About
" ... On jury duty, a woman shows up in her Star Trek uniform. The judge says, 'What is this?' And she says, 'It symbolizes truth.' Every once in awhile, I look around and I say, 'What have I done?' Because people come up with the weirdest things. But again, [Star Trek] has helped a lot of people. There's a balance to it. Many of the astronauts ... are astronauts because of Star Trek. People have gone into science because of Star Trek. People have changed their lives and live a better life because of Star Trek."
In his three-and-a-half-hour interview, Herbert F. Solow (1930-2020) discusses his start in the business in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency and his move to NBC where he became involved in foreign sales. He describes his rise to program director for NBC's films division and his role as head of NBC Daytime on the West Coast. He recalls the effects of the Quiz Show Scandals and his time at Desilu Productions working with Lucille Ball, first as the program director and later as the vice president and executive in charge of production. Solow recounts the challenges of producing both Mission: Impossible and Star Trek concurrently, and details the process involved in producing Star Trek. He comments on the show's far-reaching success, the overwhelming popularity of "Mr. Spock," and the long-lasting impact the show has had around the world. Solow speaks of how he became the vice president of Paramount Pictures, later moving to MGM, and eventually starting his own company. He addresses misconceptions surrounding Star Trek that prompted his book about the show, and discusses his contributions to Mannix, Medical Center, and The Courtship of Eddie's Father. He recalls working with Elvis Presley on the documentary, Elvis: That's the Way It Is, and talks about the projects he produced through his own production company. Stephen J. Abramson conducted the interview on May 26, 2008 in Westlake Village, CA.
Highlights
Herbert F. Solow on how he first heard about Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on preview audiences' response to seeing Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on his impression of the original idea for "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on how NBC didn't initially want "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on working with Martin Landau on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on the legacy of Desilu
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his early childhood influences; on when he first saw television; on his first job out of college at the William Morris Agency; on his subsequent move to NBC; on his involvement with foreign sales
On lessons he learned from working at the William Morris Agency; on his first title at NBC; on becoming the program director of the NBC Films division; on his involvement with many series for NBC; on his deal with John Wayne; on becoming the West Coast Program Director of Daytime Programs for CBS; on becoming the head of Daytime for NBC on the West Coast; on his recollections of the impact of the quiz show scandals; on anecdotes of behind-the-scenes on game shows including Video Village, Name that Tune, and Dotto
On the state of NBC Daytime, upon his return; on his philosophy about scheduling Daytime during his time at NBC; on various game shows with which he was involved, including Truth or Consequences, Let's Make a Deal, This is Your Life, and Jeopardy; on selling the World Series to Japan; on West Coast Daytime programming for NBC; on his experience with the influence of Daytime Television on its viewing audience
On what prompted his departure from NBC; on his work at Desilu Productions; on the three studios that Desilu owned; on the history of Desilu Studios
Chapter 2
On working with Lucille Ball at Desilu Productions as the program director; on his impressions of Desi Arnaz; on the effect that Desi's departure from Desilu had upon the workings of the studio; on his work style; on being named Vice President and Executive in Charge of Production at Desilu; on how he maintained the balance of power with Lucille Ball
On how he first heard about Star Trek; on his impressions of Star Trek; on the advent of color television and its impact; on the development process for Star Trek; on hurdles he had to overcome during the development for Star Trek; on his deal with NBC for the production of Star Trek; on the decision to make Star Trek a two-hour TV movie; on hiring the cast for Star Trek
On Brigg's Squad whose name was changed to Mission: Impossible; on hiring the cast and crew for the pilot of Mission: Impossible; on the concept and filming for the pilot of Mission: Impossible; on working with Martin Landau as a guest star on the show; on funding to produce Mission: Impossible; on the creation of Mission: Impossible's score and the origins of the main theme for the show; on selling both Star Trek and Mission: Impossible in the same week; on navigating the challenges of producing two shows concurrently, whose episodes required a large amount of production design; on financing both Mission: Impossible and Star Trek once both were picked up as series; on the Star Trek two-hour pilot; on how the subsequent one-hour pilot for Star Trek came about; on additional casting for Star Trek; on hiring Alexander "Sandy" Courage as the composer for Star Trek
