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Star Trek Movie Memories
Including up-to-the-minute reports from the Star Trek VII, set, the leader of the Enterprise crew tells the inside stories in the making of the first six Star Trek movies. 300,000 first printing. $250,000 ad/promo. Tour.
357 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
70 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
William Shatner
134 books803 followersWilliam Shatner is the author of nine Star Trek novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Ashes of Eden and The Return. He is also the author of several nonfiction books, including Get a Life! and I'm Working on That. In addition to his role as Captain James T. Kirk, he stars as Denny Crane in the hit television series from David E. Kelley, Boston Legal -- a role for which he has won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
April 6, 2023
I enjoyed William Shatner's memoir "Star Trek Memories," about the original TV series. This follow-up book, about the spin-off movies, isn't quite as good but it's entertaining and informative.
William Shatner
When the original series aired it wasn't a huge success. Star Trek had respectable ratings but wasn't a big money-maker and was cancelled in 1969 after three seasons. Shatner, not being the megastar he later became, had to scramble to get work. For a while Shatner traveled around the country, touring with Broadway shows and - needing to provide for his children - economized by driving a mini-trailer where he could bed down, prepare food, and watch a small staticky television.
Shatner talks lovingly about his two daughters, how much he missed them when he was away, and his rush to get home after a tour.
William Shatner with his family
This was the era of the first moon landing and people were enthralled with space. Thus the idea of making a Star Trek movie took hold and "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" came out in 1979.
The movie was successful and was followed by six sequels. Shatner reveals the nuts and bolts of making the films: how the plots evolved, the budgets, sets, locations, actors, writers, directors, producers, and so on. Leonard Nimoy directed two of the movies, and this is discussed in some detail.
Leonard Nimoy directing
As he did for the first book Shatner interviews people involved with the Star Trek movies, but the anecdotes tend to be drier this time - with lots of talk about finances and creative differences. Some of Shatner's most memorable stories involve the difficulties of obtaining good special effects with limited funds. In "Star Trek: The Final Frontier" for example, God appears at the film's climax. Created with a small budget God looked like a big spotlight with a face pasted on. LOL
God in 'The Final Frontier'
With some dismay Shatner relates how creative control of the movies was wrested away from series creator Gene Roddenberry. Roddenberry, who wanted to preserve his vision of Star Trek, would pepper the movies' writers, directors, and producers with memos...but these were largely ignored. Roddenberry's pet idea for a movie script - in which the Enterprise traveled back in time and Spock shot JFK (for good reasons) - never happened.
Gene Roddenberry
Shatner talks extensively about "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," which he directed. The actor/director discusses how much work went into making the movie, starting with the story - which changed considerably from initial idea to final product. He also talks about the film's budget; cinematography problems ('losing the light'); the teamster strike (he had to hire strikebreakers to drive); filming in the desert when the temperatures were 110 degrees; watching the dailies; difficulties with special effects; the rush to get the film done in time; etc. Shatner admits, in retrospect, that he was disappointed by the film's ending - which looked cheesy (i.e. the God spotlight). He also notes that, though he thought the movie was good, it was the least successful of the Star Trek films.
The book contains engaging stories about each of the Star Trek movies, which are:
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Star Trek: Generations (which 'passed the baton' to "Star Trek: The Next Generation")
Shatner fills the book with informative tidbits about film-making, which is a difficult and time-consuming business - but also lots of fun. One humorous anecdote involves blueberry muffins, a toaster, and making DeForest Kelley think he's losing his mind. Ha ha ha.
DeForest Kelley
I liked the book and would recommend it to Star Trek fans.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
February 8, 2017
This one was better than the first one, possibly because his memories of the movies were fresher. His perspective on his relationships with his costars is interesting; they bad-mouth him so much, and, while his take is obviously biased, he seems genuinely hurt and confused by their vitriol. Having read Nichols's autobiography, I can honestly say I don't understand where she's coming from in her relations with him. He deals with this well, referring vaguely in both books to his coworkers' bitterness toward him, except toward the end when he openly says he knows he's on Walter Koenig and Jimmy Doohan's (R.I.P.) "shit lists". Even then, he only mentions it to give his recollections context, and he doesn't delve into the issue or place blame on either side, simply acknowledging the state of affairs and moving on. That was extremely tactful and admirable.
He still has an annoying tendency to switch tenses, but less so than the first book. That was a minor annoyance, though. All in all, a nice read for a Trek fan. I enjoy Mr. Shatner's sense of humor--it's goofy, which suits me just fine. I think Shatner Rules is still my favorite of his, although I'm just beginning to delve into Up Till Now, so we'll see. On a side note, I was never much of a Shatner fan, but I actually like him a lot now that I've read some of his books.
He still has an annoying tendency to switch tenses, but less so than the first book. That was a minor annoyance, though. All in all, a nice read for a Trek fan. I enjoy Mr. Shatner's sense of humor--it's goofy, which suits me just fine. I think Shatner Rules is still my favorite of his, although I'm just beginning to delve into Up Till Now, so we'll see. On a side note, I was never much of a Shatner fan, but I actually like him a lot now that I've read some of his books.
