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| STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE-A BACKGROUND --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The year is 1969 and man is preparing to take his first steps on the surface of the Moon as the culmination of the legendary Apollo missions. Meanwhile fiction's most famous spacecraft, the U.S.S. Enterprise, is soon to be embarking upon perhaps its own most important mission, that of a successful run in World-wide television syndication. The seventy-nine, now classic, episodes of Gene Roddenberry's most famous creation were being seen across the globe by viewers of all ages, races and gender. By the early 1970s STAR TREK's popularity was surpassing that of many then current television programmes with viewers lavishing a level of appreciation upon the series unknown some five years previous. With a passion for STAR TREK always in his heart Roddenberry was pleased to work with Filmation on an animated version of his beloved creation in 1973. During the autumn of that same year the animated adventures of the crew of the Enterprise aired with most all of the original cast providing the voices for their 'cartoon counterparts'. Original STAR TREK writers also came aboard the project and with the continuing popularity of a newly acknowledged phenomenon, the 'STAR TREK CONVENTION', as well as Mego's incredible success with their range of STAR TREK action figures and toys, the ongoing fate of the Enterprise was sealed. By the spring of 1975 Gene Roddenberry had forged a deal with Paramount Pictures to produce a low-budget STAR TREK feature film for theatrical release. By the same time the following year Paramount's enthusiasm for the project had risen to such a level they were preparing to afford the movie a budget of more than $10 million. The release of STAR WARS in May 1977 prompted Paramount to drop the proposed STAR TREK feature film from their schedule. Paramount executives figured that George Lucas' blockbuster had stolen their thunder and that the potential audience for a big-screen Science Fiction adventure was now gone with STAR WARS having quenched the nation's thirst for this particular form of entertainment. With enthusiasm for the concept still remaining however STAR TREK:PHASE II was announced as a television project and pre-production continued as it had done for some two years previous with designers, writers and producers working with Roddenberry on a series of further adventures for the crew of the Enterprise. Following the release of Steven Spielberg's stunning CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, which confirmed audiences were indeed prepared to visit theatres on a regular basis to enjoy space-bound fantasy adventures, Paramount once more shifted their stance on STAR TREK and in the autumn of 1977 STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE was officially announced. For the following twelve months Gene Roddenberry worked closely with writer Alan Dean Foster on a story which would ultimately serve as inspiration for Henry Livingston's screenplay. Visual effects Oscar winners John Dykstra and Douglas Trumbull were invited to give form to the writer's visions of the future. The entire cast of the original STAR TREK television series were signed to reprise their most famous roles and joined newcomers Stephen Collins and the beautiful actress/model Persis Khambatta aboard a newly refitted Enterprise. Filming began on STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE in August 1978 and was completed in November. The respected director Robert Wise then began a year of intense post production work on STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE. A veteran of such movie classics as THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, WEST SIDE STORY and THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Wise concentrated his efforts for the most part on editing along with the movies extensive visual effects footage which was being delivered on a daily basis. Jerry Goldsmith would compose the movie's rousing and beautiful score which surpassed, in the opinions of many, Alexander Courage's famous television theme. With work on the movie's completion approaching a rapidly looming release date STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE premiered on December 4 1979 and opened across the globe to much fanfare. The spectacular, but often ponderous, feature film took more than twice it's $45 million budget at the box office. Such was its enormous success that STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE paved the way for an ongoing movie franchise which would span three decades as well as initiating the production of four spin-off 'STAR TREK' television series. STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE-A SYNOPSIS --------------------------------------------------------------------------- An unknown entity is heading towards Earth. All attempts to communicate with the immensely powerful 'unknown' have failed. The mysterious force has already displayed its unbelievable destructive power by obliterating everything which stands in its path. Having recently been upgraded and refitted the U.S.S. Enterprise is despatched into