On hiring cast and crew, including William Shatner, for Star Trek; on taking the first episode to a preview house; on preview audiences' responses to Star Trek; on negotiations regarding the character of "Mr. Spock;" on the challenges of filming a special effects heavy show like Star Trek on a weekly basis; on the audiences' response to "Mr. Spock"
Chapter 3
On the casting for Star Trek; on the transition to "Mr. Spock" becoming the second lead on the show; on the format in which the pilots were aired; on significant changes between the first pilot and the second pilot; on approaching and presenting all the characters as equals; on the impact of the show upon viewers; on the importance of music on Star Trek; on memories of the Emmy Awards; on the writers of Star Trek; on the main contributors to Star Trek; on the cast and crew of Star Trek; on the move to make Star Trek a mixed race cast; on having a Russian character on the show; on his promotion at Desilu; on Lucille Ball's response to his promotion
On how Leonard Nimoy's popularity as "Spock" affected the rest of the cast and crew; on working with Martin Landau; on his opinion of Star Trek; on his interest in understanding the director's perspective on a show; on the collaborative effort of making a television show; on his favorite episode of Star Trek; on the sale of Desilu to Gulf & Western; on Gulf and Western being absorbed by Paramount; on becoming vice president of Paramount Pictures; on his subsequent departure; on his move to MGM and acquiring three TV shows for the studio; on how the name Desilu was replaced by Paramount; on the effect his departure from Paramount had on the cast and crew of Star Trek
On the legacy of Desilu; on early talks of doing a Star Trek movie and how the film eventually came about; on the success of the syndication of Star Trek; on the spin-off series that lasted for seven seasons; on the phenomenon that Star Trek has become; on the progression of his career and setting up his own company; on writing a book with Robert Justman about Star Trek; on the myths and misinformation that is spread about Star Trek; on his contributions and impressions of the Star Trek conventions; on the Star Trek sketch for Saturday Night Live; on the impact that Star Trek has had on people's lives; on his memories of the cancellation of the show
On the legacy of Star Trek; on his involvement with other TV shows like Mission: Impossible, Mannix, Medical Center, Courtship of Eddie's Father and Then Came Bronson; on Bruce Gellar as a producer on Mission: Impossible; on Steven Hill in the role of "Mr. Briggs" on Mission: Impossible; on finding a new lead actor for Mission: Impossible; on the head of programming's opposition to Mission: Impossible; on Mission: Impossible being renewed; on the casting of Peter Graves as the new lead for the show
Chapter 4
On Peter Graves in the lead role on Mission: Impossible; on the origins and development of the TV show, Mannix; on the subsequent seven year run of the show; on hiring Lalo Schifrin to work with Bruce Geller on the theme song for Mannix; on the development and success of The Courtship of Eddie's Father at MGM; on hiring the cast for The Courtship of Eddie's Father; on how he wanted to make the show more real to the audience; on the Emmy win for The Courtship of Eddie's Father; on the score for The Courtship of Eddie's Fathe r; on the long running hit show Medical Center; on the power of television; on making the pilot for Then Came Bronson; on selling Then Came Bronson to NBC; on the score for Then Came Bronson; on the challenges of filming the show on location
On producing a documentary, Elvis: That's the Way It Is, about Elvis Presley; on the documentary's success; on working with Elvis Presley; on why he left MGM; on work produced through his own production company; on developing and producing Man from Atlantis; on his proudest career achievement; on advice he would give to an aspiring television executive; on how he would like to be remembered
Shows
$64,000 Question
Herbert F. Solow on his recollections of the shows involved with the quiz show scandals
Bonanza
Herbert F. Solow on how Bonanza was shot in color
Courtship of Eddie's Father, The
Herbert F. Solow on the development and success of the show, The Courtship of Eddie's Father
Danger Is My Business
Herbert F. Solow on his involvement with the series, Danger is My Business
Dotto
Herbert F. Solow on his recollections of the shows involved with the quiz show scandals
Edge of Night, The
Herbert F. Solow on a funny story involving Edge of Night actor, Joseph Campanella
Foreign Intrigue
Herbert F. Solow on his involvement in the show Foreign Intrigue
Hopalong Cassidy
Herbert F. Solow on selling Hopalong Cassidy
Howdy Doody
Herbert F. Solow on his recollections of Howdy Doody
I Love Lucy
Herbert F. Solow on the change from I Love Lucy to The Lucy Show
Jeopardy!
Herbert F. Solow on his initial impressions of Merv Griffin's idea for Jeopardy!
