Despatch
You may be looking for the military media fandom zine, The Dispatch, or Despatches, a newsletter community on LiveJournal for the Age Of Sail fandom.
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Despatch/Despatch |
| Publisher: | Mark Lenard International Fan Club |
| Editor(s): | Maureen Bourns (Wilson) (aided by Rosemary Ullyot & Alicia Austin) (#1-#13), then Ruth Berman (#14-#27), then Sharon Emily (#28-#31), then Gail Saville ("Slugger") and Barbara Metzke ("Dark Horse") (#32-#44) |
| Type: | |
| Date(s): | October 1968-December 1980 |
| Frequency: | roughly quarterly |
| Medium: | |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS, Here Come the Brides, Planet of the Apes, The Secret Empire |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Despatch is a publication of the Mark Lenard International Fan Club.
This club was first in Canada, then in Minnesota, then in Indiana, then Florida.
It was meant to be bimonthly, but in June 1970, the editor turned it into quarterly, plus one yearbook each year.
It contains fiction, non-fiction and photos of Mark Lenard. The title alternates between "The Despatch" and "Despatch."
There are 44 issues and one special issue.
The last editors of this zine series (Barbara Metzke and Gail Saville) use the names "Dark Horse aka D.H." and "Slugger," respectively.
Winners of the annual AGS Award were announced in this zine series. The award, named for Lenard's character in Here Come the Brides (Aaron George Stempel), and the references to totem poles are also a nod to that show.
The club's charity was the American Diabetic Association (ADA).
It is one of the very earliest Star Trek fiction zines published, and one of the first to feature fanfiction. It, according to a comment in an issue, is the second oldest Star Trek fan club dedicated to a specific actor, the first being the Leonard Nimoy Association of Fans.
For others, see List of Star Trek TOS Zines Published While the Show Was Still On the Air.
Some Nicknames Bestowed Upon Mark Lenard
- OBH = Our Beloved Honorary, the original name (this is sometimes spelled "Honourary" even after the original Canadian editors stepped down)
- ORH = Our Reluctant Honorary, name reflecting the on-going battle to get Lenard to communicate with his own club
- Great Pumpkin = because his birthday was in October
- Gamecheo (as spelled in issue #28) and Gamacheo (as spelled in issues #29 and #30) = Klingon for "One Who Receives Honors" and kina slton Gameo ul hao = Klingon for "Our Reluctant Receiver of Honor"
Its Demise
The club, and this zine series, ended due to the editors' burnout, the fact that they were losing $750 per issue, that the club had generated some Mark Lenard stalkers, and that this was damaging to both him and his family. Finally, Mark Lenard remarked that the club "has been around a long time...too long. It's time we put it to rest, let it go...let it die with dignity." See You are holding in your hands the final issue of DESPATCH.
Contributors
Contributors of art work included Alicia Austin Terry Austin, George Barr, Gail Barton, Tim Courtney, Jane Dalley, Daphne Hamilton, Marg Harris, Marilyn Hawkes, C. Lee Healy, Greg Jein, Tim Kirk, Chris Lofthus, J. Murdock Mathew, MER, Joyce Muskat, Mary Ellen Rabogliatti, Vicki Skidmore, Dawna Snyder, Cara Sherman Tereno, Anthony Tollin, Donna Wilson, and Ellen Winder, among others.
Contributors of cartoons included Paula Nass, among others.
Contributors of articles included Ruth Berman, Maureen Bourns, Lee Burwasser, Paula Crist, Dorothy Jones Heydt, Devra Michele Langsam, Carol Lee, Shirley Maiewski, Sheryl McNevin, Ev Turner, Rosemary Ullyot, and Maureen Wilson, among others.
Poetry and limericks were contributed by Jane Aumerle, Ruth Berman, Jane Dalley, Shirley Meech, Nan Miller, and Mary Ellen Rabogliatti, among others.
Filk songs were contributed by Marion Lois Turner.
Fiction was contributed by Doris Beetem, Ruth Berman, Judith Brownlee, Rusty Hancock, Pat Kienly, Jean Lorrah, Nancy Ann Miller, Susan Price, D. Carol Roberts, Eileen Roy, and Norma M. Smith, among others.
Other writing was contributed by Astrid Anderson, Kay Anderson, Ruth Berman, Jane Dalley, Denise Grushon, Daphne Ann Hamilton, Dorothy Jones Heydt, Barbara Lawrence Maiewski, among others.
Despatch featured reprints from the fanzines Babelian Council, Eridani Triad, Pastaklan Vesla, Plak-Tow, Spockanalia, ST-Phile, and T-Negative.
Editors
The zine series was originally edited by Maureen Bourns (Wilson), aided by Rosemary Ullyot & Alicia Austin.
Ruth Berman took over in 1973 with issue #14. There is a large gap between issues after issue #25, and a review said that Sharon Emily would be taking over in "the summer." Berman edited #26/27 (Winter 1976/Spring 1977) with Sharon Emily becoming editor for #28.
In October 1977, Gail Saville and Barbara Metzke took over as editors with issue #32.
Berman commented on this zine in 2017:
Despatch – the Mark Lenard Fan Club was founded (and the Despatch, its newsletter, edited for its first years) by Maureen Bourns (Wilson), aided by Rosemary Ullyot & Alicia Austin. They happened to write to him to ask permission to start a fan club for him just when he heard that he was going to be a regular in the cast of a new show, “Here Come the Brides.” Left to himself, he did not feel that it meant much for a freelance actor to have a fan club, but as a regular on a series, he felt that a fan club could help win viewers to the show as a whole and to his role in it, and he gave them permission to start the club, staying in contact with them to give them cooperation, news, etc. About the time the show went off the air, Maureen (who had gotten engaged to be married) decided she wanted to focus on other things, but thought it would be a pity to see the fan club end, and asked if there was a volunteer to take over running it. I liked Lenard’s acting, and especially his acting on “Star Trek” a lot, and thought it would be fun to volunteer to take over the club, and use its “Despatch” as a place to reprint some of the outstanding fan-fiction about the Romulan Commander and Sarek that was coming out in various fanzines. Also, when I lived in Los Angeles and was working for Lincoln Enterprises, I had enjoyed getting three opportunities to meet Lenard, once when he attended a sciencefiction con in Berkeley that was attended by Maureen, who held a party there for his fans, once when Dorothy Jones and Astrid Anderson and I went to a production of “a Midsummer Night’s Dream,” in which he played Oberon, and he joined us for conversation and coffee after the performance, and once when Maureen came to town and invited me to join her on a visit to the set of “Here Come the Brides.” So I volunteered to take over the fan-club, and did have a lot of fun reprinting assorted outstanding Lenard-role-based stories. (I didn’t have much contact with Lenard while doing that – HCtB had gone off the air then, and he didn’t have a series he felt he ought to be promoting if he could.) After three years, I’d reprinted the stories I especially wanted to reprint, and wanted to focus more on my “T-Negative” fanzine, so I turned the club over to Sharon Emily, and it ran several years more, first with her, and then with Gail Saville & Barbara Metzke.[1]
Issue 1: Bulletin (October 1968)
Despatch 1 was published in October 1968.
- Through Beautiful Downtown Burbank by Rosemary Ullyot and Maureen Bourns (visit to the set)
- Dear Friends — letters from Mark Lenard
- other unknown content
Issue 2: Bulletin (December 1968)
Despatch 2 was published in December 1968.
- untitled by George Barr
- Reviews of "Here Come the Brides" by Sheryl McNevin
- editorial remarks by Maureen Bourns
- Dear Friends — letters from Mark Lenard
- other unknown content
Issue 3: Bulletin (February 1969)
Despatch 3 was published in February 1969.
It has a cover by Alicia Austin.
- Dear Friends — letters from Mark Lenard
- Reviews of "Here Come the Brides" by Sheryl McNevin
- editorial remarks by Maureen Bourns
Issue 4: Yearbook (April 1969)
Despatch 4 was published in April 1969.
It contains art by Alicia Austin.
- Here Come the Broads by Jane Peyton (visit to the set)
- Matters Vulcan and Romulan: His Heart's in the Right Place by Helen Busch
- A Vulcan for Amanda by Norma Smith
- You Asked for It (interview)
- Reviews of "Here Come the Brides" by Sheryl McNevin
- Letter from Richard Singer
- Editorial Remarks from Maureen Bourns
- other unknown content
Issue 5: Bulletin (June 1969)
Despatch 5 was published in June 1969 (reprinted August 1969) and contains 4 pages.
This issue was reprinted because the post office lost all 150 copies of the first mailing:
This issue was originally mailed in the middle of June, when no-one received a copy by the middle of July, we investigated and were told that it had inadvertently been thrown in with somebody else's 'delayed mailing,' but would be rescued and sent out immediately. Yes. We'd like to express our deep appreciation to the Shawnee Mission, Kansas post office; it's not often we behold language in the making.
- Dear Friends — letter from Mark Lenard
- Letter from Maureen Bourns
- a thank you letter from a club family describing the gift that were sent to their new baby
- How We Put the Journal Together or Through Snow and Sleet with Stencil Cement by Rosemary Ullyot
- Episode Two in the Continuing Struggle of an Average Middle-Class Fan Club: A Fannish Vignette by Richard Labonte
Issue 6: Bulletin (August 1969)
Despatch 6 was published in August 1969 and contains 9 pages.
It is labeled v.1 n.6.
At this point, the club has 121 members.
- Hello again, already, editorial by Maureen Bourns
- Question Mark by Helen Busch (Lenard's somewhat prickly answers to questions)
- club and fan updates by "Sam"
- letter from Rosemary Ulloyot inviting fans to her apartment for a party (an imaginary party?)
- contest winners
- Never Again, a long "continuing saga of the trials and tribulations besetting-fan club publications" by Helen Busch
- results from the first 50 fan surveys that had been returned to the club
August Addendum (August 1969)
It was published in August 1969 and consists of a single page.
It is also labeled v.1 n.6.
Its sole content is a letter from Mark Lenard updating fans about Here Come the Brides and future episodes.
Issue 7: Bulletin (October 1969)
Despatch 7 was published in October 1969 and contains 12 pages.
It has art by Alicia Austin.
- Dear Friends — letters from Mark Lenard
- Where the Hell Did that Fountain Come From? by Rosemary Ullyot (visit to the set)
- Happy Anniversary, or, How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Maureen Bourns (visit to the set)
- Question Mark by Helen Busch
- Comments by Daphne Ann Hamilton on Sheryl McNevin's reviews of "Here Come the Brides"
- editorial remarks by Maureen Bourns
- Winners of the AG Award
- two pages of black and white photos of fans and their adventures
Issue 8: Bulletin (June 1970)
Despatch 8 was published in June 1970 and contains 16 pages.
It is v.2 n.2.
The editor states that instead of bimonthly, the newsletter was going to be quarterly.
Rosemary Ullyot also resigned from "Vice-Presidency, Service Chair, and Region A."
Some vignettes from Lenard's letter:
... I am afraid [the club president/editor] has met her match when it comes to being late. This is where I shine. My abject apologies to you all and I hope you understand that your club officers are cursed with a lazy, procrastinating "honorary.
[...]
[I was met at the Omaha] airport by three ladies from the Chamber of Commerce with banners.... to present me with a plaque and an honorary membership, two news photographers and tv cameras, the promotion people from the local station, and a red carpet. A real red carpet. The only trouble was that no-one had told me to come out of the plan last, and I had gone by before they had a chance to lay out the red carpet or get set up. So I had to get back on the plane while the carpet was laid down and come down the steps again with the cameras grinding, walk on the carpet, and be presented with the compliments of the charming ladies. I felt a little silly.... why not.
[...]
A great many interviews and excellent treatment in Omaha, but too many drinking lunches. Spent a few hours in a settlement house where the 13 year old girls greeted me with "Why didn't you send Bobby Sherman?"
[...]
The Plaza Hotel (in NYC] I learned is overpriced, over-reputationed and has cockroaches in the bathroom. It was a great disappointment.
- Editorial by Maureen Bourns
- Dear Friends — letters from Mark Lenard (this is a long, detailed account of a multi-city publicity trip to promote Here Come the Brides, has a lot about New York city and what he thought was its major decline, written in January 1970.)
- Letter from Rosemary Ullyot
- Letter from Sam Cole
- West Coast Report by Helen A. Busch
- Further East and Somewhat Earlier, report by Nancy Ann Miller (report about Lenard at various local interviews)
- The New Yorker, four-page, single-spaced article by Devra Michele Langsam and Daphne Ann Hamilton, "with editing and snide remarks by Deborah Michael Langsam." (surprising and accosting a "tired and resigned" Lenard at the airport on a stop in New York City, driving him around and having much conversation ('Mark made occasional caustic, not to say, nasty, comments, which we were too awed to answer suitably.' The visit also included other lunches, dinners, and witty, caustic conversation.)
- word search
- descriptions of photos, and then the photos themselves of being on the Mission Impossible and Here Come the Brides sets (of Richard Singer, Mike Glicksohn, Helen Busch, Mark Lenard, Devra Langsam, Deborah Langsam
- Question Mark by Helen Busch (comments about Shakespeare, being in a Clint Eastwood movie ("... Clint Eastwood was quiet... and detaches, as he always is on the screen. I was on it for a very short time, but it was rather pleasant. I got paid well. The movie stinks, but that's all right."), about portraying his character in Here Come the Brides ("Bobby Sherman and David Soul are nice boys...It is the kind of a show where the atmosphere is not strained or anything. It's not too serious... and there is a lot of good humour, and we always have a lot of 'brides' there, a lot of pretty young girls, which doesn't hurt either... It's more like a circus than a set. It's good fun.")
from issue #8, "The New Yorker" report
from issue #8, "The New Yorker" report
from issue #8, "The New Yorker" report
from issue #8, "The New Yorker" report
Issue 9: Yearbook (October 1970)
Despatch 9 was published in October 1970 and contains 36 pages.
The art is by Ellen Winder and Donna Wilson. The photos are by Helen Busch.
From this issue:
The AGS Award, for the member who has contributed the most to the fan club during the year, is awarded to Sam Cole. Sam has had to resign as Publicity Director because of poor health and the pressure of other work, but she has done a marvelous job for us, and will be receiving a handsome totem pole as a symbol of our appreciation.
From "Robert Was Right":
I do remember that Maureen and I were trying to think of something different to give our Fearless Leader for his birthday. Nothing could be more unusual, we decided, than a slave girl.It started out as an amusing pipe dream, but the more we thought about it, the more feasible it sounded. Why not a slave girl?
Rita Ractliffe was a friend of mine in Texas, who was a professional belly dancer. She was planning to move to California, she owned appropriate costumes. Would she agree to being a one-day birthday present? I was sure she would.
By the time October neared, all manner of plans had been made, and some discarded. Having Rita carried onto the sound stage by a giant Nubian would have bee a great touch but none of us knew one, so we decided to settle for having her delivered, so to speak, wrapped in a Persian rug. (After all, it was good enough for Cleopatra!) As to the carrier, if I couldn’t spring my son Bill from school for the day, Richard Singer, our official agent-on-the-set, would be happy to fill in. Boy, would he be happy!
Rita and I decided on some ground rules for slave girls: She would speak only when spoken to, and then in Arabic; Wherever Mark went — within limits — she would follow, walking two paces behind; wherever he stood, she would stand behind him, in a submissive posture and with downcast eyes; if he sat down, she would sit at his feet; she would carry cigarettes and matches -- though where became a moot point (she finally decided on carrying them in what there was of the top half of her costume); she would also carry his coat and help him into it, light his cigarettes, serve his lunch, and dance for him should he become bored (we would have her music along on tape, just in case).
