-professional (no agent or producer, just people)feedback and would like someone to read your finished script, I would be very happy to look at it, and I'm sure I'm not the only member here who would like to read it. 2496 From: Jorge Arce Date: Wed Mar 3, 2004 7:23pm Subject: Musical theme author jormaple Hi to everybody there !. I am an Argentinean SEARCH fan.I live in Buenos Aires. I have just found this amazing website. It's incredible the work you guys have done, truly amazing. I have very good memories of the series. I was 17 years old when it aired here. It was one of a kind. I remember Elke Sommer in the Probe, she was extremely beautiful!. Well, for more than 30 years I kept the music in my mind, singing it for myself from time to time. In fact I would like any of you to confirm the name of the musical theme author. Maybe I'm wrong, but I haven't been able to find it in the web. That's my request for now. Watching Hugh in the interview was very moving. I have also got the bad news about Doug, another great artist. I also liked Tony very much, a very complete actor. Ok, I hope to receive news from you. Thanks for all your efforts to build this wonderful website. Regards, Jorge Arce - Buenos Aires - Argentina 2497 From: Date: Wed Mar 3, 2004 8:16pm Subject: SEARCH's Musical theme author probecontrol Hello, Jorge, and welcome--from us here in The United States! :) ------------------------- >... I would like any of you to confirm the name of the musical theme author. Maybe I'm wrong, but I haven't been able to find it in the web. That's my request for now. ------------------------- The individual who composed the SEARCH theme is Dominic Frontiere! Here's a link to his Internet Movie Database listing: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006089/ His credit for composing the SEARCH theme is actually under the title PROBE (the pilot film's original title). Write back when you can, Jorge! Jim Alexander probecontrol@... 2498 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Wed Mar 3, 2004 10:04pm Subject: Re: Musical theme author worldsecanalyst Jorge, Welcome to probe_control. It great to hear of another's fond memories of the movie or series. End Run, David 2499 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 4, 2004 5:12am Subject: SEARCH in Argentina dghprobe3 Hello Jorge: Welcome to our list and thanks for finding us. I'm sure you'll have a great time reading through our many posts and exploring our Files and Links sections, etc. Plus the probecontrol.com site. I was wondering whether SEARCH was dubbed in Spanish when it ran in Argentina, or whether it aired in the original English with Spanish subtitles? And if you can recall what years the show ran there? And how many runs did they give the show before they stopped running them? Do you know of anyone who managed to tape any episodes which ran there? A lot of questions, but thanks for any help you can give. :-) --Don H. ------------------- --- In probe_control, Jorge Arce wrote: > Ok, I hope to receive news from you. Thanks for all > your efforts to build this wonderful website. > Regards, Jorge Arce - Buenos Aires - Argentina 2500 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 4, 2004 5:26am Subject: Judy Burns update dghprobe3 Hi folks: Judy Burns apparently forgot that she invited me to the March 3rd chat session with her students. Turns out it was not a free test session after all, but an actual class lecture, so I wasn't able to take part the way I did two weeks ago--unless I had signed up for the class. A shame, because I had a number of follow up questions. Anyway, that's how it goes sometimes. I'll send her a quick follow up email during the next week. I'll post to our list if I hear anything new. --Don H. 2501 From: "dobie58" Date: Fri Mar 5, 2004 11:01pm Subject: Where can i get a copy?????? dobie58 Does anyone have any episodes of search for sale...Thanks Chris 2502 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Sat Mar 6, 2004 7:33pm Subject: Re: SEARCH in Argentina dghprobe3 Hi all: Jorge sent me an email response off-list, but his information is interesting and I felt it would be of interest to members, and would add to our information of what happened with SEARCH as it ran overseas. Interesting that Warners went through the trouble and expense of dubbing SEARCH to Spanish, yet at the same time they never allowed one U.S. rerun. With well over 300 satellite cable channels out there, if something like SEARCH can't be shown, something is indeed wrong somewhere. --Don H. ---(Jorge's email)------------ Don, as far as I remember the series was aired completely translated to Spanish. If I'm not wrong it aired in 1973 and 1974. Some years ago I watched the Probe episode in a cable channel specialized in oldies. It was a program were they aired the pilot of famous series and sitcoms. The channel's name is RETRO and airs regularly in Argentina with success among fans. After the 70's the series never aired again in Argentina. The series name in Argentina was Operacion Rescate (it stands for Rescue Operation). I hope this helps. Regards, Jorge. > ------------------- > --- In probe_control, Jorge Arce wrote: > > Ok, I hope to receive news from you. Thanks for all > > your efforts to build this wonderful website. > > Regards, Jorge Arce - Buenos Aires - Argentina 2503 From: Mike Valerio Date: Sat Mar 6, 2004 8:24pm Subject: Re: Re: SEARCH in Argentina mvscreen >>> Interesting that Warners went through the trouble and expense of dubbing SEARCH to Spanish <<< I doubt that they did. Warner Bros. does not have casts of foreign-language actors hanging out on the lot all day dubbing old, failed television shows. Movies and TV shows produced in the US are generally mastered in two ways. One is a "full mix" (what Americans see in movie theaters and on TV), the other is an "M & E mix" (Music & Effects only). When a foreign distributor picks up the rights to a American production, that distributor acquires copies of the "M & E mix" version and then re-records the dialogue into whatever language or languages is needed. That foreign distributor would know better what was required and tolerated by the auidence in his territory (in terms of dialects, local slang, offensive speech and even box-office appeal of certain language-specific voice talent) than any production executive working in Burbank or Hollywood. >>> With well over 300 satellite cable channels out there, if something like SEARCH can't be shown, something is indeed wrong somewhere. <<< Again, I doubt that there’s anything “wrong”. Warner Bros. probably simply believes that there is no sizable market in the U.S. for the show and I would agree with them. SEARCH is a thirty-year old, one-season failure starring four actors (three of whom are dead) who have no standing with contemporary audiences. The production values of the show itself and the technology depicted therein are clearly dated and the stories are now neither fresh nor original. I am both a fan of the show and a TV exec, but I wouldn’t put the show back out on the U.S. market. There’s simply no sizable audience for it. - MV 2504 From: "Jim Alexander" Date: Sun Mar 7, 2004 0:47am Subject: SEARCH in Argentina probecontrol Very insightful, Mike. I'm glad to have the low-down on the M&E Mix. I'm curious how long that this has been standard practice for studios... and is it still being done today? ---------------------- SEARCH is a thirty-year old, > one-season failure starring four actors (three of whom > are dead) who have no standing with contemporary > audiences. ----------------------- Did someone pass away that I'm unaware of? McClure and Meredith are gone, but O'Brian and Franciosa are still with us. Aren't they...? ;) Jim Alexander probecontrol@... 2505 From: Mike Valerio Date: Sun Mar 7, 2004 1:13am Subject: Re: SEARCH in Argentina mvscreen Yes, separate M&E mixes are still done today. They are sometimes referred to as a "Mix Minus" (as in, "the full mix, minus the dialogue"). Like most Hollywood production techniques, it's goes way back...but only as far back as the invention of the talkie, natch. As for the SEARCH body count, I mis-typed. You're absolutely right that Hugh O'Brian and Anthony Franciosa (whom I saw in a stage version of Clifford Odet's ROCKET TO THE MOON some years back) are both alive. (The last time I saw poor Hugh, he only looked dead...) - MV 2506 From: "actingman_jc" Date: Sun Mar 7, 2004 5:26am Subject: Re: SEARCH in Argentina actingman_jc Although watching a documentary on Buster Keaton they showed the same scene from one of his talkies, first in English, and then in one or two other languages, explaining the actors themselves were doing the lines in the different languages. I too am greatful for the explanation of M&E mixes. I couldn't figure out how I could be watching Star Trek in Brazil, dubbed in that country's language, and yet hearing every last music and sound cue that you hear in the original English versions. --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Mike Valerio wrote: > Yes, separate M&E mixes are still done today. They are > sometimes referred to as a "Mix Minus" (as in, "the > full mix, minus the dialogue"). Like most Hollywood > production techniques, it's goes way back...but only > as far back as the invention of the talkie, natch. 2507 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Sun Mar 7, 2004 8:20pm Subject: TV syndication comments dghprobe3 Hi Mike: Thanks for the info on "M & E mixes." Very informative and it matches what I've seen on VCDs of the German version of "Star Trek," "Batman," and "The Addams Family." The sound effects & music match the U.S. version exactly, only the dialog was changed. The opening & closing credits of all the "Trek" episodes were recut, however. The German Act One titles of "Batman" and "Addams" appear to be chroma-keyed over the original video. And extra credits appear at the end of each show reflecting who did the German translations. --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Mike Valerio wrote: > >>> Interesting that Warners went through the trouble > and expense of dubbing SEARCH to Spanish <<< > > I doubt that they did. Warner Bros. does not have > casts of foreign-language actors hanging out on the > lot all day dubbing old, failed television shows... ---------------- Whether Warners did the dubbing or not, my point is that there are many one season failures that were distributed overseas over the years, and had at least one U.S. syndicated run. Some had fewer episodes than "Search." Conversely, there have been some successful U.S. series that did not play as well overseas, so the formula is not always constant. The all-time reverse of the usual situation is 1982's "Police Squad!" Poor ratings, only 6 episodes, yet it was given a run on cable and became a cult show, leading to a highly successful series of movies. This won't happen with "Search," it's just too long ago. But I would've never predicted the later success of "Police Squad!" ---------------- > I am both a fan of the show and a TV exec, but I > wouldn't put the show back out on the U.S. market. > There's simply no sizable audience for it. ---------------- Again, it seems sad that we have markets for "The Jerry Springer Show" and all his imitators, and room for the 5000th rerun of the slow, dull "In the Heat of the Night," etc. Beyond "Search," there are many old series, some long-running, that should have had at least one run somewhere over the years. Since most members of this list are not mogels, we can only ask questions and give opinions for the most part. I've noticed that some programming decisions are made simply because something is readily available in a vault. Turner's TNT has run the old MGM series "Man From UNCLE" and the half-season failure "Logan's Run" simply because it was there on the shelf. Universal's TRIO has their "Brilliant but Cancelled" featuring the one season failure "Kolchak." Sci-Fi has run the one season failures "Time Tunnel," "Galactica," "The Prisoner," Parker Stephenson's "Probe," etc. Some of these things have run at 3AM, so the sizable audience issue seems moot there. The other question that arises is, how is the audience size determined for the over 300 cable satellite channels nowadays? What are the factors that keep some of these other stale, overexposed reruns on the air year in and year out? --Don H. 2508 From: Mike Valerio Date: Sun Mar 7, 2004 10:21pm Subject: Re: TV syndication comments mvscreen >>>> It seems sad that we have markets for "The Jerry Springer Show" and all his imitators, and room for the 5000th rerun of the slow, dull "In the Heat of the Night," etc...What are the factors that keep some of these other stale, overexposed reruns on the air year in and year out? <<<< The answer is very simple and, unfortunately, not very satisfying. Broadcast networks and basic cable nets do not exist to run shows that entertain you. They exist to sell advertising time. Advertisers only buy ad time in dayparts where viewers they want to reach are watching. JERRY SPRINGER and IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT are on the air because enough of a certain kind of viewer watches those shows in significant numbers and advertisers are willing to pay to reach them. If there were 3 or 4 million SEARCH fans out there, the show would be on the air. There aren't and it isn't. And that's not much we can do about that, except wish that the show had been something other than what it was. SEARCH was unsuccessful at attracting an audience that mattered to anyone other than that audience itself. - MV 2509 From: Bill Webb Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 3:53pm Subject: RE: Digest Number 754 standbyprobe > Universal's TRIO has > their "Brilliant but Cancelled" featuring the one season > failure "Kolchak." Sci-Fi has run the one season failures "Time > Tunnel," "Galactica," "The Prisoner," Parker Stephenson's "Probe," > > "The Prisoner" a failure? If Patrick McGoohan had had his way the series would have stopped at 11 episodes, not 17. He was envisioning a mini-series, not a long-running, self-repetitous thing. Bill Webb 2510 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 6:07pm Subject: The Prisoner, etc dghprobe3 Hi Bill: Actually, I don't consider McGoohan's brilliant "The Prisoner" a failure, not by any means. I was trying to point out an irony as part of a larger thread. There also seems to be some confusion. I'm NOT campaigning to have "Search" brought back as a brand new series with the same cast and crew. That has been discussed earlier on this list. That will never happen, nor should it. The last attempt at the format was the mishandled "Fortune Hunter" a few years ago. Similar surveillance situations were featured in "The Lone Gunmen" (another one season show with a cult following), but it was generally strictly for laughs. I simply pose the question why have the original episodes never received one run over the last 30 years, even for nostalgia's sake as an example of bad programming. The reasons that have been offered include: Warner classed it as "for export only" (which made it rather unavailable), not enough episodes, didn't get high enough ratings when it first ran, was a one- season failure, wasn't any good, etc. Flying in the