Let's Make a Deal
Herbert F. Solow on working on Let's Make a Deal
Lucy Show, The
Herbert F. Solow on the change from I Love Lucy to The Lucy Show
Herbert F. Solow on memories of working with Lucille Ball and The Lucy Show
Man From Atlantis
Herbert F. Solow on how Man From Atlantis was created
Mannix
Herbert F. Solow on getting Mannix on the air
Herbert F. Solow on the origins of the show Mannix and its long-running success
Medical Center
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Chad Everett for the show Medical Center and the show's long run of seven years
Mickey Rooney Show, The
Herbert F. Solow on selling his first show, The Mickey Rooney Show
Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on the development of Mission: Impossible and how it became a pilot and was turned into a series
Herbert F. Solow on the legacy of Desilu's productions, including Mission: Impossible and The Untouchables
Herbert F. Solow on Bruce Gellar as a producer on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on Steven Hill as the original "Mr. Briggs" on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on Peter Graves being cast as the new lead on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on working with Peter Graves on Mission: Impossible
Name That Tune
Herbert F. Solow on how unpopular contestants were handled on the show, Name That Tune
Saturday Night Live
Herbert F. Solow on the Star Trek sketch for Saturday Night Live
Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on how he first heard about Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on the development process for Star Trek and initial hurdles which occurred and how it became a pilot
Herbert F. Solow on the two pilots for Star Trek and how it became a series
Herbert F. Solow on casting for Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on his favorite episode of Star Trek
Star Trek: "The City on the Edge of Forever"
Herbert F. Solow on his favorite episode of Star Trek
Then Came Bronson
Herbert F. Solow on how Then Came Bronson was created
This Is Your Life
Herbert F. Solow on how he appeared on This is Your Life to discuss Greg Morris
Truth or Consequences
Herbert F. Solow on working on Truth or Consequences
Untouchables, The
Herbert F. Solow on the legacy of Desilu's productions, including Mission: Impossible and The Untouchables
Video Village
Herbert F. Solow on the game show Video Village
World Series
Herbert F. Solow on selling the World Series to Japan
Topics
Characters & Catchphrases
Herbert F. Solow on NBC's response to "Mr. Spock's" ears on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on how NBC didn't initially want "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on his impression of the original idea for "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on Leonard Nimoy's obvious popularity and "Mr. Spock" becoming the second lead on Star Trek
Emmy Awards
Herbert F. Solow on memories of Mission: Impossible and Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on the Emmy win for the TV show, The Courtship of Eddie's Father
Pop Culture
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Alexander "Sandy" Courage to be the composer on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on NBC's response to "Mr. Spock's" ears on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on how NBC didn't initially want "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on his impression of the original idea for "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on Leonard Nimoy's obvious popularity and "Mr. Spock" becoming the second lead on Star Trek
Quiz Show Scandals
Herbert F. Solow on his recollections of the quiz show scandals
TV Theme Songs
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Alexander "Sandy" Courage to be the composer on Star Trek
World Series
Herbert F. Solow on selling the World Series to Japan
Professions
Television Executive
Herbert F. Solow on becoming head of West Coast Daytime television for NBC
Herbert F. Solow the importance of an executive -in- charge, understanding the crew's various responsibilities
Herbert F. Solow on his proudest career achievement
Herbert F. Solow on advice he would give to an aspiring television executive
Genres
Adventure/Espionage Series
Herbert F. Solow on the development of Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on the legacy of Desilu's productions, including Mission: Impossible and The Untouchables
Herbert F. Solow on the quality of Bruce Gellar's work on Mission: Impossible and his contribution to the show
Herbert F. Solow on Steven Hill as the original "Mr. Briggs" on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on Peter Graves being cast as the new lead on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on working with Peter Graves on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on the long running success of the TV show Mannix
Herbert F. Solow on a crowd's reaction to Greg Morris from Mission: Impossible
Comedy Series
Herbert F. Solow on the change from I Love Lucy to The Lucy Show
Herbert F. Solow on working with Lucille Ball on The Lucy Show
Herbert F. Solow on the Star Trek sketch on Saturday Night Live