As soon as we knew for certain that Our Hero would be on the set October 15, I was to clear our plan with Screen Gems Publicity, and alert Barney Glazer, a syndicated newspaper columnist and an honorary MLIFC member, who had been very kind to us in the past. As the day drew closer, both Rita and I were full of excitement and apprehension that something would go wrong.
It did. [Lenard wasn't working on the set that day.]
- Mark This (Mark Lenard's new film and commercial roles, travel plans) (3)
- Editorial by Sheryl McNevin (3)
- You Said It, letters (4)
- He's in Seattle, Amanda by Norma Smith (essay about the similarities between the characters Sarek and Aaron Stempel) (6)
- Speculation by Beth Ann Waltz (7)
- Eavesdropping: Region B (Norma Smith) and E (Helen Busch) and At Headquarters (Maureen Wilson) (shout-outs and descriptions of what her members are up to: tennis, visiting, parties, attending weddings, going to college, teaching Sunday school, having birthdays...) (8)
- Here Come the Fans by Bjo Trimble (This is a self-congratulatory description of a visit to the Here Come the Brides set with Trimble, Joyce Muskat, Tim Courtney, and others. Courtney had passed away from cancer "some months ago," something Trimble mentions with a cursory nod. Trimble also mentions having 125 people to her house for a party to watch the moon landing. Trimble also describes another visit to the set in detail and includes some commentary on meeting three "movie Indians" there. She also states that she is "part Choctaw, a Southern Oklahoma tribe.") (10)
- Robert Was Right by Helen Busch (Two fans decide to give Mark Lenard a "slave girl" for his birthday, but despite their careful plans, Lenard was not on the set of Here Come the Brides that day.) (18)
- Guest Star: Sergio Franchi (20)
- The Birth of a Fan Club by by Angela Falzarano (about starting and running The Sergio Franchi International Fan Club) (21)
- Sergio by Helen Busch (all about this opera singer who is a tenor, seeing him perform) (22)
- In Seattle Square, long poem by Sue Endo (25)
- Here Comes the Bride by Sheryl McNevin (a very, very long description of a trip to Ottawa for Maureen Wilson's wedding, including travelogue and much domestic commentary and a page of photos) (26)
- Pictures (30)
- The Secretary Will Disavow by Ruth Berman (a Mission Impossible story) (32)
- The Last Word by Maureen Wilson (35)
from issue #9
from issue #9
from issue #9
from issue #9
from issue #9
from issue #9
Issue 10: Bulletin (December 1970)
Despatch 10 was published in December 1970 and contains 3 pages. The editor mentions this issue is a "bonus" issue.
Nancy Ann Miller has volunteered to be Publicity Director and Sue Endo has volunteered to be Service Chairman.
- Humbug!, editorial by Maureen Bourns
- Puzzle Page, crossword puzzle
- Matters Vulcan and Romulan: Further Speculation, short article by Janet McKay (speculation about how Aaron Stempel and Sarek could be related)
- You Asked For It (the editor encourages fans to write Lenard either via the club or directly via his agent: Jerry Rosen Agency)
Issue 11: Bulletin (Jan/Feb 1971)
Despatch 11 was published in Jan/Feb 1971 and contains 20 pages.
From the editor:
This issue is due in Jan. strictly according to the quarterly publication schedule, but I think it should generally be expected in Feb. - no-one wants to spend their holiday time working on fan club material, so I don't receive much until late in Jan.
- ICFC News
- Favourite Honourary President Club (3)
- International Council of Fan Clubs 14th Convention -- London, England (description of a 15-day trip to Amsterdam, Paris, London. Leaving from Ontario the first week of October, cost was $400 which included airfare, hotels, tickets, and breakfasts -- from Jean Crocker, President of the ICFC)
- The Bobby Wyld Membership Drive Contest (contest for the fan who brings the most new members to a club that he or she belongs to, the prize is a $1600 painting and donated by Bobby Wyld)
- It's the Talk of the Town (reports from Region A by Ellen Schaefer, Region E by Helen Busch, Star Trek Spottings) (5)
- Question Mark (excerpts from an interview conducted while Here Come the Brides was still on the air, Nan Miller provided the transcript) (6)
- Puzzle Contest by Nancy Ann Miller (8)
- Guest Star: Jonathan Frid, Encounter with a Friendly Vampire, by Sheryl McNevin, photos by Lyn Riker (10)
- ADA, A cheery word from our indefatigable Service Chairman, by Sue Endo (club money business) (11)
- ALL it Takes is a Little CHEER, poem by Nan Miller (topic is Mark Lenard's laundry detergent ad on television) (12)
- ICFC Convention by Mrs. Jean L. Crocker (description of the International Council of Fan Clubs, their 1970 annual convention was held Oct 23-25, 1970 in Hollywood) (13)
- Shut Up and Keep Eating (silly recipe for Elephant Stew, ends with a pun) (15)
- Re Marks by Eileen Barker (Lenard in other roles (Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, Hang 'Em High) includes a full-page of clips from him in Mission Impossible) (16)
- Re Marks by Ruth Berman, Naomi Bradfield, and Maureen Bourns (Mark in Far Country, Mission Impossible, Alias Smith and Jones) (17)
- The Last Word, editorial by Maureen Bourns (18)
from issue #11, all about the International Council of Fan Clubs
from issue #11, all about the International Council of Fan Clubs
from issue #11, all about the International Council of Fan Clubs
Issue 12: Bulletin (August 1971)
Despatch 12 was published in August 1971 and contains 5 pages.
The art is by Mary Ellen Rabogliatti and Marilyn Hawkes.
The editor refers to this issue as a newsletter.
The editorial contains much personal information about stress and poor health. Wilson wrote:
If the club is to continue, I will have to find some solution to the problem of getting out the newsletters. However, in view of the lack of response from Our Beloved Honourary, it might be the best thing to finish up this club year and then disband the club. Your comments will be welcome.
- Editorial by Maureen Wilson (1)
- Brides Scramble, puzzle (2)
- Re Marks by Helen Busch (short review of Mark Lenard in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in which Lenard is a "jealous, pot-smoking Oberon") (2)
- Talk of the Town (many reports from various regions and what their members are up to) (3)
Issue 13: Yearbook (January 1973)
Despatch 13 was published in January 1973.
It has art by Marg Harris, Nancy Ann Miller, Mary Ellen Rabogliatti, Donna Wilson, and Alicia Austin.
- The Wanderer, poem by Mary Ellen Rabogliatti
- Sarek to Amanda on the Birth of Their Son, poem by Mary Ellen Rabogliatti
- limerick by Mary Ellen Rabogliatti
- Question Mark by Susan Price
- ADA Note by Sue Endo
- AGS Award to Mary Ellen Rebogliattti
- Guest Star: Ed Ames, by Nancy Gail Hardin and Pat Carpenter
- Whosit Puzzle by Beth Ann Waltz
- Question Mark, interview by Susan Price
- con report for ISFC by Pat Carpenter
- review by Sheryl McNevin of the Roddenberry movie, Pretty Maids All in a Row
- It's the Talk of the Town (activities of members and the Star Trek actors)
- Totem Pole Lore
- Son of Mission: Incredible, parody by Nancy Ann Miller
- puzzle by Mary Ellen Rabogliatti
Issue 14: Original (March 1973)
Despatch 14 was published in March 1973 (reprinted January 1977) and is 10 pages long.
Ruth Berman is now the editor, taking over from Maureen Wilson.
From the editorial:
The Mark Lenard fan club Is a rarity among fan clubs, in having grown initially out of a response to two one-shot characters (the first Romulan Commander and Sarek), rather than as a response to a continuing character. At the same time that Maureen Wilson suggested starting the club, however, ML was starting work as just such a continuing character, Aaron George Stempel of "Here Come the Brides.
Naturally enough, Stempel became the focus of the club's attention, although ML's work in other roles, particularly the two from "Star Trek," continued to receive attention.
Now that "Here Come the Brides" is off the air, the Despatch cannot focus as heavily as it used to on the one role, although there is still a good deal to be said on the subject.
[...]
One thing that the club can do now is to devote more attention to the shorter roles, and specifically to the two roles which got us started. Of course, the Despatch will continue to use the types of material we've had be fore: reviews & summaries of shows Lenard is in -- has anybody out there seen "Noon Sunday"? -- discussions of the "Brides" characters and background, accounts of meetings with ML, etc. But I expect that there will not be as much of these materials as before, and I want to take advantage of that space to make more use of reprints from professional publications of reviews of ML'S acting and articles about him and from amateur trekzines of stories and articles about ML's "Star Trek" roles. Most of you subscribe to some of these zines and will have seen some of the material before, but probably not all of it. (Incidentally, if anyone knows of other fandoms with fanzines which happen to have discussed any of ML's other roles, it would be interesting to reprint their material, too.)
I hope there’ll continue to be the material supplied by Our Beloved Honorary himself, his letters about his recent activities and answers to your 'Question Mark' questions.
In past Despatches, however, he’s shown himself to be a member of the tribe of Dilatory Letter Writers. (A DLW can be made to feel guilty for not having written -- but can't be made to write.) Maureen sometimes chose to delay publication of the Despatch until there was material from ML to include; I think I’ll plan on regular publication, even without Mark Lenard in the table of contents. Please send in your questions for "Question Mark," and answers will appear as the DLW nature allows. The publication schedule; three bulletins and a yearbook per year, and dues of $1.50 per year (a bit less than dues have been, because I expect that the Despatches will tend to be somewhat shorter in length).
From "By Way of Closing":
The two-fingered touch instead of a handclasp was interesting, (Maybe holding hands would give more mind-touch than wanted -- or Just be considered too emotional?) Sort of ties in with the hand salute. It felt a little strange seeing them touch on so many Spockanalia subjects -- the Vulcan heart, training of the youth, physiology, his childhood. I liked the fact that his father considers him a Vulcan -- that the dispute was just over career choice and not a rejection of Spock by Sarek on essential grounds. Thought the part about "Emotional, isn't she" had the sound of an old family joke, that they might have repeated those four lines often before their disagreement came up. [2]
- Editorial
- two pages of film clip/photo descriptions for sale
- Seeking Recognition by Joan Crosby (Dec 21, 1968 clipping from an Ithaca, New York newspaper)
- A Speculation on Spock's Family by Sandra Miesel (reprinted from Spockanalia #2; also in Vulcan Reflections)
- Commander, poem by Ruth Berman
- Shakespeare Visited and Revisited, or, You tell me your "Dream" and I'll tell you mine, article by Helen Busch (reprinted from Spock's Showcase) (fall 1968)
- short recent appearances and convention news
- clipping about Here Come the Brides from the Los Angeles Times, by Hal Humphrey (September 26, 1968)
- How We Got Started ("from a letter by Rosemary Ullyot & Maureen Wilson, May 22, 1968")
- By Way of Closing, comments by Shirley Meech
- membership page
Issue 14: Reprint (January 1977)
Despatch 14 was reprinted January 1977 and is 8 pages long.
The entire issue has been retyped, reduced, reconfigured, and the type is much, much smaller. The two pages advertising publicity photos/film clips have been removed. It also has an additional newspaper clipping.
The last page is a photo of Lenard on the cover, directly preceding the main editorial page, as well as a full-page Here Come the Brides publicity photo.
from issue #14, reprint
from issue #14, reprint
Issue 15: Bulletin (May 1973)
Despatch 15 was published in May 1973 (reprinted in 1979). It contains 20 pages.
The art is by George Barr (reprinted from The Star Trek Concordance), Margaret Harris, Mary Ellen Rabogliatti, Alicia Austin (reprinted from Plak-Tow #10), Terry Austin (reprinted from Babel #1).
From the letter from Mark Lenard's wife, Ann, in which she enables his lack of communication with the club:
Dear Maureen, The Despatch arrived a couple of weeks ago -- I just finished my psychology comprehensive exams, so have lost track of time -- I enjoyed reading it very much. After reading it I thought I should explain something about "RH," as well as something about myself. First for "ORH." [3] He just doesn’t write letters not to anyone. For example, he buys a birthday card for his brother every year and never gets around to addressing the envelope. We’ve been married for twelve years now, and there are twelve unsent birthday cards in his desk drawer! When he was in Guam, he didn’t write, he phoned.I’ve told him that I’ll try to help him with his correspondence; in the division of labor that comes with marriage, he figures that’s on my side. However, I haven’t been much of a writer myself for the past couple of years. I’m a graduate student in psychology and always feel there’s one more book I should be reading for some paper or exam. Anyway, I think I’d better be the one to let you know what’s going on with "ORH" -- it looks like he isn’t going to change his spots.
[...]
So, Maureen, I apologize for not writing. I do know Mark well enough to know that if I don't do it, it won't get done - he has every intention of writing and doesn't get around to it. He is very impressed and pleased with his loyal fan club and doesn't mean to seem unappreciative.
- a letter from Ann Lenard (Mark Lenard's wife) which addresses the comments in issue #14 that Mark Lenard doesn't write enough letters or give this fan club much information to use (1)
- a letter from D.C. Fontana about Star Trek: The Animated Series, which was one of many, many letters sent by Fontana, David Gerrold, and Gene Roddenberry that HEAVILY, and very personally, promoted the new series ("Please do not prejudge the series or dismiss it as a 'kiddie show' not worthy of your attention because you will be doing a great injustice to Gene Roddenberry and all the other talented people who will be working hard to give you STAR TREK again..."), see STAR TREK is coming back as an animated series! (2)
- D.C. Fontana's comments about Sarek's background, reprinted from Spockanalia #2 (3)
- A Set Visit by Bjo Trimble (about visiting the set of Here Come the Brides) (5)
- Offset Visit by Shirley Maiewski (a short description of meeting Mark Lenard at the International Star Trek Convention (6)
- Offset Visit by Carol Lee (short comments on the International Star Trek Convention) (7)
- a report by Maureen Wilson (short comments on Star Trek Lives!: "...David Gerrold was much nicer than I've ever seen him." Wilson also describes D.C. Fontana "throwing her weight around" at a party, see Con Reports) (8)
- Spock's History, poem by Jane Dalley (9)
- Assorted Barney Glazerisms (quotes from various news sources, clippings) (10)
- You Said It, fan letters (14)
- another letter from Ann Leonard, updating fans on his activities, also answering questions such as Mark's favorite food (red wine, duck with orange sauce, and salads with "unusual greens, such as watercress, or green sprouts (I think they're Chinese vegetables).") (17)
- and more D.C. Fontana (April 9, 1973) (Much description of the show and behind the scenes things, she includes: "I will personally destroy the next person I hear dismissing 'Star Trek' in animation as 'just a cartoon' not worthy of their attention. I am working hard -- and so are all the other people I mentioned -- to give them 'Star Trek' just the way it was.") (18)
- updates, news bits, gossip by Ruth Berman (19)
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 15
Mrs. Lenard seems really nice. [4]
Very pleased with the Despatch 15. Especially Mrs. Lenard?s letters. I have a husband who never writes letters, either. I loved her sentence about correspondence being her responsibility "in the division of labor that comes with marriage.... It seems to be very true.I'm finding myself looking forward to the new Star Trek animation -- after hearing DCF talk about it at Equicon. It is her "baby," and she is working hard to make it Star Trek. The sample of the art we saw there was rather inconclusive -- better than the comic books of ST, anyway.
The pictures of the Enterprise were beautiful. Spock was a little too green, but that will be fixed, we were told. They were to tape the first episode the day after Equicon, according to Jim Doohan & D.C. [5]
The D.C. Fontana correspondence was fascinating. My assumption (based on TV Guide) was that Gene Roddenberry had finally sold out — gone totally commercial. I'm delighted to be disabused of this notion and will gladly engage in any penance D.C. would like to stipulate. The artwork was also fine. [6]
Issue 16: Bulletin (Summer 1973)
Despatch 16 was published in summer 1973 and contains 8 pages. It appears that at some point, issues #14, #15, and #16 were reprinted and bound together in a single 22-page issue.