face of these reasons, there are many examples of one- season, half-season, and half-baked shows that had fewer episodes than "Search" and had lower ratings, yet they got at least one cable run somewhere along the line. The 6 episode "Police Squad!" is the greatest example. Even the half- season "Barbary Coast" got a couple of runs on TV Land a few years ago. It was a cutesy retread of "Wild Wild West" and Doug McClure starred in it. The half-season "Planet of the Apes" series of 1974, which seemed to be based more on "Rawhide" than the earlier movies, has run many times, and is out on DVD. The half season "Logan's Run" has already been mentioned, as well as several others. I mention "The Prisoner" as an example of a show that has only 17 episodes, yet is run on a regular basis. Indeed, when McGoohan was compelled to add episodes to his original plan for 11, the later episodes came off as somewhat uneven, not quite as polished as the earlier entries. The series can be inconsistent and confusing at times, which some fans say adds to the charm and mystery. Then again, I know some people who can't stand "The Prisoner," so there's no accounting for taste. "Search" certainly had it's problems. After the "Probe" pilot, it didn't know whether to be an UNCLE clone, or a Cannon with computers. It had a potential but was never was able to reach it, but they tried. The "Search" reruns may never appear in U.S. syndication, even at 3AM on some weekend as part of a "Plan 9 From Outer Space" film festival, but like Quixote, we keep trying. If there was no interest at all in the old series, this list would not exist. And the rest of you wouldn't be sending in posts. :-) --Don H. -------------------------------- --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Bill Webb wrote: > > Universal's TRIO has > > their "Brilliant but Cancelled" featuring the one season > > failure "Kolchak." Sci-Fi has run the one season failures "Time > > Tunnel," "Galactica," "The Prisoner," Parker Stephenson's "Probe," > > > > > "The Prisoner" a failure? If Patrick McGoohan had had his way the series would have stopped at 11 episodes, not 17. He was envisioning > a mini-series, not a long-running, self-repetitous thing. > > Bill Webb 2511 From: Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 7:12pm Subject: Problem with Don Harden's e-mail? probecontrol Sorry to post this on the list-- Don-- I've tried to e-mail you three times today, and received bounce-backs each time. If memory serves... I DID get through my FIRST time, but since then: Nada. ;) --Just wanted to let you know. Thanks-- Jim Alexander probecontrol@... 2512 From: Mike Valerio Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 8:46pm Subject: Re: The Prisoner, etc mvscreen Don: There's probably no way of knowing, but there might be a legal reason why SEARCH was designated "Export Only" by Warners. It might be that Leslie Stevens or Hugh O'Brien's deal with the studio provided them with huge profit participation percentages or big bonuses if the show were syndicated in the U.S., so the studio (or, rather, some studio accountant) simply decided to restrict the show's distribution rather than trigger those rights. Or there may have been some sort of copyright dispute. It could be something as simple as MGM making noises about an infringement suit because of THE CHAIRMAN or a even something like a real US-based company called World Securities threatening legal action if the show saw the light of day again. Mind you, had the show been a huge hit, Warners would have taken on all comers and gladly. But it was not and the thinking might have been: "This show's got limited potential for any kind of meaningful profit in the U.S. anyway, who needs the expense and hassle? Let's just slap a permanent "export only" restriction on the film cans and cut our losses". At this point, the original reason for the restriction may even be moot and lost to the sands of time...but that doesn't mean Warners is going to spend time and money trying to figure out if the restriction is still valid or not (or even why it was restricted in the first place) when the show's got no earning potential anyway. In short, it doesn't take much to scare the bejeezus out of studio lawyers and accountants--especially when there's no money to be made. And you can't count on the creative side of the studio to have any vision. When I was a VP at Fox, I pitched both the TV network and film division sides of the studio on the idea of remaking Gene Roddenberry's SPECTRE as a TV or movie franchise. Given START TREK's success, they were intrigued by the notion of having a Roddenberry franchise of their own (which, until I pointed it out to them, they hadn't even realized they owned) Anyway, their interest was high until I pulled the tape of the original 2-hour SPECTRE pilot and they sat down to screen it. The verdict from both the TV and movie camps: SPECTRE was so old and out-dated that it was completely unsuited for any kind of remake. It was slow, corny, and not very scary and they saw no way that it could be re-imagined as something better. I argued the point with them--and even offered to buy the remake rights from them myself--but they stood firm. 20th Century Fox was convinced that something called "Gene Roddenberry's SPECTRE" had no audience potential and they were not interested in giving me or anyone else an opportunity to prove them wrong. - Mike Valerio 2513 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 9:18pm Subject: Re: Problem with Don Harden's e-mail? dghprobe3 Hi Jim: I did get two emails from you today, so I guess the third one didn't get through. For some reason, it helps if you add my name in parentheses at the end of my email address. Not sure why, but it does help. A few eBay people tried sending me emails last year and could not get them to me. If you recall, Jim, I asked you to forward my emails to these people. Their replies all showed the addition of my name in parentheses as the emails that got through to me. --Don H. -------------------- --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Jim wrote: > I've tried to e-mail you three times today, and received > bounce-backs each time. If memory serves... I DID get > through my FIRST time, but since then: Nada. ;) 2514 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 9:53pm Subject: SPECTRE's spectre dghprobe3 Hi Mike: Thanks for the information you've been sharing with us, as well as for your insights on SPECTRE. Since most of us on this list are fans and consumers, it's always good to hear from the other side of the screen every now and then. David Winning, director of "Andromeda" and other shows, was a guest at Atlanta's Sci-Fi Summer Con last year. While my 16mm lowfade print of SPECTRE was running in the movie room, David walked in during a scene with Majel Barrett, pointed to the screen and said, "Hey, there's my boss!" We talked about the movie for a few minutes. David felt that Robert Culp's character was an updated Sherlock Holmes, a sort of "Banacek" of the occult, with Gig Young's character as Dr. Watson. I'm not sure why SPECTRE never made it to series. I understand ratings were respectable when it was first shown in May 1977. I think there were rumblings that it was too much like Kolchak, which is not terribly accurate. It may have been something simple, like a change of management at the network. Then again, the idea of several people in the movie shape- shifting back and forth into reptiles and other creatures could have been too unbelievable for NBC. It sounds like a David Icke book. It does have it's corny moments, but much of that was Asmodeus playing mind games with Sebastian and Dr. Hamilton. It would be interesting to read over Roddenberry's and Sam Peeples' notes of how they were planning to do the series and what stories they would have tried, if such notes still exist. True, SPECTRE is not that scary, even in a subdued Hitchcockian way, but it reflected TV standards of the time, with the addition of Roddenberry's views on sex. If it had been a feature film instead, they could have gotten more gore and stuff into it. Interestingly, it was shown in Europe as a feature film. Interesting also that Robert Weverka, adapter of the SEARCH and MOONROCK books, wrote an adaptation of SPECTRE. The link below includes a scan of the book cover: http://www.well.com/user/sjroby/lcars/1979.html --Don H. --------------------------- --- In probe_control, Mike Valerio wrote: > And you can't count on the creative side of the studio > to have any vision. When I was a VP at Fox, I pitched > both the TV network and film division sides of the > studio on the idea of remaking Gene Roddenberry's > SPECTRE as a TV or movie franchise. Given START TREK's > success, they were intrigued by the notion of having a > Roddenberry franchise of their own (which, until I > pointed it out to them, they hadn't even realized they > owned) Anyway, their interest was high until I pulled > the tape of the original 2-hour SPECTRE pilot and they > sat down to screen it... 2515 From: Mike Valerio Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 10:24pm Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre mvscreen Don: Thanks for the link. It's interesting to note how similiar the art direction of that SPECTRE cover is to the original paperback cover of THE EXORCIST, right down to the purple background and blurred photo. I recall reading an interview with GR back in the day when he admitted that he originally planned to actually use Holmes and Watson as the lead characters in SPECTRE, but then thought better of it because he didn't want to do a period piece. So, Sherlock and his Doctor became Sebastian and his Doctor. At the time I made my pitch to the brass at Fox, the X-FILES was about to be canceled and they were actively looking for a supernatural suspense series to replace it on the schedule. I thought that an updated SPECTRE (with younger actors in the leads and the additon of a regular female character) would have fit the bill nicely. They disagreed and so the property sits. - MV - MV 2516 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 6:51pm Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre worldsecanalyst In a message dated 3/8/2004 4:55:34 PM Eastern Standard Time, dghprobe3@... writes: > I'm not sure why SPECTRE never made it to series. I understand > ratings were respectable when it was first shown in May 1977. I > think there were rumblings that it was too much like Kolchak, which > is not terribly accurate. > A few years ago I've met with Gene Roddenberry jr, and I've had a chance to ask questions about "Spectre" and the antecedent to "Earth Final Conflict." Quite simply Paramount was seriously considering resurrecting "Star Trek." GR simply couldn't pass up the offer. End Run, David 2517 From: "Marta Dawes" Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 0:15am Subject: RE: SPECTRE's spectre martadawes That's too bad, since "Spectre" is one of my favorite TV movies. I would have liked to see it as a series. Marta http://www.steveandmarta.com Home of "The Graveyards of Omaha" and "The New Twilight Zone" websites (Alan Brennert's new book is featured on the site!) "Experience should teach us to be on our guard to protect liberty when government's purpose are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment of men of zeal, well meaning but without understanding." Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis's great statement from Olmstead v. United States : -----Original Message----- From: yorktowncmdr@... [mailto:yorktowncmdr@...] Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 5:51 PM To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [probe_control] SPECTRE's spectre In a message dated 3/8/2004 4:55:34 PM Eastern Standard Time, dghprobe3@... writes: > I'm not sure why SPECTRE never made it to series. I understand > ratings were respectable when it was first shown in May 1977. I > think there were rumblings that it was too much like Kolchak, which > is not terribly accurate. > A few years ago I've met with Gene Roddenberry jr, and I've had a chance to ask questions about "Spectre" and the antecedent to "Earth Final Conflict." Quite simply Paramount was seriously considering resurrecting "Star Trek." GR simply couldn't pass up the offer. End Run, David 2518 From: "bfiler2002000" Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 0:19am Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre -SEARCH script bfiler2002000 re: Mike Valerio's comments on SPECTRE TV-movie. Reading your comments about it, the movie sounded vaugely familiar, I think I may have watched it long ago. It does seem strange that there was no interest in a reworked, updated version, especially now when you have Majel Roddenberry getting series made off of what I can only assume are brief scribblings made by her late husband on backs of envelopes, table napkins, backs of magazines, etc. things that, al- though I'm no expert on Roddenberry, I doubt could have been fleshed out in much detail. I fully expect to see a rebooted version of THE QUESTOR TAPES (or less likely) EARTH II, probably with Majel as producer, any time now. Keep plugging away though, as we both know, studio managment changes even more freqenntly than we change socks, maybe eventually you'll find somebody who might be willing to give you a listen. Have you thought about trying to enlist Majel on your side? She has an automatic interest and if you could sell her on it, she could take your case to the suits and make them listen. I was disappointed not to see any reply to my question about the SEARCH script. I guess the guy that was writing that gave up because there is no realistic chance of getting it made. The script I'm writing, there's zero chance of it ever getting made, much less in a form that we might be willing to watch, because I have no Hollywood track record, am not a "known name", do not own the rights to the show I am writing about, I have no money and in addition this is my first effort at writing a script, basically I have no business doing it WHATSOEVER, but I'm doing it anyway. Even if I tried to pitch it to a Hollywood professional...I am a long, long way from ever doing that..but if I did, I would also be turned down because, in addition to everything else going against it,I'm doing a serious treatment...they would tell me, "This will never sell. It has to be a comedy, comedy is what sells.." I know they would say this because, just look at the current box office, all the old shows from the '70's that are being remade, like STARSKY & HUTCH, and the upcoming remake of THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN with Jim Carrey (that last sentence pretty much tells you all you need to know about that project...) they're taking things that were originally serious dramas and remaking them as comedies. But there is some small hope for the future. I read a few months back that Dreamworks is going to do a Matt Helm move, it is supposed to be serious, more like the original Donald Hamilton novels than the Dean Martin movies in the '60s (To be fair, an accurate adaptation of Hamilton's novels couldn't have been done in the '60's or '70's because they were considered far too violent even for a big-screen movie back then. If it does well at the box office, there will be interest in doing serious spy movies, and in other, older spy characters who are currently lying in the vaults, forgotten. Maybe we can look forward to seeing the return of some of our favorite spy characters in something that's worthy of them. I do agree with you, Mike, (or whoever it was if it wasn't you) that SEARCH 2004 would be a bad idea. We've already seen glimpses of what a SEARCH 2004 might be like, with the series THREAT MATRIX, among others, and it is not pretty. Most current takes on spies have them wearing mini-headsets with microphones (like THREAT MATRIX), so they are constantly in touch with headquarters,or at least a control center that is probably not too unlike an updated Probe-Control, and they are tied into GPS satellites, etc. The next step would be to have the receiver/transmitter unit implanted instead of worn... A few nights ago I was watching a Chuck Norris movie called THE PRESIDENT'S MAN, (I only watched a few minutes of it, if you watch it, you will see why) and I felt it was very much like what a SEARCH 2004 would be like as it had the constantly-monitored agent, and the person at "Probe- Control" watching a screen tied into GPS and warning the agent that there were two people on motorcycles coming x meters down the road, and basically, every ounce of suspense was drained from the scene. I'm afraid our technology has progressed to the point now where it would be very hard to do a SEARCH 2004 amd make it interesting and engaging to any audience. I mean, it would be impossible to sneak up on a modern-day Probe, he or she would be linked to GPS via their earjack (or whatever they would have now...I suspect by now the scanner would be implanted in one of the Probe's eyes, and we would have a zoom-in on the eye and various computer graphics as the scanner functions were activated from Probe-Control. I think this would have been the case even as early as the second season, if SEARCH had survived to one, because they would then have been competing with THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN, and the concept which seemed so far out the year before was suddenly tame...) and Probe- Control would warn them before anyone could get close... 