"The Cage" Script Dated September 22, 1964

[alensatemybuick1]

I just acquired a copy of this script, apparently the original was owned by Darrell Anderson and is marked up with handwritten notes (presumably by him) that are sadly barely legible (and in the case of the "bridge zoom in shot", the notes are quite illegible).

Was wondering if this version is a "known entity"? It is 65 pages long, still has Robert April as Captain of the Enterprise, and refers to Rigel 113 rather than Rigel VII (a distinction I had read about based on Harvey Lynn's review) which I noted when scanning through it tonight). I've seen references made to September 20, October 6 (67 pages long) and November 20 (73 pages long) scripts; the latter two versions available here:

http://www.knowitalljoe.com/exclusive-star-trek-cage-unreleased-original-pilot-script/

I'll assume the one I have is pretty close to the Oct 6 version (65 vs 67 pages), but was wondering if anyone here is particularly knowledgeable about the evolution of the script at this stage and any interesting details to look for?

I did note for example that Dr. Boyce (mentioned in the Oct. 6 version) is not mentioned in the script I have, just the "ship's doctor". Also there is a "Renaissance Bedroom" among the list of sets in the copy I have, apparently located in Venice based on the scene set there (the set / scene do not seem to appear in the Oct. 6 version). Also, Mr. Spock's foot injury I have read about from the Oct. 6 version is not present.

 

[Harvey]

I just acquired a copy of this script, apparently the original was owned by Darrell Anderson and is marked up with handwritten notes (presumably by him) that are sadly barely legible (and in the case of the "bridge zoom in shot", the notes are quite illegible).

Was wondering if this version is a "known entity"? It is 65 pages long, still has Robert April as Captain of the Enterprise, and refers to Rigel 113 rather than Rigel VII (a distinction I had read about based on Harvey Lynn's review) which I noted when scanning through it tonight). I've seen references made to September 20, October 6 (67 pages long) and November 20 (73 pages long) scripts; the latter two versions available here:

http://www.knowitalljoe.com/exclusive-star-trek-cage-unreleased-original-pilot-script/

I'll assume the one I have is pretty close to the Oct 6 version (65 vs 67 pages), but was wondering if anyone here is particularly knowledgeable about the evolution of the script at this stage and any interesting details to look for?

I did note for example that Dr. Boyce (mentioned in the Oct. 6 version) is not mentioned in the script I have, just the "ship's doctor". Also there is a "Renaissance Bedroom" among the list of sets in the copy I have, apparently located in Venice based on the scene set there (the set / scene do not seem to appear in the Oct. 6 version). Also, Mr. Spock's foot injury I have read about from the Oct. 6 version is not present.

Looking at the UCLA finding aid, there’s no 9/22/64 draft listed, but there is an 8/31/64 draft (74 pages) and a 10/6/64 draft (65 pages). I would have to compare what you have to those versions to be able to comment on any differences between the versions - it has been years since I’ve read this material, and I don’t have scans of it, unfortunately.

 

[alensatemybuick1]

Thanks for the response, Harvey. The reason I thought there was a Sept. 20th script was I saw mention of one on the IMDB trivia page for "The Cage". It is mentioned in reference to the correspondence between Roddenberry and Harvey P. Lynn:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059753/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv

A great deal of info. IMDB must be taken with a grain of salt, but that said, Harvey Lynn's daughter appeared on Antiques Roadshow a few years back and did present some correspondence (Sept. 24, 1964) and a "Cage" script from what I assume was similar time frame:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/se...tar-trek-treatment-script-ca-1964--201206A28/

I suspect the version I have may be the same version that was sent to Mr. Lynn for review. By September 1964, I am sure Rodenberry would have wanted the FX team to know what he had in mind regarding the "zoom-in reveal" of the Enterprise bridge (sure wish the handwritten comments about that were legible on my copy!).

I've attached below the cover and title pages and the first script page; it was given to me by a friend who knows of my interest in Trek. and I was curious to figure out if this version was a "known entity". The "Venice" scene is apparently mentioned in the earlier outline for the pilot (even mentioned in TMOST apparently); from http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Venice

In the story outline for TOS: "The Cage", one of the episode's many illusory scenes was to have been in RenaissanceVenice, featuring "a palace at the edge of the old city's central piazza." (The Making of Star Trek, p. 53)​

but was gone by the Oct. 6 version "knowitaljoe" hosted.

When I have some free time (!), I'll try to scan all 65 pages and send or post here.

 

[F. King Daniel]

Thanks for the response, Harvey. The reason I thought there was a Sept. 20th script was I saw mention of one on the IMDB trivia page for "The Cage". It is mentioned in reference to the correspondence between Roddenberry and Harvey P. Lynn:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059753/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv

A great deal of info. IMDB must be taken with a grain of salt, but that said, Harvey Lynn's daughter appeared on Antiques Roadshow a few years back and did present some correspondence (Sept. 24, 1964) and a "Cage" script from what I assume was similar time frame:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/se...tar-trek-treatment-script-ca-1964--201206A28/

I suspect the version I have may be the same version that was sent to Mr. Lynn for review. By September 1964, I am sure Rodenberry would have wanted the FX team to know what he had in mind regarding the "zoom-in reveal" of the Enterprise bridge (sure wish the handwritten comments about that were legible on my copy!).

