March 26, 2022

NIMOY DAY

Born on this day in 1931, Leonard Nimoy passed away in 2015 at the age of 83. The actor grew up in Boston, and like his Star Trek partner and life-long friend William Shatner, he began acting at age 8 (the two men were also born only four days apart!). Small productions as a High School student and during a summer course at Boston College led him to Hollywood in 1949 to seek work as an actor. It took him two years to land small parts, and his first leading role came in 1952 with Kid Monk Baroni. Foreshadowing his most famous role in the 1960s, Nimoy played a sympathetic alien in the 1952 Republic cliffhanger serial, Zombies of the Stratosphere (a cult classic!). He appeared in small roles on a number of TV shows throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, including Dragnet, M Squad, Sea Hunt, Bonanza, The Untouchables, Wagon Train, Rawhide, The Twilight ZoneThe Outer Limits, and Combat!. His credits in the spy genre included The Man from U.N.C.L.E. "The Project Strigas Affair" (1964) costarring William Shatner, Get Smart "The Dead Spy Scrawls" (1966), and a long run playing an operative named Paris (replacing Martin Landau's Roland Hand) in Mission: Impossible (1969-1971). Images: Nimoy in Mission: Impossible.

Leonard Nimoy was cast as the half-Vulcan science officer, Mr. Spock, on Star Trek in 1966. Show creator, Gene Roddenberry, once called Spock the conscience of Star Trek. Nimoy's ability to bring dignity and earnestness to the role served Roddenberry's vision to tackle racial and political issues within the Sci-Fi framework. The pilot episode saw a multi-species bridge crew (and a female first officer, played by Roddenberry's wife, Majel Barrett!). The show was picked up, but not after some alterations. Russian and Japanese bridge crew members now joined Mr. Spock, but Barrett was relegated to the role of a nurse (boo!). Although the series was not as enlightened as Roddenberry had hoped as far as woman's liberation was concerned, it did highlight the first African-American female in a major role (communications officer on the bridge) and the first inter-racial kiss on US prime-time TV. Star Trek also dealt with Cold War-era tensions, as the Federation struggled to expand its community in the face of hostile alien races. And the thrill of the USS Enterprise and its mission "to explore strange new worlds and seek out new civilizations" captured the passion and curiosity (and patriotism) fueled by the very-real Space Race that was going on between the two world powers. But it was Spock's steady logic and faith in science that was the pivotal ingredient that draw in audience empathy and loyalty. Nimoy apparently enjoyed playing underdogs and he spoke positively about how Spock afforded him both an outsider to portray on-screen, as well as the wider popularity and success he needed to support his family. Star Trek became an integral part of Nimoy's career, with appearances as Mr. Spock throughout the original series, the animated series, Star Trek The Next Generationand the original-cast feature films (he directed two of the best!). He was also the only original series member to appear in the new Star Trek Franchise by J.J. Abrams (Majel Barrett's voice continued to be used as the Starfleet computer up through the the first Abrams film). Nimoy's final Spock roles were that of "Spock Prime", his original character now offering wisdom as mentor to a younger, alternate timeline Spock. Nimoy brought serious dedication to Mr. Spock throughout the years, and he drew on some of his experiences as the son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants to create the role. According to his first autobiography, I Am Not Spock, the famous Vulcan hand-sign was inspired by a gesture of blessing made by the Kohanim and stood as symbol for Almighty God (and Shalom).