- A Set Visit by Paula Crist and Ev Turner (a description of visiting the Here Come the Brides set) (1)
- ADA Report by Sue Endo (about club finances) (2)
- Limerick by Nan Miller (2)
- Of Krekcakes, Muscles and Nerves, fan fiction by Nancy Ann Miller (Star Trek: TOS, Sarek and Amanda) (3)
- Variety Reviews (theater reviews, Here Come the Brides) (6)
- Clancey Ahoy! by Linda Westfall (review of "The Party Game" - "a Canadian "Stump the Stars" -- stars Henry Beckman from Here Come the Brides) (8)
- You Said It, fan letters (10)
- Question Mark, answers by Ann Lenard about Mark Lenard (12)
- photos and prices (12)
- Member Addresses (15)
- Crossword Puzzle by Helen Busch (16)
- The Last Word: About Vul-Con (short con report, see that page (17)
- a short form letter from D.C. Fontana announcing G.L. Coon's recent death (18)
Issue 17: Yearbook (Fall 1973)
Despatch 17 was published in Fall 1973 (reprinted January 1980) and is 19 pages long.
The art is by Marg Harris, Mary Ellen Rabogliatti, Terry Austin, Tim Kirk (reprinted from Star Trek Concordance), Alicia Austin (reprinted from Star Trek Concordance and ST-Phile #2), Juanita Coulson (reprinted from various Despatches), and Cara Sherman (Sherman's back cover art is a reprint of the front cover of Romulan Wine #2).
This issue was delayed due to the editor waiting for Mark Lenard's contribution, which in the end, never arrived. A fan wrote a limerick about this delay:
- The yearbook finally came!
- I know you're not to blame.
- It was Mark's goof;
- He stayed aloof,
- So the bylines lack his name.
- Here Come The Brides episode list from the first season (4)
- The Day The Mirth Stood Still, story by Susan Price (a highly detailed account of Price meeting Mark Lenard for dinner, MUCH about buses and losing a ticket, includes this remark about a nasty bus driver, "whom I nominate for a Freiburger - An award named after Fred Freiburger, 3rd season producer of "Star Trek." Given for stupidity above and beyond the call of decency.") (9)
- The Ambassador and the Lady by Norma M. Smith (reprinted from Pastaklan Vesla #4) (11)
- Is There an Alternate, cartoon by Paula Nass, reprinted from Babelian Council #3) (24)
- Concerning Sehlats, article by Lee Burwasser, reprinted from Spockanalia #5) (28)
- You Said It, fan letters (32)
- Here Come The Brides theme song, transcribed by Jane Peyton (33)
- Despatch Index (of issues#13-13, 1968-172) (34)
- New Members (37)
- The Last Word by Ruth Berman (She awards the Great Pumpkin Award to Maureen Bourns for all her hard work. This award replaces the Totem Pole Award. Berman also recounts a trip to see the Shakespeare plays in Stratford, Ontario, as well as short comment about her experience at Torcon.) (38)
- Variety reviews of "Here Come the Brides" (40)
- limericks by Nancy Ann Miller
from issue #17, filk
from issue #17, "Concerning Sehlats"
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 17
See reactions and reviews for The Ambassador and the Lady.
[art]: Mark Lenard isn't as hard to draw as Kirk. Nice use of spatter on the reprinted cover. Sarek looks a little puffy in the chops there — must be allergic to Tellarites. A good likeness, though. Good illo of Gav by Tim Kirk, whose caricatures in The Trouble with Tribbles were charming. Did you stencil this or did Tim? [Neither — a wonder of modern science called the electrostencil machine.] "Is There an Alternative" by Paula Nass belongs in the magnetic corridor between universes along with Lazarus 1 and 2. Marge Harris' e-stencil is an interesting experiment, but it doesn't look like Lenard. Austin's little illo on p. 37 is one of the worst things I've seen him do.[7]
Issue 18: Bulletin (Winter 1974)
Despatch 18 was published in Winter 1974 and contains about 32 pages.
The art is by Greg Jein, Alicia Austin (reprinted from Pastaklan Vesla #2), and Mary Ellen Rabogliatti.
The editor notes that Mark Lenard's name is left off of some show's credits, and that fans should contact TV Guide to complain:
Remember to write as an individual who enjoy ML's acting, not as a member of a fan club. It would also be a good idea to write to the shows and their networks asking them please to write to the shows and their networks asking them please to re-run the episodes with ML and include his name in their cast announcements.
More comments by Ruth Berman on the "saga of how we don't get news of OBH" - which is an ongoing complaint that Mark Lenard (aka "OBH" aka "Our Beloved Honorary") doesn't communicate with his official fan club:
ML has moved, and a side effect of the move seems to be that Ann Lenard has not been able to play scribe to let us know about OBH's work, either. Or possibly she's into the stage of furious dissertation writing in working on her Ph.D. and doesn't have time for extras. So news will be late, but eventually it gets here.
Comments by Barney Glazer from his column, "Barney Glazer's Hollywood," about Lenard's lack of correspondence:
Barney Glazer kindly put a word for the club into his column: "Remember Mark Lenard, costar of the TV series, "Here Come the Brides"? A group of loyal viewers have ignored the cancellation of the series and the extended absence of its star from regular TV exposure. They continue to carry on with the same enthusiasm they had for Lenard when he was a celebrity, which he is no longer is. One would be inclined to believe that Mark is thrilled that his former followers continue their dedication while other viewers have forgotten he ever existed. And that Mark would display his undying gratitude at every convenient opportunity. Instead, he ignores his fans' letters, as do his wife and agent. That is unforgivable. Someone should pin the badge of patience and dedication on the Fan Club’s president, Ruth Berman. She’s one in a million. Better yet, someone should furnish Ruth with a new idol who generates gratitude for loyalty tendered and favors received."
- [Ruth Berman]: Much thanks for the compliments. I must put in a disclaimer, however. Not answering letters is quite a forgivable act, especially from a known DLW. And it doesn't take any patience or loyalty, even, for me to put in time talking theater and science fiction (and the roles of ML necessarily involve the first and have frequently involved the second). Happy New Year, all.
- Editorial by Ruth Berman (3)
- Mimir's Well, part 1, story by Doris Beetem (reprinted from Eridani Triad #2) (4)
- Seattle Country by Daphne Ann Hamilton (lyrics extolling Seattle, a nod to Here Come the Brides) (13)
- Re Marks, fan letters about seeing Lenard on various shows and theater productions (14)
- reprint clipping from Corvina Valley Tribune: "The Belles Ap-pealed Then, Too!" (November 3, 1968) (Here Come the Brides) (15)
- You Said It, letters of comment (18)
- a scold by Barney Glazer, reprinted from his column, "Barney Glazer's Hollywood', which aggressively takes Lenard to task for not corresponding with his fan club (18)
Issue 19: Bulletin (Spring 1974)
Despatch 19 was published in Spring 1974 and contains 18 pages.
- art by Alicia Austin (reprinted from Plak-Tow #3)
- Mimir's Well, part 2 by Doris Beetem (reprinted from Eridani Triad #2) (2)
- two poems, "From the Files of the Terran Bureau of Investigation" by Dorothy Jones, "To My Commander" by Jane Dalley, illos by Connie Faddis (reprinted from Spockanalia #5) (14)
- Seattle Country by Daphne Hamilton, song lyrics (16)
- Two Limericks by Ruth Berman and Nan Miller (16)
- When You Were Five Years Old, poem by Shirley Meech, illos by Alicia Austin (reprinted from ST-Phile)
- The Romulus Incidents, non-fiction by Ruth Berman (reprinted from Pastaklan Vesla #2) (17)
- review of "Balance of Terror," revised final draft by Laura T. Basta (reprinted from Babel #1 (23)
- You Said It, letters of comment, including a scathing one by Cara Sherman about The Ambassador and the Lady (23)
- Spiral Puzzle, a puzzle by Helen Busch (28)
- Mark This and assorted news notes (29)
Issue 20: Bulletin (Summer 1974)
Despatch 20 was published Summer 1974 and contains 18 pages. It was reprinted in 1982 and 2009.
The art in the original issue is by Mary Ann Rabogliatti (reprinted cover of T-Negative #23, and Alicia Austin (reprinted from ST-Phile #1, ST Concordance, and Pastaklan Vesla #2).
Marge Harris added to reprint: bacover photo page: Col. Cardozo from "Mission: Impossible," replacing a tracing by Ruth Berman of Shirley Meech's photo-off-the-tv-set; map & Romulan Commander ("Balance of Terror").
- a list of related Star Trek clubs (2)
- Spiral Puzzle by Helen Busch (puzzle) (3)
- The Romulus Incidents, fiction by Ruth Berman (from Pastaklan Vesla #2) (4)
- When You Were Five Years Old, poem by Shirly Meech (from ST-Phile #1) (11)
- You Said It, letters of comment (lots about Lenard in The Planet of the Apes, his work in other shows...) (12)
- Question Mark (one of two questions, Q = "does he smoke?" A = "only on opening nights") (14)
- list of new members (14)
- Footnotes to "The Romulus Incidents" by Ruth Berman (15)
- To My Commander, poem by Jane Dalley (16)
- reprint (Richard K. Shull article) "Balance of Terror" revised final draft review by Laura T. Basta (17)
Issue 21:Yearbook (Fall 1974)
Despatch 21 was published in Fall 1974 (reprinted 1984) and contains 18 pages.
Reprint note: omitted are info on membership price raise, ADA chair man address, membership list, and a newspaper copy of photo of Bolt Brothers which did not run well. Added is photo page of better shot of Bolt Brothers, along with Aaron Stempel with Jason Bolt and Sarek with Amanda. Also added photo page of Aaron and Jason from "His Sister's Keeper."
- Soul Review, update on David Soul by Cheryl Bea Loucks (3)
- Limerick by Ruth Berman (3)
- The Voyage by Barbara Lawrence Maiewski, and Ruth Berman (4)
- AGS Award (6)
- Let Me Count the Ways, part 1 by Judith Brownlee (reprinted from Eridani Triad #2) (7)
- About Planet of the Apes (15)
- Despatch Index #'s 14-20 (16)
- newspaper clipping: "Dollars Make Mark Run" by Harriet Peters (18)
- ReMarks by Kay Anderson (18)
- puzzle answers by Helen Busch (18)
- art by Mary Ellen Rabogliatti
- art by Jane Dalley
- art by Alicia Austin (reprinted Pastaklan Vesla #1 back cover)
inside page from issue #21, artist is Jane Dalley
Issue 22/23/24 (Winter 1975/Summer 1975)
Despatch 22/23/24 was published in Winter 1975/Summer 1975 and contains 26 pages.
- Let Me Count the Ways, part 2 and conclusion by Judith Brownlee (reprinted from Eridani Triad #2)
- Limerick by Mary Ellen Rabogliatti
- Limerick by Ruth Berman
- newspaper clipping, article by Charles Witbeck
- very small Star Trek quiz by Denise Grushon
- Worthy to Be Loved by D. Carol Roberts (reprinted from Pastaklan Vesla #2)
- news
- You Said It, letters
- As I Was Out Riding, a Planet of the Apes Songbook excerpt by Marion Lois Turner
- art by Alicia Austin (reprinted from Spockanalia #5)
- art by C. Lee Healy (reprinted from T-Negative #14)
- art by Chris Lofthus (reprinted cover of T-Negative #7)
- art by Mary Ellen Rabogliatti, Vicki Skidmore, Jane Dalley, Dawna Snyder
- Miss Essie's Song, transcribed by Ruth Berman
- Planet of the Apes publicity filler
- Prologues by Pat Kienly, a short story giving ulterior motives to the Romulan commander's reaction to Spock (reprinted from T-Negative #12)
- The Offering by Jane Dalley, an prelude to 'Journey to Babel,' gives an insight into the Tellarites (reprinted in Star Trek Nuts & Bolts #14/15 and The Best of Amanda and Sarek)
- a special report on Robert Brown (Here Come the Brides and as Lazarus on ST episode "Alternative Factor")
- short articles on Mark Lenard's work
from issue #22/#23/#24, sample page
from issue #22/#23/#24, art by Chris Lofthus, reprinted cover of T-Negative #7
from issue #22/#23/#24, art by Anthony Tollin, reprinted from T-Negative #12
from issue #22/#23/#24, sample page
from issue #22/#23/#24, sample page
Issue 25: Yearbook (Fall of 1975)
Despatch 25 was printed in Fall of 1975 (reprinted 1980) and is 20 pages long.
It includes a 7-page story reprinted from Pastaklan Vesla #4 called ‘The Commander,’ ‘If I Should Wake Before I Die’, a three-page story, 'Oi Vaycon' (reprinted from T-Negative #6), letters, a limerick, notes and a 2-page newspaper reprint: “Actor likes ‘bad’ roles."
- AGS Award and Announcement
- The Commander by Norma Smith, 7 page story reprinted from Pastaklan Vesla #4
- If I Should Wake Before I Die by Doris Beetem (3 pages)
- some assorted notes
- Limerick for "Why Buy a Cow" by Ruth Berman
- Oi Vaycon, con report by Ruth Berman, reprinted from T-Negative #6
- club and related notes
- newspaper clipping "Actor Likes 'Bad' Roles" by Joan E. Vadeboncoeur
- You Said It, Letters
- Despatch Index #'s 21-24
- art by Cara Sherman
- art by Gail Barton, reprinted from T-Negative #10
- art by Alicia Austin, reprinted from Plak-Tow #10, Spockanalia #4
- art by Anthony Tollin, reprinted from T-Negative #6
- art by George Barr, reprinted in The Star Trek Concordance
- art by Ruth Berman, "The Centurion's Death"
- art by Dawna Snyder, J. Murdock Mathew, Mary Ellen Rabogliattti
from issue #25, Cara Sherman
from issue #25
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 25
Do you have to be a Mark Lenard fan to enjoy this zine? No, but it helps. As with all group publications, some of the jokes and references aren't clear to the outsider. Still, fro the ST fan there is quite a bit here of interest. There are two stories, both featuring Mark Lenard in TV roles. In "The Commander" by Nora Smith, we are given the life story of the Romulan commander from 'Balance of Terror," as told by his old friend the Centurion. It is a sad, touching story with an ironic ending. "If I Should Wake Before I Die" by Doris Beetem, is about Rogloff, a character Mark Lenard played in an episode of Hawaii 5-0. The ST tie-in here is that the wife he thinks is dead and reappears and reveals her identity as a Vulcan woman. It's better than it sounds because it is well-written. Other features include a letter column, club notes, the membership list, and a reprint of a con report by Ruth Berman on the 1968 World SF Convention in Berkeley (which I found much more interesting than the average con report). For anyone even mildly interested in Mark Lenard and the roles he has played, you can't go wrong with this one. Starting next summer, the new editor will be Sharon Emily.[8]
Issue 26/27 (Winter 1976/Spring 1977)
Despatch 26/27 was published in Winter 1976/Spring 1977, contains 24 pages, reprinted in Spring 1980.
Ruth Berman was the editor. This issue was the last one under her leadership.
