Description:

William Shatner
n.p., n.d.
William Shatner Handwritten Signed Essay on 1st Star Trek Movie in 1979, With LOA
AMS

William Shatner (b.1931). Autograph Manuscript Signed, "William Shatner," 1p, in black ballpoint on his personal embossed stationery, 7.25" x 10.5", no place, no date. Blank verso. Lightly toned at margins. Stray ink mark at lower edge. In fine condition. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity by Shatner.

Shatner recalls what he learned after making the first Star Trek movie in 1979, and how the franchise survived. In full:

"Star Trek the Movie, directed by Robert Wise, was not the success we all wished for. The script had some flaws - the special effects were a little long - there had been no time to properly edit them and so eventually it was not the big hit everybody expected. Given the failure of expectations the movie was deemed a failure - it wasn't exactly - in time it made good money - but artistically it wasn't great. Paramount got really negative about it and said they wouldn't be making any more movies - Damn what a shame. But the head of Paramount's wife was a Star Trek fan - she said to her husband he better make more Trek movies or there wouldn't be anymore sex - well it was something like that - in any case, he said we can make more movies but, more cheaply - Cheap, we can do that - Cheap is our middle name - we made Star Trek two - The 'Wrath of Khan' for considerably less money - it was an artistic success as well as some good notices - Hell, Star Trek was ready to march on."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Provenance: LOA signed by Shatner.
  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 10.5"
  • Medium: AMS

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August 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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