July 24, 2018
Having recently read Star Trek Memories, I decided to complete Shatner’s run with the series by reading the sequel, Star Trek Movie Memories. It’s a nostalgic trip through seven movies I thoroughly enjoyed, but the real value is in the first chapters when Shatner describes the years between the series and the first movie, including a planned sequel series that never came about, and the early plot ideas for the first movie. Perhaps the saddest thread in the book is the account of Gene Roddenberry’s growing obsession with changing his idea for the original series into his current vision of what the future should look like. So Roddenberry fought with Paramount, arguing that there was no conflict in the future and that Star Trek did not have a military component and so should not have any violence. The fact that the original series very much did have a military component and often featured violence did not sway him from the certainty that everyone was destroying the series he loved so much by including military-based action. For the Star Trek lover, there is a lot to be enjoyed in this book.
September 13, 2023
"Memory is a strange thing. It's very personal, remembering the best of times in some instances and the worst in others."
William Shatner (again assisted by Chris Kreski) writes his memories of the movie era of 'Star Trek'. Interesting, funny and more pragmatic than the previous volume, this is worth tucking under your arm as the nights begin to draw in.
William Shatner (again assisted by Chris Kreski) writes his memories of the movie era of 'Star Trek'. Interesting, funny and more pragmatic than the previous volume, this is worth tucking under your arm as the nights begin to draw in.
November 15, 2021
Typical Shatner humor plus movie trivia I didn't already know.
August 28, 2016
I think one thing this book did was show that Star Trek has always been a challenge to make. It's always faced huge hurdles. From the beginning when getting a good script together and budget fights with the studios (and of course fights with the network over things like their timeslot)
You'd think by now that with Star Trek being a proven success and having such a huge fan base that things would be somewhat easier. Well as William Shatner points out several times that you can never be sure with Star Trek. Just when you think that things are over, that it will never happen something comes along.
Paramount had several personnel changes over the course of the movies being made. So either you had someone who loved Star Trek and was a major supporter, OR you had someone who had their doubts. and even when there was a green light the bean counters in the accounting dept would throw obstacles in the way.
I know many Trekkies/Trekkers didn't like ST V, but it sounded like Bill Shatner had some ideas that might have worked. But he faced changes he had to make in the script because of budget or other things.
Leonard also faced huge barriers when he was involved with 2,3 and 4. He was involved with 6 too. There were arguments back and forth between he and Harve Bennett and he and Nick Meyer. It's hard when you have a vision, and you KNOW the characters so intimately that when you have others who are not in the know start telling you how things are going to be done.
What touched me, was how Bill felt when he said goodbye to Kirk during filming of TNG "Generations" movie. He suddenly realized just how had it was when Leonard did Spock's death scene (but at least Spock came back. Kirk isn't coming back....(Or is he. Well stay tuned. You never know)
You'd think by now that with Star Trek being a proven success and having such a huge fan base that things would be somewhat easier. Well as William Shatner points out several times that you can never be sure with Star Trek. Just when you think that things are over, that it will never happen something comes along.
Paramount had several personnel changes over the course of the movies being made. So either you had someone who loved Star Trek and was a major supporter, OR you had someone who had their doubts. and even when there was a green light the bean counters in the accounting dept would throw obstacles in the way.
I know many Trekkies/Trekkers didn't like ST V, but it sounded like Bill Shatner had some ideas that might have worked. But he faced changes he had to make in the script because of budget or other things.
Leonard also faced huge barriers when he was involved with 2,3 and 4. He was involved with 6 too. There were arguments back and forth between he and Harve Bennett and he and Nick Meyer. It's hard when you have a vision, and you KNOW the characters so intimately that when you have others who are not in the know start telling you how things are going to be done.
What touched me, was how Bill felt when he said goodbye to Kirk during filming of TNG "Generations" movie. He suddenly realized just how had it was when Leonard did Spock's death scene (but at least Spock came back. Kirk isn't coming back....(Or is he. Well stay tuned. You never know)
April 13, 2012
In the mid-90s, shortly before Chris Berman and Brannon Braga completely bled the franchise of all human interest, William Shatner authored (with Chris Kreski) two volumes of “Star Trek memories.” The first volume, which focuses exclusively on the 60s television series, remains in print and continues to sell. The second volume, which focuses exclusively on the franchise movies that Shatner participated in, is out-of-print — which is a shame, because of the two volumes the “Movie Memories” is the more interesting and, I suspect, the more accurate.
The original series is so much more charming and enduring than any of the movies were, it's easy to see why Shatner's thoughts on the 60s phenom are more valued. Yet it is the movies that finally had the larger, more significant impact on the actual franchise — that, in fact, got the franchise up and running. With their stand-out success, and their unprecedented observance of chronological continuity, the movies knocked the door open and set the standard for the various television series that followed. Another standard set by the movies: the very pointed sidelining of Gene Roddenberry, whose efforts to shape the franchise were, to put it mildly, less than helpful.
What the “Movie Memories” might lack in gossipy anecdotes it more than makes up for as an account of what it took to get a series of movies, whose success is only assured in hindsight, made. This is a fascinating “industry insider” account, with the welcome addition of several integral and sometimes competing perspectives (including Leonard Nimoy, Harve Bennett and Nicholas Meyer).