Herbert F. Solow on the success of the show, The Courtship of Eddie's Father
Cop/Detective/Mystery Series
Herbert F. Solow on the legacy of Desilu's productions, including Mission: Impossible and The Untouchables
Daytime/Primetime Serials
Herbert F. Solow on Daytime Serials as a mainstay for NBC
Drama Series
Herbert F. Solow on how Then Came Bronson was created
Game Shows
Herbert F. Solow on working with the game shows for NBC
Medical Dramas
Herbert F. Solow on the success of the show, Medical Center
Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials
Herbert F. Solow on producing the documentary, Elvis: That's the Way It Is
Sci-Fi/Supernatural Series
Herbert F. Solow on how he first heard about Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on the development process and eventual audience response to Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on how The Man From Atlantis was created
Sports
Herbert F. Solow on selling the World Series to Japan
Western Series
Herbert F. Solow on how Bonanza was shot in color
People
Desi Arnaz
Herbert F. Solow on impressions of Desi Arnaz
Herbert F. Solow on his impressions of Desi Arnaz and on Desi's departure from Desilu Productions
Barbara Bain
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Barbara Bain on Mission: Impossible
Lucille Ball
Herbert F. Solow on working with Lucille Ball and the history of Desilu Studios
Herbert F. Solow on working with Lucille Ball
Herbert F. Solow on Lucille Ball's response to Herbert F. Solow's successful new shows
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry
Herbert F. Solow on Majel Barrett being cast on Star Trek
Jack Barry
Herbert F. Solow on his recollections of the quiz show scandals
Joseph Behar
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Joe Behar for Let's Make a Deal
Bill Bixby
Robert F. Solow on hiring Bill Bixby, Miyoshi Umeki and Brandon Cruz for The Courtship of Eddie's Father
Robert Butler
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Robert Butler on Star Trek
Joseph Campanella
Herbert F. Solow on a funny story involving Edge of Night actor, Joseph Campanella
Mike Connors
Herbert F. Solow on working with Mike Connors on Mannix
Gene Coon
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Gene Coon to work with the writers on Star Trek
Alexander Courage
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Alexander "Sandy" Courage to be the composer on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on the main contributors to Star Trek: Bob Justman, Alexander Courage, Matt Jeffries, What Chang and Bill Tice
Wally Cox
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Wally Cox on Mission: Impossible
Brandon Cruz
Robert F. Solow on hiring Miyoshi Umeki and Brandon Cruz for The Courtship of Eddie's Father
James Doohan
Herbert F. Solow on working with members of the Star Trek cast: George Takei, DeForest Kelly, James Doohan, Grace Lee Whitney, Walter Koenig
Patrick Duffy
Herbert F. Solow on his meeting with Patrick Duffy for Man From Atlantis
Don Durgin
Herbert F. Solow on presenting the pilot for Then Came Bronson to Don Durgin, Walter Scott and Herbert Schlosser at NBC
Ralph Edwards
Herbert F. Solow on the interview show, Truth or Consequences
Herbert F. Solow on how he appeared on This is Your Life to discuss Greg Morris
Harlan Ellison
Herbert F. Solow on Harlan Ellison's contribution to Star Trek; on how Ellison brought in Teddy Sturgeon, George Clayton Johnson and Dick Matheson to write on Star Trek
Morris Engel
Herbert F. Solow on working with Morris Engel
Chad Everett
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Chad Everett for the show Medical Center and the show's long run of seven years
Dorothy C. Fontana
Herbert F. Solow on Dorothy Fontana's contribution to Star Trek; on Dorothy's nom de plume "D.C. Fontana"
Bruce Geller
Herbert F. Solow on the development of Mission: Impossible with Bruce Geller
Herbert F. Solow on Bruce Gellar as a producer on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on having Bruce Geller produce Mannix
James Goldstone
Herbert F. Solow on hiring James Goldstone to direct Star Trek
Peter Graves
Herbert F. Solow on Peter Graves being cast as the new lead on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on working with Peter Graves on Mission: Impossible
Merv Griffin
Herbert F. Solow on working with Merv Griffin
Monty Hall
Herbert F. Solow on the talent of Monty Hall
Merrill Heatter
Herbert F. Solow on working with Merrill Heatter and the sale of the World Series to Japan
Steven Hill
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Steven Hill on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on Steven Hill as the original "Mr. Briggs" on Mission: Impossible
Jeffrey Hunter
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Jeffrey Hunter as the lead in the first Star Trek pilot
Herbert F. Solow on how Jeffrey Hunter turned down the lead role in Star Trek
Matt Jefferies
Herbert F. Solow on working with production designer, Matt Jeffries on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on the main contributors to Star Trek: Bob Justman, Alexander Courage, Matt Jeffries, What Chang and Bill Tice