deep space in an attempt to make contact with the unknown and halt its course for Earth. Once more under the command of James T. Kirk, the Enterprise and her crew find themselves confronted by their most challenging adversary ever in the form of an ancient Voyager Space Probe imbued with an almost human consciousness. An unknown alien intelligence has instilled into the probe, now known as V ' GER, the ability to return to its place of origin and join with its creator to share the knowledge it has accumulated on its own trek through the stars without failure. STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE-THE MEGO TOY LINE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When Mego negotiated a deal in 1974 to produce toys and action figures based upon STAR TREK a new standard was set in relation to merchandise inspired by Gene Roddenberry's legendary television series. Aside from perhaps AMT and Aurora's beautiful construction kits, along with Dinky Toy's die-cast vehicles, most all of the toys, models and games seen in stores bore little or no relevance to STAR TREK itself aside from the use of often striking images of Captain Kirk, Mr Spock and the U.S.S. Enterprise on the product or its packaging. Toy Companies as varied and revered as Remco and Hasbro chose to offer STAR TREK enthusiasts already available products often replacing a generic 'space' image with an NBC publicity shot of the characters or vehicles seen in the series. Although these products sold in reasonable volume there was clearly a sense of disappointment amongst followers of the show, which indeed remains today. Mego however, with their famous sense of style coupled with an incisive understanding of young consumers' taste for authentic characters and playthings, created a collection of toys which remains unparalleled even in today's world of computer scanning technology and design. Given the enormous ongoing success of their STAR TREK line Mego wasted little time in negotiating a deal to create new toys when STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE was announced with STAR TREK enthusiasts and Mego obsessed youngsters being once more gifted with an incredible range of action figures, playsets and role playing toys. A lesser company might simply have just reissued the earlier 8 Inch figures wearing the newly designed costumes seen in the feature film. Mego dismissed this option instead taking the brave step of commissioning two completely new sets of figures for their consumer public. The first was the stunning large scale series. The beautifully crafted figures boasted the by then often used Mego 12 Inch body. Articulated to the same level as their smaller 8 Inch counterparts the STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE range of clothed figures is always regarded as a jewel in the crown of any Mego or STAR TREK collection. Packaged using the then standard 'window box with flap' design each of the characters in the five figure range would be clearly visible to the consumer once displayed on a toy store shelf or display area. Each figure's respective packaging bears the legend 'STAR TREK' in the now famous font but the words 'The Motion Picture' do not appear. A curious omission! Inspired by a Mel Traxel STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE publicity photograph, and not Bob Peak's luscious poster artwork, beautifully realised images of the Enterprise and her crew adorned the flap to the side of the cellophane covered window. Surprisingly Doctor McCoy appears on the artwork although this triumvirate member of STAR TREK's leading cast did not enjoy the luxury of being produced as part of this large scale series. The reverse of the box instead reveals Mego's decision to introduce to young toy buyers two newer members of the Enterprise crew and two alien characters along with Mr Spock and the renowned Starfleet officer, James T. Kirk. Wearing an almost perfect representation of Bob Fletcher's design for a Starfleet Admiral's 'MOTION PICTURE' era uniform the Kirk 'unit' offers even the most critical appraiser a true enough embodiment of William Shatner in his most famous role. The two-piece outfit, with grey low cut plastic boots, is yet another phenomenal costume. Again Mego far surpassed that which many rival companies were attempting to then produce for their own action figures. Gold foiled bands at each cuff confirm Kirk's current rank of Admiral despite the figure being referred to on the box and in promotional material as 'Captain Kirk'. A heat applied insignia at the character's left breast solved a problem specific to many of the earlier Mego STAR TREK figures. Often the 8 Inch characters endured the indignity of their Starfleet insignia losing their silver-foiled sheen or indeed forfeiting them altogether to the bottom of the bubble of even still carded examples. Not so with these figures which emphasises once more Mego's care and concern for the consumer and complaints that they may have received from retailers or young buyers. The thigh-length tunic is split at either side allowing for more free movement and positioning of the figure. The predominant blue-grey colour apparent to either side of the central white panel is actually not completely