- Ghosts by Rusty Hancock, 4-page story reprinted from Pastaklan Vesla #3
- It Seemed The Logical Thing by Ruth Berman, 2-page story reprinted from T-Negative #4
- In Re "His Sister's Keeper" by Ruth Berman, verse
- You Said It, letters
- Frater Ave by Jane Aumerle, verse
- The Trap, verse by Ruth Berman
- art by Joyce Muskat, Alicia Austin, Mary Ellen Rabogliatti, J. Murdock Mathew, Greg Jein, Dawna Snyder, Anthony Tollin, Jane Dalley
- Echoes Through Time by Eileen Roy (7-page story that is a Star Trek TOS/Here Come The Brides crossover ) (reprinted in Paladin #1)
- A Letter by by Dorothy Jones Heydt and Astird Anderson, reprinted in T-Negative #8, a tag-end to their Orloff/Conway series but obtains Sarekian materials
- Mid-Spring Night's Dream, or, Journey to Backstage by Ruth Berman and Dorothy Jones Heydt, article reprinted from Plak-Tow #9
from issue #26/27
from issue #26/27
from issue #26/27
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 26/27
In 1985, a fan commented that "Echoes Through Time" was very similar to some of the pro novel Ishmael:
The only problem I had with Ms. Hambly's novel, is that I found it very similar to two short stories written years ago. The first one is "Mind Sifter," written by Shirley S. Maiewski, published in STAR TREK: THE NEW VOYAGES by Bantam Books. In the "Mind Sifter," it is Kirk who is captured by the Klingons, tortured with the mind sifter, and winds up on Earth in the past. The second story is "Echoes Through Time" by Eileen Roy, published in the Mark Lenard International Fan Club zine, Despatch, issue 27. In this short story, the year is 1869, and Aaron Stemple [sic] is in the woods outside of Seattle, when he runs into Sarek and Amanda. Stemple takes them to his cabin outside of town and becomes friends with them during their short stay, Sarek volunteering to take a look at Stemple's mills' bookkeeping. As in ISHMAEL, Amanda is discovered to be a descendent of Stemple! [9]
Issue 28: Bulletin (Summer 1976)
Despatch 28 was published in Summer 1976 and contains 21 pages.
It was edited by Sharon Emily.
From the editor, who also suggested sending stencils to her rolled up in a cardboard old paper towel, and that more fiction was needed as long as it wasn't too lengthy, and was hopefully about other Mark Lenard characters than Sarek:
So now the die is cast, and the club is operating under new management.
Mostly, since the Despatch isn’t usually one of the blockbusters that has rolled off this IBM, I'm anticipating that the main body of the zine will be mimeographed, and that the illustrations will be offset. The covers most certainly will be offset as much as possible.
Thanks to the fact that Ruth sent me all the backlog material she had, this issue was printed without too much difficulty; chiefly, that the photographer took forever and five minutes to get the photographs back to me. However, I wanted to present a little something as the "housewarming" gift from the new president and thought this would be the best way to do it. HOWEVER.... One can depend upon stored items only so long before running out.... In other words — members, I need material from you! Artwork, stories, copies of articles, etc. Anything dealing with the doings of one Mark Lenard.
NOTE: If a tape made at a convention is submitted, remember that it cannot be transcribed unless you've obtained permission for me to do so.
Also, the editor is bestowing a new nickname on Mark Lenard:
Announcement: In past issues, Mr. Lenard has been given two titles that have become almost a tradition: ORH, for Our Reluctant Honorary, and "The Great Pumpkin”, because his birthdate is in October. There will now be a new title and term that will be printed in future editions of Despatch.
Said title has been taken from the Klingonese tongue. ((I know! It would seem more logical to use a Romulan title. However, the Romulans joined us — we didn’t join with them! Oh, didn’t you know that your new President is part-Klingon????))
Formal title, meaning "Our Reluctant Receiver of Honor" — kina slton Gameo ul hao
Familiar form of address (will be used most often in future editions), meaning ”One Who Receives Honors”. Gamecheo.
David Lubkin included this request about the newly-planned Trexindex:
I am endeavoring to embark upon the enterprise of cataloging all zine fiction and poetry by author, publication, and possibly series. Included are any fan publications that have ever run an STory -- i.e. sf zines are highly welcome. I'm asking all those concerned, editors, writers, well-meaning truefen to send me tear sheets or Xerox copies of the cover and table of contents for any story they have written, edited or think I might not be aware of (poems too!). If anyone out there is wealthy enough to send me the whole story or publication, that is preferred but not necessary... This directory is meant as a service for anyone who regularly reads zines and will be sold near cost. May the Great Bird of the Galaxy Ring Your Chimes.
- Newsletter Info (3)
- Editorial (4)
- Echoes Through Time, part two (includes a synopsis for the first part), fiction by Eileen Roy starring Aaron Stempel, Sarek, and Amanda (Here Come the Brides/Star Trek: TOS) (6)
- S.T.W. (info about the club, reprinted from the STW Bulletin) (17)
- You Said It, fan letters (One is a dig by Dorothy Heydt at Mark Lenard: "How's Mr. Lenard getting on? I haven't seen him on the tube in quite a while. I trust he's well, and hasn't retired to sell insurance or something." Another is a short request for Mark Lenard to send him an autographed photo, which causes the editor to write a long explanation about the many similar requests sent by demanding and naive fans and how they can better success in other venues...) (18)
- Paula Smith, a short bio sent in by Smith (this is to be a new feature) (20)
- Bits and Pieces (Lenard appearances) (21)
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 28
I loved the stories and contents. I also loved the cover. A very enjoyable fanzine. Thank you.I enjoy Stempel stories, even though I never got to see Here Comes the Brides - though I've heard only good about it...In contrast, Sarek is more written about and dissected than Stempel, who seems to be an iceberg more inside than out. Though I love and admire Sarek, I'd like to know more about Aaron, too.
Good luck with the fanzine business. [10]
I just received Despatch #28. It's a great issue. I love the picture of ORH, oops! Gamechoao. (that's hard to spell!) on the cover. [11]
I loved the stories and contents. I also loved the cover. A very enjoyable fanzine. Thank you. [12]
...if you want to plug NIGHT OF THE TWIN MOONS, please do.
- ((Editor: Okay. NTM is an excellent Sarek-oriented novel...not sold to individuals under sixteen years of age. It tells of Sarek's inner feelings and reactions when he is sent to a planet where Amanda is the Ambassador and he is required to be her inferior - almost a slave. I don't want to give away any more of the plot - and I have a thing about revealing endings, so I'll just admit that I enjoyed it thoroughly and gnashed my teeth in envy at the sheer brilliance of the writing skill therein.))
...basically, the "Not for Sale to Persons Under Sixteen" is there to avoid having kids looking for action/adventure shoot-em-ups from buying NTM by mistake.... Because of this !?#$$$&* "Priority Mail," I’ve had to raise the first class price to .60s book rate is still $3.25. In the second printing, some of my... illos have been replaced by artwork by Monica Miller and Signe Landon. Both Theresa Holmes’s illos remain, of course....
Have you read INTERPHASE III yet? The relationship between Sarek and Amanda in Eileen Roy’s "Kirk's Challenge" is absolutely lovely. Too bad it’s impossible to excerpt something like that for Despatch, but if you like it as much as I do, why don’t you give the story a plug?
- ((Editor: Because you just did!)) [14]
I hope Ruth's policy to send a free issue to contributors still stands, as #29 - especially because of the wallet photos! [#29] sounds like it'll be another winner. (The cover on #28 made up for the the lack of wallet pictures quite well! [15]
Received Despatch #28 a few days ago. Enclosed is my acknowledgment sheet. Since I am writing you a letter, I'll put my comments there: I really enjoyed the ending of Eileen Roy's story. Fascinating the way she worked in other roles with Sarek. One she missed was Mark Lenard's role in "Planet of the Apes”, but that would have made the story quite unbelievable. [16]
I like the way you have the credits for the illustrations next to them. It saves going to the front of wherever to find out who did it. [17]
I like the new titles for ML. You know, the thing that has always impressed me about him is his unfailing courtesy -- even when you know that you're behaving like a silly schoolgirl, and you hate yourself for it, his dignity and courtesy keep you from feeling like a real idiot and so you remember your meeting with him with happiness instead of extreme embarrassment. He's a real gentleman.[18]
This is to inform you that #28 arrived at my address. Would prefer we avoid serialization if possible. It seriously detracts from story. I also don't favor a Letter Column... would prefer fiction, poetry, etc. [19]
Enjoyed the ML photo s and the conclusion of the story. How come you didn't mention Mr. Lenard's "Urko"?
- ((Editor: Frankly, I never got over the shock of hearing that voice issuing from the mouth of a gorilla.)) [20]
Issue 29: Bulletin (Fall 1976)
Despatch 29 was published in Fall 1976 and contains 29 pages.
Sharon Emily was the editor who notes that leadership "changeover took place in May 1976."
Emily apologizes for the lateness of the issue, citing many personal problems.
From the editorial ("Gamachaeo" is Sharon Emily's nickname for Mark Lenard, see the previous issue for an explanation):
I'm scraping the bottom of the file drawer - the artwork envelope is nearly empty, and there are no more new stories to share with you. The club does have permission to reprint some stories featuring Gamachaeo that were published in other fan zines, but they won't last forever.... SOS all members!
Excerpts from the very long letter by Mark Lenard:
Dear Mark Lenard Fan Club members, wherever you are.... I won’t say ’whoever you are’ - I should know you all by now.
I’m sitting, in the... where am I siting?...in the Klingon Board Room at the Toronto ’76 Star Trek Convention. I’ve just come off signing autographs here about an hour or so, with someone waiting for me to make this interview. I’ve just spoken to a very warm, and charming, and orderly group of people here; the convention has been delightful. Toronto is a beautiful city, and I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to come here before. As you all know, the original organizers of my fan club were the Toronto girls. I’m going to have a little meeting with Maureen Wilson as soon as I finish with this little message to you all now. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to reach you beforehand, but you know how lazy I am!
I’ve been appearing at a few of the conventions, beginning with the one about a year ago at Michigan State in East Lansing; and then the Chicago Convention; and then the very frigid New York Convention in January; and now here in Toronto, where the weather is beautiful.
[...]
I also have done a few commercials, and I'm working on one for a peanut butter machine... another for a book called Love's Tender Fury, in which I played a kind of pre-Revolutionary slave trader, who auctions off a beautiful red-headed wench into, you know, an indentured servant...and that was kind of fun. It was shot in New Jersey at the historic site there of a building that was given to General Von Steuben by the American authorities) since he fought so well during the Revolution, so the background for the little Germanic vignette was very authentic. I don't know anything about the book - it's sort of romantic and risque' - except it's been Number Three on the paperback hit parade, so I guess somebody's doing something right!
[...]
I did part of a record with Gene Roddenberry in New York. He's making a Star Trek record - you probably know more about this that I do - and on it are so far, I guess, Leonard Nimoy, Bill Shatner, Isaac Asimov, and me as Sarek. We have a session together in which Sarek is beamed down, and the conversation is mainly a lengthy discourse by me as Sarek about Spock: How and why he was conceived, and the difficulty of the conception between an Earth creature...an Earth woman in this case - or are they all creatures? I don’t know.... An Earth woman and a Vulcan...and what magical processes had to be gone through to make this come about, since it had never been accomplished before, so Spock is the first. Spock's childhood and how difficult it was, and what it meant, being half-human/half-Vulcan -- the philosophical implications of this kind of union - and the future, all that. It was kind of interesting, and I assume that many of you, when this record comes out, will be getting it - or at least someone will get it you can share it amongst yourselves.
Gene Roddenberry and I also spoke about doing something together, some sort of program he has in mind on a kind of tour. He does some programs, you know, where he gives lectures and so forth. We may do something together. I don't know, we were just talking about it. And, of course, he mentioned the movie many times - every time I talk to him - and every time I'm at the conventions, somebody asks one of two questions: 'Which role did you prefer, Sarek or the Romulan Commander?' or 'Are you going to be in the Star Trek Movie?' From what I know about it, we don't know! According to Gene Roddenberry, there are five or six different stories, and in two or three of them, I'm involved. Depending on what and how they use it, I will be in the movie...chances, you know, are pretty good.
But, nobody really knows, because I don't think they really have a story yet.
[...]
I received the last edition of The Despatch. ((Number #27)), and I'm always amazed and pleased with all the hard work and creativity that goes into it. One of these days, I'll get over being a 'bad boy' and be in closer contact with you all. I do appreciate your interest - all that you're doing - and I hope to see you, individually, collectively, or however at some of these things where we all get together.
- Club Business (3)
- Editorial, or "Strange Things Are Happening At Headquarters..." by Sharon Emily (4)
- Crela Gamachaeo, long letter by Mark Lenard addressed to the fan club members (transcribed by Miss Patricia A. Cooke, with photos by Devra Langsam) (5)
- Logical Alternative, fiction by Jean Lorrah (11)
- You Said It, many fan letters (23)
Issue 29: Reactions and Reviews
DESPATCH 29 looks good. It’s a bit startling to find the club’s publication again being graced with the words of Our Reluctant Honorary.Curious — normally, when we hear him speak, he’s speaking the words of other people, i.e., we hear him in plays. Yet his voice is .so distinctive, and his use of language as it has been reported in Maureen’s DESPATCHES and no in yours is so distinctive, that to read any transcription of Lenard-speaking-as Lenard is to hear the actual voice in the mind’s ear.
I enjoyed "Logical Alternative". It did strike me, though, that as much as she’d loaded it against such a solution by making it probably that Sarek would die during pon farr anyway, it was possible that by Vulcan standards of duty to society, the preferable alternative might be a bigamous — if that’s quite the right word in the situation — marriage of Sarek plus Amanda’s mind to another woman, preserving the ambassadorial team for service to Vulcan and the Federation, for however many years Sarek’s failing health allowed. How happy any of the three would be in such a marriage is another question, of course. I’m inclined to creeb a bit at the downgrading of McCoy’s achievement in treating Sarek as merely something that the Vulcans could have done themselves if they’d thought it worthwhile — the implication of the show was that the operation was hazardous and up to that time had been controllable by medication, a situation in which your average doctor is likely to prescribe continued medication and hold off on the operation. Still, one wonders why Sarek didn’t take along a store of blood and plasma just in case — and perhaps a Vulcan surgeon as one of his aides. Jean Lorrah’s assumption that the operation would not have permanently beneficial results even if successful provides an answer to that puzzle. I must admit, though, that I incline more towards thinking that the answer is that McCoy’s skill as a surgeon is so high as to have allowed him to pull Sarek through an operation that Vulcan surgeons would have thought hopeless. But even writing out that suggestion, it occurs to me that it’s hopelessly romantic.[21]
So he is the "reluctant honorary." He comes across as a private person on the screen. It is frustrating for the club...but kind of refreshing in contrast to some stars who get an inflated ego after they become known. [22]
I'm not sure if I like the idea of Sarek dying, though Jean Lorrah was her wonderful writing self.Did you get FULL MOON "RISING? It was Magnificent.
- [Editor]: Oh yes, I got my copy, and have a hard time keeping it out of sight in the Parsonage... to preserve our people's illustions... After all, it IS sort of "R"-rated. [23]
Enjoyed a cry over "Logical Alternative." I'm a sap for death scenes, especially when the FFV is involved.[24]
I received my DESPATCH #29 in perfect condition, in spite of the fact that the postman has to either shove it under the door or stuff it through the mail slot. This must be one of the lesser miracles of nature. It came at a perfect time: All I had going was to ignore my cleaning, scowl over bills, and throw Cheerios at the cats and watchthem chase them.
I was at the Toronto ST con, working "behind the scenes. In fact, I kept running across Our Hero constantly. I want to say here and now that ML is one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I have never seen him anything hut polite and helpful (as one of the unpaid help I can tell you it means a lot to have somebody that isn't snarling or worried or harried.) I got a snicker out of the mention of the East Lansing con...that’s where I met him. We have a picture of that, but it’s not reproducable it was terribly over-exposed. (Curse, curse.)