Robert Justman
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Robert Justman on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on the main contributors to Star Trek: Bob Justman, Alexander Courage, Matt Jeffries, What Chang and Bill Tice
Herbert F. Solow on his reasons for writing a Star Trek book with Robert Justman
Herbert F. Solow on working with Robert Justman on Then Came Bronson
DeForest Kelley
Herbert F. Solow on hiring DeForest Kelley on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on working with members of the Star Trek cast: George Takei, DeForest Kelly, James Doohan, Grace Lee Whitney, Walter Koenig
Walter Koenig
Herbert F. Solow on working with members of the Star Trek cast: George Takei, DeForest Kelly, James Doohan, Grace Lee Whitney, Walter Koenig
James Komack
Hrbert F. Solow on hiring James Komack to revise Richard Powell's script for The Courtship of Eddie's Father
Bernard L. Kowalski
Herbert F. Solow on working with Bernard Kowalski on Mission: Impossible
Martin Landau
Herbert F. Solow on working with Martin Landau on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on working with Martin Landau and Peter Lupus
Peter Lupus
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Peter Lupus on the Mission: Impossible pilot
Greg Morris
Herbert F. Solow on how he appeared on This is Your Life to discuss Greg Morris
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Greg Morris on Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on a crowd's reaction to Greg Morris from Mission: Impossible
Gary Morton
Herbert F. Solow on his impressions of Lucille Ball's second husband, Gary Morton
Nichelle Nichols
Herbert F. Solow on working with Nichelle Nichols
Leonard Nimoy
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Leonard Nimoy for Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on how NBC didn't initially want "Mr. Spock" on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on Leonard Nimoy's obvious popularity and "Mr. Spock" becoming the second lead on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on working with Leonard Nimoy
Herbert F. Solow on negotiations with Leonard Nimoy and how salary demands and the popularity of "Mr. Spock" affected the dynamics of the production
Herbert F. Solow on his conversation with Leonard Nimoy regarding the cancellation of Star Trek
Tom Parker
Herbert F. Solow on his recollections of Elvis Presley and his agent, Tom Parker
Michael Parks
Herbert F. Solow on working with Michael Parks on Then Came Bronson
Elvis Presley
Herbert F. Solow on working with Elvis Presley on the documentary Elvis: That's the Way It Is
Christopher Reeve
Herbert F. Solow on his meeting with Christopher Reeve for Man from Atlantis
Carl Reiner
Herbert F. Solow on a memorable quote from Carl Reiner
Don Rickles
Herbert F. Solow on his partnership with Don Rickles
Edward G. Robinson
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Edward G. Robinson for the pilot of Medical Center
Gene Roddenberry
Herbert F. Solow on his initial meeting with Gene Roddenberry about Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on Gene Roddenberry's influence in casting Majel Barrett in Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on Roddenbery's work with the writers of Star Trek
Dennis Saunders
Herbert F. Solow on working with Dennis Saunders, Jim Aubrey, Lucien Ballard on Elvis: That's the Way It Is
Lalo Schifrin
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Lalo Schifrin to create the score for Mission: Impossible
Herbert F. Solow on Lalo Schifrin's work on the theme song for the show Mannix
Herbert S. Schlosser
Herbert F. Solow on his interactions with Herb Schlosser
Herbert F. Solow on working with Herbert S. Schlosser on Then Came Bronson
William Shatner
Herbert F. Solow on hiring William Shatner to star on Star Trek
Herbert F. Solow on his impressions of William Shatner
Martin Sheen
Herbert F. Solow on hiring Martin Sheen for the pilot of Then Came Bronson
Allan Sherman
Herbert F. Solow recalls the success of writer, Allan Sherman with the release of his record of parody songs
Al Simon
Herbert F. Solow on working with Al Simon
Mayo Simon
Herbert F. Solow on working with Mayo Simon
Herbert F. Solow on working with Mayo Simon on Man From Atlantis
Frank Sinatra
Herbert F. Solow on working with Frank Sinatra on Dirty Dingus McGee at MGM
George Takei
Herbert F. Solow on working with members of the Star Trek cast: George Takei, DeForest Kelly, James Doohan, Grace Lee Whitney, Walter Koenig
Akim Tamiroff
Herbert F. Solow on working with Akim Tamiroff, Garry Merrill, and Bonnie Bedelia on Then Came Bronson
Grant Tinker
Herbert F. Solow on how Tinker helped him move into the role of West Coast head of Daytime television for NBC
Miyoshi Umeki
Robert F. Solow on hiring Miyoshi Umeki and Brandon Cruz for The Courtship of Eddie's Father
John Wayne
Herbert F. Solow on his deal with John Wayne
Grace Lee Whitney
Herbert F. Solow on working with members of the Star Trek cast: George Takei, DeForest Kelly, James Doohan, Grace Lee Whitney, Walter Koenig
Robert Wise
Herbert F. Solow on Robert Wise directing the Star Trek movie