Spectre

Gene Roddenberry, (1921-1991), will always be remembered as the creator of “Star Trek,” (1966-1969). Following the production of that series he developed several made-for-tv movies intended as pilot episodes for new science fiction series. “Genesis II,” (CBS, 1973), “The Questor Tapes,” (NBC, 1974), and “Planet Earth,” (ABC, 1974), all had merit, but none were successful. Next Roddenberry decided to try something different. He chose to create an occult detective program. ABC had already broadcast “Kolchak: The Night Stalker,” (1974-1975), about newspaper reporter “Carl Kolchak,” (Darren McGavin), who investigated supernatural crimes, but it had failed in the ratings. Roddenberry’s twist was to develop a duo of crime fighters with a chemistry similar to that of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. He turned to writer Samuel A. Peeples, (1917-1997), to help with the script. Peeples had written the second pilot episode for “Star Trek” and the first episode of “Star Trek: The Animated Series.”

This week’s made-for-tv movie was “Spectre” from 20th Century Fox, broadcast the evening of May 21, 1977 on the NBC network. It was directed by Clive Donner from a script by Gene Roddenberry and Samuel A. Peeples. Robert Culp stars as the eccentric criminologist “William Sebastian.” For eight years he had worked with his friend “Dr. Amos ‘Ham’ Hamilton,” (Gig Young), but they had parted ways for a while. During those years Sebastian developed an interest in the supernatural, and it has gotten him into trouble. He calls his old friend for help. Ham does not share Sebastian’s belief in the occult. The doctor has also gotten into trouble caused by his alcoholism. Sebastian’s maid “Lilith,” (Majel Barrett), is a practicing witch. She gives Ham a potion to make alcohol repulsive to him.

Sebastian enlists Ham’s help in his latest case. They fly to London to meet with “Anitra Cyon,” (Ann Bell). She is convinced that a demonic force has taken possession of her older brother “Sir Geoffrey Cyon,” (James Villiers). Their younger brother “Mitri Cyon,” (John Hurt), seems to submit to Geoffrey on most matters. Sebastian comes to believe that “Asmodeus, King of the Demons” has been awakened from his ancient imprisonment and is now at work in the Cyon Family. Soon he will completely break free of his bonds and unleash horrors beyond imagination.

This movie bears more than a passing resemblance to Terence Fisher’s 1968 masterpiece “The Devil Rides Out,” but it isn’t nearly as well made. Culp and Young have a good chemistry, but the Cyon Family story is a bit rambling and never really catches fire. The climax is very busy but isn’t really exciting. Also the musical soundtrack by John Cameron is annoying. This is the least interesting of Roddenberry’s pilot movies of the seventies.

Whatever discussions were taking place among genre fans about this movie came to an abrupt end four days later. The movie “Star Wars” was released to American theaters, and that was a far more interesting subject of conversation.

In 1979 Robert Weverka published a novelization of “Spectre.” The movie received a theatrical release in the United Kingdom in 1980. A few topless scenes had been filmed during the original production, and these were edited into the feature film version. This British release variant is the one usually shown on cable television and home video in the years since.

Gig Young struggled with alcoholism in the later years of his life. When Roddenberry discovered this issue he decided to write the alcoholism into the script of “Spectre” rather than dismiss the actor.

German actress Kim Schmidt has a small role in “Spectre” as a police woman. She and Gig Young developed an interest in one another. She accompanied the actor to Hong Kong where they both appeared in the 1978 movie “Game of Death.” Although she was less than half of Young’s age she became his fifth wife in 1979. Three weeks later on October 19th of that year Gig Young took a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun and shot Kim Schmidt in the back of the head. He then placed the barrel in his own mouth and pulled the trigger. He left no note to explain his actions, which remain a mystery to this day.