"Logical Alternative" was fairly good, but it didn’t move me like some of "your” other stories. That, I think, is a matter of taste. (How come everyone’s in such a hurry to kill him off all the time?) I really have only one beef: I seem to recall from somewhere on the show that the Federation’s medical ability had grown to the point that they could revive someone up to one half-hour after they had died (Return To Tomorrow?), or am I mixing in some other story I've read somewhere?[25]
Just finished DESPATCH #29. It was a very good issue. I especially liked the story by Jean Lorrah. I have read several of her stories , including NTM. She writes very well, although I think she gives Sarek too many human emotions. from a letter in "Despatch" #30 </ref>
This is to acknowledge the receipt of #29. The article from ML, was a welcome surprise... I thought he had totally abandoned us. [26]
I especially enjoyed Eileen Roy’s story in #27 and 28; it’s the first Stempel story I’ve encountered. Specifically, I liked the way she portrayed his inner character; at least, it agreed with my impression of him. In the show he came across as a complex, intriguing man full of contradictions, and it might he interesting to see more discussion on this in THE DISPATCH. We’ve seen more of Aaron than we have of Sarek and the Romulan Commander, but the latter two seem to get more attention. I wonder if ML has discussed his own concept of the role at a convention or some other fannish gathering. I’m trying to find cassettes or open-reel tapes of various BRIDES episodes, If any other members have these for sale, I would really appreciate hearing, from them. [27]
Congratulations on tackling the presidency! Long· may you reign and your typewriter ribbon last. Both #28 and #29 arrived in good time to lighten my fall/winter glooms. A communication from TGP [28] Ours must have been a singularly sincere punkin patch this year) AND a new presidential HQ located close to my corner of the planet![29]
Issue 30: Yearbook (Winter 1977)
Despatch 30 was published in Winter 1977 and contains 37 pages. It has art by Karen Flanery, Barbara Metzke, Sharon Emily, and Lomazoff.
Sharon Emily was the editor.
Emily expands on some Klingonese terms in a short glossary:
- Gamacheo - a loose translation would read "Our Reluctant Honorary"
- crela - concerning
- wilar - greetings
- Tarndaro - friend
Emily also prints a long letter sent to her by Jacqueline Lichtenberg, one that appears to be a response to a letter Emily had previously sent to Lichtenberg. This response has a focus of fan clubs in general and the Mark Lenard International Fan Club specifically. Lichtenberg gives Emily a lot of advice, and explains about how fan clubs can be detrimental to both the club's subject, as well as to the fans who are running it. While Emily states that because the fan club has had a lot more attention, and has become a lot more work due to its higher visibility after being listed in Susan Sackett's for-profit book, "Letters to Star Trek," [30] Emily's inclusion of this letter is also likely a back-door set up, a hint, that she is soon going to give up leadership of the club:
So, all these factors combining, I really don’t see how any fan club can get the kind of information they crave. I really feel that fans should put out the effort to snag what info they can and hotline it in their local area. For example, as with the Darkover Councils which I handle, we keep a geographical listing and have a network (like your church phone committees) so that WORD can be passed, not waiting for publications.Maybe...what you should do is what STW does - when a job gets to be more work than reward - split the job. Take some of the President's duties and ask for a volunteer to set up a department to handle it....
If the members want appearance info, let somebody volunteer to handle the setting up of local info networks and a systematic scouring of VARIETY, etc., newspaper ads, and so forth, for indications of where Mark Lenard will pop up next.
...Remember GR's problems with fandom all the time. When a fan movement would surge up, Paramount would call up GR and say, "Get them off us!" But GR was totally innocent. He didn't make fandom, he doesn't control it...and he doesn't start things... [31]
Now, if ML or any star gets out and really promotes his fan club — especially if he has any actor's ego at all - he comes off sounding like he's in the self-aggrandizement business.
For a FC to be harmless and useful to a star, it must be SELF generated and SELF sustaining. If the star has to put any energy in it at all, it becomes a threat to him and to his career because - for example - if he's in a TV show and that episode his character is in gets a lot of mail for that character, the producer turns around and says to him, "Well, I see you got your fan club to organize a letter campaign." Thus he doesn't get the credit for pleasing an audience and instead he gets accused of rigging the election. He just won't be hired again, if there's any shadow of such a suspicion connected with him. In order to prevent this, the actor has to keep his hands clean.
Fans in fact CAN'T do anything to further his career (there aren't enough of them compared to the general audience), but they DO have the power to wreck his career if he gets too closely involved in supporting them.
...So I suggest that you unload as much of the club as you can... choose your activities, and GET BACK TO WRITING!...
- short Klingonese glossary (3)
- Guest Editorial: a reprinted letter from Jacqueline Lichtenberg commenting on fan clubs, and encouraging Sharon Emily to step down from some of her duties as club president and newsletter editor (4)
- The Trials and Tribulations of Tallahassee's TerraCon, OR A Study of Mark Lenard's Endurance, a con report by Barbara Metzke and Gail Saville (who shortly become editors of this newsletter) (5)
- Guest Author: Connie Faddis (humorous bio, plus a plug for her zine, Interphase) (10)
- Membership List (names and home addresses) (11)
- Meet the Members (some short bios) (17)
- Observations, a limerick by Ruth Berman (Planet of the Apes (17)
- an autobiography of Nikki White, includes a photo of White wearing a necklace with an IDIC symbol (18)
- a copy of the widely-distributed letter by Susan Sackett warning fans against buying Star Trek films from a group called Stardate 1977 (19)
- Guest Star: Interview with Robert Lansing (includes an illo of Gary Seven by Karen Flanery that is reprinted from Showcase #3) (28)
- Despatch Index (for previous issues) (37)
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 30
I'm glad to see the printed photo came in handy as a cover.
I very much enjoyed the ‘‘Trials and Tribulations'’ report of Barbara Metzke and Gaile Saville. Sounds as if all involved managed to enjoy the TerraCon, trials and tribulations included. As a long time Oz collector and member of the Wizard of Oz club, I was interested to note that ORH has a Tin Mannish role as a robot coming up.
I haven’t seen the movie of LOGAN'S RUN, but the television shew sounds as if it might be interesting...
... I think I disagree with the group who complained about the All About ST Fan Clubs magazine. It’s not sophisticated in its manner, and it doesn’t attempt to say anything profound, but it’s a useful service to fans who don’t know that fandom exists (a large group!). Also, my impression was that the editors themselves like ST and consider a fan who likes the show also a normal human being. As most journalists seem to think that any enthusiasm is ridiculous, I give this magazine high marks simply because it treats us with ordinary courtesy — which is, I grant, a very low standard, but, alas, not a standard that many publications can meet. [32]
Received and enjoyed very much Despatch #30 and am enclosing $3.00 for another year's membership.
I DO disagree with J. Lichtenberg -- LN manages to keep his club very informed an up-to-date on his activities, and I've never heard of him being accused of "rigging an audience response"
I loved the con report (it reminded me of meeting him at Ourcon and chauffeuring him around -- he was unfailing polite the, too, and almost got invited to watch a private after-the-con showing of JTB with a bunch of us insomniacs but [he] was already asleep!) and the guest-author profile and the interview with Robert Lansing. [33]
I thought "The Trials and Tribulations of Tallahassee's TerraCon", or "A Study of Mark Lenard's Endurance" was hilarious. I could not stop laughing. Also enjoyed the Robert Lansing interview. [34]
You asked for some comment about the letter on page 25 of #30. I have a copy of this magazine and have just gone through it again. Whereas I agree it is rather poor, I don't see that it is necessary to get one's knickers in a knot over it unless as sort of a "test case"... It seems, in part, to be written by fans or with consultation of fans...to judge from tone it isn't patronizing and fans are always called "Trekkers" , and not "Trekkies", the latter term being a surefire give-away that the authors are not genuinely interested in ST fandom or else they'd see the difference. After all, it is only issue #1, and how many zines (pro or fan) come up to expectation with the first issue?
[...] I disagree with JL's editorial. fan clubs do not necessarily hinder a star's career (never heard of any that did. Chris Lee & Peter Cushing both take active parts in their respective clubs... Of course, I do agree that fan clubs probably cannot do much to further a star's career, behind giving him a hard core of people who will go and see his films and so make him that much worthwhile to hire.[35]
- [Editor]: Nikki went on to discuss the zine in depth. I think something like this should appear in HALKAN COUNCIL, SCUTTLEBUTT, etc. There really is no space for full-scale reviews in Despatch at present.
Thanx for the Yearbook--loved most of it but must say I can't quite agree with the guest editor. I have belonged to clubs of three types. I can't quite believe that producers, etc. are so naive as to think every letter concerning a given person is some kind of ploy by his club. Nor do I believe for a moment that a performer who takes the time to let his club know he appreciates their loyalty and support, or is gracious enough to give some special treatment to members... is going to be penalized by the powers that be. A great many very big stars have had close relationships with their official clubs and their careers have not been blighted - quite the contrary... Mark Lenard - a delightful, warm, charming man who obviously could melt rock with a look but who has a real fear of pen and paper. All fine--but if he allows an official club to exist then his agent should provide any and all info as to appearances -- which I gather does not happen. This is, after all, one of the main reasons one joins a club. First of all, of course, one joins to be able to help further the person's career if possible -- but one also joins because the club is the place one can hear news of the person involved and find out where and when he will be in a given place or on a given show. It's most frustrating to find out that someone you really like was 25 miles away performing or on a TV show -- or elsewhere -- three months after the event. Sorry -- didn't mean to get on a soap box -- but the idea that a personality can have nothing to do with his club without risking the ruin of a career bothered me. Also, I really feel for you -- how you can run a club when the honorary is virtually a stranger is beyond me.
- [Editor]: I grit my teeth in frustration a lot... but keep typing anyway. [36]
#30 was most enjoyable, but personally I would like to see more fiction. It appears Ye Old Fanclub is lacking in contributors. Come on gang, Sharon can't do it herself!
In regards to the comments made about the magazine "All About ST Fan Clubs", I think these people are being a little narrow minded about it. The mag in my opinion is not that bad. It’s pretty obvious that it wasn’t designed for the hard-core ST fan, and it does give valuable information to a beginner... The mag tells about the Welcommittee, and after all, that's the best place to get complete information on ST.[37]
- [Editor]: No, but I might be driven to printing excerpts from Showcase.
I received #30 yesterday. I really enjoyed reading it -- especially the Con report from Tallahassee.
I also read and re-read J. Lichtenberg's guest editorial. I agree with her. Therefore, I am volunteering my services to help you in any way I can. I realize the distance between us could be a hindrance, but I'm willing to not let that stand in the way. I've wanted to contribute to the club, but my talents do not lie in the area of writing and art work. So anything you think I could do, please let me know. [38]
If Gail and I can do anything to help you out, let us know. We were were a bit puzzled by J. Lichtenberg's opening article.
- [Editor]: See me at the party... we'll talk about it. [39]
Issue 31: Bulletin (Spring 1977)
Despatch 31 was published in Spring 1977 and contains 21 pages. The art for the story is by the author, Ann Marie Kitz.
It is an "all-Urko" issue, the character Mark Lenard portrayed in Planet of the Apes.
Sharon Emily was the editor. It was the last issue she edited.
Ruth Berman was the winner of the AGS Award.
Emily wrote:
Yes, the edition is late AGAIN! However, this time, it's with a purpose, for I don't wish to put out the Fall issue until after Labor Day Weekend, and sort of needed to even out the distribution. Won't go into the usual apologies for lack of information about the doings of Gamacheo. Most of you know why there's no news; those who don't - why spoil your illusions?
However...
If all goes well, I plan to attend STAR TREK AMERICA in New York Labor Day weekend.... As things stand now, I am hoping to have an invitation-only Mark Lenard International Fan Club/'"STAR TREK" SHOWCASE Fun and Fellowship Party one of the evenings of the con. Date indefinite because there is a conflict with World Con, but a few attending both cons have expressed interest in the party. Will probably be held either Saturday or Sunday evening. So: Members, this is your leader speaking! If you are attending STA and wish to attend the party, please send me an SASE BEFORE July 30. That will give me time to prepare your invitation and get it to you before you leave for New York. Yes, Mr. Lenard will be sent an invitation asking him to be guest of honor at the party, but a convention is very demanding, and he just may not be able to find the time to include that event in his schedule. One other thing... I hope to be able to rent a room for the party, and I’ve been trying to accumulate funds by selling photographs. Trouble is, several of the overseas money orders and Canadian checks aren’t being taken by the bank because they cost more to collect than the face amount...! This is taking some time to straighten out. I’m asking the members to consider the question of contributing 50₵ or so toward the cost of renting a room so we can share an evening of fellowship without standing on one another’s toes.
Regarding the story, "The Only Truth I Know":
I haveliberatedborrowed it from Southern Star, who is planning to publish it in one of their future issues. They knew I wanted an Urko story but didn't have one, so they graciously allowed me to use this one for MLIFC. The author gave them permission to do anything they wished so they wished to give the story out on loan to us. We claim no rights for this story and have sent the original back to Southern Star.
- Editorial (3)
- AGS Award and letter from Ruth Berman (4)
- The Only Truth I Know is You, fiction, part one by Ann Marie Kitz (reprinted from Southern Star) (Planet of the Apes) (5)
- You Said It, fan letters (16)
from issue #31, a Planet of the Apes story
Reactions and Reviews: Issue #31
I just received Despatch #31 today. It's nice to see an Urko story (though it breaks my heart to think of that handsome face behind an ape mask). [40]
Issue 32: Bulletin (October 1977)
Despatch 32 was published in October 1977 and contains 38 pages. The cover is by Shane Johnson.
The editors were Gail Saville and Barbara Metzke. The previous editor, Sharon Emily, wrote that she had to make a decision:
Dear Club Members:When one reads the handwriting on the wall - among other things - there's only one logical thing to do.
It boils down to choosing between continuing [creating my zine] SHOWCASE or limping along with MLIFC. The club lost - for I've never found the planet with 48-hour days that would solve most of my problems.
With this issue you hold in your hands, the presidency has passed over to Gail Saville and Barbara Metzke. (Notice how the club goes further south with every change of Presidency? Anyone who may succeed Gail and Barbara probably should be able to tread water a long time, be a powerful swimmer, or live in...well, it does seem we may be re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba...)
From now on any mail addressed to MLIFC will be forwarded — unopened. Thus, those of you who may be wanting the contents to be read by me should address the note in care of me and leave the club name out of it.
Goodbye and good luck, Sharon Emily
About the two letter campaigns that were proposed:
ATTENTION FANS: The foregoing is a news release being circulated to fans and news media countrywide. We have time limitations THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW! This is an open betrayal of STAR TREK and all we have fought for for 8 years.Paramount must be informed of how we feel - it is to their best interests to satisfy the fans who can guarantee the success of STAR TREK II. Let them know we require the original cast and characters and that means Nimoy as Spock. WRITE: Mr. Richard Frank, Paramount Television, 5451 Marathon Street, Hollywood, CA 90038. WRITE: Mr. Gary Nardino, Paramount Pictures (same address); WRITE Mr. Gene Roddenberry (same address). WRITE SEVERAL TIMES. Each piece of mail is counted individually. WRITE and call fellow fans so that they can write too. (Postcards and telegrams count, too.)
ATTENTION MARK LENARD FANS: No Spock in the New Series could mean NO SAREK either! Mark Lenard has expressed his willingness to consider an offer to recreate his role as Sarek of Vulcan.
We urge you to write Paramount immediately. Also, contact any local media (TV, radio, newspapers) and give them the word. We have had excellent and enthusiastic response from the media in Tallahassee. If you want Spock AND Sarek back, WRITE!