2519 From: "Marta Dawes" Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 0:18am Subject: RE: SPECTRE's spectre martadawes It wasn't scary, but it was an interesting concept with great actors and the Devil himself. I would have been a good basis for a series. Marta http://www.steveandmarta.com Home of "The Graveyards of Omaha" and "The New Twilight Zone" websites (Alan Brennert's new book is featured on the site!) "Experience should teach us to be on our guard to protect liberty when government's purpose are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment of men of zeal, well meaning but without understanding." Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis's great statement from Olmstead v. United States : -----Original Message----- From: dghprobe3 [mailto:dghprobe3@...] Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 3:53 PM To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Subject: [probe_control] SPECTRE's spectre Hi Mike: Thanks for the information you've been sharing with us, as well as for your insights on SPECTRE. Since most of us on this list are fans and consumers, it's always good to hear from the other side of the screen every now and then. David Winning, director of "Andromeda" and other shows, was a guest at Atlanta's Sci-Fi Summer Con last year. While my 16mm lowfade print of SPECTRE was running in the movie room, David walked in during a scene with Majel Barrett, pointed to the screen and said, "Hey, there's my boss!" We talked about the movie for a few minutes. David felt that Robert Culp's character was an updated Sherlock Holmes, a sort of "Banacek" of the occult, with Gig Young's character as Dr. Watson. I'm not sure why SPECTRE never made it to series. I understand ratings were respectable when it was first shown in May 1977. I think there were rumblings that it was too much like Kolchak, which is not terribly accurate. It may have been something simple, like a change of management at the network. Then again, the idea of several people in the movie shape- shifting back and forth into reptiles and other creatures could have been too unbelievable for NBC. It sounds like a David Icke book. It does have it's corny moments, but much of that was Asmodeus playing mind games with Sebastian and Dr. Hamilton. It would be interesting to read over Roddenberry's and Sam Peeples' notes of how they were planning to do the series and what stories they would have tried, if such notes still exist. True, SPECTRE is not that scary, even in a subdued Hitchcockian way, but it reflected TV standards of the time, with the addition of Roddenberry's views on sex. If it had been a feature film instead, they could have gotten more gore and stuff into it. Interestingly, it was shown in Europe as a feature film. Interesting also that Robert Weverka, adapter of the SEARCH and MOONROCK books, wrote an adaptation of SPECTRE. The link below includes a scan of the book cover: http://www.well.com/user/sjroby/lcars/1979.html --Don H. --------------------------- --- In probe_control, Mike Valerio wrote: > And you can't count on the creative side of the studio > to have any vision. When I was a VP at Fox, I pitched > both the TV network and film division sides of the > studio on the idea of remaking Gene Roddenberry's > SPECTRE as a TV or movie franchise. Given START TREK's > success, they were intrigued by the notion of having a > Roddenberry franchise of their own (which, until I > pointed it out to them, they hadn't even realized they > owned) Anyway, their interest was high until I pulled > the tape of the original 2-hour SPECTRE pilot and they > sat down to screen it... 2520 From: William Simon Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 0:28am Subject: Re: The Prisoner, etc wm_simon Mike- Thanks a LOT for trying. I thought I was the ONLY one in the world who even SAW the original SPECTRE. I still, after all these years, think it didn't get a fair shot. NBC ran it once, then not for a long long time. The novelization (by Robert Weverka, who did the two SEARCH books) came out almost a year after the fact, and it rarely showed up in syndication. I managed to obtain a bad edited version of it on a local UHF station back in 1983 or so, and last Halloween ran across it on Fox Movie Classics. This was the "overseas" version with the credits badly re-edited and some brief nude shots in the final scene under Cyon Manor. Still and all, I personally thought it had a lot more potential than it got the chance for. W --- Mike Valerio wrote: > And you can't count on the creative side of the > studio > to have any vision. When I was a VP at Fox, I > pitched > both the TV network and film division sides of the > studio on the idea of remaking Gene Roddenberry's > SPECTRE as a TV or movie franchise. Given START > TREK's > success, they were intrigued by the notion of having > a > Roddenberry franchise of their own (which, until I > pointed it out to them, they hadn't even realized > they > owned) Anyway, their interest was high until I > pulled > the tape of the original 2-hour SPECTRE pilot and > they > sat down to screen it. > > The verdict from both the TV and movie camps: > SPECTRE > was so old and out-dated that it was completely > unsuited for any kind of remake. It was slow, corny, > and not very scary and they saw no way that it could > be re-imagined as something better. > > I argued the point with them--and even offered to > buy > the remake rights from them myself--but they stood > firm. 20th Century Fox was convinced that something > called "Gene Roddenberry's SPECTRE" had no audience > potential and they were not interested in giving me > or > anyone else an opportunity to prove them wrong. > > - Mike Valerio 2521 From: William Simon Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 0:34am Subject: RE: SPECTRE's spectre wm_simon It would have, but as Mike said earlier (and I still say God Bless him for trying) no one wants to take a chance these days. I just went thought an 11 month battle with the USA series THE DEAD ZONE, to be ultimately told "Good script, but the subject's a little hot for us". (sigh) --- Marta Dawes wrote: > It wasn't scary, but it was an interesting concept > with great actors and > the Devil himself. I would have been a good basis > for a series. 2522 From: "Marta Dawes" Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 0:42am Subject: RE: The Prisoner, etc martadawes I very much agree. I didn't see the initial airing, but caught it on a local independent in the early 80's and loved it. I've probably got the same badly edited version you do, but this is one film that should be out on DVD, uncut. They put so much garbage out and ignore worthy films like this. Marta http://www.steveandmarta.com Home of "The Graveyards of Omaha" and "The New Twilight Zone" websites (Alan Brennert's new book is featured on the site!) "Experience should teach us to be on our guard to protect liberty when government's purpose are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment of men of zeal, well meaning but without understanding." Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis's great statement from Olmstead v. United States : -----Original Message----- From: William Simon [mailto:wm_simon@...] Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 6:29 PM To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [probe_control] The Prisoner, etc Mike- Thanks a LOT for trying. I thought I was the ONLY one in the world who even SAW the original SPECTRE. I still, after all these years, think it didn't get a fair shot. NBC ran it once, then not for a long long time. The novelization (by Robert Weverka, who did the two SEARCH books) came out almost a year after the fact, and it rarely showed up in syndication. I managed to obtain a bad edited version of it on a local UHF station back in 1983 or so, and last Halloween ran across it on Fox Movie Classics. This was the "overseas" version with the credits badly re-edited and some brief nude shots in the final scene under Cyon Manor. Still and all, I personally thought it had a lot more potential than it got the chance for. W --- Mike Valerio wrote: > And you can't count on the creative side of the > studio > to have any vision. When I was a VP at Fox, I > pitched > both the TV network and film division sides of the > studio on the idea of remaking Gene Roddenberry's > SPECTRE as a TV or movie franchise. Given START > TREK's > success, they were intrigued by the notion of having > a > Roddenberry franchise of their own (which, until I > pointed it out to them, they hadn't even realized > they > owned) Anyway, their interest was high until I > pulled > the tape of the original 2-hour SPECTRE pilot and > they > sat down to screen it. > > The verdict from both the TV and movie camps: > SPECTRE > was so old and out-dated that it was completely > unsuited for any kind of remake. It was slow, corny, > and not very scary and they saw no way that it could > be re-imagined as something better. > > I argued the point with them--and even offered to > buy > the remake rights from them myself--but they stood > firm. 20th Century Fox was convinced that something > called "Gene Roddenberry's SPECTRE" had no audience > potential and they were not interested in giving me > or > anyone else an opportunity to prove them wrong. > > - Mike Valerio > > 2523 From: Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 1:27am Subject: OT: Question for Mike about Fox actingman_jc Mike, I too am enjoying your insights on various parts of the industry. You may be too far removed from Fox in time (sometimes the powers do change often) or you may just not have had any contact with this end of things, but my question involves Fox's judgement in DVD releases. People in Irwin Allen fandom are glad to finally have the first season of Lost In Space on DVD, but they are confused and ticked off that it took so long to get any of his series released...and even then Fox seems to be acting like they expect the whole thing to fail...which it hasn't. I added to the discussion the following in trying to figure it out (and I most definitly welcome correction and disagreement): To Fox's surprise, their best selling tv series on DVD (I read or heard this) is The Family Guy. They are even thinking of putting it back into production, so if nothing else, they will have more episodes to release on DVD. You would figure that MASH would sell well...so they are releasing them with no frills whatsoever (which is fine with me). They release the Mary Tyler Moore show with very fancy packaging and a nice booklet, and commentaries and a disk full of extras...and it doesn't sell well enough (I am guessing for the cost of making it) and so there may not be any more seasons released (and my household wanted all seven seasons released.) Now MASH and MTM are both quality shows...but my instinct says MASH would most likely sell better then MTM...so MASH would be a better release to gamble higher costs with newly produced extras. Also, I pointed out that A&E is releasing a whole library of cult shows...some that have not been seen in this country in decades...and I am assuming successfully, since they continue to release them. So I am wondering, if you have any insights into Fox's thinking regarding DVD releases. Are they having a hard time figuring it out? The same way they can't figure out the value of SPECTRE? It's funny how things cycle. I remember reading that someone looking back to the 70's, and how Paramount year after year could not make up their minds to do, and then what to do with, Star Trek, said that in the time it took them to do the first Trek, Fox would have already done 5 or 6 movies. Again...thanks for the thoughtful observations. 2524 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 9:05pm Subject: Re: Re: SPECTRE's spectre -SEARCH script worldsecanalyst In a message dated 3/8/2004 7:21:02 PM Eastern Standard Time, Aloma@... writes: > I fully expect to see a rebooted version of > THE QUESTOR TAPES (or less likely) EARTH II, probably with Majel > as producer, any time now. > QUESTOR was reincarnated as Lt. Cmdr. Data in ST-TNG. EARTH II? You must mean Genesis II (Alex Cord as Dylan Hunt) and its sequel Planet Earth (John Saxon as Dylan Hunt). Does the character name sound familiar? I can't say that Andromeda is a recycling of a TV concept. Mrs. Roddenberry has certainly recycled a character name. 2525 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Mon Mar 8, 2004 9:10pm Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre worldsecanalyst In a message dated 3/8/2004 5:27:42 PM Eastern Standard Time, mvscreen@... writes: > At the time I made my pitch to the brass at Fox, the > X-FILES was about to be canceled and they were > actively looking for a supernatural suspense series to > replace it on the schedule. I thought that an updated > SPECTRE (with younger actors in the leads and the > additon of a regular female character) would have fit > the bill nicely. They disagreed and so the property > sits. > This is where I come to Poltergeist The Legacy. This series began on Showtime. It is now seen on SCIFI Sat 3:00 am in reruns. It had some elements of SEARCH too. There is a secluded room within The Legacy mansion for the staffs' computers and research equipment. I can go on with much else. 2526 From: William Simon Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 2:20am Subject: Re: OT: Question for Mike about Fox wm_simon I, along with a lot of other people, are waiting for Fox to do something with all three seasons of MILLENNIUM. X FILES seems to be selling well. Why not MILLENNIUM? --- actingman@... wrote: > So I am wondering, if you have any insights into > Fox's thinking regarding DVD releases. Are they > having a hard time figuring it out? The same way > they can't figure out the value of SPECTRE? 