The original series is so much more charming and enduring than any of the movies were, it's easy to see why Shatner's thoughts on the 60s phenom are more valued. Yet it is the movies that finally had the larger, more significant impact on the actual franchise — that, in fact, got the franchise up and running. With their stand-out success, and their unprecedented observance of chronological continuity, the movies knocked the door open and set the standard for the various television series that followed. Another standard set by the movies: the very pointed sidelining of Gene Roddenberry, whose efforts to shape the franchise were, to put it mildly, less than helpful.
What the “Movie Memories” might lack in gossipy anecdotes it more than makes up for as an account of what it took to get a series of movies, whose success is only assured in hindsight, made. This is a fascinating “industry insider” account, with the welcome addition of several integral and sometimes competing perspectives (including Leonard Nimoy, Harve Bennett and Nicholas Meyer).
September 6, 2010
This was a most enjoyable read, because of the irreverent and extremely humorous style of the book, as well as the frankly astonishing nature of the gossipy and at times extremely catty disclosures. Indeed many of the 'revelations' contained in Mr Shatner's colorful recollections of the post-series Star Trek years were to me as unexpected as they were... illuminating. Not necessarily in a good way, when it came to revelations pertaining to the unsuspected characters of certain key members of the production staff. It was definitely an education, a sardonic guided tour through a literal theatre of the absurd, an era in sci fi history (according to Bill) where egos were even more inflated than the movies' budgets (and the constant expansion of the former frequently one of the major causes of the ever-outward expansion of the latter). Definitely a book I'd recommend reading if you want all your cherished illusions about certain media icons irrevocably shattered!
August 29, 2011
I took a chance on this book because I saw it in the dollar bin at a book sale. I was expecting to read a lot about Shatner pounding his chest and showing how much of an ego he has.
To my plesant surprise, I found the exact opposite in the pages of this book.
Shatner starts the book riight after the 1966 Star Trek series has ended. He tells about his roles, his family and his career coming to a head with him and his dog traveling the country doing Shakespear in the park. Then, the book switches gears and talks about the each of the six movies Shatner was involved in. Instead of telling it all from his pointed of view, Shatner collected stories from a wide group of people who had a hand in the movies and let's them tell their experiences. It is an incredible read and gives you a peak into the chaos behind the movies.
If you are a Trek fan or a science fiction buff, i would highly recommend is book. It is chalk full of little stories that will make you giglgle and make you groan.
To my plesant surprise, I found the exact opposite in the pages of this book.
Shatner starts the book riight after the 1966 Star Trek series has ended. He tells about his roles, his family and his career coming to a head with him and his dog traveling the country doing Shakespear in the park. Then, the book switches gears and talks about the each of the six movies Shatner was involved in. Instead of telling it all from his pointed of view, Shatner collected stories from a wide group of people who had a hand in the movies and let's them tell their experiences. It is an incredible read and gives you a peak into the chaos behind the movies.
If you are a Trek fan or a science fiction buff, i would highly recommend is book. It is chalk full of little stories that will make you giglgle and make you groan.
March 18, 2013
Although I liked this book, it was not nearly as enjoyable or personal as his previous book “Star Trek Memories”. Mainly, he talked about all the different script ideas, studio politicking and production disasters involved in bringing the various Star Trek movies to the big screen. His rare spurts of personal reflection involved 1) his description of being unemployed and living out of his truck after the original series was cancelled – which I thought was touching, 2) a page and a half describing George Takei as a “nut” – which really turned me off (I think he was trying to be funny, but it fell flat) and 3) describing how he tried to patch things up with Walter Koenig and James Doohan on the set of Star Trek: Generations.
Still, I found all the discarded story ideas and might-have-beens fascinating. Can you imagine how bad Star Trek IV would have been with Eddie Murphy starring as a nutty professor? It almost happened.
Still, I found all the discarded story ideas and might-have-beens fascinating. Can you imagine how bad Star Trek IV would have been with Eddie Murphy starring as a nutty professor? It almost happened.
May 24, 2021
This is a fascinating and extremely entertaining look at the making of the original cast Star Trek films. Even if Trek isn't your thing, this book gives a detailed and eye-opening look at the film industry of the '80s and '90s.
William Shatner writes with a lot of humour and excellent storytelling, but I think it's important to note that he generally doesn't do the writing himself and instead allows his books to be ghost-written by someone else. I also have discovered over the years that Shatner's stories aren't always to be believed and he has a tendency to embellish things or just change them to suit him. Whatever his process, the end result is a book that often funny and full of fantastic anecdotes. Many of them aren't from him, though, and instead the book provides material from interviews with the actors and crew involved in making the films.
Naturally, Star Trek V has the most detail given that Shatner himself directed it and came up with the story. It provides a fascinating look at what his intentions were versus the final product.
It'll also give you a healthy respect for how cut-throat and ego-driven the movie business is. Be warned, it may sour your opinions of celebrity figures that you have held in high regard.
William Shatner writes with a lot of humour and excellent storytelling, but I think it's important to note that he generally doesn't do the writing himself and instead allows his books to be ghost-written by someone else. I also have discovered over the years that Shatner's stories aren't always to be believed and he has a tendency to embellish things or just change them to suit him. Whatever his process, the end result is a book that often funny and full of fantastic anecdotes. Many of them aren't from him, though, and instead the book provides material from interviews with the actors and crew involved in making the films.