authentic to the colour exhibited by William Shatner's costume. Those fortunate enough to have seen an original costume on display, and who enjoy a familiarity with Mego's version, are often surprised to see it was in fact created using a dark olive-drab material. Given the variable print quality of the movie itself, as well as accompanying publicity material, for the most part the costume does indeed appear to be primarily of the blue-grey hue seen on Mego's figure. It was from these primary sources which Mego would of course have had to work. Unlike the earlier Mego interpretation of William Shatner, regarded by many as the pinnacle of the company's work in terms of character likeness, the STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE figure captures little of William Shatner's still then very handsome features. The familiar pointed sideburns remain. A perhaps over-emphasis, by the sculptor, on the few facial wrinkles displayed by Shatner during production of the feature film results in a far less satisfying representation of the actor than the figure of only five years previous. However the overall impression is pleasing and only the most harsh critic could be completely disappointed with the figure. |
| Never was there a more suitable licensed property for which to produce play environments than STAR TREK. Like the television series which had inspired its production much of the drama and adventure into which viewers were drawn during STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE took place upon the Bridge of the Enterprise. Having enjoyed great success some five years previous with a playset based loosely upon Matt Jefferies original television 'Bridge' design Mego initiated production of the 'STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE U.S.S. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE'. The playset was sold in a solid box bearing on this occasion the movies full title and a colour photograph of the toy itself. Of largely vacuum-formed plastic construction the playset reflected well the design of Harold Michelson and any young Trekker could assume Robert Wise's Director's chair creating new excitement for the perfectly scaled miniature crew. The playset included seating for six characters and if the more astute and inventive child cared to the Rigellian could have perhaps taken the helm at the side of navigator Ilia. With the photograph of the playset having likely been taken prior to the production of the various alien characters the Bridge does indeed appear to be manned by a number of 'doppelganger' crew members each of whom is partially obscured from full view. All of the various 'stations' could be brought to life with the use of a series of adhesive-backed artwork renderings which once applied offered the impression of monitor screens and control panels. The view screen, designed into the playset, acted as a focus for the attentions of the characters much as it would have done in the television series or indeed the movie itself. Included with the playset for use on the screen was an image of an imposing, but more 'classic' STAR TREK inspired, Klingon D7 battle cruiser. The large sheet of 'stickers' also included floor detailing which again added much to the sterile white playset. A toy which required only minimal assembly the 'Bridge playset' can be highly recommended for use as a display background to any collection of loose STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE action figures and is therefore a much sought item today. A smaller, and much less impressive play environment, is the Vulcan shuttle 'Surak'. Named after one of Vulcan's most prominent men, the source of inspiration for much of the race's philosophy, the wedge-shaped shuttle is actually the transportation unit detachable from the fully powered sled section. Only the 'carrier' portion is included here and again is of vacuum-formed plastic construction. A clear top section allows full view of any character placed within and once the supplied adhesive-backed imagery is applied a reasonable approximation of the briefly seen on-screen craft is achieved. The circular docking section to the rear of the vehicle is of particular note as it can be joined almost perfectly with a similar portal on the 'Bridge' allowing for recreation of the scene where Mr Spock rejoins his long time colleagues for perhaps their greatest adventure. Enjoying far less distribution than possibly any of the toys in Mego's STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE range are the large scale representations of three of the main vehicles seen in the movie. Like other items in the range Grand Toys of Canada issued the vehicles in certain territories with packaging bearing French text. The key piece in this series is clearly the Constitution Class Enterprise herself. Twelve Inches long and based on Mike Minor's respectful update of Matt Jefferies original design this large and impressive toy could be regarded more as a display piece despite offering some play value with its detachable saucer section. Supplied with a support stand it is in this mode that rare remaining examples of this toy are likely to be found today. Joining the Enterprise is a smaller 8 Inch K't'inga class Klingon