I've attached below the cover and title pages and the first script page; it was given to me by a friend who knows of my interest in Trek. and I was curious to figure out if this version was a "known entity". The "Venice" scene is apparently mentioned in the earlier outline for the pilot (even mentioned in TMOST apparently); from http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Venice

In the story outline for TOS: "The Cage", one of the episode's many illusory scenes was to have been in RenaissanceVenice, featuring "a palace at the edge of the old city's central piazza." (The Making of Star Trek, p. 53)​

but was gone by the Oct. 6 version "knowitaljoe" hosted.

When I have some free time (!), I'll try to scan all 65 pages and send or post here.

Wait, the viewscreen was a window in the script??

 

[Maurice]

I can make out a tiny bit of the handwritten text, which reads "LARGE space...", possibly "LARGE spaceship" in reference to the 11' model. Have you tried rescanning it and messing with the contrast levels? You can often make the faded stuff pop out a bit.

And KingDaniel, it mentions the observation ports separate from the "huge viewing screen".

 

[Christopher]

And KingDaniel, it mentions the observation ports separate from the "huge viewing screen".

It sounds like they hadn't actually worked out the design of the ship yet, so the viewports idea was just a placeholder to serve the purposes of the zoom-in revealing the huge scale of the ship. Of course, they eventually refined the idea and went with the zoom-in through the overhead dome instead. Presumably having both a viewscreen and windows on the bridge would've made the opticals/rear projection too complicated. Some later shows managed it, but usually ones that just had motionless starscapes out the ports instead of the moving-stars effect TOS used.

 

[alensatemybuick1]

That text about the viewports and the desire to indicate the ship's size is not unique to this version of the script, though def. it would be interesting to know what the FX people initially made of it. I will try to see if the handwritten notes can be made more clear when I go back to scan the whole thing.

 

[Christopher]

That text about the viewports and the desire to indicate the ship's size is not unique to this version of the script, though def. it would be interesting to know what the FX people initially made of it.

Probably just as a suggestion, like stage directions in a script usually are. What would matter to them is what information/impression the shot was intended to convey (i.e. to show the hugeness of the ship by zooming in to the people inside); figuring out the specifics of how to create that impression was their job.

 

[alensatemybuick1]

Here's my best ability to enhance the handwritten note on P1:

 

[Kronos]

Wait, the viewscreen was a window in the script??

So that's where the writers of Nemesis got their ideas...

 

[alchemist]

That's a very nice find! It would be interesting to read Anderson's notes.

As any FYI, the Venice scene is also in the first draft dated 9/8/64 (as well as the outline of 6/29/64).

 

[alensatemybuick1]

Another copy (or should I say "original copy"?) of the Sept. 22 script is now on EBay - this is NOT mine nor a solicitation for the seller - I just find it interesting that it is also said to be a copy used by effects crew:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Trek-...-Season-ONE-Episode-ONE-THE-CAGE/292658198676

 

[Trekyz]

Another copy (or should I say "original copy"?) of the Sept. 22 script is now on EBay - this is NOT mine nor a solicitation for the seller - I just find it interesting that it is also said to be a copy used by effects crew:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Trek-...-Season-ONE-Episode-ONE-THE-CAGE/292658198676

Will check that out

 

[Green]

I have a question please help!

Does the hybrid color/B&W Cage version exist on Blu-ray?

Many thanks.

 

[alensatemybuick1]

Why in God's name would you want that bucket of bolts?

 

[Kor]

I have a question please help!

Does the hybrid color/B&W Cage version exist on Blu-ray?

Many thanks.

Yes, the Season 3 blu-ray set includes three versions of The Cage: the regular full color version, the full color version with the new visual effects, and an extended cut with both black and white and color footage.

Kor

 

[ZapBrannigan]

Yes, the Season 3 blu-ray set includes three versions of The Cage: the regular full color version, the full color version with the new visual effects, and an extended cut with both black and white and color footage.

And there's a fourth, shorter version, in two fx flavors, in Season 1's "The Menagerie." Taken altogether, there isn't much reason to watch the b&w/color version anymore, except as a curio. And I say that as someone who got it on pay-per-view when it premiered in 1986 and has some first-hand nostalgia for it.

 

[Green]

Does any current released version have Pike say the line about Vina being "like a little animal" when they are at the picnic? I was hunting any lost dialogue that is out in the world. I find a couple of lines on youtube.

 

[mb22]

And the 1990s Brazilian VHS release of the black and white 16mm print with Portuguese subtitles, which has all the dialogue.

 

[Kor]

Does any current released version have Pike say the line about Vina being "like a little animal" when they are at the picnic? I was hunting any lost dialogue that is out in the world. I find a couple of lines on youtube.

I'm not sure if that particular line was actually filmed, or if it was just from the script drafts.

Kor