2527 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 3:25am Subject: Good thread going here dghprobe3 --- In probe_control, yorktowncmdr@a... wrote: > A few years ago I've met with Gene Roddenberry jr, and I've had a chance to ask questions about "Spectre" and the antecedent to "Earth Final Conflict." > Quite simply Paramount was seriously considering resurrecting "Star Trek." GR simply couldn't pass up the offer. To everyone: Good discussion thread going here, congratulations to all. Even though we're branching off into different areas, "Search" is still in the Venn Diagram. :-) David is correct about Trek. It was shortly after the time "Spectre" aired in May 1977 that the (up to then) flip-flopping efforts to get "Star Trek" back on TV or in the movies got serious. It was to be "Star Trek Phase II" or similar. May 1977 was also the month "Star Wars" premiered, which caused the TV plans to be shelved in favor of what became "ST - The Motion Picture." Actingman is correct about DVD extras. Some shows that scream for extras often don't have any, and fluffy little shows often burst at the seams with extras, more than you want in many cases. Speaking of which, I've heard that the recent "Rocky" DVD includes a tribute to Burgess Meredith. Has anyone seen this? I doubt there is a Search reference, but it should give insight into his tremendous acting career. Marta, it would be interesting to see a "Spectre" DVD, but I don't think Fox even released a pro tape. The European version has been aired on Fox Cable, which had the recut opening credits and slightly racier footage toward the end. Gig Young, writer Samuel A. Peeples, and producer Gordon Scott are unfortunately no longer with us, but Robert Culp, Majel Barrett, John Cameron (music) and some of the others could probably contribute an interview or commentary. Mike's observation that some legal problem caused "Search" to be classed as "overseas only" may be the reason the episodes haven't been seen in the U.S. since 1973. Probably the only thing we can do from here on out is to encourage someone to air the "Search" pilot movie once in awhile, which is available in syndication. Letters to Turner's Time-Warner connected TNT may still be a good place to start. --Don H. 2528 From: Mike Valerio Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 5:57pm Subject: Re: OT: Question for Mike about Fox mvscreen I'm sorry, but I don't have any hard answers to your DVD questions. I work on the production and broadcast side of the business, and my experience in the home video end is limited. You might want to keep this in mind: Most new technology is embraced first by young people. Older folks take a while to cozy up to new tech. Thus, more young people own DVD players than old people. THE FAMILY GUY demographic lines right up with the DVD demographic. Same demographic. The MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW demographic is composed of the parents and grandparents of the FAMILY GUY audience, a lot less of whom actually own DVD players. - MV 2529 From: Mike Valerio Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 6:53pm Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre mvscreen Don: Five minutes ago, I bought a copy of Weverka's SPECTRE novelization online...for a dollar. Guess there's not a lot of SPECTRE fans out there after all.... :-) - MV 2530 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 7:53pm Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre dghprobe3 --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Mike Valerio wrote: > Five minutes ago, I bought a copy of Weverka's SPECTRE > novelization online...for a dollar. > Guess there's not a lot of SPECTRE fans out there > after all.... :-) Hi Mike: Thanks for the news. It just goes to show what you can find on eBay. :-) Let us know if the book has anything of note different from the teleplay. By the way, I always get a good reaction to my colorful 16mm Fujiprint of SPECTRE at sci-fi conventions. People come up after it's over and ask questions about it. It was a hit with David Winning, it was one of the few prints of anything he'd ever seen at a con that wasn't faded to radish red. It plays effectively on a big screen with the sound cranked up and an audience gathered around. However, whenever I see SPECTRE on video, especially on a portable TV, it just sorta lays there. --Don H. 2531 From: "Martin Parrott" Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 8:04pm Subject: Re: Re: SPECTRE's spectre parrottm76262 I don't suppose there are any copies of SPECTRE out there for sale, are there? I have never seen it and all this buzz has me curious about it. I may have missed this info in an earlier part of this thread. If so, sorry, point me to it. Martin Parrott ----- Original Message ----- From: "dghprobe3" To: Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 1:53 PM Subject: [probe_control] Re: SPECTRE's spectre > --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Mike Valerio wrote: > > Five minutes ago, I bought a copy of Weverka's SPECTRE > > novelization online...for a dollar. > > Guess there's not a lot of SPECTRE fans out there > > after all.... :-) > > Hi Mike: Thanks for the news. It just goes to show what you can > find on eBay. :-) Let us know if the book has anything of note > different from the teleplay. > > By the way, I always get a good reaction to my colorful 16mm > Fujiprint of SPECTRE at sci-fi conventions. People come up after > it's over and ask questions about it. It was a hit with David > Winning, it was one of the few prints of anything he'd ever seen at a > con that wasn't faded to radish red. > > It plays effectively on a big screen with the sound cranked up and an > audience gathered around. However, whenever I see SPECTRE on video, > especially on a portable TV, it just sorta lays there. > > --Don H. > 2532 From: "bfiler2002000" Date: Tue Mar 9, 2004 10:38pm Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre bfiler2002000 --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "Martin Parrott" wrote: > I don't suppose there are any copies of SPECTRE out there for sale, are > there? I have never seen it and all this buzz has me curious about it. I may > have missed this info in an earlier part of this thread. If so, sorry, point > me to it. > > Martin Parrott Well, Martin, as somebody else said, it's truly amazing the things you can find on Ebay. Why not go there, type in SPECTRE, and see what pops up? I've been truly amazed at the items I have found relating to THE DELPHI BUREAU over the past several months, I have been able to find (and win) several promotional photos, though sadly, I still have yet to find the photo I'm really anxious to find, tnat I had years ago, and I haven't had much luck on SEARCH. Typing in SEARCH or PROBE has been bringing zero results. Any ideas as to what other words I could try? Leslie Stevens? Hugh O'Brian? > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "dghprobe3" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 1:53 PM > Subject: [probe_control] Re: SPECTRE's spectre > > > > --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Mike Valerio wrote: > > > Five minutes ago, I bought a copy of Weverka's SPECTRE > > > novelization online...for a dollar. > > > Guess there's not a lot of SPECTRE fans out there > > > after all.... :-) > > > > Hi Mike: Thanks for the news. It just goes to show what you can > > find on eBay. :-) Let us know if the book has anything of note > > different from the teleplay. > > > > By the way, I always get a good reaction to my colorful 16mm > > Fujiprint of SPECTRE at sci-fi conventions. People come up after > > it's over and ask questions about it. It was a hit with David > > Winning, it was one of the few prints of anything he'd ever seen at a > > con that wasn't faded to radish red. > > > > It plays effectively on a big screen with the sound cranked up and an > > audience gathered around. However, whenever I see SPECTRE on video, > > especially on a portable TV, it just sorta lays there. > > > > --Don H. 2533 From: "franklinberke" Date: Wed Mar 10, 2004 3:05pm Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre franklinberke Hi Martin I was intrigued when I first saw it broadcast on network TV probably over 10 years ago, and I taped it then. I'll have to go through my tapes to see if I still have it as well as to see what condition it's in. So I'll let you know; It will probably be sometime next week before I have some free time to check though. Take care. Franklin --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "Martin Parrott" wrote: > I don't suppose there are any copies of SPECTRE out there for sale, are > there? I have never seen it and all this buzz has me curious about it. I may > have missed this info in an earlier part of this thread. If so, sorry, point > me to it. > > Martin Parrott 2534 From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Wed Mar 10, 2004 11:28pm Subject: RE: Older generation is more astute (??) gfwillmetts Hi everyone Hello Don H I hope you Americans are remembering that shows like 'The Prisoner' are British & used to being made to shorter runs, even for seasons, even up today citing examples like 'Ultraviolet' & 'Spooks' (you're seeing it over there as 'MI5). Cos they're same language, popular & cheap - at least in terms of buying rights to show, no doubt fulfilling a percentage of foreign shows that can be seen in the US that it hardly puts them in the same category as short series from your own market. Hello Mike V A very valid point re: accountants stopping a trigger percentage. I can also hazard a guess why neither Leslie Stevens or Hugh O'Brian never challenged it in court simply because the series was considered a failure even by them. (A glorious failure in our eyes but still a failure.) By keeping the numbers of foreign sales down, a few dollars from, say, showing 'Probe' wouldn't have stirred any trouble either. Is there such a real company as 'World Securities', let alone having a PROBE division?? Then again, there's always been an argument that the US government could have put a stop to 'Mission: Impossible' cos it was rather close to CIA black bag operations. Mind you, doing that would have proven the point... Denial always suggests there’s some sort of truth out there if you want to be paranoid about it. Hello Aloma bfiler 'Alias' has a constant world-wide radio link for its agents out in the field as well together with intelligence back-up. Bet the real CIA are envious. :-) I can see what a lot of the rest of you are driving at. Communication to home base is seen as incidental to whatever is going on. With 'Search' it was central to the whole story, especially when the Probes were making out things were more difficult when they weren't being watched. If the approach was 'Search' did it first & kept some of the off-the-cuff humour from the Lockwood/Grover episodes to show it needn't take itself seriously all the time. The important things would be to highlight the angles that other shows aren't exploring. Mind you, its indicating the possibility that there are a lot of old 'Search' fans or at least seen the series out there writing, as witnessed by that X-Files episode, judging by the communication angle that is propagating these series. Back to Mike V’s. As we're all representative of middle-aged, how about a quick straw poll as to whether any of us had problems adapting to new technology. Just to get the pot rolling, let's take digital cameras. I've got nothing against them. Hell, I even showed someone how to use one properly with a glance at the manual. I've just been cautious about owning one until the price is reasonable, the resolution better & the advances are reduced to a snail’s pace. In the UK, the way DVDs are replacing videos, there was no option but do a change over but I'm only using a cheap DVD player until the DVD/video recorders are cheap enough to allow me to copy my video collection across. Maybe the youth market is a lot more reckless with their money?? Maybe us more older generation (at 46, I’m old generation. Sheesh!) types are just a bite more canny. Gotta go Geoff ********* GF Willmetts **************************** Commissioning Editor: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com or http://www.computercrowsnestbooks.com THE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY MAGAZINE THE E-BOOK PUBLISHER THAT TRIES HARDER WE DON’T CHOOSE OUR RANK POSITIONS, OTHERS PUT US THERE:- AOL ranks SFcrowsnest #1 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://search.aol.com/aolcom/browse?id=906&source=subcats Yahoo ranks SFcrowsnest #4 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://dir.yahoo.com/Entertainment/Genres/Science_Fiction_and_Fantasy/ DMOZ ranks SFcrowsnest #1 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://dmoz.org/Arts/Literature/Genres/Science_Fiction/ Google PageRanks SFcrowsnest #2 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://directory.google.com/Top/Arts/Genres/Science_Fiction_and_Fantasy/ Alexa ranks SFcrowsnest #2 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://www.alexa.com/browse/general?catid=56670&mode=general *************************************************** 2535 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 11, 2004 2:41am Subject: Re: Older generation dghprobe3 Hi Geoff: Thanks for your last post, always good to hear from you. Your post reminded me that, just before "Search," Leslie Stevens did research for a book he wrote (under pen name L. Clark Stevens) on trends he foresaw in future technology and how they would affect people. It was his own take on "Future Shock." After that, he put together his "Probe" pilot movie and subsequent series. I've collected a number of "Name of the Game" episodes over the past couple of years, and the episodes Leslie Stevens wrote, produced and directed have a flavor to them similar to things we saw later in "Search." Since there were so many cop and detective shows on back in the early 70's, Stevens made technology a gimmick to stand out from the crowd. Along with the revolving cast, this is another reason I sometimes refer to "Search" as a sort of high-tech "Name of the Game." But let's say Stevens were still alive today. True to character, he would probably be doing research for yet another new book on technology, going to the cutting edge and projecting some ten or twenty years into the future from 2004. He would likely come up with something totally unlike "Search" at all. It would certainly be beyond seeking missing objects with tracking devices. The way technology changes every few years, the cutting edge keeps changing, moving forward, and into different directions; a new "Search"-type series could be old hat before it's first season ended. Or, as someone pointed out, if the technology is too fantastic, you could lose the suspense and believability. Any reactions? :-) --Don H. 2536 From: "Skip Brown" Date: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:25am Subject: Earth II (was Re: SPECTRE's spectre -SEARCH script) skipster61 Oddly enough, John Saxon did star in another TV pilot called "Strange New World" (1975) with a plot similar to "Planet Earth"(1974). which was based on "Genesis II" (1973).... sort of... His character played was an astronaut from a group called "PAX", who returns to Earth, after a period of suspended animation, only to find a "strange, new world". "Earth II" was TV pilot from 1971 and oddly enough, co-starred Mariette Hartley from "Genesis II". I don't think that Roddenberry had anything to do with it. -----Original Message----- From: yorktowncmdr@... [mailto:yorktowncmdr@...] Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 9:05 PM To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [probe_control] Re: SPECTRE's spectre -SEARCH script In a message dated 3/8/2004 7:21:02 PM Eastern Standard Time, Aloma@... writes: > I fully expect to see a rebooted version of > THE QUESTOR TAPES (or less likely) EARTH II, probably with Majel > as producer, any time now. > QUESTOR was reincarnated as Lt. Cmdr. Data in ST-TNG. EARTH II? You must mean Genesis II (Alex Cord as Dylan Hunt) and its sequel Planet Earth (John Saxon as Dylan Hunt). Does the character name sound familiar? I can't say that Andromeda is a recycling of a TV concept. Mrs. Roddenberry has certainly recycled a character name. 2537 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Wed Mar 10, 2004 10:57pm Subject: Re: Earth II (was Re: SPECTRE's spectre -SEARCH script) worldsecanalyst In a message dated 3/10/2004 10:41:54 PM Eastern Standard Time, skipster61@... writes: > Oddly enough, John Saxon did star in another TV pilot called "Strange > New World" (1975) with a plot similar to "Planet Earth"(1974). which was > based on "Genesis II" (1973).... sort of... His character played was an > astronaut from a group called "PAX", who returns to Earth, after a > period of suspended animation, only to find a "strange, new world". "Strange New World" was a retooling based on Roddenberry's "Genesis II." He had a consultative role its production with being credited. > > "Earth II" was TV pilot from 1971 and oddly enough, co-starred Mariette > Hartley from "Genesis II". I don't think that Roddenberry had anything > to do with it. > That's correct. This was not a Roddenberry project. I remember both Gary Lockwood and Gary Merrill starring in it with Mariette Hartley. Lew Ayres had a cameo role for the movies' prologue. 2538 From: Mike Valerio Date: Thu Mar 11, 2004 7:03am Subject: Re: Re: Older generation mvscreen Speaking of Leslie Stevens...in case anyone here is interested, I've got something of a rare piece of Leslie Stevens TV memorabilia for auction over on eBay. It's at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4001593790 2539 From: Mike Valerio Date: Thu Mar 11, 2004 7:06am Subject: Re: Earth II (was Re: SPECTRE's spectre -SEARCH script) mvscreen Speaking of Leslie Stevens...in case anyone here is interested, I've got something of a rare piece of Leslie Stevens TV memorabilia for auction over on eBay. It's at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4001593790 2540 From: "Bruce Moffatt" Date: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:29pm Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre offworld2001 If anybody on the list is looking for a copy of Spectre or Genesis II in PAL format, I have them both on tape. Having said that, they are extremely poor quality and quite old tapes recorded off free to air TV back in the 80s or early 90s. I'll dig the tapes up and if the quality will stand up for duping I can help interested parties out. Franklin if your NTSC copy is in good shape I'd love to get a copy of it. I believe the edit for the US was different to the international version. Spectre had great (unfortunately unrealised) potential as a series I think. It's a pity that it, Genesis II and Questor (does anybody have that on tape?) have gone by the wayside in the transfer of so many old and classic TV films to DVD Cheers Bruce Moffatt 2541 From: Date: Thu Mar 11, 2004 7:36pm Subject: MY HERO Reminder probecontrol Date Start Time Title Saturday, 13 5:40 PM My Hero: Mission Impossible 389 BBC 2542 From: Bill Webb Date: Thu Mar 11, 2004 8:49pm Subject: RE: Digest Number 757 standbyprobe > But let's say Stevens were still alive today. True to character, he > would probably be doing research for yet another new book on > technology, going to the cutting edge and projecting some ten or > twenty years into the future from 2004. He would likely come up with > something totally unlike "Search" at all. It would certainly be > beyond seeking missing objects with tracking devices. > Something to think about: How would Search be handled today if resurrected? Nanotechnology and cybernetic implants (beyond earjacks and tooth communicators), perhaps? More to the point, with our growing distrust of surveillance technology and large shadowy corporations how would we view a real World Securities? Would we see sets made of blacks, silvers and grays (with indistinct, foggy backgrounds) instead of bright, colorful cockpits and clean brick-white facades? Story writing would be quite different, too, I suspect. The downbeat nature of scripting these days would likely dictate a plot, for example, where an agent is implanted with something more than he (or she) bargained for by their superiors. A series like that would be deemed "too dark" for my tastes. And I suppose from there it's not a very far leap to the paranoia generated by the X-Files. Okay, maybe this isn't an interesting topic and may have been hashed out before. :o) > The way technology changes every few years, the cutting edge keeps > changing, moving forward, and into different directions; a > new "Search"-type series could be old hat before it's first season > ended. Or, as someone pointed out, if the technology is too > fantastic, you could lose the suspense and believability. Any > reactions? :-) > Actually, there are things on Star Trek that look horribly old hat today (even though it didn't back then) -- and they were supposed to be centuries down the road. There's also a good case for some of our own current technology being influenced by the series (look at some of the Cell phones out there -- Jim Kirk would feel right at home with one). Still, I like the series for the characters, not the unbelievable gadgets they use. They point was (and still is), do the characters believe in the gadgets and the actors take the drama seriously enough to make US want to believe it as well? Taking the other route, one could still set up a "period piece" show using technology that didn't exist at the time (The Wild Wild West being a superb example). I think as long as the gadgets could conceivably have been built out of the existing materials of the day credibility isn't stretched to the point where you shake your head and walk away in total disbelief. On the Gene Roddenberry productions, one might read Herb Solow's "Inside Star Trek" for some studio exec insights into decisions by NBC, their properties and some of their (not always intelligent) decisions in handling them. I walked away with the impression that Mr. Roddenberry and NBC were constantly butting heads over one matter or another. The network execs also seemed to be at odds with Mr. R for continually casting Majel Barrett in his projects, whom they didn't seem to like very much. Keep in mind, though, the book is told from a P.O.V. and probably doesn't reflect an all-encompassing picture of what was always going on. Okay, I'm done. :o) Bill Webb (standbyprobe) 2543 From: "cmaurelius" Date: Thu Mar 11, 2004 10:01pm Subject: Unbelievable!! cmaurelius I just stumbled upon Probe Control while surfing here at work on my off period (I am a teacher) This was my FAVORITE show hwn I was a kid. I made a custom scanner from model parts and wore it as a pendant until I was in the 9th grade! I think I lost it in gym class. I have searched and searched for the videos, owining only half of the movie that I recorded on a midnight sleepless night way back in the early 80's. I loved the Man From Uncle, I Spy and Secret Agent, But Search was my all time favorite. I loved the gadgets and jumped on the bandwagon with computers in the 70's. I have 3 kids and wish that my oldest could see this series. He'd love it! Ciao Chris 2544 From: "Jim Alexander" Date: Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:33am Subject: Unbelievable!! probecontrol You're OUR KIND OF FAN, Chris!!! :) Thanks for sharing your memories, and feel free to participate in the discussions! Welcome aboard! :) Now get back to enlightening our young!!! ;) Jim Alexander probecontrol@... > I just stumbled upon Probe Control while surfing here at work on my > off period (I am a teacher) > This was my FAVORITE show hwn I was a kid. I made a custom scanner > from model parts and wore it as a pendant until I was in the 9th > grade! I think I lost it in gym class. > I have searched and searched for the videos, owining only half of the > movie that I recorded on a midnight sleepless night way back in the > early 80's. > I loved the Man From Uncle, I Spy and Secret Agent, But Search was my > all time favorite. > I loved the gadgets and jumped on the bandwagon with computers in the > 70's. > I have 3 kids and wish that my oldest could see this series. He'd love it! > Ciao > Chris 2545 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Thu Mar 11, 2004 9:56pm Subject: Re: Unbelievable!! worldsecanalyst Chris, It's to have you with us. It's always gratifying to hear a new fan joining probe_control and sharing reminiscences such as yours. End Run, David 2546 From: "C. Dixon" Date: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:43am Subject: Re: Unbelievable!! cmaurelius Hi, End run.... I had forgottenabout that! I used to sign letters to friends with that! CD --- yorktowncmdr@... wrote: > Chris, > > It's to have you with us. It's always gratifying to > hear a new fan joining > probe_control and sharing reminiscences such as > yours. > > End Run, > > David 2547 From: okuda23392@... Date: Fri Mar 12, 2004 0:50pm Subject: Re: Digest Number 758 okuda23392 In a message dated 3/12/04 8:27:29 AM, probe_control@yahoogroups.com writes: >How would Search be handled today if resurrected? I suspect a 2004 version of SEARCH would look a lot like ALIAS. Both are spy shows with colorful international settings and clever use of stock footage intercut with ingenious Los Angeles locations. Both use science fiction/high tech settings and gadgets. A new SEARCH would be very hard pressed to find new gimmicks as cool as the scanner and PROBE Control were back in the early 1970s, although ALIAS shows that it can be done. -Mike 2548 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Sat Mar 13, 2004 7:40am Subject: Alias - Iceman to Snowman dghprobe3 Hi Mike: Thanks very much for your post, it reminded me of something. Back in Message 1881 (1-15-03), Franklin Berke mentioned an "Alias" plot similarity with the "Search" episode "Operation Iceman": "...Specifically the one entitled "Snowman" where Sydney, the lead character who is a spy, is on the trail of an international Hit-Man named the "Snowman". Even their professional names are similar. Even though there is nothing obvious about an inside traitor there is a subtle hint of it throughout the episode. Still the shocking climax where Sydney confronts and fights the Snowman and accidentally kills him in the process pales in comparison when she realizes that it is her recent one-time lover / spy named Noah who has supposedly flown off fleeing the spy business who turns out to be the "Snowman"... There was also the "X-Files" episode awhile back that reportedly had a surveillance plot and featured a character named Bianco. Have other recent shows featured similar "Search"-like references? --Don H. --------------------- --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, okuda23392@a... wrote: > I suspect a 2004 version of SEARCH would look a lot like ALIAS... 2549 From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Sat Mar 13, 2004 8:18am Subject: RE: unique format gfwillmetts Hello Don H. Having specific trend themes in writers isn't that unusual. It tends to indicate an underlying part of the personality that surfaces from time to time. I'll have a look around for that book you mentioned. Does it have a title?? I can't see him stopping at writing only one book. You've also reminded me of another reason why 'Search' was rare even amongst the series of today. The shows focus on only one set of characters sorting out the world's problems. 