- Skimmed Off the Top (a goodbye by Emily, introductions by Metzge and Saville) (2)
- untitled poem about Mark Lenard by Barbara Metzge (includes the line: "So now I've joined... the terrific M.L.I.F.C. forever!") (4)
- STA Reports (con reports for Star Trek America by Pat Cooke, Maria J. Wolf, Jeanne Webster, Gilza Crowe, Helen Padgett, Sandy Hall, Karen Mitchell, and Barbara Metzke & Gail Saville) (5)
- The Sheriff's Out of Town, poem by Susan Wyllie (Here Come the Brides) (13)
- Longfellow, Inc, poems (14)
- Your Eyes Are Dark in Self Defiance by Jane Dalley (misspelled as Dalby)
- A Thought on Vulcan Philosophy by Linda Sawicki
- Tomorrow Will It Be by Linda Sawiki
- Risque Limerick #1 by Dalley (misspelled as Dalby)
- ML M:I Roles.. Or, How not to Miss ML on Mission: Impossible (article with includes plot summaries from TV Guide) (15)
- follow-up on Sharon Emily and the Alpha Omega Fan Club's help with the investigation into the film scheme by Stardate 1977 (15)
- You Said It: Letter Column (16)
- The Only Truth I Know Is You, conclusion by Ann Marie Kitz (Planet of the Apes) (20)
- a reprint of "I AM HERE BECAUSE MY HEART IS BROKEN...", which is about Leonard Nimoy's speech at Schuster Star Trek Conventions/1977 (September) New York City Schuster Star Trek Convention in which he states: "I am here because my heart is broken." Also see Leonard Nimoy Addresses the Star Trek America Convention (1977). (37)
- a call to action for fans, two letter campaigns: one to make sure all the original cast is in the second Star Trek movie, and one to make sure Mark Lenard is in the film as well (38)
from issue #32
from issue #32
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 32
I laughing at Gail's and your "Two Southern Belle Prexies Hit the Big City"-- especially when "Gail nonchalantly scooped her jaw off the carpet." I also enjoyed Ann Kitze's story on "Planet of the Apes." [41]
I was glad to hear from you (both) by way of letter and Despatch 32 Speaking of which, I simply enjoyed; however, PLEASE in the future warn me of just what kind of picture will appear on the cover of Despatch. (Editor: Why, Meta, why do you think got dubbed "Dark Horse?") When I pulled issue 32 out of the envelope, I almost went into cardiac arrest. I was in no way prepared for a drawing of a smiling Mark. I am considered to be a totally cool person at all times, and being seen melting at the sig of a drawing didn't help my image one iota.[42]
As you can see, I'm quite willing to do anything I can to help you and Mark's club. He's such a wonderful person that there's no less I could do. And your devotion is contagious also! Feel free to ask me for anything I can do to help, as I'm interested in furthering Mr. Lenard’s popularity and career. [43]
I saw Mark Lenard at the Star Trek America in N.Y. (9/77) and wow - I never realized he was so handsome and sexy. He was a good. choice to play Spock's father. Together, Spock and Sarek could drive Earthwomen crazy. [44]
I just thought I would drop you a note while I was "watching" Monday Night Football, waiting to "see" a Mark Lenard life insurance commercial. [46]
I may think of Mark as a father figure, but I'd be blind not to see that he's also one darn attractive man! [47]
Issue 33: Yearbook (1977)
Despatch 33 was published in 1977 and contains 75 pages. This issue contains 67 black and white photos of Mark Lenard taken by fans of him at cons, Lenard posing with fans, fans posing with fans.
The art is by Mary Stacy-MacDonald, Susan Wyllie, Pat Malone, "RomMom" West, Kip West, and Eleanor Weldon.
It includes a letter by Susan Sackett:
Thanks for the photo, (Of Susan, at the MLIFC party at STA. Eds.) I really like it. ... I have now severed my association with the newsletter (Star Trektennial News), since I don’t have time for it any more, I hope it continues successfully, and I'll help when I can with contributions. I didn’t have the info in time for publication, but it looks like Mark is really busy. Great! I think he’s a terrific actor, and I’m sure Gene will use him for some part in the new STAR-TREK as a guest some time.
A fan's letter illustrates pre-VCR misery, patience, and desperation:
One peaceful night at approx. 9:00, I was turning the channel about two years ago, and what do I see but Mark's name on the "Little House on the Prairie" credits, which had not been in TV Guide, natch, so I missed it, and when I saw his name, I proceeded to throw all available objects at the set. Okay, MONTHS drag by and I impatiently wait for that turkey to rerun, because the last time I'd seen Mark in prime time was on "The Girl with Something Extra” and I'm mentally starving. Well, first the president - who I shall not name - calls a news conference. But I am reassured that the network shows will be shown in their entirety afterwards, I sit and suffer; I figure, ”It's only a half hour.” Do you believe that our local network pre-empted it for "Coral Jungle”? I had a fit, I cried, I screamed, I banged my head on the wall, I mean, I could see Len at least 8 or 9 times a week guaranteed. Mark — it is every fourth blue moon. So I was mad.
From an industrious fan:
I finally got back the 8 mm. movies I took off the TV when Mark was on "Hawaii Five-O" a couple of weeks back. They are pretty good, if I do say so myself, and some of the close-ups came through in really fine quality. I also have an 8 mm. reel from "The Rookies" which turned out fairly well. Everytime I re-wind it, we all get a big charge at seeing both Mark and that security guard jump back out or the pool to the balcony.
- Skimmed Off the Top, editorial (a long rambling account of talking to Mark Lenard on the telephone, dealing with the post office) (2)
- photo copies of a charity letter thank you, and a letter about copyright and the cost of using some unamed lyrics (as long as the club sent $25 to EMI, and didn't sell more than 100 copies of "Despatch")
- You Said It, letter column (8)
- Genuine Honourary [48] Sightings: Meeting Mark Lenard (fan testimonials about meeting Lenard)
- Love at First Sight by Elsa de Vera (descriptions of Lenard at a "large convention" in San Francisco where he was on a panel with Arlene "T'Pring" Martel, and at Star Trek America) (14)
- The Meeting by Linda Sawicki (brief description of meeting Lenard at Star Trek America)
- Crossword Puzzle (16)
- two pages of casual photos of Mark Lenard at conventions, two photos of this zine's editors (un-numbered pages)
- Question: Mark (Q&A from fans) (17)
- full-page illo of Sarek and Amanda by perhaps Mary-Stacy MacDonald (un-numbered page)
- A Question of Logic, long poem by Gail Saville (19)
- Welcome Home, fiction by Elaine Norwood (Star Trek: TOS) (20)
- Sarek's Theme, poem by Marie Campbell (22)
- Trek*A*Word, word find by Ron Wilcoxen (23)
- Duty Always Prevails, poem by Antoinette B. Adkins (23)
- Ode: For the Ambassador's Wife, poem by Barbara Metzke (24)
- Romulan Commander, poem by Alice A. Fitzgerald (25)
- Sarek, full-page illo, not credited (un-numbered page)
- Limericks by Ruth Berman, Meta Campbell, Pat Cooke, poem by Linda Sawicki (26)
- Puzzles by Molly Clark (27)
- Tribble Cartoons by Pat Cooke (28)
- two pages of casual photos of Lenard with fans at cons (un-numbered)
- Longfellows: MLIFC Poetry by Jennifer Tifft, Meta Campbell, and Ruth Berman (29)
- Old Articles Department (re-typed articles from mainstream sources, reviews of Lenard in other roles) (30)
- Song Dedications (compiled by Pat Cooke, song titles that remind her of various Star Trek: TOS characters and Mark Lenard) (32)
- A Late October Encounter ("with sincere apologies to E.A. Poe"), poem by Pat Cooke (33)
- Quote-A-Crostic, puzzle by Molly Clark (34)
- Love's Precious Flame, illo and poem by Susan Wyllie (Star Trek: TOS, Sarek and Amanda) (35)
- three poems by Pat Cooke (36)
- two pages of casual photos of Lenard with fans at cons (un-numbered)
- Annual MLIFC Family Census (membership roster, club members listed by location) (37)
- Reunion, fiction by Susan Wyllie, includes art by the author (Here Come the Brides) (40)
- Ballad of Itchy Stich, or Seattle's Worst Winter, poem by Susan Wyllie (Here Come the Brides) (44)
- a list of some BNFS "who are part of our MLIFC family" (45)
- Duty of a Parent, fiction by Joanna Cantor (reprinted from Independent Entity #3) (Star Trek: TOS) (47)
- Puzzle Answers (56)
- two pages of casual photos of Lenard with fans at cons (un-numbered)
- photo descriptions (57)
- art credits (58)
- long list of publicity photos for sale of Lenard in many roles (59)
from issue #33
from issue #33
from issue #33
from issue #33
from issue #33
from issue #33
from issue #33
from issue #33
Reactions and Reviews: Issue #33
The yearbook came. The cover is gorgeous! [49]
Saw Mr. Lenard on Days of Our Lives. Tied myself to the rocking chair. It doesn't behoove a potential Social Security-type to act too enthusiastically. [50]
You have really put out a great issue. I really love the cover. Mark looks so good when he smiles. [51]
This time I've made up my mind to promptly acknowledge a publication from you. I thoroughly enjoyed the annual from cover to cover -- I must admit I don't read too much of the fiction but from experience I know other clubbers do. I loved all the printed pictures but particularly #16 -- shades of Shaun Cassidy! I love the wonderful sense of humor running through everything. And the admiration for our honorary even if some of them are more than hung up on his looks. [52]
Firstly, I would like to thank you for the story "The Only Truth I Know Is You." I only wish that it could be turned into a book, and it very easily could. If at all possible, please try to feature more POTA material: photos, articles, poems, other stories, art... Another suggestion: I think you should start a tape library. You could have them on POTA episodes, the two ST episodes, and any others Mark's been in. [53]
Just received the MLIFC 1977 Yearbook and it’s just great! From the happy picture of Mark on the cover, through all the snaps and poems and stories inside, it is a real treat. Thank you for your efforts and for a fine piece of work. I’m sure all of Mark's fans will be delighted, especially with ALL the pictures! It is fascinating to see the older pictures of ML, in some of his previous roles, and to remember again the fun of "Here Come the Brides". Even tho Aaron was SUPPOSED to be the villain, he was really a softy at heart! It is a shame that series did not last longer -- but then, when DO series we like last? SIGH. [54]
I received #33 last Wednesday, and. have now recovered sufficiently to take pen in paw and write. It is always nice to look in my box and find something other than a bill. But that pink card for my "Package Too Large," was marvelous (reMarkable?) I didn't even have to confide my box number to the post mistress; she knows me personally. (With a town the size of [mine], she knows EVERYBODY personally) Somehow, I made it home in one piece, dashed in the house and tore open the envelope. WHAM! Acute shock! Not only did the cover picture blow my mind, but it also blew two fuses. The more I saw, the better it got! Really great, D.H. and Slugger![55]
Received your letter and the Despatch. Loved both. Read Despatch cover to cover four times and did all the puzzles. It is definitely not your average fan magazine. The whole thing is alive. You and Gail really do project the feeling of family. And the humor is the greatest. I know you love what you are doing, because you put so much of yourselves into it.[56]
It has occurred to me that I could go through the Yearbook page by page in an attempt to try and negate some of the nitpicking that has been going on [59], but that's not the point. Sure there are typos and mimeo problems — you're only human and the mimeo's only a dumb machine. There was such an obviously large EFFORT put into JUST the technical end of 33. One would think that THAT cover and THOSE photo pages would so confront the senses as to make one oblivious to anything less than one of Gail's roaches getting stuck in the press. As to the artistic and literary contents . . . the Yearbook was what WE made it, and I for one am damn proud of the results. Having just joined in September, after years of procrastination, maybe I'm not qualified to get up on the soapbox. We tried, we cared enough to want to contribute whatever we could — great or small. If maybe the results were not always of the highest degree, if every drawing was not a Realist masterpiece of every poem a Shakespearean sonnet, it was overwhelming to me that so much love was put into everything - as if it were an attempt to compensate in some small way for for all the enjoyment (and for the more prurient among us, great daydreams) that Mark has given us over the past ten years. I cannot see anything surpassing the love that went into 33, unless of course it's 34. ... End of sermon. [60]
I am pleased that the "Ballad of Itchy Stich" was so popular with the other M.L.I.F.C.Ters. It’s nice to be appreciated. I enjoyed writing it and I’m glad everyone enjoyed reading it. I'll bet there wasn’t a single M.L.I.F.C.er who didn’t groan when he or she read the last line. I wonder why puns always make people groan? (Editor: Maybe they feel punished.) As for myself, I loved the photo pages in the Yearbook and I especially loved the story "The Duty of a Parent" by Johanna Cantor. It was a nice, well-written story. I’ve already read it twice. [61]
Issue 34: Bulletin (May 1978)
Despatch 34 was published in May 1978 and contains 29 pages.
The art is by Susan Wyllie, Kathy O'Keefe, and Linda Lindsey.
It is an anniversary issue:
Happy Tenth Anniversary, everyone. Yup, MLIFC, the second oldest fan club in Star Trek fandom (only LNAF is older) -- turned ten on May 22, 1978!
Regarding the long, long, long list of photos the club is selling that was printed in the previous issue:
To set everyone1s mind at ease: a few people have expressed concern over the legality of selling photos of Mark through the club — particularly, those taken from the TV screen. We appreciate your concern — after all, we don't want to send out DESPATCH from the county jail; it's too hard to squeeze a mimeo through the bars!" however, we checked with past MLIFCS presidents, other fan club prexies, and with our State's Attorney's Office and all of them assured us that fan clubs fall into a special category, that it is okay for us to sell them, and for us not to worry. (In fact, the State's Attorney thought our fretfulness was rather funny.)
From a fan who is happy her fellow club members are "rational":
I am more impressed by Mark Lenard every time I see him. It does lot matter whether he is doing comedy or serious drama. He brings such honesty and integrity to every role he does that it is a rewarding and pleasurable experience to see him. I wish him the best of everything for 1978--May it be the year which brings him a smashing success!
Too many "stars" cannot trust their admirers to behave like rational people and it must be a joy to meet people who can treat them like human beings--not glorifying them, but knowing their flaws and faults and loving them anyway. . . . Yon two have made Mark realize that most of us are with him personally are with him personally as well as professionally, and he has responded warmly and honestly. Thank you for letting people know what a darling he really is.