Naturally, Star Trek V has the most detail given that Shatner himself directed it and came up with the story. It provides a fascinating look at what his intentions were versus the final product.
It'll also give you a healthy respect for how cut-throat and ego-driven the movie business is. Be warned, it may sour your opinions of celebrity figures that you have held in high regard.
March 17, 2020
A behind-the-scenes look at six STAR TREK movies with William Shatner telling all from the set of the seventh film. Here are the stories, the turmoil, the chaos, the production mishaps . . . everything associated with the making of a Hollywood film fills the pages of this fascinating memoir. There are interviews, remembrances, stories, anecdotes, trivia, and more than one hundred never-before-seen photographs, all certain to intrigue and please STAR TREK’s many fans. Readers who can’t get enough of the USS Enterprise and her intrepid crew will find much to appreciate here.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
May 29, 2025
i found this on a charity shop bookshelf - in brand-new condition. I'd watched Star Trek TOS when it first came out and i'd never stopped loving the series or characters. (I have far too many Star trek novels in my bookcases, but i've never read anything by Shatner, not any book about the making of the films, so I picked this up, expecting it to be a fairly 'me,me,me' sort of book, stuffed full of famous names and places and so on. (I read one of Michael Caine's autobios and was bitterly disappointed by it - and him as a person)
But this was simply lovely. Shatner has a delightful way of recounting details and also taking the piss out of himself which makes for a light-hearted and enjoyable read. It's an informative, detailed account and taught me a lot about the machinations that go into making a film.
But this was simply lovely. Shatner has a delightful way of recounting details and also taking the piss out of himself which makes for a light-hearted and enjoyable read. It's an informative, detailed account and taught me a lot about the machinations that go into making a film.
July 18, 2022
Shatner’s own personal account of the making of the Star Trek films is incredibly insightful and interesting and has really opened my eyes a lot into what goes into making a movie. How much effort, politics and behind the scenes drama and issues there are! Issues with scripts, budgets, the studio, back stabbing, special effects, people- it really is an arduous process. It truly seems like every Star Trek film was made against every single odd possible.
Particularly moving was the end where Shatner discusses his feelings on the death of Kirk- that actually brought tears to my eyes, the way he related it to his feelings of his own death. It is something we are all scared of, and I can imagine that after playing a character for 30 years and finally killing him off, it feels like a part of you is dying too.
The chapter on ST 5 (the one directed by Shatner) was also incredibly fascinating and I truly feel for him a lot with that film not turning out the way he had hoped and dreamed, because of so many external and unavoidable problems that occurred. I wish a directors cut could be made because I think his original storyline would’ve been wonderful and it’s a great pity it was never seen on screen.
Overall a great and fascinating book for any TOS fan who wants additional insight into the behind the scenes of the films. I have a new found respect for each and every one of the films now that I’ve caught perhaps even the slightest glimpse of what went into making them.
Particularly moving was the end where Shatner discusses his feelings on the death of Kirk- that actually brought tears to my eyes, the way he related it to his feelings of his own death. It is something we are all scared of, and I can imagine that after playing a character for 30 years and finally killing him off, it feels like a part of you is dying too.
The chapter on ST 5 (the one directed by Shatner) was also incredibly fascinating and I truly feel for him a lot with that film not turning out the way he had hoped and dreamed, because of so many external and unavoidable problems that occurred. I wish a directors cut could be made because I think his original storyline would’ve been wonderful and it’s a great pity it was never seen on screen.
Overall a great and fascinating book for any TOS fan who wants additional insight into the behind the scenes of the films. I have a new found respect for each and every one of the films now that I’ve caught perhaps even the slightest glimpse of what went into making them.
June 15, 2021
As the face of TOS, I've always wanted to like Shatner. However, his recent spate of twitter "opinions" (or it's only recently that I heard them?), tales of his egotism as a cast member, & a certain je ne sais quoi have always put me off; I wasn't going to read his memoirs (despite by obvious fondness for ST, I just couldn't care about what he had to say) until I heard that these books were ghost written.
Therefore, credit to Chris Kreski for bringing together a book that succinctly provides an overview of the making of six different films. He gives character to those involved & contextualises conflicting narratives well. Even in the section where Shatner proclaims his lack of culpability in the relative inferiority of the film he directed (ST5), I found him sincere (it helps that I've seen Nimmoy make the same points re the impact of budget cuts & the strikes of the late 80s etc.) & reasonable.
Ultimately, as a look through Shatner's eyes, this was a really enjoyable ride through the story of the the ST movies. There were multiple anecdotes that I'd not heard before, insights into cast relationships that honestly show Shatner's failure to connect with many of his co-stars, & lines that made me laugh out loud.
Reading what's meant to be Shatner's look at Shatner at that time, I realise that he & I may have something in common afterall: we both want to give him a chance; we're able to hear him out & we sympathise with his sense of failure when he feels disconnected from his most cast-mates, we empathise with his sense of loss at the end of his journey through the stars. We both WANT to like him, think that maybe we could, but find that when it comes down to it, we don't.