battle cruiser. Another authentic miniature of a vehicle skilfully updated from the original television series design the 'Enemy Spacecraft' again came supplied with a display stand. The final vehicle in the range is the Vulcan Shuttle. This time complete with sled section the 8 Inch vehicle again, by way of the application of decals supplied, represents authentically the model seen in STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE which brought Mr Spock once more to serve alongside Admiral Kirk aboard the Enterprise. Like its on-screen counterpart the toy separates allowing for the smaller shuttle 'dock' with another space vehicle whilst the sled remains awaiting the return of its companion section. The final item in the range of STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE toys is perhaps a strange one. Despite the STAR TREK WRIST COMMUNICATORS being reasonably authentic facsimiles of the newer communication device seen in the movie all young fans of STAR TREK desired a phaser before any form of 'walkie-talkie', which in essence is what this toy actually is. However, deciding to continue their successful tradition of STAR TREK communicator toys Mego released the movie update of the now standard piece of STAR TREK hardware. Packaged in a nicely illustrated solid box, artwork showed two contemporary boys using the battery operated device. Previous toys of a similar nature released by Mego would showcase prominently characters from 'STAR TREK' operating them. A short wire ran from the Wrist Communicator to a power-pack which also needed to be worn by the user and once switched on, and the aerial raised, communication between the two users was possible. Given the delicate nature of the electronics found within the 'Communicators' pristine, functional examples are rare and those which do appear command a high price amongst current collectors. Again STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE, like MOONRAKER, THE BLACK HOLE and BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY, proved a popular line for Mego. However, the toys sold in far lower quantities than might have been hoped by the company. When compared to their previous STAR TREK outings, along with the then current Kenner STAR WARS toys which shared rack space alongside the Mego toys and figures in stores around the globe, sales were poor. Like many subjects ignored in days past perhaps the greatest level of appreciation is only now being offered to the STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE line. Discerning adult collectors appreciate more fully the mastery of those behind this remarkable line of Mego toys and likewise the incredible motion picture experience inspired by Gene Roddenberry's vision which promised "The Human Adventure Is Just Beginning". |
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| Standing tall at his senior officer's side as always is Mr Spock. The newly re-commissioned Vulcan Science Officer, as portrayed by Leonard Nimoy, is again an immediately recognisable representation of perhaps, in this instance, STAR TREK's most popular character. Once more however the facial sculpt affords too much attention to the more lined face Nimoy brought to the character in STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE resulting in a haggard, rather than distinguished, appearance. The application of shadow below his famous eyebrows seems too an unusual augmentation to the figure's features but Leonard Nimoy had indeed himself worn extensive eye make-up when assuming the role. As Mego had disregarded a similar paint application on their smaller figure some five years earlier on this occasion it can provide something of a surprise to the first time examiner. Wearing a uniform of the same basic design as his long-time colleague Mr Spock's Starfleet garb is of an acceptable blue-grey hue. Sporting an additional black vinyl collar, along with a grey felt chest adornment, again Mego authentically recreated a character known to millions around the World. Suffering a similar problem to that of their life-sized inspirational counterparts the STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE figures often lose the small buckle facing at the waist of the uniform. The actors themselves regularly complained to Robert Wise that the fragile 'buckles' were constantly falling off or breaking whenever they made forceful contact with control desks or other pieces of set. The miniature versions too are often lost or unattached on even boxed examples. |
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| Wearing an _expression perhaps a little too benign, considering the prestigious command of the Enterprise has been torn away from him, Mego's interpretation of Stephen Collins in the role of Will Decker is sadly not one of the company's most authentic sculpts. Concentrating possibly too much upon the youthful aspect of Collins' good looks, Decker looks more at home paired with STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE's romantic focus, Ilia, than alongside the ruggedly heroic pairing of Kirk and Mr Spock. However, as is constantly noted by many of those who were in Mego's employ during the company's zenith, enough of the actor's essence is captured for the collector to accept the figure for whom it was intended to represent. Again wearing the standard Starfleet uniform, this time lacking the vinyl collar, Decker is actually one of the more sought figures in the range of 12 Inch figures. Like all of the Starfleet personnel in the STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE line, including Ilia, Decker comes complete with a standard issue PHASed Energy Rectification weapon, or phaser. Made of solid plastic with a coloured adhesive-backed panel representing the various phaser read-outs and controls this is a piece often missing from loose figures and is a much sought Mego accessory amongst collectors today. |