- Skimmed Off the Top, editorial (1)
- Welcome to New Members (3)
- Concert on Babel, poem by Susan Wyllie (4)
- The Orion Kidnapping, fiction by Elaine Norwood (Star Trek: TOS) (5)
- The Story of MLIFC, Or, A Little Tale Waggin', poem by Gail Saville (13)
- MLIFC Letter Col: You Said It!, fan letters (14)
- Trade Mark (fans asking for Sony Beta Max tapes, audio cassette tapes, articles) (20)
- Philanthropic Phootnotes (about a new insulin) (20)
- Ode to a Producer, poem by Susan Wyllie (topic was Lenard's too short appearance on Little House on the Prairie) (21)
- A Fishy Tale, fiction by Susan Wyllie (Here Come the Brides, involves Aaron Stempel and a mermaid) (22)
- Old Articles Department: Oldies But Goodies (reprints of old clippings) (27)
- A 1968 Puzzle by Barbara Motzko (28)
- The Passing of Time, fiction by Pat Cooke (Star Trek: TOS) (29)
from issue #34
from issue #34, from issue #34, Susan Wyllie
from issue #34, Kathy O'Keefe
from issue #34, Linda Lindsey
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 35
Despatch 34 arrived safely . I enjoyed particularly "Skimmed Off the Top" and members ' comments (you have such an interesting membership). And of course, Mark as Aaron Stempel on the cover. [62]
My copy of Despatch #34 came, and I loved it, especially "A Fishy Tale" and "Concert on Babel." Linda Lindsey's picture of Mark/Sarek was so beautiful! [63]
I liked the story by Elaine. It was very good, had Amanda in it, and she didn’t die. (Yeah!) The story that really got to me, though, was "The Passing of Time," by Pat Cooke. It was short, but great, simply because up until the last line I just KNEW it was about Spock. Nice job, Pat. [64]
I adored Despatch #34, but you could tell a body before printing something of hers... I almost had a heart attack! The exquisite story by Pat Cooke on the back cover could have used a sehlat portrait. Very few authors use these beautiful creatures. Are there any more copies of #33 still around? Mine has been read and reread so many times it's just barely recognizable and I'd like to get another one. [65]
...loved #34! Esp. fond of "Ode to a Producer... after that fleeting glimpse of Mark on that marriage thing, I could cheerfully murder them all, preferably by slow torture. VERY slow torture![66]
The "trusty" (???!) mail brought #34 on Monday and I finished it today at lunch (Slender bars and coffee). The cover wasn't as shocking as #33, but it still took me an hour to turn the page. It was really nice, And the inside was good, too. I guess my favorite was the "Ode to a Producer." It echoed my sentiments exactly. Since my Dad is a Methodist minister, I wonder if... Oh well, it was just a thought. [67]
Oh, yes, #34 was great. I won't go into an elaborate dissertation, but the standard these days is rising with the adulation, a ratio not often achieved.[68]
Here's my $4.00 to renew...You two are doing the best job of anyone since I've been a member of getting info on what ML is doing and thinking, and you put together a good-looking zine. I really appreciate those notices, too when Mark is going to be on tv.
However (you knew I was getting to that didn't you?) you are not doing as good a job of editing fiction as either Ruth or Sharon. It's your responsibility as editors to coax, cajole, and threaten until you make your writers turn their story ideas into real stories. You are responsible for prodding the Bermans, Lilkers, Emilys, Lorrahs, and Cantors [69] of the future into making themselves into the good writers they have the potential for.
It's not easy. I very seldom accept other people's work for my zines, because it is such a heartrending job forcing a writer to turn her work into the best possible.
Despatch #34 is a showcase for Susan Wyllie, clearly one of the freshest talents around, and a triple-threat: poet, fiction writer, and artist. What an opportunity you had there, and you muffed it! Her comic poem, and her two drawings, are of high quality; I would not have messed with them, any more than you did. I think I might have asked for some elaboration on the quarrel in "Concert on Babel" — something to make the situation come alive. Still, it's a pretty good poem as it - stands, and makes its point clearly. Susan, work on more concrete images for your serious poetry.
But why did you publish "A Fishy Tale" as it stands? It is only the first idea for a story: what if Aaron Stempel met a mermaid? Beautiful! Now, run with it; make a story out of it! Aaron is characterized perfectly through the first page and a half as a man who cannot resist a challenge — he has to go after that fish. The scene in which he falls into the water and comes face to face with the mermaid is precious. But then the story just stops. The mermaid swims away and Aaron climbs out of the water and goes home. He doesn’t learn anything. She doesn’t learn anything. There is no interaction between them. The scene with Jason at the end falls flat because there is no irony in Jason’s laughter as there would be if Aaron had gotten something from the encounter that the reader knew and Jason didn’t -- then his laughter would reflect the blindness of the mundane world, which I think is what Susan meant to show. But she didn’t prepare for it. She did not write a story. Aristotle said a story must have a beginning, middle, and end. This story lacks a middle.
Now, to Elaine Norwood’s story, "The Orion Kidnapping." It’s hard to criticize a story that is the sincerest form of flattery, but really, even I don’t believe that Sarek and Amanda spend every free moment in bed together. In places, the story reads like a parody of the NTM universe, but I know that’s not what Elaine meant. However, that is not what is seriously wrong with this story.
Once again, what is wrong is that a big chunk is missing from the plot. Elaine is trying to write an adventure story, and there is a great deal of action. However, the main characters don’t get to do anything that leads to their rescue. The Enterprise comes along and beams them out of danger. Now that would be a perfectly acceptable resolution if what they did was hold out under torture, physical or psychological, until they could be rescued. But they are never seriously threatened, and they spend a good deal of time playing hide-and-seek in the corridors of the Orion ship without accomplishing anything. Here is a case in which the author didn’t let herself go. Orions — they make sex slaves of their women, remember? Just think what they could have threatened to do with Amanda -- and make Sarek watch? Or, for a G-rated zine, how about simple violence? Beating, starving, splinters under the fingernails?
We never find out what the Orions want, either. Since this Amanda, like the NTM Amanda, is a linguist, there is the opportunity for her to hear and understand something spoken in Orion — and then later in the story she slips up and lets their captors know that she understands their language, so they decide to kill her and trade Sarek off for ransom? There is so much potential in the situation Elaine has created. What you need to do is learn to make an author realize the potential in her story.
I'm not trying to be negative, friends — I'm offering positive suggestions. Even more pointively [sic], I'm offering the enclosed NTM Universe story. If you publish it, since you don't copyright (tsk, tsk!), please place my copyright notice on the story, as I plan to use it in NTM Collected, Vol. II, and I don't want it passing into the pubic domain.
May I plug my latest books? [70]NTM Collected, Vol. I is now available. The price is $2.50 plus $1.06 postage. You may order directly from me [address redacted].
Epilogue II, which contains a great deal of material about Sarek and Amanda, is now available, but with the new postage rates. I don't know exactly what Jackie is charging. Therefore, please SASE Jackie Bielowicz [address redacted].
I may put together Jean Lorrah's Sarek Collection, reprints of all my Sarek stories in other people's universes. There is a Kraith story, an alternate-"Yesteryear" story, a Showcase story, a Sahaj story, a Quartet story, and some others that are neither NTM nor Epilogue. I write about Sarek in everybody's universe. If people will send me SASE's, saying what they're for, I'll stow them away and send notices when that volume is ready — remember, I said next winter sometime, not next week.
Keep up the good work on keeping us posted about Mark Lenard’s activities. Will somebody please invite Mark and me to the same con sometime? ~ Grip and frip. Jean [Lorrah] [71]
Issue 35: Bulletin (August 1978)
Despatch 35 was published in August 1978 and contains 37 pages.
The cover art is by Linda Lindsey, interior art by Susan Wyllie.
It is an A.G.S. Awards issue.
- Skimmed off the Top, editorial (a recounting by Saville of meeting with Mark in person and going over club business, includes a transcript of her interview, includes Mark's statement: "I think that all my fans are...lovable, delightful, and ... kind of maniacs, I guess. I think they're entertaining and a...a...a... good source of...of...entertainment on a cold winter's evening.") (2)
- Stopover at Briarstone (title on story itself) Stopover at Briarwood (title in the table of contents), fiction by Susan Wyllie (Here Come the Brides) (7)
- Mark's Fen Soup: A Recipe (humor, meta) (16)
- Terrific MLIFClub Sandwich Recipe (humor, meta) (16)
- These Songs Are Dedicated To: (song titles for characters) (17)
- Amanda, poem by Joan Donnis (Star Trek: TOS) (17)
- Mark's Credits 10 Years Ago, Scramble Puzzle Answers (18)
- After You're Gone, poem by Susan Wyllie (Star Trek: TOS) (19)
- The Annual A.G.S. Awards (description of the "Aaron George Stempel" Awards themselves, of the the reasons six fans received them (in order: Jeanne Webster Susan Wyllie, Pat Cooke, Helen Padgett, Meta Campbell, Mary Stacy-MacDonald), several thank yous from said fans) (21)
- Lost and Found (23)
- You Said It!, MLIFC Letter Col (24)
- Sibling Rivalry, poem by Susan Wyllie (about arguing with her four siblings about control of what to watch on television) (33)
- A Matter of Principle, An NTM Universe Story by Jean Lorrah (Star Trek: TOS) (34)
- Introducing: Our New MLIFCers (names and addresses of 19 people) (37)
from issue #35, Susan Wyllie
from issue #35, humorous recipe, meta
from issue #35, humorous recipe, meta
from issue #35, song titles and characters (a sort-of pre-music vid activity)
from issue #35, Susan Wyllie
from issue #35, AGS Awards
from issue #35, AGS Awards
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 35
I thought it was nice the way you closed your letters "Marked for Life" - so I put my brain to work and came up with a closing of my own - "Marked in my Heart." Not totally original but you gave me an idea that I couldn't resist. I wish it were possible for you to send me some nice WARM sunshine; it is so cold and gloomy here. But, then again, every time. I get something from MLIFC, my day seems brighter than ever! [72]
Here’s a story, "T’Pring and Sarek," you might like to use in a future Despatch. I enjoyed #35, especially the stories by Susan Wyllie and Jean Lorrah. Jean’s sense of humor and characterization are always a delight. Susan’s story was an effective mood piece. I'd offer a minor creeb that for the period and social class involved it is unthinkable that Sarah Trelawney would address Stempel as "Aaron" and ask him to call her "Sarah." If she were a Quaker, she might use his full name, considering such titles as "Mr." and "Mrs." a worldly vanity, but otherwise it would have to be title and last name. [73]
I feel that since you two are running the club, you have the final say on how it should be run. Besides, it's hard enough doing what you two do without the added burden of sending stuff out to be edited by someone else. Since you're not trying to win a Pulitzer, small matters should be taken in stride. I like Jean's writing, but she's been at it a lot longer than most of us. Constructive criticism is fine if it's asked for, but some people don't want their writing tampered with. [74]
First of all, some of the other club journals that I have seen are either so over-edited as to be just plain dull oh so childish as to be embarrassing. The thing that sets Despatch apart and makes it special is the warmth. This comes, of course, from the heroic efforts of two gals who shall remain nameless, but also is due to the fact that most of your contributions are NOT from pros...nor should they be. Despatch does not profess to be a pro publication, and I hope it never becomes one. Yes, the art, literature, poetry, etc. are sometimes less than perfect...but they have one thing which cannot be found in most pro zines...they all have been done and offered with only one thing in mind...to honor and please Mark...they have been done with love and admiration, and because of that must mean more to him than any sleek, polished material you could use.Sure, you could send things back and make suggestions as to how to improve them.... first of all, this is expensive, and I feel, totally unnecessary. Also, many people would be intimidated by this and simply would not submit again. I can hear some of your members groaning and muttering that most people would be GLAD to have constructive criticism... O.K., possibly so...but many would be hurt or embarrassed, too. Personally, I would far rather read some honestly amateur piece by someone who was trying to show his love for Mark, than an over-edited, sexually perverted, professional item which was written more for self-glorification or self-fulfillment than for the purpose of saying, "Hi, Mark...I'm not a writer, but I did my best to do something to make the club work."
Novices also tend at times to lean heavily on previously published sources - often unconsciously -- so what? The results are read by a limited number, and if a little borrowing helps someone to make an attempt, more power to them -- after all, let's face it -- to some extent, we are all plagiarizing from the original series — using their characters, their world -- even their words and situations at times. Because it's not done for pro reasons or publications, where’s the harm? A lot of people -- myself included -- would never have the audacity to submit to a pro zine, nor would they (we) have the courage to write things if we thought they were going to be gone over with a microscope for errors in our admittedly limited literary skills.
Let the gripers read the X-rated zines and the professionally published works if they can’t take the honest attempts of admittedly non-pro people. Mark Lenard is a real, down-to-earth gentleman, and I think he!d far rather read the genuine efforts of people who love him, errors and all, than have Despatch edited into a state of sterile perfection which would destroy the spontaneous charm of so many offerings. When I want literary perfection, I'll read Shakespeare or Dickens or others of their ilk...
Please don't heed the nit-pickers. The journal is great just the way it is, and shouldn't be changed just to satisfy the pedants in the group.
Also, Jean keeps referring to our "zine." From everything I have heard, seen, and read, the "zines" are devoted to Star Trek in general or one or two characters from the show, and amateur material relevant to the subject is published therein. We are NOT in this category -- WE ARE A CLUB DEVOTED TO A LIVING PERSON -- NOT A FICTIONAL CHARACTER. Our aim is to please that person -- Mark Lenard -- not those who love Sarek or Urko and don't know Mark exists. I would rather see an honest effort written by an admirer with the sole purpose of pleasing Mark, than some of the garbage I have read in "well-edited" zines.
In #35, Joan Dennis' "Amanda," Susan's story and poems and "somebody's" recipes were far more interesting than Ms. Lorrah's totally inferior offering. She speaks of having a beginning, a middle, and an end, but she gave us a boring beginning, a muddled middle, and an end which made me wonder if something had been left out. Will someone enlighten me as to the point she was trying to make? I've read it three times and the meaning of or reason for the piece elude me.
I think most of us are happy to have things as they are, so long as Mr. Lenard is pleased with them -- and he obviously is. He has a club now, which is working for and with him...people are writing pieces out of love for Mark, rather than just to see their own names in print, and I believe that must mean more to him than correct syntax and punctuation. Let's not become too pedantic, and let's not bring torment and abasement into the club publication. It's not needed. [75]
Members don't submit stories to you to have them critiqued unless they actually want you to do it. I know that a certain amount of editing is necessary in some stories, but gee, just to have members interested enough to send in stories for use in Despatch is a feat in it self. I know that we get several stories from members (most of whom wouldn't even consider sending in a story if they didn't think we'd print it as they sent it). We have found that unless you are doing a zine, the members enjoy reading stories as sent. I know that at times some ofthe stories we have printed have been real "mary-sue" things, but we have always wanted to encourage EVERY member to send something in. How many times do you think we could send something back for rewrite before they'd stop sending??
Fan clubs are a different area -- entirely separate from fanzines. I have been really surprised by members' comments on stories we have included in our newsletter -- nothing negative at all, just very positive remarks -- like they really feel that they can send us something and they don't have to be a "well-known" fan to get it printed or a nationally-recognized writer. Also, I don't really think anyone expects "professional" type stories in the newsletter, mostly they want to read what their honorary is doing. [76]
You asked the club members to comment on Jean Lorrah's letter in #35, so here goes: Jean says she thinks the stories should be edited better, and that it's your fault for not getting more out of the writer so She says she also thinks they are not professional writers. I never knew that the Despatch was supposed to be a place for pro writers to have their stories published. 1) The Despatch is not for public consumption, so it doesn't need to be absolutely, perfectly edited. 2) I'm sure most of the members are not looking for super fantastic stories either. 3) I enjoy the stories that are written in the Despatch and the club is really interested in membership participation -- that's where it counts! 4) After Jean insults the club, she gives a S & A story that makes Sarek quite out of character. I don't believe she should be making any of her comments.[77]
I just got Despatch 35 and greedily sat down to read it all. Linda Lindsey's cover was delightful. I was overjoyed to find Jean Lorrah's NTM Universe tale. (I'm a fan -- I started reading it because it was Sarek.) Susan Wyllie's "Stopover at Briarstone" was nice, but I ended up feeling that part of the story was missing -- that something else happened. I'm, if you'll excuse the expression, haunted by a suspicion that some thing else took place.[78]
As to the question of just how pro or polished we want Despatch, I like it like it is. It's a long letter from one family member to another. I feel like I've just inherited a BIG family that will keep growing, with Marvelous Mark Lenard as "Poppa." [79]
About Jean Lorrah's letter in #35: You know, I don't know whereshe gets off thinking that Elaine Norwood's story was done a la NTM. Other than the fact Amanda's a linguist, I see no parallel. And God only KNOWS where she saw SEX in the story... all they did in bed was sleep -- people DO sleep in bed. I don't recall them ever getting undressed to go to sleep, let ALONE anything else.