Therefore, credit to Chris Kreski for bringing together a book that succinctly provides an overview of the making of six different films. He gives character to those involved & contextualises conflicting narratives well. Even in the section where Shatner proclaims his lack of culpability in the relative inferiority of the film he directed (ST5), I found him sincere (it helps that I've seen Nimmoy make the same points re the impact of budget cuts & the strikes of the late 80s etc.) & reasonable.
Ultimately, as a look through Shatner's eyes, this was a really enjoyable ride through the story of the the ST movies. There were multiple anecdotes that I'd not heard before, insights into cast relationships that honestly show Shatner's failure to connect with many of his co-stars, & lines that made me laugh out loud.
Reading what's meant to be Shatner's look at Shatner at that time, I realise that he & I may have something in common afterall: we both want to give him a chance; we're able to hear him out & we sympathise with his sense of failure when he feels disconnected from his most cast-mates, we empathise with his sense of loss at the end of his journey through the stars. We both WANT to like him, think that maybe we could, but find that when it comes down to it, we don't.
May 12, 2025
Doesn’t have the amazing tales from the first book about how they were all winging it on a daily basis, all the innovation stuff.
But arguably I prefer the TOS movies (well, 2, 3 and 4) to the series itself – so I think I prefer this one over Shatner’s Star Trek Memories, and if I has to re-read, I’d probably choose this one. Mostly for the stuff about the conception/premise/scripting of each flick.
Chris Kreski (I doubt the Shatman actually wrote this himself) bundles all the memories up nicely. Shatner certainly gives credit where credit is due, acknowledging that ST might not even exist today without the work of Leonard Nimoy, Harve Bennett and Nicholas Meyer on the TOS flicks. Shatner also accepts the fact that STV turned out far less well that his ambition, but he’s philosophical and less buck-passing that you might think about that.
Overall, one of my top ten “making of” film books. Mostly because I just really love these movies. Well, four of them.
10/10
But arguably I prefer the TOS movies (well, 2, 3 and 4) to the series itself – so I think I prefer this one over Shatner’s Star Trek Memories, and if I has to re-read, I’d probably choose this one. Mostly for the stuff about the conception/premise/scripting of each flick.
Chris Kreski (I doubt the Shatman actually wrote this himself) bundles all the memories up nicely. Shatner certainly gives credit where credit is due, acknowledging that ST might not even exist today without the work of Leonard Nimoy, Harve Bennett and Nicholas Meyer on the TOS flicks. Shatner also accepts the fact that STV turned out far less well that his ambition, but he’s philosophical and less buck-passing that you might think about that.
Overall, one of my top ten “making of” film books. Mostly because I just really love these movies. Well, four of them.
10/10
February 25, 2015
Shatner reminisces about Star Trek movies with plenty of humour on display. This is miles apart stylistically from the preceding 'Star Trek Memories' book, which was aiming for warm nostalgia and mostly got there. Shatner's co-writer on this one, Chris Kreski, has obviously added a huge amount of punch to Shatner's prose, and it works. Unlike Star Trek Memories, this book has real personality.
Obviously this speaks to fans only - if you don't already know who the key people are then this book will be of no use to you. Definitely some fun facts and stories in here that serve one overarching purpose: giving you a sense of just how hard it is to actually get a movie made.
Obviously this speaks to fans only - if you don't already know who the key people are then this book will be of no use to you. Definitely some fun facts and stories in here that serve one overarching purpose: giving you a sense of just how hard it is to actually get a movie made.
September 17, 2007
Yes, I read it! And yes, I'm reviewing it! Everybody knows William Shatner. He's almost as famous as God, and twice as self-indulgent. In Star Trek Movie Memories, Shatner reveals the backstage gossip, production details and celebrity antics behind each of the then six Star Trek films. It's hilarious, it's over the top, and it's a great read for any fan of science fiction. Shatner has a wonderful memory for these events, and his surprisingly self-effacing wit makes this a fun book.
NC
NC
September 27, 2014
It was interesting to get some of the behind-the-scenes tidbits about the making of the Star Trek movies of the original cast. Shatner's wit keeps the pages turning even though it isn't always completely effective. While I found it capable and Star Trek fans are sure to eat it up, I was hoping for more depth that what I found. Fans will enjoy the look behind the curtain, but don't expect too much.
March 10, 2021
beautiful. way more self aware than the first one but very nearly made me cry at work
June 10, 2017
Having read Star Trek Memories, I almost immediately moved to its sequel, published the following year, which I suddenly realized was more than twenty years in the past. Movie Memories, written just a couple of years after Star Trek VI finished production, would have covered a longer time period, at least calendrically if not in terms of actual production time, but most of it would certainly have been fresher in Shatner’s mind.
I say almost because I decided I didn’t want to overdose, so I let a couple of months go by before picking up the sequel volume. A couple like nine or ten.
This isn’t the same kind of book as the first volume. Well, it is still a memoir, but this time Shatner presents the memories much more chronologically, in a very linear fashion moving from one movie to the next. There are still plenty of anecdotes, and he’s still going to other people for bits and pieces of Trek history he didn’t know.