'Search' had different people on different cases from the same organisation. Imagine an episode of UNCLE with just Kuryakin! Probably why 'Name Of The Game' hits the same chord cos it was singularly unique although they weren't linked that heavily through one organisation or did they belong to the same company but not work together?? I haven't seen NofG since the late 60s. I think if Leslie Stevens were alive today, he'd probably use telepaths to get the job done rather than rely on mechanical means. Gotta go Geoff ********* GF Willmetts **************************** Commissioning Editor: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com or http://www.computercrowsnestbooks.com THE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY MAGAZINE THE E-BOOK PUBLISHER THAT TRIES HARDER WE DON’T CHOOSE OUR RANK POSITIONS, OTHERS PUT US THERE:- AOL ranks SFcrowsnest #1 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://search.aol.com/aolcom/browse?id=906&source=subcats Yahoo ranks SFcrowsnest #4 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://dir.yahoo.com/Entertainment/Genres/Science_Fiction_and_Fantasy/ DMOZ ranks SFcrowsnest #1 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://dmoz.org/Arts/Literature/Genres/Science_Fiction/ Google PageRanks SFcrowsnest #2 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://directory.google.com/Top/Arts/Genres/Science_Fiction_and_Fantasy/ Alexa ranks SFcrowsnest #2 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://www.alexa.com/browse/general?catid=56670&mode=general *************************************************** 2550 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Sat Mar 13, 2004 7:25am Subject: Re: Alias - Iceman to Snowman worldsecanalyst As yet I haven't come across one in other show. Your "X-Files" citation is within its character though. Someone on the staff must have grown up on SEARCH. I know Chris Carter himself was a big "Night Stalker" fan; only, he had to beg to convince Darren McGavin to appear in the series. It's a pity they couldn't fit in someone from the SEARCH cast. > There was also the "X-Files" episode awhile back that reportedly had > a surveillance plot and featured a character named Bianco. > > Have other recent shows featured similar "Search"-like references? > > 2551 From: "Jim Alexander" Date: Sat Mar 13, 2004 4:15pm Subject: Alias - Iceman to Snowman probecontrol Don Harden asks: >... Have other recent shows featured similar "Search"-like references? ------------------- Speaking of ALIAS, Don... I KNOW it's just coincidence, but has anyone noticed that the name of the recurring character of the CIA psychiatrist (played by Executive Producer Ken Olin's wife Patricia Wettig), currently prominent in the storyline, is... Dr. Barnett? I know there's no connection to SEARCH, but it's nice to pretend that someone was giving the show a 'nod.' ;) Jim Alexander 2552 From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Sat Mar 13, 2004 10:19pm Subject: Re: Search today & the fifth wall gfwillmetts Hello Bill Webb If you forget the idea of World Securities & go for an intelligence service, then that kind of Probe would make for an excellent undercover agent. Jacked into home base, they could supply information to keep him or her up to date with the pretence while doing the job. You couldn't rely on just that kind of show plot. Finding things would still be useful & any other type of espionage activity where a team couldn't get in. Having actors believe in what they're doing goes some way to how it affects the viewers watching it. It's rare for a show to last long when breaking the 5th wall (British TV series 'Lovejoy' being a notable exception) & talking to the viewers. A lot of it depends on how much you buy into the reality that you don't care about deficiencies or if you do, can justify them within the context of the show. Does anyone ever wonder how Rover worked in 'The Prisoner'?? Gotta go Geoff 2553 From: Bill Webb Date: Mon Mar 15, 2004 10:58pm Subject: RE: Digest Number 760 standbyprobe > A lot of it depends on how much you buy into the reality that you don't > care about deficiencies or if you do, can justify them within the context > of > the show. > And I thought about what I had said after I had sent the email. What you say is very true. I discovered that there were several examples in which there might be a show with a particular lead actor whom I don't care for --- in which no amount of belief-suspension in the world is going to get me to accept whatever situation they are in. In myself, I've found that this is particularly true for U.S. actors who make a BIG name for themselves both on-screen and off. For example I don't mind Harrison Ford but while people were seeing the amazing Indiana Jones in action I was seeing Harrison Ford flanked by lights, mirrors, extras and special effects with someone yelling "Cut" between takes. I've noticed it's harder to suspend belief the older I get. > Does anyone ever wonder how Rover worked in 'The Prisoner'?? > (smiling) I think we ALL did. Sometimes we would have long, rambling discussions on just what made The Prisoner itself work. But on the TV series the actors playing the parts worried about those goofy airbags, so I suppose we did, too -- even though in the real world we knew they were merely weather balloons and simply used as a plot device. :o) I've said too much, Bill Webb bill.webb@... 2554 From: Date: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:05pm Subject: Long, Rambling Discussions probecontrol Bill Webb writes: >... Sometimes we would have long, rambling discussions on just what made The Prisoner itself work. ------------------ And there's something to be said about ANY TV series that entertains--AND that people are interested enough in--to even SPUR a debate. It goes without saying that THE PRISONER was written and produced to engage people and make them think (and debate). Some TV shows are forgotten, and others-- people are still talking about to this day. And I'm glad that SEARCH remains one of those. ------------------ >... I've said too much, ------------------ Not at all, Bill. Thank you for your thoughts. Jim Alexander probecontrol@... 2555 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Wed Mar 17, 2004 3:57am Subject: Hallmark's cops & detectives dghprobe3 http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/ Speaking of cop and detective shows of the 1970s and 80s, Hallmark Channel runs a number of them back to back now on Sunday afternoons. Some of these ran during or near the same season as Search, such as Banacek, which aired just before Search every third week or so back in the day. Hallmark's Sunday schedule includes "McMillan & Wife," "Banacek," "Kojak," "Hawaii 5-0," "Magnum PI," "The Equalizer," "Quincy, ME," "Matlock," and "Spencer For Hire." I believe most of these are Universal productions. If you scan the credits of these shows, you will sometimes find familiar names of guest stars, writers, directors, and other crew who also worked with Search. On Saturdays, Hallmark runs Doug McClure's previous series "The Virginian." Also, if anyone finds that "Men From Shiloh" episode which featured both Doug McClure and Tony Franciosa, let us know. --Don H. 2556 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Wed Mar 17, 2004 6:32pm Subject: Re: Digest Number 757 worldsecanalyst In a message dated 3/11/2004 3:51:52 PM Eastern Standard Time, bill.webb@... writes: > Something to think about: How would Search be handled today if resurrected? > Nanotechnology and cybernetic implants (beyond earjacks and tooth > communicators), perhaps? Here's a series to throw in bearing some SEARCH similarities. How about "Earth - Final Confilict" - Year One? William Boone was equipped with a cyberviral implant courtesy of the Taelon visitors. Boone wasn't receiving radio impulses as a Probe would, but it provided a vast database among other functions. End Run, David 2557 From: "Morningstar" Date: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:31am Subject: Earth II (was Re: SPECTRE's spectre -SEARCH script) am2star Don't forget, Anthony Franciosa played Mariette Hartley's husband. The movie also had Hari Rhodes in it, who showed up in a number of things, and Scott Hylands, who is still doing some work on the small screen. --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, yorktowncmdr@a... wrote: > In a message dated 3/10/2004 10:41:54 PM Eastern Standard Time, > skipster61@e... writes: > > > Oddly enough, John Saxon did star in another TV pilot called "Strange > > New World" (1975) with a plot similar to "Planet Earth"(1974). which was > > based on "Genesis II" (1973).... sort of... His character played was an > > astronaut from a group called "PAX", who returns to Earth, after a > > period of suspended animation, only to find a "strange, new world". > > > "Strange New World" was a retooling based on Roddenberry's "Genesis II." He > had a consultative role its production with being credited. > > > > > > "Earth II" was TV pilot from 1971 and oddly enough, co-starred Mariette > > Hartley from "Genesis II". I don't think that Roddenberry had anything > > to do with it. > > > > > That's correct. This was not a Roddenberry project. I remember both Gary > Lockwood and Gary Merrill starring in it with Mariette Hartley. Lew Ayres had a > cameo role for the movies' prologue. 2558 From: Lady Talara Date: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:34am Subject: SPECTER... Is there a missing scene?? ladytalara << You might want to keep this in mind: Most new technology is embraced first by young people. Older folks take a while to cozy up to new tech. Thus, more young people own DVD players than old people. >> Mike, I am 43. That is hardly old. Is it?? I really don't care for most of the 'newer' shows that get released on dvd. So I guess that list me in the 'old peoples' list. That doesn't bother me one tiny bit.. I do own a dvd [layer. A Sampo multiregional one. I don't have the largest collection like others have. I am very picky on what I buy. And an very angry at what isn't out yet.. SPECTER is one I really want.. I was able to tape it off SF a yr. or so ago.. You know at 3:00 am Monday morning where they always play the 'old stuff'. I really am glad id have it.. But I have a real series question.. There was a scene missing bear the end.. There had to be.. You have Sebastian talking to his friend.. To go in town and get some things they need. ...... Then the next scene they are walking into the underground/cave where all the worshipers are dancing and partying.. .. It felt so wrong.. Like there had been a scene where Sebastian and the doctor meet after he returns and then they and who all goes with them start for the lower dungeons.. The film even looked clearly edited.. Can someone tell me if I am right?/ What was missing..?? --------------- Five minutes ago, I bought a copy of Weverka's SPECTRE novelization online...for a dollar. Guess there's not a lot of SPECTRE fans out there after all.... :-) - MV >> Mike, when you read it.. maybe you can tell me what's missing.. Lucky find btw. Cathryn... aka. Talara.. the lady elf 2559 From: Mike Valerio Date: Thu Mar 18, 2004 6:04pm Subject: Re: SPECTER... Is there a missing scene?? mvscreen Catherine: It might be fun to sit down one night to watch SPECTRE while following along in the novelization to see what's different. First, though, I've got to get the book and then I've got to find the time... Meanwhile, abebooks.com has five copies of that Weverka book for sale. Prices range from $3.50 to $60.00. Here's the link in case you (or anyone esle) wants a crack at your owb copy. - MV http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookSearchPL?cmid=hp-search-form 2560 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Thu Mar 18, 2004 9:23pm Subject: Carol, SEARCH & the Comet's Tale dghprobe3 http://f5.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/0A1aQHp0yi360KQExh0V5lWPsow7tL66m9aAqSmwE witaB5vRiRfqsmO5bEIwkhX8Ishlotkzriu2sJxeYkhF8RZL9IpbHo/SEARCH% 20Articles%20from%20others/CometsTale1.PDF Posted to our Files section is an article sent to me by Carol Jackson. (It is in PDF format, so you will need Adobe Acrobat, which is a free download. Try a Google search for Adobe Acrobat if you want to download the latest version.) Carol's car is a 1969 Mercury Comet and for years she's made sure it had a personal license tag saying SEARCH. (A photo of her car with the tag is included with the article.) She got to meet Hugh O'Brian at a HOBY event in 1988, and much of her story involves that event and more. Carol would like to receive emails from SEARCH fans, so those who have questions about her article or her license tag can reach her at: rnemeth@... Thanks, Carol, for sharing with us. :-) ----- Another way to find the article is to go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/files Open the folder "SEARCH Articles from others," then click on "CometsTale1.PDF" If anyone has trouble viewing the article, let me know and I can email you an HTML version. --Don H. 2561 From: "Geoff Willmetts" Date: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:24pm Subject: RE: Earth II (was Re: SPECTRE's spectre -SEARCH script) gfwillmetts Hello Bill Webb I bet you subscribe or read to the media mags as well?? I read them as well but tend to divorce myself from what I've read when I'm watching films or TV. I tend to put my critic's hat on when I get into objective mode. Occasionally, as anyone should be noticing on the website I work, I do an article when I fit a jigsaw about what I've seen to make it self justifying. Multi-functional in the creative world. Re: The Prisoner. In a metaphysical sorta way, Rover was supposed to represent suffocating bureaucracy. :-) Gotta go Geoff ********* GF Willmetts **************************** Commissioning Editor: http://www.sfcrowsnest.com or http://www.computercrowsnestbooks.com THE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY MAGAZINE THE E-BOOK PUBLISHER THAT TRIES HARDER WE DON’T CHOOSE OUR RANK POSITIONS, OTHERS PUT US THERE:- AOL ranks SFcrowsnest #1 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://search.aol.com/aolcom/browse?id=906&source=subcats Yahoo ranks SFcrowsnest #4 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://dir.yahoo.com/Entertainment/Genres/Science_Fiction_and_Fantasy/ DMOZ ranks SFcrowsnest #1 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://dmoz.org/Arts/Literature/Genres/Science_Fiction/ Google PageRanks SFcrowsnest #2 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://directory.google.com/Top/Arts/Genres/Science_Fiction_and_Fantasy/ Alexa ranks SFcrowsnest #2 most popular SFF site on the Internet http://www.alexa.com/browse/general?catid=56670&mode=general *************************************************** 2562 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Thu Mar 18, 2004 7:14pm Subject: Re: Prisoner worldsecanalyst Geoff, Goodness, we are really straying. > Re: The Prisoner. In a metaphysical sorta way, Rover was supposed to > represent suffocating bureaucracy. :-) > That's the way I see it too or, Rover is an instrument of terror to maintain control within the authoritarian society. However, if I wanted to provide a plausible explanation, Rover is a unicellular organism externally controlled. Originally, Patrick McGoohan had a very different conception for Rover. It was a robotic system patrolling the Village. The contraption though was very shakey on its best days. It hindered shooting. So the propmaster resorted to using weather balloons. That's enough of that though. End Run, David 2563 From: "Skip Brown" Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:43am Subject: RE: SPECTER... Is there a missing scene?? skipster61 I have a copy of a more complete version of the Spectre, which apparently was a version for release in international theaters. It was not meant for American television. There is obvious total nudity during ending "partying and dancing" scene. I taped it off my local broadcast channel, and the only reason it was aired is perhaps, because they didn't know it was there! I'll have to dig up that VHS copy, and maybe edit and MPEG it, for internet viewing. Skip -----Original Message----- From: Lady Talara [mailto:ladytalara@...] Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 6:35 AM To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com Subject: [probe_control] SPECTER... Is there a missing scene?? << You might want to keep this in mind: Most new technology is embraced first by young people. Older folks take a while to cozy up to new tech. Thus, more young people own DVD players than old people. >> Mike, I am 43. That is hardly old. Is it?? I really don't care for most of the 'newer' shows that get released on dvd. So I guess that list me in the 'old peoples' list. That doesn't bother me one tiny bit.. I do own a dvd [layer. A Sampo multiregional one. I don't have the largest collection like others have. I am very picky on what I buy. And an very angry at what isn't out yet.. SPECTER is one I really want.. I was able to tape it off SF a yr. or so ago.. You know at 3:00 am Monday morning where they always play the 'old stuff'. I really am glad id have it.. But I have a real series question.. There was a scene missing bear the end.. There had to be.. You have Sebastian talking to his friend.. To go in town and get some things they need. ...... Then the next scene they are walking into the underground/cave where all the worshipers are dancing and partying.. .. It felt so wrong.. Like there had been a scene where Sebastian and the doctor meet after he returns and then they and who all goes with them start for the lower dungeons.. The film even looked clearly edited.. Can someone tell me if I am right?