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| The late Persis Khambatta was troubled greatly by the thought of losing her lustrous black locks when first she assumed the role of Deltan navigator Ilia in STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE. Although traumatic the results were stunning and her contribution to the 'STAR TREK' legacy is beyond measure. Mego chose to immortalise in plastic the beautiful actress whilst in her pivotal role as the physical realisation of the 'V' GER' consciousness. Wearing a short, white ethereal dress with a high yolk neck and tie belt the on-screen appearance of the character is created in miniature form almost to perfection. Prototypes showed the character wearing high white boots but commercially available examples wear white open shoes. A red plastic necklace replaces the glowing implant seen at the throat of the character in STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE but this difference is minor and not of any great issue to even the most ardent 'Trekker'. The facial sculpt is pleasing and despite her bald pate Ilia, like the actress who portrayed her, makes for a very attractive vision. Using the standard large scale female body often put to good use by Mego during this era Ilia does rather dwarf her male colleagues but this matters little. The figure remains a fitting tribute to the beautiful and much missed actress. |
| With children's interest in all things alien foremost in their mind, Mego decided to include one of STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE's most bizarre creatures in their series of large scale figures. The Arcturian was referred to on box packaging as being a member of a '"race of alien warriors". The figure as produced by Mego represents almost exactly the stunning design of Bob Fletcher's beige and brown costume along with the unusual make-up effect achieved by Fred Phillips. Through numerous edits and re-workings of the final cut of STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE the character is barely noticeable in the main body of the film itself. A documentary however, released as part of recent special Director's Edition DVD, shows an historic piece of test footage of the Arcturian and from this sequence alone the Mego figure's authentic design can be confirmed. Only minor alterations to the costume are apparent and the figure does indeed offer any STAR TREK enthusiast an interesting addition to their collection. |
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| The final figure in the large scale series is The Klingon. There can be few who would disagree that this is not the most appealing of the entire range and arguably one of the finest figures ever produced by Mego. Despite later aligning themselves with The Federation, during the period of 'STAR TREK' history in which events in 'The Motion Picture' unfold, the warlike people of the planet Qo'noS are still sworn enemies of Starfleet. Exhibiting a Klingon physiognomy unbound by the financial constraints of the television series the Mego figure's head sculpt truly excels on this occasion. The ridged brow and goatee beard are typical of the crew members aboard each of the battle cruisers seen in action during the opening sequences of STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE. The figure is attired in a form-fitting black under-suit with a metallic effect at the throat. Protected by authentically crafted chest and body armour the Mego Klingon is easily one of the most spectacular figures ever produced portraying a member of the proud warrior race. With spiked tipped shoes, also worn by the Tiger Man as part of the BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY range, a belt and cross strap with holster the figure truly exceeded the desires of any STAR TREK/Mego enthusiast of the period. Armed with a Klingon Disrupter pistol the figure is ready to face any danger and is regarded today as one of the most prized of any STAR TREK collectible. |
