But Not Forgotten

This is an aerial view of the famous RKO Studios/Desilu backlot as seen in 1965. Many of the television shows and movies of the 1950s and 1960s were filmed here. It's an industrial park now, but the set will live forever in reruns of Hogan's Heroes, Andy Griffith, Gomer Pyle, and dozens of movies.



Also filmed there were several episodes of Star Trek, including "Miri" and "The Return of the Archons". Speaking of which, this month marks the 50th anniversary of the debut of Star Trek. Canceled by CBS after the 1968 season as a failure, it is now widely considered the most successful science fiction franchise ever. As you might imagine, those members of the original cast who remain among the living are getting quite long in the tooth. Walter Koenig, the youthful Ensign Chekov, just turned 80 yesterday.

Click below to get your Trek50 groove on.



Post-Script: In trying to discover the name of the famous Star Trek uniform emblem as seen in the above photo, ("Starfleet insignia" seems to be the consensus), I came across a reference to this, the official emblem of the United States Air Force Space Command, which organization was founded in 1982. You may believe it a coincidence if you wish...