/ What was missing..?? --------------- Five minutes ago, I bought a copy of Weverka's SPECTRE novelization online...for a dollar. Guess there's not a lot of SPECTRE fans out there after all.... :-) - MV >> Mike, when you read it.. maybe you can tell me what's missing.. Lucky find btw. Cathryn... aka. Talara.. the lady elf 2564 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 6:09am Subject: Re: Carol, SEARCH & the Comet's Tale dghprobe3 Hi: Jim Alexander said he had trouble finding Carol Jackson's "Comet's Tale" article in the Files section. Over the past year, Yahoo did something strange. Links which used to be short and simple have gotten horribly lengthy. On the online pages of the list, Yahoo highlights only the first line of all links, making them unusable for the most part. Folks will have to get to the PDF file "the old way." Go to our Files section: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/files After the page opens, you'll have to scroll down a little until you find the folder named "SEARCH Articles from others." Click open the folder or use this link (you may need to right click and highlight the entire link, left click and select "copy," then "paste" the address in your browser window): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/files/SEARCH%20Articles% 20from%20others/ Find "CometsTale.PDF" If it won't open directly, you may need to right click over the file name, let the small window open and pick "Save Target As" and save it to your hard drive. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat, it is a free download from Adobe. If anyone has trouble finding this file, or you can't get it to open, let me know and I can email the PDF or HTML version to you. It's a neat little fan article about Carol's meeting Hugh O'Brian and about her personalized license plate which says "SEARCH." --Don H. ----------------------------- --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "dghprobe3" wrote: > http://f5.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/0A1aQHp0yi360KQExh0V5lWPsow7tL66m9aAqSmwE witaB5vRiRfqsmO5bEIwkhX8Ishlotkzriu2sJxeYkhF8RZL9IpbHo/SEARCH% 20Articles%20from%20others/CometsTale1.PDF > > Posted to our Files section is an article sent to me by Carol > Jackson... 2565 From: "franklinberke" Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:35pm Subject: Re: SPECTRE's spectre franklinberke Hi Bruce In response to your post ... --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Moffatt" wrote: > If anybody on the list is looking for a copy of Spectre or Genesis II in > PAL format, I have them both on tape. Having said that, they are > extremely poor quality and quite old tapes recorded off free to air TV > back in the 80s or early 90s. > > I'll dig the tapes up and if the quality will stand up for duping I can > help interested parties out. > > Franklin if your NTSC copy is in good shape I'd love to get a copy of > it. I believe the edit for the US was different to the international > version. . . . > Cheers > Bruce Moffatt I found and watched my copy a few nights ago. After watching it, I realized that I recorded it over fifteen years ago, but Unfortunately I suffered from the same difficulty you did with poor TV reception. My copy is watchable enough for me to keep, but some of the darker scenes are impossible to make out. I recalled that I was saving my copy until it would be re- broadcast, and then I would have another shot at getting a better recording. I only recorded it because it sounded interesting in the first place, and the interplay between Robert Culp and Gig Young still confirms how much of a keeper it is for myself. I edited out the commercials as best I could back then, and its running time on my tape was approximately 90 minutes. As for your question about editing, I'll tell you more about that when I respond to Lady Talara's post # 2558 I did a search on the Internet for the video and found it offered for sale at the following URL... ww.robertsvideos.com/browse.php3?alpha=&catid=177&incr=1&page=36 Take care. Franklin 2566 From: "franklinberke" Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 3:58pm Subject: Re: SPECTER... Is there a missing scene?? franklinberke Hi Cathryn You mentioned in your post ... --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Lady Talara wrote: . . . > > There was a scene missing bear the end.. There had to > be.. You have Sebastian talking to his friend.. To go > in town and get some things they need. ...... Then the > next scene they are walking into the underground/cave > where all the worshipers are dancing and partying.. .. > > It felt so wrong.. Like there had been a scene where > Sebastian and the doctor meet after he returns and > then they and who all goes with them start for the > lower dungeons.. The film even looked clearly edited.. > > > Can someone tell me if I am right?/ What was > missing..?? > The recording I have of Spectre does indeed have the footage you didn't see. In my copy, immediately after the doctor sets off for town the next scene briefly shows his car pulling up to the mansion at night, and then you see him in Sebastian's room while Sebastian is working over the smelt in order to produce a golden bullet for the gun he uses later to shoot Asmodaous. The conversation they have while short is meaningful enough that it's a pity they cut it out. Bruce Moffatt in his post # 2540 was curious about whether the U.S. edit of the show was different from the copy he has. The only thing I suspect from the context of the scenes in the copy that I have is that there was some trouble on Cyon's private jet flight from America to London. There seems to be a knowing glance given by Sir Jefferies brother to Culp and Young before he leaves saying that he wants to check on the jet. There was some other indirect reference to the flight, but I don't recall what that was. Cathryn, since you mention that you are looking for Spectre, I cab tell you that I found a URL when I went searching for the video on the Internet. This is the only one I found. www.robertsvideos.com/browse.php3?alpha=&catid=177&incr=1&page=36 Take care. Franklin 2567 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 5:47pm Subject: Re: Carol, SEARCH & the Comet's Tale dghprobe3 Sorry, folks, I had my mouse upside down when I made that last post in a hurry. Left is right and verse-vica (I corrected everything below). I'm sure I'll mess up a few other things before the day is over. :-) ---------------------- --- In probe_control, "dghprobe3" wrote: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/files After the page opens, you'll have to scroll down a little until you find the folder named "SEARCH Articles from others." Click open the folder or use this link (you may need to LEFT click and highlight the entire link, RIGHT click and select "copy," then "paste" the address in your browser window): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/probe_control/files/SEARCH%20Articles% 20from%20others/ > Find "CometsTale.PDF" If it won't open directly, you may need to LEFT click over the file name, let the small window open and pick "Save Target As" and save it to your hard drive. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat, it is a free download from Adobe. > If anyone has trouble finding this file, or you can't get it to open, let me know and I can email the PDF or HTML version to you. It's a neat little fan article about Carol's meeting Hugh O'Brian and about her personalized license plate which says "SEARCH." > --Don H. 2568 From: "Morningstar" Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 6:58pm Subject: Old rant am2star This is a little off topic, but we have mentioned age several times in this group. I just found out that Jake Gyllenhaal will be playing Britt Reid in the new "Green Hornet" movie. While it is being written and directed by Kevin Smith, come on. Britt Reid is supposed to be a newspaper publisher. How can a twenty year old be a newspaper publisher. This seems more like "Spider-man's brother." Who would be better to play Britt Reid and Kato? What actors could play serious roles and be athletic enough to do what stunts are necessary? Now, let's carry that one step further. If "Search" was made today, what actors could fill similar roles as our trio plus one? Are there any actors today that have enough clout as serious actors to make the show believable? 2569 From: Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:28pm Subject: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? probecontrol Hey, Morningstar-- Where'd you find out that Jake Gyllenhaal has been cast as the HORNET? All I can find is that Smith is in talks with the actor (see the article--from yesterday--that I reprinted below). And BTW-- I completely agree with you about him being too young for the role. It's sad... casting actors that young (Gyllenhall is 24) as characters like Britt Reid. With SPIDER-MAN, they could get away with it because the character is SUPPOSED to be young; but you're right--Reid is supposed to be the head of a multimillion dollar publishing organization... at 24 (or older, if they say that Gyllenhaal will be 'playing' older)??? It makes me shudder to see what The WB is going to be doing with their upcoming DARK SHADOWS TV series. Can you imagine Barnabas as an 18-year-old? Ugh. Thanks-- Jim Alexander ------------------------------------------ Jake Gyllenhaal up for The Green Hornet Posted on Thr, 18-Mar-2004 According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jake Gyllenhaal is Director Kevin Smith’s first choice for “The Green Hornet” film. The trade says the two had a positive chat with the actor about the famed character and with the direction of the potential franchise, Smith is now interested in casting Gyllenhaal as the crime-fighting superhero who also doubles as Daily Sentinel publisher Britt Reid. Other names may still be in the mix, but Gyllenhaal appears to fit Smith's current conception of the character. It’s not the first time Gyllenhaal’s name has been linked to a superhero character [of sorts]. When Tobey Maguire was playing hardball concerning his deal for “Spider-Man 2” rumours spread that the studio might be in talks to nab lookalike Gyllenhaal. ------------------------------------------ >Subject: [probe_control] Old rant >To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > >This is a little off topic, but we have mentioned age several times in >this group. > >I just found out that Jake Gyllenhaal will be playing Britt Reid in >the new "Green Hornet" movie. While it is being written and directed >by Kevin Smith, come on. > >Britt Reid is supposed to be a newspaper publisher. How can a twenty >year old be a newspaper publisher. This seems more like "Spider-man's >brother." > >Who would be better to play Britt Reid and Kato? What actors could >play serious roles and be athletic enough to do what stunts are necessary? > >Now, let's carry that one step further. If "Search" was made today, >what actors could fill similar roles as our trio plus one? Are there >any actors today that have enough clout as serious actors to make the >show believable? 2570 From: Mike Valerio Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:43pm Subject: Re: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? mvscreen At one point in its long and tortured development history, THE GREEN HORNET movie had been announced as starring George Clooney and Jason Scott Lee, which struck me a being perfectly reasonable. 2571 From: Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:00pm Subject: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? probecontrol >At one point in its long and tortured development >history, THE GREEN HORNET movie had been announced as >starring George Clooney and Jason Scott Lee, which >struck me a being perfectly reasonable. ------------------------ I couldn't agree more. :) Jim 2572 From: "Morningstar" Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:27pm Subject: Re: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? am2star I read it on IMDB (The Internet Movie DataBase: www.imdb.com) in the movie news section. --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, wrote: > Hey, Morningstar-- > > Where'd you find out that Jake Gyllenhaal has been cast as > the HORNET? All I can find is that Smith is in talks with > the actor (see the article--from yesterday--that I reprinted > below). > > And BTW-- I completely agree with you about him being too > young for the role. It's sad... casting actors that young > (Gyllenhall is 24) as characters like Britt Reid. > > With SPIDER-MAN, they could get away with it because the > character is SUPPOSED to be young; but you're right--Reid is > supposed to be the head of a multimillion dollar publishing > organization... at 24 (or older, if they say that Gyllenhaal > will be 'playing' older)??? > > It makes me shudder to see what The WB is going to be doing > with their upcoming DARK SHADOWS TV series. Can you imagine > Barnabas as an 18-year-old? Ugh. > > Thanks-- > > Jim Alexander > > ------------------------------------------ > > Jake Gyllenhaal up for The Green Hornet > Posted on Thr, 18-Mar-2004 > > According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jake Gyllenhaal is > Director Kevin Smith’s first choice for “The Green Hornet” > film. > > The trade says the two had a positive chat with the actor > about the famed character and with the direction of the > potential franchise, Smith is now interested in casting > Gyllenhaal as the crime-fighting superhero who also doubles > as Daily Sentinel publisher Britt Reid. > > Other names may still be in the mix, but Gyllenhaal appears > to fit Smith's current conception of the character. > > It’s not the first time Gyllenhaal’s name has been linked to > a superhero character [of sorts]. When Tobey Maguire was > playing hardball concerning his deal for “Spider-Man 2” > rumours spread that the studio might be in talks to nab > lookalike Gyllenhaal. > > ------------------------------------------ > > > >Subject: [probe_control] Old rant > >To: probe_control@yahoogroups.com > > > >This is a little off topic, but we have mentioned age > several times in > >this group. > > > >I just found out that Jake Gyllenhaal will be playing Britt > Reid in > >the new "Green Hornet" movie. While it is being written and > directed > >by Kevin Smith, come on. > > > >Britt Reid is supposed to be a newspaper publisher. How can > a twenty > >year old be a newspaper publisher. This seems more > like "Spider-man's > >brother." > > > >Who would be better to play Britt Reid and Kato? What actors > could > >play serious roles and be athletic enough to do what stunts > are necessary? > > > >Now, let's carry that one step further. If "Search" was made > today, > >what actors could fill similar roles as our trio plus one? > Are there > >any actors today that have enough clout as serious actors to > make the > >show believable? 