But, covering seven movies across fifteen years, this memoir proceeds at breakneck speed to get everything done. I learned things about each of the movies, and Shatners feelings about the process, production, and many things connected to each of them. I would have like to learn more. And, in fact, it actually covers a larger time period than that, giving us a glimpse of the harder times between the series and the movies, and Shatner’s work and work ethic getting through them.
For me, I feel like the most interesting parts of the book were his reminiscences around Star Trek V, a film considered disappointing by so many fans, and Star Trek: Generations.
For me, Star Trek V is not a bad movie, though it’s not a particularly good Star Trek movie. I can find things to enjoy in it even as I find things that disappoint me. Shatner spelled out his own disappointments in the way production went and all of the compromises he and the production team had to make to get the job done. The initial vision had been so much grander, but events and budget restrictions, and artificial time constraints conspired against the film.
Star Trek: Generations brought us the death of Captain Kirk. (Should there have been a spoiler alert there? It’s been 23 years.) I really enjoyed Shatner’s discussions on how he felt about that, and all the things he experienced and felt running up to it. This book was released on the heels of the movie and death of a character he’d played for more than 25 years must still have been fresh and raw.
But his memories of both of those films, along with all of the others, went by too quick.
Overall rating: 4 stars. I finished my review of Star Trek Memories with two sentences. I just wish it was a lot longer. Although there is a sequel. I think I’d like to echo that for this one. I wish it was a long longer. I also wish there was another sequel.
I say almost because I decided I didn’t want to overdose, so I let a couple of months go by before picking up the sequel volume. A couple like nine or ten.
This isn’t the same kind of book as the first volume. Well, it is still a memoir, but this time Shatner presents the memories much more chronologically, in a very linear fashion moving from one movie to the next. There are still plenty of anecdotes, and he’s still going to other people for bits and pieces of Trek history he didn’t know.
But, covering seven movies across fifteen years, this memoir proceeds at breakneck speed to get everything done. I learned things about each of the movies, and Shatners feelings about the process, production, and many things connected to each of them. I would have like to learn more. And, in fact, it actually covers a larger time period than that, giving us a glimpse of the harder times between the series and the movies, and Shatner’s work and work ethic getting through them.
For me, I feel like the most interesting parts of the book were his reminiscences around Star Trek V, a film considered disappointing by so many fans, and Star Trek: Generations.
For me, Star Trek V is not a bad movie, though it’s not a particularly good Star Trek movie. I can find things to enjoy in it even as I find things that disappoint me. Shatner spelled out his own disappointments in the way production went and all of the compromises he and the production team had to make to get the job done. The initial vision had been so much grander, but events and budget restrictions, and artificial time constraints conspired against the film.
Star Trek: Generations brought us the death of Captain Kirk. (Should there have been a spoiler alert there? It’s been 23 years.) I really enjoyed Shatner’s discussions on how he felt about that, and all the things he experienced and felt running up to it. This book was released on the heels of the movie and death of a character he’d played for more than 25 years must still have been fresh and raw.
But his memories of both of those films, along with all of the others, went by too quick.
Overall rating: 4 stars. I finished my review of Star Trek Memories with two sentences. I just wish it was a lot longer. Although there is a sequel. I think I’d like to echo that for this one. I wish it was a long longer. I also wish there was another sequel.
January 23, 2025
Star Trek Memories was one of the most pleasant surprises of my reading career. William Shatner is a surprisingly good writer - the book was entertaining, fast flowing, fun, and occasionally very funny.
Thus, I was really looking forward to this followup, Star Trek Movie Memories. While not as good as the original, it's still very enjoyable. Who cares if parts may be slightly exaggerated? Who cares if some cast members remember some events differently? Personal memoirs are fraught with inconsistencies, even when all the people involved really are telling the truth (as they remember it). This book relies mostly on these personal remembrances and is all the stronger for it. It's a personal and inside look at what the people involved think of Star Trek, rather than a definitive history.
The main problem is the narrow focus of the people participating. There is much less from the actors and much more from the business people. Shatner's main sources (other than his own memory) are Leonard Nimoy, Have Bennet, and Nick Meyers. All three of these people are producers/directors (obviously Nimoy is also an actor, but most of his contributions are from the production side as well). Only George Takai of the "Other 4" cast members is interviewed, and only for the ST III chapter. Ricardo Montalban is the only "guest star" of note to be extensively quoted. Koenig and Doohan are not consulted, which is not surprising, considering their disdain for Shatner, but neither is Nichols, whose interview figured prominently in the first memoir, nor Kelley. Within the confines of this limitation, however, it's a pretty good book. It's fascinating to hear stories about script and budget confrontations, ego battles between top men, and clashes between Roddenberry and the studio. Unfortunately, Roddenberry comes out short in this memoir, probably because he had passed away and could not give his side of the story. Shatner pulls no punches (how many defamation suits were considered, I wonder?), and even criticises himself at times. While it's true he defends the dreadful fifth Original Series film (i.e. the one he directed), he admits it's not as good as the others. I think anyone interested in Star Trek will thoroughly enjoy this book, even if you're more willing to believe someone else's side of the stories presented herein. It's fun, entertaining, and very interesting.