Growing up in Boston, Leonard Nimoy developed an interest in Photography at the age of 13. It was a passion he would eventually return to later in life. I have taught Photography in private schools for over twenty years, mostly on the east coast, and I used to pass by Nimoy's rep, R. Michelson Galleries, in Northampton, Massachusetts. Nimoy's approach to his work was quite interesting. Rather than relying on the hunt for images out in the world, he considered himself to be a conceptual photographer. Driven by cohesive ideas, he worked on a number of series projects that mainly originated as studio constructions. One of the most memorable series was called The Full Body Project, which focussed on nude studies of plus-size women. It was fantastic to see an artist, who frequently chose nudes as his venue, to celebrate the beauty and dignity of people who are otherwise neglected in a society obsessed with body-type. In the intimate discussion film with William Shatner, Mind Meld (2001), Nimoy spoke of finding great serenity as an elderly man. As the two old friends talked in Nimoy's garden, the actor said that his days were now dedicated to serenity, creative work, and to giving back to the community as a patron of the arts and through charity  His final "tweet" before his death last month was, "A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP (Live Long and Prosper)." Learn More: New York Times obituaryMr. Spock the Photographer, Spy Vibe's William Shatner at 84. Image below: Michelson Galleries/Seth Kaye Photography. Essential Nimoy as actor and/or director: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. "The Project Strigas Affair" (1964), Star Trek (1966-1969), Mission: Impossible (1969-1971), The Wrath of Khan (1982), The Search For Spock (1984), The Voyage Home (1986), The Transformers: The Movie (1986), 3 Men and a Baby (1987), Star Trek The Next Generation "Unification" (1991), Mind Meld (2001).