2573 From: "Morningstar" Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:36pm Subject: Re: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? am2star So, who do you think would work well for roles if "Search" was being made today? I would think that the actors would have to be old enough to have been in the Gulf War and might have had some military intelligence training prior to that, so probably late thirties or early fourties (Hugh O'Brian was 47 in 1972). --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Mike Valerio wrote: > At one point in its long and tortured development > history, THE GREEN HORNET movie had been announced as > starring George Clooney and Jason Scott Lee, which > struck me a being perfectly reasonable. 2574 From: Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 9:18pm Subject: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? probecontrol >I read it on IMDB (The Internet Movie DataBase: www.imdb.com) in the movie news section. ---------------------- Okee-doke... cuz I checked imdb, and HORNET wasn't listed in Gyllenhaal's credits... yet. ;) I don't know how quickly they list those things. Thanks-- Jim 2575 From: Mike Valerio Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 10:51pm Subject: Re: Re: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? mvscreen >>> So, who do you think would work well for roles if "Search" was bein made today? <<< Well, it's been over 30 years. The world has changed, entertainment has changed and the audiences have changed. And, as I've said before, I think time has not been kind to SEARCH. Hugh, Tony and Doug were cast because they were handsome devils who fit the fantasy-ideal of a James Bond-inspired spy-type. You have to admit that their characters (suave and adventurous ex-astronaunt, quick-tempered and two-fisted ex-cop, laid-back beach bum) were pretty one dimensional. Tony Franciosa looked like what he was: a matinee idol. That was fine in 1972. Today, you'd have to play more to the reality of the character. Imagine Nick Bianco played by somebody like Michael Chiklis or Michael Imperioli. Those guys, I can buy as ex-cops. To make SEARCH work today, it would have to be changed so much, I suspect most people here would not enjoy the resulting product. Tom Cruise's MISSION: IMPOSIBLE is different from Peter Graves' MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE. It has to be. It's playing in a different era to a diffeent audience with different needs. In short, it's not as easy as as asking: "Who is today's Hugh O'Brian?" - MV 2576 From: William Simon Date: Sat Mar 20, 2004 0:03am Subject: Re: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? wm_simon As I got the story, Clooney was more than willing, and had signed a 3 picture deal. Then, Spielberg wanted him for PEACEMAKER, and the Hornet failed. Last I knew (and this was at least 4 years ago) Greg Kinnear was in talks as Reid. --- Mike Valerio wrote: > At one point in its long and tortured development > history, THE GREEN HORNET movie had been announced > as > starring George Clooney and Jason Scott Lee, which > struck me a being perfectly reasonable. > 2577 From: "C. Dixon" Date: Sat Mar 20, 2004 0:28am Subject: Re: Old rant cmaurelius Okay. So what are the choices? From big screen or movies? I rarely get to watch a lot of TV, especially in the winter, because I am a teacher, so I hardly ever catch on to names. I will try tho'... My choices amy be "serious" TV actors, with some clout. Boxlietner comes to mind, Sutherland (and maybe his dad at Probe Control). I actually liked the guy from "Married with children" as Joe Friday, not as that charachter, but as a grizzled cop. He would not make a Probe agent. Patric Duffy as a "lighter" agent along the lines of CR Grover. Maybe introduce a brit to the agents. Use the guy who was on Babylon 5 who was a Ranger... The charachter was called Marcus Cole, I am unfamiliar with the actors name. I won't go as far as saying anyone from Magnum PI, But the grounds keeper could be in Control too. The agents need to be classic, and rugged, worldly and believable. Cameron needs to have a classic voice, and be loveable too. I write all of this with the actors who mighht fit in mind, and not the box office draw. Think "I Spy" Bruce Campbell as Kelly Robinson, and Will Smith as Alexander Scott may have made that disaster more enjoyable. Okay, I do ramble alot, and I apologise. CD --- Morningstar wrote: > This is a little off topic, but we have mentioned > age several times in > this group. > > I just found out that Jake Gyllenhaal will be > playing Britt Reid in > the new "Green Hornet" movie. While it is being > written and directed > by Kevin Smith, come on. > > Britt Reid is supposed to be a newspaper publisher. > How can a twenty > year old be a newspaper publisher. This seems more > like "Spider-man's > brother." > > Who would be better to play Britt Reid and Kato? > What actors could > play serious roles and be athletic enough to do what > stunts are necessary? > > Now, let's carry that one step further. If "Search" > was made today, > what actors could fill similar roles as our trio > plus one? Are there > any actors today that have enough clout as serious > actors to make the > show believable? > > 2578 From: yorktowncmdr@... Date: Fri Mar 19, 2004 10:34pm Subject: Re: Old rant worldsecanalyst In a message dated 3/19/2004 7:30:05 PM Eastern Standard Time, cmaurelius@... writes: > Maybe introduce a brit to the agents. Use > the guy who was on Babylon 5 who was a Ranger... The > charachter was called Marcus Cole, I am unfamiliar > with the actors name. > I've met him on a few occassion. You're referring to Jason Carter. He's really quite a character. Why not? SEARCH spanned the world covering World Securities cases. It stands to reason PROBE should have non-American operatives. I might add that Jason has undergone a makeover. His hair is much shorter, and he sports only a mustache. 2579 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Sat Mar 20, 2004 5:02am Subject: Old rant revisited dghprobe3 --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Mike Valerio wrote: > Hugh, Tony and Doug were cast because they were > handsome devils who fit the fantasy-ideal of a James > Bond-inspired spy-type... Hi Mike: True enough. By the way, thanks for hanging in there with us and for providing a bit of the "devil's advocate," so to speak, along with the realities of Hollywood. We need that, it helps us think things through. :-) While everyone is speculating on a possible dream team that might work for a Search 2004, we should keep in mind that it will be the producers who will make most of the casting decisions. They will pick actors/actresses with reputation, availability, and drawing power, and it's a plus if they've worked with the producer(s) in previous vehicles. Hugh O'Brian told Jim that they began "Probe" with only the Lockwood character and that he almost didn't do the series. I believe Leslie Stevens, having worked with the previous revolving-hero format of "Name of the Game," immediately applied a similar formula to what became "Search." When O'Brian later found that he'd only have to shoot eight episodes per season, he found the series more agreeable. Franciosa had worked previously with Stevens on "Game" and was a known quantity. Admittedly one-dimensional, Nick Bianco isn't far removed from Jeff Dillon of "Game." Stevens produced the seventh season of "The Virginian" and the McClure episodes of "Men from Shiloh," so it was that prior association which got McClure as one of the stars of "Search." Stevens had been associated with Burgess Meredith going all the way back to Stevens' teenage days working as a gofer with Orson Welles' Mercury Theater. Burgess was one of the players back then. Another item that comes to mind is the story of how "Search" producer Bob Justman helped find the lead actor for ST-TNG. Roddenberry originally envisioned a Frenchman for Jean-Luc Picard. I recall reading that Justman had seen Patrick Stewart in a play and was impressed. When Justman first suggested Stewart to GR, I think the idea was shot down. However, Justman insisted that GR see Stewart in the play, and Roddenberry later agreed that Stewart was an excellent choice to be the new captain of the Next Generation Enterprise. --Don H. 2580 From: Mike Valerio Date: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:42am Subject: Re: Old rant revisited mvscreen Well said, Don. I have nothing to add. - MV 2581 From: "Jim Alexander" Date: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:50am Subject: Carol Jackson's: The Comet's Tale probecontrol I'd like to thank Carol Jackson for taking time to send us her story about "The Comet's Tale." It's SEARCH fans like Carol that have kept the affection for the show alive--albeit in very tiny pockets--around the world, to this day. ;) It pleases me immensely that people like Carol write in and tell us tales of their remembrances of the show. And I think that it's marvelous that the interest in the show hasn't been contained only in the US--the country in which it was made. Interested parties from The UK, The Netherlands, Australia, and many other places around the world have written in to John and Bryan's website, and told us, "Hey! *I* remember the show, TOO!" We are not alone in our affection for the show, friends. I am thrilled that people continue to write in about Leslie Stevens' single-season "glorious failure." Back when I was listening to my SEARCH audiotapes and drawing and writing my home-made S.E.A.R.C.H. comic book, I never, ever thought that I'd be able to talk--and learn more--about the show I loved so much as a kid, with people who feel the same way I do. If you haven't taken time to read "The Comet's Tale", I urge you to do so. It's a fun story, with a nice glimpse into what Hugh O'Brian is really like in person. I wish Carol well, health-wise... and congratulate her for giving of herself during her involvement in HOBY. Jim Alexander 2582 From: Nic Olinsky Date: Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:34am Subject: Re: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? tutru From Scifi.com: Gyllenhaal Going Green? Jake Gyllenhaal is reportedly Kevin Smith's first choice to play Britt Reid/Green Hornet in the writer-director's upcoming film version of The Green Hornet, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Smith reportedly met with Gyllenhaal about assuming the lead role in the Miramax production. The trade paper added that other actors are still in the running, but that Gyllenhaal apparently fits Smith's conception of the character. Gyllenhaal is no stranger to genre fare, having starred in Donnie Darko and the upcoming apocalyptic drama The Day After Tomorrow. Gyllenhaal was also Sony's backup to play Spider-Man in Spider-Man 2 if Tobey Maguire did not return for the sequel. On 3/19/04 1:18 PM, "probecontrol@..." wrote: >> I read it on IMDB (The Internet Movie DataBase: > www.imdb.com) in the movie news section. > ---------------------- > Okee-doke... cuz I checked imdb, and HORNET wasn't listed in > Gyllenhaal's credits... yet. ;) I don't know how quickly > they list those things. > > Thanks-- > > Jim > -- Nic Olinsky http://homepage.mac.com/nic/ Sunnyside, WA iChat/AIM: nic@... ICQ: 6718166 2583 From: "Morningstar" Date: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:31am Subject: Re: OT: Gyllenhaal as THE GREEN HORNET? am2star But, in a way, that was my question. Tom Cruise is in his forties, and he still is boyish. Would you want him coming to your rescue? I don't think so. An actor like Vince Vaughn might work. He has been in some serious roles, like "The Cell" and was believable. There has to be some others. Michael Chiklis is a good idea. If we were going to cast a dream series of "Search" perhaps we might choose Val Kilmer for C. R. Grover. That character would work a lot lighter. But, that might be unrealistic. So, who do you guys think would fit the roles IF "Search" were made? --- In probe_control@yahoogroups.com, Mike Valerio wrote: > >>> So, who do you think would work well for roles if > "Search" was bein made today? <<< > > Well, it's been over 30 years. The world has changed, > entertainment has changed and the audiences have > changed. And, as I've said before, I think time has > not been kind to SEARCH. > > Hugh, Tony and Doug were cast because they were > handsome devils who fit the fantasy-ideal of a James > Bond-inspired spy-type. You have to admit that their > characters (suave and adventurous ex-astronaunt, > quick-tempered and two-fisted ex-cop, laid-back beach > bum) were pretty one dimensional. > > Tony Franciosa looked like what he was: a matinee > idol. That was fine in 1972. Today, you'd have to > play more to the reality of the character. Imagine > Nick Bianco played by somebody like Michael Chiklis or > Michael Imperioli. Those guys, I can buy as ex-cops. > > To make SEARCH work today, it would have to be changed > so much, I suspect most people here would not enjoy > the resulting product. > > Tom Cruise's MISSION: IMPOSIBLE is different from > Peter Graves' MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE. It has to be. It's > playing in a different era to a diffeent audience with > different needs. > > In short, it's not as easy as as asking: "Who is > today's Hugh O'Brian?" > > - MV 2584 From: "dghprobe3" Date: Sun Mar 21, 2004 7:38pm Subject: Re: Old rant revisited dghprobe3 Adding to my previous post about casting, I recall the Nov. 1972 TV Guide article we have posted at probecontrol.com After Leslie Stevens wrote his "Probe" pilot script, it was sent around to various actors and agents, and it was Hugh O'Brian who responded positively. He'd been looking for something to make a comeback of sorts to the small screen since his previous success with "Wyatt Earp," plus he was interested in the space program, technology, etc. The point is, Stevens didn't have Hugh O'Brian in mind when he went about writing the pilot movie script. O'Brian read it, liked it, and said "count me in." I'd have to re-check this, and someone may correct me, but I think the earlier scripts referred to "John Lockwood." When Hugh took on the role, it became Hugh Lockwood. Then again, sometimes producers will purposely cast someone unknown in a new project. For example, Ian Fleming at first thought David Niven would make a great Bond. Producers Cubby and Broccoli leaned toward finding an unknown, someone without any previous baggage, plus someone who would be more athletic than Niven. So they went with Sean Connery. I vaguely remember when the first Bond films were released, the buzz everywhere was, "Who's Sean Connery?" People soon found out. :-) --Don H. 2585 From: "C. Dixon" Date: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:40am Subject: Re: Re: Old rant revisited cmaurelius Oddly, Niven eventually played 007, as well as Peter Sellers, Woody Allen, and a host of others. Niven would have made a great dapper spy, along the tones of Tinker,Tailor,Soldier,Spy, or thereabouts CD --- dghprobe3 wrote: > Adding to my previous post about casting, I recall > the Nov. 1972 TV > Guide article we have posted at probecontrol.com > > After Les