Thus, I was really looking forward to this followup, Star Trek Movie Memories. While not as good as the original, it's still very enjoyable. Who cares if parts may be slightly exaggerated? Who cares if some cast members remember some events differently? Personal memoirs are fraught with inconsistencies, even when all the people involved really are telling the truth (as they remember it). This book relies mostly on these personal remembrances and is all the stronger for it. It's a personal and inside look at what the people involved think of Star Trek, rather than a definitive history.
The main problem is the narrow focus of the people participating. There is much less from the actors and much more from the business people. Shatner's main sources (other than his own memory) are Leonard Nimoy, Have Bennet, and Nick Meyers. All three of these people are producers/directors (obviously Nimoy is also an actor, but most of his contributions are from the production side as well). Only George Takai of the "Other 4" cast members is interviewed, and only for the ST III chapter. Ricardo Montalban is the only "guest star" of note to be extensively quoted. Koenig and Doohan are not consulted, which is not surprising, considering their disdain for Shatner, but neither is Nichols, whose interview figured prominently in the first memoir, nor Kelley. Within the confines of this limitation, however, it's a pretty good book. It's fascinating to hear stories about script and budget confrontations, ego battles between top men, and clashes between Roddenberry and the studio. Unfortunately, Roddenberry comes out short in this memoir, probably because he had passed away and could not give his side of the story. Shatner pulls no punches (how many defamation suits were considered, I wonder?), and even criticises himself at times. While it's true he defends the dreadful fifth Original Series film (i.e. the one he directed), he admits it's not as good as the others. I think anyone interested in Star Trek will thoroughly enjoy this book, even if you're more willing to believe someone else's side of the stories presented herein. It's fun, entertaining, and very interesting.
January 18, 2020
I was prepared not to like him. Certainly the 3 principles had always been the most aloof at conventions, and Mr. Shatner hasn't always been well received by his fellow cast members, and I can see that in his writing. I am also aware of his multiple divorces. However, I do love the show, and was glad to hear his insights, and my guess is he does the best he can, although that's not always good enough for others. Maybe he does try and get the most air time, but I can't say from this. Interesting to hear about other ideas for scripts, and how Star Trek V was originally and how we ended up with that picture instead. I also too have sympathy for living so broke as the newly divorced and newly unemployed actor. I am glad he got on the convention circuit, and I appreciate his comments about Roddenberry. It did feel like Roddenberry's other pilots never took off as their idealism made the boring, and that sounds like what he was doing to a lot of the later Star Trek projects. Star Trek is NOT Star Wars, but neither should it be sterile. This book lacks the introspection of Leonard Nimoy's autobiographies, but these are different men. Certainly worth the time for fans of the Original Series.
October 9, 2017
Star Trek Movie Memories is an entertaining and informative exploration of the seven films that William Shatner was apart of (i.e. 1-6 and Generations.)
Shatner uses interviews from other cast, crew, etc. members to flesh out these stories. The anecdotes were a bit dry. It was clear there was a struggle to get these films made, but the budget talks really don't interest me.
It made me a bit sad to hear that creative control of the films was wrested away from Gene Roddenberry. Gene would make admirable attempts to fight back by sending memos, script edits, and even fan letters to the studio. Admittedly, Gene's ideas were not necessarily great, but still...he is the man who gave Star Trek life in the first place.
I did prefer Star Trek Memories more, but I'm still glad I read this. It was touching to read Shatner's goodbye to his character. I definitely would recommend this for Trek fans and Sci-Fi fans who like learning about the nuts and bolts of movie-making.
Shatner uses interviews from other cast, crew, etc. members to flesh out these stories. The anecdotes were a bit dry. It was clear there was a struggle to get these films made, but the budget talks really don't interest me.
It made me a bit sad to hear that creative control of the films was wrested away from Gene Roddenberry. Gene would make admirable attempts to fight back by sending memos, script edits, and even fan letters to the studio. Admittedly, Gene's ideas were not necessarily great, but still...he is the man who gave Star Trek life in the first place.
I did prefer Star Trek Memories more, but I'm still glad I read this. It was touching to read Shatner's goodbye to his character. I definitely would recommend this for Trek fans and Sci-Fi fans who like learning about the nuts and bolts of movie-making.
November 26, 2021
My view is minority one, possibly shared by older people. I saw TOS in re-runs BEFORE the movies came out. As a result, the Movies had little impact on me, and except for Wrath of Khan , they just seemed like repeats of the TV show with everyone super-old. I enjoyed them, but - except for Khan - have little desire to rewatch.
Viewing by comments, most people think the opposite. Anyway, it was nice to read what Shatner thought of making the movies. Nimoy doesn't come off well, not because Shatner is trying to make him look bad, but simply because Nimoy was such a Prima-donna.
One reason the first two films weren't as good as they should have been, is that the Greedy Paramount Exces wanted to "Keep down Costs" and "Get it out now". These Greedheads knew they were going ot make hundreds of $Million$ off the first two films (box office, TV rights, merchandice, novelization, etc), yet they Kvetched over spending an extra $10-$20 million or giving Wise/Roddenberry an extra couple months.
Gotta squeeze every nickel out of the product, man.
