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Star Trek Review:
THE CAGE
Robert Butler's, "THE CAGE," is a fascinating peak at the origin
of "Star Trek". Butler also directed the Disney features: "The
Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" (1969) and "Now You See Him, Now
You Don't" (1971).
Jeffrey Hunter ("The Longest Day" and "King of Kings")
is handsome and dynamic as Christopher Pike, the original captain of the
Enterprise. He seems to lack a sense of humor, however, which is one of
the better things William Shatner brought to his subsequent portrayal
of the Enterprise's Captain Kirk.
Leonard Nimoy, as Mister Spock. is rather different in this early performance.
He yells orders, and on occasion, smiles. It's a far cry from the emotionless
Vulcan we're used to.
Susan Oliver ("Peyon Place" and "The Man From UNCLE")
registers strongly as a tragically disfigured woman, who's been given
the gift of beauty by the aliens who hold her captive. A fantasy scene
in which she appears as a green skinned, dancing, alien gal still raises
some heat.
John Hoyt ("The Time Travelers" and "When Worlds Collide")
offers sympathetic support as the Enterprise's chief doctor. Although
a bit elderly-seeming for active space duty, he is a fatherly, reassuring
presence. A scene, where he prepares martinis in Pike's cabin, is cute,
if dated.
Alert viewers will spot Majel Barrett as the second in command "Number
One". She went on to play Nurse Chapel, in the "Star Trek"
series, as well as periodic appearances on "Star Trek: The Next Generation".
The script, by Creator/Producer Gene Roddenberry, is rather clever. But,
since "THE CAGE" didn't get "Star Trek" on the air,
I guess clever isn't what NBC was looking for.
The FX in this episode are good. Particularly striking is
a large laser cannon in action, blasting away at a heavily shielded
alien fortress.
THE CAGE should be highly watchable for most Sci-Fi viewers.
Trekkers may faint from joy.
BACK TO: TREK EPISODE
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