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| Due to market pressure Mego were forced more and more to venture into the realm of the 3 and 3/4 Inch figure. The enormous popularity of STAR WARS and its related toys and action figures encouraged Mego to continue along a path they had themselves been following since the days of the Comic Action Heroes line. The STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE range of figures in this scale comprised twelve characters. Of this twelve, six had appeared previously in the larger scale series although two of them, Ilia and Decker, would be garbed differently. Decker was produced in his alternate mustard yellow uniform. Ilia was portrayed on this occasion in her true Deltan form attired in a slight variation of the standard Starfleet duty uniform she wore as navigator of the Enterprise. Kirk, Mr Spock, the Klingon and the Arcturian appeared much has they had done when seen as part of the larger scale series with only some variation in uniform colour scheme. None of these colour variants however were too much at odds with how the characters actually appeared in STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE itself. |
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| Two prominent STAR TREK characters who would have made very welcome additions to the larger scale line ultimately appeared as part of this smaller range of figures, Dr McCoy and Scotty. The popular character of Dr McCoy was produced wearing a serviceable white medical tunic and grey trousers. Scotty, sporting his trademark movie moustache, is clothed in the much seen grey-blue Starfleet duty uniform. Despite their diminutive stature both figures are very recognisable as both James Doohan and DeForest Kelley. The sculptor's skill is to be especially applauded with regard to Dr McCoy's likeness as the late actor's much-loved dour _expression is captured perfectly on a face measuring little more than a Centimetre. Like the rest of the figures in the series Dr McCoy and Scotty came packaged behind an oblong plastic bubble attached to the bottom of a brightly coloured backing card. Using artwork previously seen on the boxes of the larger figures, again referring to the range only as 'STAR TREK', the cards featured on their reverse full-colour photographic reference for the entire twelve figure range. |
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| Unlike some of the other alien characters in the series the Zaranite and the Rigellian will likely prove familiar to viewers of STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE. Both are clearly visible during the sequence in which Admiral Kirk makes his address to the assembled crew of the Enterprise on the Recreation Deck prior to their mission. This small figure of the Rigellian is of note as he is portrayed wearing his Starfleet uniform. Along with the Zaranite emphasis was placed upon Gene Roddenberry's original vision of the future with Starfleet comprised of a variety of creatures representing a myriad of diverse races. To the groundbreaking writer/producer this was an important aspect of STAR TREK lore ignored previously through either budgetary constraint or perhaps a dislike of prominent alien characters harboured by the more narrow minded network executives. Prior to the production of STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE it was not until the advent of the much revered STAR TREK 'Animated Series' that other alien characters would serve alongside Mr Spock on the bridge of the Enterprise. |
| The final figures in the 3 and 3/4 Inch line were the Betelgeusian and the Megarite both of which enjoyed the luxury of accessory capes. The pair are however unusual life-forms to which viewers are likely to have little familiarity. Like the Arcturian, the Megarite does indeed appear in one of the enthralling documentaries on the Robert Wise 'Director's Edition DVD' where we are gifted with a rare wardrobe test sequence of the character. A fleeting glimpse of the Megarite is also offered to the viewer as Admiral Kirk arrives at Starfleet Headquarters in one of STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURES establishing scenes. When the smaller range of STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE figures was announced to the trade by Mego only members of the crew of the Enterprise were at the prototype stage. The aliens would appear in promotional material by way of photographic reference supplied to the company by Paramount Pictures. Given that STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE, at least as a merchandised property, proved less successful in the US than was originally hoped the second wave of alien figures was distributed through sub-licensing deals in a number foreign territories. Grand Toys of Canada took huge volumes of the figures and packaged them on standard generic cards bearing their company logo but no character identification. Similarly Ceppi Ratti in Italy sold the line under their name but acknowledged each alien character just above the bubble as the original US series had done. Ceppi Ratti also imported the larger scale figures and these are often seen in the secondary market today. Aside from a J.C. Penney exclusive offer on the Klingon, the Arcturian and the Rigellian none of the alien figures were generally available in the US and as such are much prized today by STAR TREK collectors and Mego enthusiasts. |
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| 12" Kirk |
| 12" Spock |
| 12" Decker |
| 12" Ilia |
| 12" Arcturian |
| 12" Klingon |
| 3 3/4" Arcturian |
| 3 3/4" Ilia |
| 3 3/4" McCoy |
| 3 3/4" Scotty |
| 3 3/4" Spock |
| 3 3/4" Kirk |
| 3 3/4" Klingon |
| 3 3/4" Decker |
| A Huge thank you to Martin Gainsford and John Peck for their immense help in creating this gallery |