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March 22, 2022

SPY VIBE RADIO: DR. MABUSE

Greetings, Spy Vibers! Apologies for the gaps in posts lately. My teaching duties have been ultra busy as we head into end-of-year projects, events, planning, etc. In case you missed it, I launched a new season on Cocktail Nation radio recently. In this month's segment I introduced one of the great archetypal master criminals, Dr. Mabuse! Mabuse was popularized in a series of films by Fritz Lang (Spione, Metropolis) in the 1920s and 1930s. For Lang, the villain's use of mind control, including mass hypnosis, and his theories of building an authoritarian empire on a foundation of fear and panic became an allegory of the burgeoning Nazi movement. Not surprisingly, Lang left Germany soon thereafter. The director brought Dr. Mabuse back in 1960, inspiring a long cycle of thrillers- many starring Gert Fröbe (Goldfinger)! I played some cuts from the Sixties soundtracks on the radio show, one which really (really!) borrowed heavily from Henry Mancini. See if you can spot it! And for you Cocktail Nation listeners who are now tuning into Spy Vibe, welcome to the Spy Vibe lair! My new episode can be heard HERE. I will be covering Dr. Mabuse in my upcoming book. In the meantime, Spy Vibers can also check out the original films by Fritz Lang (released by Criterion, Eureka, and Kino), the 60s cycle DVD box set (Image Entertainment), and David Kalat's excellent book, The Strange Case of Dr. Mabuse. Soundtrack hunters should check out the German CD series Kriminalfilm Musik (Prudence label). Volume 4 includes 21 cuts from Mabuse movies as well as almost 30 tracks from major krimi films, including the one that launched the krimi craze: Der Frosch Mit Der Maske! Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts:Bowie DayInterview: Girls Guns GadgetsShandigor BluShag Palm SpringsNew Bond NovelHi-Fi BookJudex Serial BluUFO ComicsInterview: John BussITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser MarionettesBelmondo R.I.P.007 Corgi EventSpace 1999: The VaultShag Eames LoungeFirecracker ExoticaSpy Vibe Radio: Lola AlbrightTikyaki 5-0Godzilla ScoresMid-Century VillageSpy Vibe radio: Nicola ConteMen's Adventure QuarterlyBilly May FrenesiGary NumanSpy Vader SpyChris Barber LegacyPhantom RetrospectiveAstro-ManSpy Vibe Radio: BatmanJames Bond LexiconRay CathodeSpy Vibe Radio: Johnny StaccatoMatt Helm BluCold War AuctionAvengers Francavilla PrintsAvengers 60th EventIrma Vep BluAvengers Keel DesignRonnie Scott's DocThe Avengers 60th DesignArt of Pan BooksJohn Le Carre R.I.P.Sean Connery R.I.P.New 007 VinylBurke's Law SkaDieter Rams Complete2-Tone DocSpy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2Diana Rigg R.I.P.Moog Micky DolenzBeetle Bailey 70thRSD Spies VinylIan Fleming TributeFellini Box SetSpy Vibe Radio: VendettaThe Saint Podcast BonusThe Saint PodcastBarber Lotus, Trad RootsMorricone R.I.P.Fleetway Spy DesignsJohn Steel CasebooksPaul at 78ITC Podcast: The PersuadersDazzle ShipsSpy Vibe Radio: RaumpatrouilleRemembering Richard SalaCrime & Spy Jazz booksNuman is FABBruce Lee Blu, RSD Vinyl SpiesJames Bond's DB5UFO CD SetSpy Vibe radio: Phantom AgentsSteranko is Revolutionary!Interview: The Saint I Ain'tDiabolik InterviewNew 007 SongDiabolik FiguresDiabolik SoundsDiabolik Set DesignDiabolik Park RideDanger Diabolik BluCount Arthur StrongHoney West Title CardsBowie DayNeil Innes R.I.P.Claudine Auger R.I.P.OHMSS at 50Italian Job 50th OSTCharles Schulz ModernPaul DesmondPython 50thRandall Hopkirk 50thThunderbirds DayLazenby Returns to MI6Dr. John R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin IIILupin SkaSpy Vibe PrimeZigomar TranslationThe Village: Part 1Monkey Punch R.I.P.Bubble Girl 63ITC SoundtracksSpy Vibe Radio: Public EyeUFO PrimeSpaceship to MarsModesty Blaise CompanionSpy Vibe Radio: FantomasGeorge DayFantomas BluDark Shadows DocBedazzled Blu-rayMary Quant ExhibitLaika CalypsoLost in Space JapanSpy Dust CalypsoAtomic CafeJohn Barry MonoInterview: John Barry BookLand of the Giants Score, Spy Vibe Radio: UppersevenMabuse PropagandaBond Beatles DaySpy Vibe Radio: LiquidatorDiabolik LPFab DressesEurospy Music CollectionBeetle Bailey in West BerlinWhy Mort Walker?Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!Avengers Critical GuideThe SpotnicksBenny SpiesJames Pond 0017'Satire StonesAnnette Andre Book, Spy Vibe Radio: Get SmartCaine: My GenerationInterview: Ian OgilvyHorror of Party BeachSylvie Vartan RenownRingo At 78Dark Shadows StripsSpy Vibe Radio: FlintArchie Batman 66Beatles Pac-ManSpy Vibe Radio: Jerry CottonThe Invaders007 Horowitz Book TourThe Prisoner Interviews Vol 1British Underground PressInterview: Fab4 ManiaBond Cocktail Book, Spy SmasherSpy Vibe Radio: Peter GunnAgent Zero MNew Prisoner ComicDr. No Villains EditionSpy Vibe Radio: Danger DiabolikDr. No 60thOy-Oy-SevenSpy Vibe Radio (UFO)Cold War Comic Strips, Mission to IndiaMort Walker CelebrationPeter Wyngarde Celebration, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018Interview: Ed Hulse PulpAvengers Audio DramaInterview: Callan At 50Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private EyesTWA ReturnsSpy Vibe Radio 8Interview: Ryan HeshkaMid-Century Modern SchulzAgent WerewolfJohnny Sokko 50thInterview: Trina RobbinsEddie IzzardThe Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50thHugh Hefner R.I.P.Jack Good R.I.P.Interview: Shaken Not StirredCallan 50thSpy Vibe Radio 7Bo DiddleyCarnaby PopBilly Bragg SkiffleElvis 68Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2Interview: The Prisoner Essential GuideMaud Russell MottisfontSpy Vibe Radio 4Batman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond Strips, Interview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the Prisoner, Ian Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute Covers, Argoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers Comics, 007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama Review.