Viewing by comments, most people think the opposite. Anyway, it was nice to read what Shatner thought of making the movies. Nimoy doesn't come off well, not because Shatner is trying to make him look bad, but simply because Nimoy was such a Prima-donna.
One reason the first two films weren't as good as they should have been, is that the Greedy Paramount Exces wanted to "Keep down Costs" and "Get it out now". These Greedheads knew they were going ot make hundreds of $Million$ off the first two films (box office, TV rights, merchandice, novelization, etc), yet they Kvetched over spending an extra $10-$20 million or giving Wise/Roddenberry an extra couple months.
Gotta squeeze every nickel out of the product, man.
June 20, 2018
For some reason I liked William's tales of the Star Trek movies more than Leonard's. Maybe that is because he embellishes more such as when he saw the fire on the sound stage and immediately grabbed a fire hose to put out the blazing flames because he needed to film at T.J. Hooker the next day. I am surprised that he admits to the animosity between himself and the other main actors. His version of the Star Trek 5 film would have been even worse of a story, I'm sorry but no one wants to see crappy special effects of God and angels turning into the Devil and gargoyles/demons. But the rock monster breathing fire and smoke sounds hilarious, I wish that would have made it into the film. I liked that he got emotional about saying goodbye to Captain Kirk and his death scene. I will have to watch out for the puffy eye scene, filming in the desert sounds appalling.
February 3, 2022
Star Trek fans will undoubtedly enjoy Shatner’s reminiscences about the movies that continue the Star Trek saga. Some may think he was a bit biased in his recollections, but it seems to me that he was pretty candid in his statements. He includes some self-deprecating humor, as well as talking about mistakes and things he would do over if he could. He has nice things to say about his costars, and never lays blame for failures on anyone. It’s a nice look into the problems that occurred on set, and how they dealt with script rewrites and budget and time constraints. All in all, it’s an informative look at the behind scenes on movie sets that most of us will never be privy to. Having the audio read by Shatner just made it all the more enjoyable.
August 16, 2024
As a huge Star Trek fan, this was a fun read. It wasn't deep. I'm entirely sure it's not exactly accurate (though Shatner freely admits he's limited by his own recollections). I was frustrated that so much of the book was extended quotes from other people--it felt like padding. But I also appreciated the willingness to express viewpoints that didn't match his own.
It was certainly very Shatner-esque, in that his own ego and vanity are frequently on display. Sometimes he's aware, sometimes I think not. And his repeated pleas on how great of a movie Star Trek V WOULD HAVE BEEN IF ONLY... was ongoingly comical to me. Like, it just kept coming up over and over.
For a Star Trek fan, fun and informative and nostalgic. For you non-Trekkies, I doubt you'd much care.
It was certainly very Shatner-esque, in that his own ego and vanity are frequently on display. Sometimes he's aware, sometimes I think not. And his repeated pleas on how great of a movie Star Trek V WOULD HAVE BEEN IF ONLY... was ongoingly comical to me. Like, it just kept coming up over and over.
For a Star Trek fan, fun and informative and nostalgic. For you non-Trekkies, I doubt you'd much care.
August 17, 2025
Behind Star Trek movies
I grew up watching Star Trek re-runs and fell in love with the crew of the Enterprise. Now, I find myself revisiting that childhood fantasy by reading Star Trek books, starting with this one. I have laughed, cried and felt anger over how Mr. Nimoy, was treated during his directing years, how Mr. Shatner felt about the death of Kirk. Yes, I cried, because deep down a part of me wishes for the adventures of my heroes to continue. It's hard to accept that we are getting older and even more so with the realization of the end of a beloved character. Thank you Mr. Shatner for an amazing insight of your work and that of your colleagues. I have been and shall always be a faithful fan.
I grew up watching Star Trek re-runs and fell in love with the crew of the Enterprise. Now, I find myself revisiting that childhood fantasy by reading Star Trek books, starting with this one. I have laughed, cried and felt anger over how Mr. Nimoy, was treated during his directing years, how Mr. Shatner felt about the death of Kirk. Yes, I cried, because deep down a part of me wishes for the adventures of my heroes to continue. It's hard to accept that we are getting older and even more so with the realization of the end of a beloved character. Thank you Mr. Shatner for an amazing insight of your work and that of your colleagues. I have been and shall always be a faithful fan.
May 6, 2024
behind the scenes gem!
Look, I get it. I’m a Trekkie through and through. And I don’t give a zit on a Klingon’s butt what a jerk Roddenberry was, who screwed who and with what. I loved that to the end, he fought for his vision, as has everyone involved with the show. What Star Trek was and for me always a connection to a nerdy kid in glasses who loved a good story. Shatner’s recollections in this book are now insisting that a spend a hundred hours or so rewatching EVERYTHING!
Live Long and Prosper
Look, I get it. I’m a Trekkie through and through. And I don’t give a zit on a Klingon’s butt what a jerk Roddenberry was, who screwed who and with what. I loved that to the end, he fought for his vision, as has everyone involved with the show. What Star Trek was and for me always a connection to a nerdy kid in glasses who loved a good story. Shatner’s recollections in this book are now insisting that a spend a hundred hours or so rewatching EVERYTHING!
Live Long and Prosper
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