I think these people need to bear in mind you are club presidents, NOT zine editors. And I certainly think it is far more admirable to be encouraging club members to write and submit their work to you rather than reprinting tried and true
stories or printing a batch of totally inane material which has little or nothing to do with Mark and/or the club and its members. It's certainly the more difficult path you've chosen. I dunno, I have to think even fair efforts have a place, for the person who tried and for those who can read it and start to write in believing they can do better. I would never have even tried illustrating if I hadn't seen thing published that I knew I could do better than. And I feel some sense of achievement and self-improvement when I see what my work was last year and what I've done since then; I think there is much truth to the fact that we are all our own worse critics.[80]
Jean Lorrah has good points. It would do writers good to have her feedback on their work. Feedback as constructive criticism would be of aid to any writer. However, (finally got there, too, huh?), I, for one, really enjoy the 'zine just the way it is. Perhaps Jean Lorrah would be willing (her time permitting) to privately critique pieces published in Despatch for the writer's benefit. Her letter could be included with the writer's following issue of Despatch.Despatch has a unique flavor and friendliness that could be lost in a "polishing" up (and I think that it is already one of the best zines around). The editors have used good judgement and discretion in choosing what has been printed in the 'zine. The pieces they have chosen seem to me to have been good and complete. Admittedly, in some cases, more could be done with them, but why should that become a necessity for acceptance?
We would miss out on some really nice pieces going that route. I wouldn't want to have missed reading "A Fishy Tale" for anything! It's lovely as it is. If the writer ever did work on it further, I would like to read the new story. (It could easily change enough to be a new story.)
I hope to see the 'zine continue in the same manner as it has been, under the TLC and guidance of our editors. [81]
Regarding Jean Lorrah's letter: I like Despatch just as you are doing it. I prefer one or two good stories and poems and the rest fan info. I know you are devoting a GREAT DEAL of time to it now, and if you assume fully-time story editing chores, you won't have time for anything else. We are all just in this for fun; if anyone wants to try for a Nebula or a Hugo Award, they can put it in the hands of Judy-Lynne del Rey. Also, while Jean is generally a good writer, the last story she submitted to you was very poor and certainly didn't meet the standards set forth in her own letter. [82]
"A Matter of Principle" by Jean Lorrah was a nice little story. I enjoyed it. Linda Lindsey's art work on the cover was terrific, too. [83]
I loved #35: Your "Skimmings" are great fun, especially when read four or five times."Stopover at Briarstone" is beautiful: Susan Wyllie just keep getting better and better.
I laughed so hard when I read "Sibling Rivalry" that my own little sister thought I was crazy, because the same sort of thing has happened to me (except that I never thought of unplugging the set).
Jean Lorrah's "A Matter of Principle" is excellent as usual. I like her characterizations of Sarek and Amanda, and the last paragraph is just precious. I am eagerly awaiting #36.
I just re-read Jeans's letter and I agree with what she says. I think that what is published ought to be finished and even somewhat polished, but I do not think it has to be highly polished and professional... I love seeing poems and picutres and stories by different people. It shows that they're involved, and that is important. I enjoy reading fiction, especially when it has a meaning or a point or is funny, and I am trying to make mine good. You are doing a great job of coaxing things out of members, which I think is wonderful. It makes my day when I open the mail and there is a a Despatch full of "Skimmings" and stories and poems and puzzles and pictures to be read. [84]
Loved your freeway interview in the latest Despatch! Thanks for the postcard about ML on the Noah segment of the Bible stories. I hadn't planned to watch too closely, but of course I was glued to the TV for Noah. He does have such nice-looking legs. Sigh. Why did he have them covered up with those fur booties? [85]
I received the postcard from the club about Mark Lenard's appearance in "Greatest Heroes of the Bible.” He played the villain very well — I hated his guts I He looked very good also — in a ruffian sort of way. BUT there were BETTER roles in that conglomeration of biblical stories...and roles that would have been BETTER had he gotten to tackle one.It would be nice to see him in a part where he gets to do more than laugh churlishly] I'm not REALLY complaining, at least I got to see him on TV; I just wish TV and/or movies would use him more often AND more effectively. [86]
- (Editors: We read most...all...of y'all's comments to Mark, and he definitely agreed with Kathy on this one. We do, too!)
Issue 36: Bulletin (December 1978)
Despatch 36 was published in December 1978 and contains 29 pages.
The cover art is by Fred Metzke, father of one of the editors. All interior art is by Mary Stacy-MacDonald.
An excerpt from the phone call with Mark Lenard:
- Mark: I sat down and looked through #35...
- D.H. & Slugger: Yeah?!? (Not TOO eager to hear the verdict...)
- Mark: ...and I'd like to tell you both that I'm really impressed with the DESPATCH,..and you can quote me.
- D.H.& Slugger (in unison): WE WILL, WE WILL!
- Slugger: (Writing like mad) Let's see, that's, "I'm-really-impressed..
- D.H.: "And-you-can-quote-me."
Mark went on to say that what impressed him was the amount of work, love, and spirit that everyone was contributing to the club effort. Yeah, Team!
"You're just like the patriarch of one great big family, huh, Mark?" asked Slugger. He laughed...(You did think it was funny, huh, Mark?)
He ended his almost hour-long call (DEDUCT IT, MARK, IT'S AN EXPENSE) by saying, "Give my blessings to all of MLIFC and my best, wishes to all of you for a happy holiday season. And thank you for your continued support and good wishes. Stay healthy...and good luck!"
And thanks to our Honourary, Mark Lenard, for calling and working with us, and helping keep you abreast of his activities. Happy Holidays to all!
- Skimmed Off the Top, editorial (a long recount of a telephone call with Mark Lenard) (1)
- Early Morning Reflections, poem by Kathy Manns (Star Trek: TOS) (4)
- Message from Meta & Philanthropic Phootnotes (about fundraising for the club, and for the club's charity (American Diabetes Association), a mention that raffles are illegal in most states so the club is doing an auction instead) (5)
- The Most Important Course, fiction by Elaine Norwood (The Bob Newhart Show, featuring Lenard's character Earle Stanley Plummer) (7)
- Asymmetry, poem by Mary Stacy-MacDonald (Star Trek: TOS) (11)
- How to Marry a Vulcan, poem by Susan Wyllie (Star Trek: TOS) (12)
- T'Pring and Sarek, fiction by Ruth Berman (Star Trek: TOS) (reprinted in And Starry Skies and The Best of Amanda and Sarek) (13)
- Viewing Mark from a Hospital Bed, or, Being Incurable MARKed, poem by Elaine Norwood (about being in the hospital and feeling better after getting to watch Mark Lenard on television) (16)
- Ode to Television Stations, poem by Craig Nelms (commentary about how television stations chop and edit shows to fit in commercials instead) (17)
- Sarek Commercials? by "Urko Cootes" ("The latest thing that caught my eve is the last page of the MLIFC Welcome Book. Under "'miscellaneous, it says Inside Star Trek recording Columbia Records, 1976, Sarek; Commercials. Well, my sense of humor has run amuck and I read: ”Sarek Commercials” Can you imagine Sarek doing a commercial? It might go something like this...") (18)
- You Said It, MLIFC Letter Col (19)
- The 19th of November by Craig Nelms (27)
- The Great MLIFC "It's the Thought That Counts" Pic Contest (28)
- The Story of Noah Revisited by Susan Wyllie (29)
from issue #36, Mary Stacy-MacDonald
from issue #36, Mary Stacy-MacDonald
from issue #36
from issue #36
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 36
I'm sending in my dues for another year: there may be a shortage of fuel, but I'm sure Mark will never experience a shortage of loving fans. I must admit I envy and admire members who have had the good fortune to meet with Mr. Lenard, for they have the knowledge of what he is like, not just as an actor, but as a person. I thank those who? have shared their experiences for the valuable information I have gained. I guess most us us fell for Sarek with all his logic and tenderness (from what I know of Vulcans, they never show what they feel, but that doesn’t mean they don't feel anything, and in that line of thought, I find -- with a laugh—some solace). I know he affected me. I candidly admit this, but the one I really fell for was "Rogloff." I found him to be very... well...interesting, yet I've been curious about the man behind that vindictive character mask. Well, Mark, I must say you make it hard for a person to see the real you behind those theatrical shrouds — even your eyes don't betray your inner self. Yes, sir! A first-rate actor![87]
I just read "Early Morning Reflections," by Kathy Manns; it is a nice poem, just like Sarek to think that way.[88]
I saw Mark on "Cliffhangers" and my, what a handsome sight. It makes my working weeks from 8-5 seem that much more tolerable... I wonder if Thorval will ever walk? I'd love to see Mark's legs just one more time. Of course, what member wouldn't?[89]
The show "Cliffhangers" is not going over very well out here [in Colorado], so I hope they allow it a chance to build an audience. I'm not sure if it's the spot across from "[Happy Days]]" or just the show's appeal. I guess time will tell. I've been watching it regularly and hopefully. Hopefully because, as you know, here it's been two episodes and we haven't even SEEN Mark yet. Boy, if I don't see something Tuesday (even an ankle!) I'm going to boil over a bit![90]
Despatch 36 is just great. It's really hard to choose a favourite section because all the stories are so lovely. I like ”The Story of Noah Revisited” very much; it's so funny. The cover drawing is very good. Barb's father has a lot of talents.
[...]
Could you ask your members if there is anybody who has a good Sarek-Amanda story? We (Star Trek Central Europe) would love to translate one for a future newsletter. Of course, we must have the writer's permission to translate it. If there is anyone, could you give them my address?[91]
I loved Ruth Berman's story -- even though T'Pring is not one of my favorite characters. Ruth is an excellent writer, and I liked her characterization of Sarek very much. "The Most Important Course" was also very, very good. Even though I love Sarek, it's nice to see writers developing plots around Mark's other characters. "Most Important Course" was fast-moving, humorous and polished. I especially liked the ending. I hope we get more Earle Stanley Plummer stories. Also, hats off to Mr. Metzke for his terrific MLIFC drawing of ML. Alas, no AGS story by Susan Wyllle. Aaron is one of my favorite characters, and I always like reading Susan's stories, not to mention seeing her drawings.
Wanted to let you know also that I was very pleasantly surprised to see my poem in #36 (pleasantly surprised?? UNDERSTATEMENT!) I really feel like part of the group now. Thanks.[92]
I received Despatch 36 yesterday and devoured the entire thing in one hour (It was delicious, too). The letters were the most interesting part, discussing the merits of leaving the fiction and poetry contributions the way they are rather than trying to edit them. Pat Cooke's letter was one like I had envisioned writing but never got the time, so you all had to make do with two lines of rather unpolished thought.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that I like the contributions exactly the way they are. They are very low key (as opposed to high power polished stuff) and amusing. This is exactly the kind of story I like to read, and it is rarely found anywhere else except in a club publication like this. This is what makes Despatch such a joy to read... I feel the same way as several people who wrote who said the MLIFC is like a big family, and this atmosphere and the warmness it generates should be kept at all cost.
I LOVED the Sarek commercials. They gave me a good chuckle, and ”Ode to Television Stations” echoes my sentiments exactly. As always, I found all of the stories very refreshing.[93]
Susan Wyllie's "How to Marry a Vulcan" was excellent. "T'Pring and Sarek" topped almost everything in this issue (except, of course, the news of Mark in the ST movie). Keep up the good work![94]
I just wanted to make a few comments about the inside or #36. I enjoyed Kathy Manns "Early Morning Reflections". I hope this won't be her last submission. And just what can be said about Susan Wyllie and her puns that hasn't been groaned before? Keep it up, Susan. We masochists love it![95]
I have been reading the letters regarding professional vs amateur writing, and it worries me. One of the nicest things about Despatch has been the level of trust. Up until now, everyone has felt free to submit anything he or she creates, knowing that it will be accepted for what it is -- an expression of love for Mark Lenard. I would hate to see that openness and trust destroyed.
As a professional writer who makes a good living with a pen (I can't type doodley squat. I hire someone to do that.), I can appreciate J.L.'s desire for polished work, but as a member of MLIFC, I think the criticism was misplaced.
I always enjoy Despatch from cover to cover. I especially liked the poems by Craig Nelms in #36. I enjoyed them even more because I know that Craig is only thirteen years old (a large number of fans are early teens). I know these things because Craig is a pen pal - someone I never would have known except for MLIFC. What I am really trying to say is that the literary efforts themselves are not nearly as important as the people who contribute them. That is what gives Despatch the flavor of a hometown newspaper. (My favorite next to chocolate.) Jimmy Doohan tells us that "Star Trek is a thing of love". Let's keep it that way.[96]
I would like to see more stories about Here Come the Brides. I have never seen the series, and as far as I know, they haven't run it here in [Colorado] the past 5 or 6 years. The only way I can learn about the series is what I read. What wouldn't I give to see Mark in a series. Sigh.
I really enjoy being a member of the MLIFC. I have always considered fan clubs to be sappy and for teeny-boppers, but this is different. I really do feel like I'm part of a family. And I am definitely NOT a teeny-bopper, in spite of my tender years. One of the great tragedies of my life is that I have only seen Mark in color once! That was at my grandmother's house, in "Journey to Babel.”[97]
Issue 37: Yearbook (January 1979)
Despatch 37 contains 76 pages. The date on the front is 1978 (because it is a yearbook for the previous year), the date on the first interior page is January 1979, but it did not get sent out until April 1979.
The art is by Judy Lee Goldenberg, Linda Lindsey, Pat Cooke, Caroline Hedge, Barbara Metzke, Gail Saville, Mark Lenard, and Susan Wyllie.
This issue is unique in that it contains no letters of comment.
From the "Question Mark":
Q: IN A RECENT INTERVIEW, ALAN ALDA SAID THAT A FAN CAN'T GET TO KNOW A PUBLIC PERSON LIKE A POLITICIAN OR A CELEBRITY -- ONLY HIS OR HER IMAGE. DO YOU AGREE?
A: Well, I don't know... publicity IS the name of the game in our profession. It is true, though, that people will confuse actors with roles. It's dangerous... It's hard to fight the established image that you have of famous people. I remember when I f1rst worked with Claude Raines. I kept thinking of the part he played in "Morocco" and I refused to believe that's what he was like. He had all these people coming up to him and talking about that. But he was a regular person.
- Skimmed Off the Top, editorial (a description of a long telephone call with Mark Lenard, he says he has a new series as Thorval, a character in The Secret Empire ("'Secret Empire' is filmed for nine days -- a complete, one hour script which is aired over three weeks in twenty-minute segments."), Lenard describes a Christmas party given by the Roddenberrys in which almost all the cast (except Nichelle Nichols) was there. At the party, "Mark also looked at sketches of the new Klingon -- yes, NEW Klingon -- and it/he/she has a backbone going to the tip of his/her/its nose, with sparse hair tufts. Our reaction to that was 'Yuk!'") (2)
- a copy of a telegram sent to Lenard by the editors (4)
- copy of a letter sent to the club by the club's charity, American Diabetes Association, thanking them for the $40 the club donated
- A Pleasant Journey to Chimera, Or How to Emotionally Charge a Despicable Torture Scene ("Dedicated to the noble Emperor Thorval by an ex-torturee") poem, not credited (The Secret Empire) (6)
- two pages of black and white photos of Lenard's character from The Secret Empire, Thorval (they are telepix) (un-numbered)
- What Is This? An ML Convention? by "Urko Cootes" ("This story is respectfully dedicated to all those MLIFCers who cannot quite make up their minds.") (includes all of Lenard's fandoms: Here Come the Brides, Star Trek: TOS, Planet of the Apes) (7)
- Mark-a-Word and Scrambled Appearances Puzzles by Elaine Norwood (12)
- Fickle, poem and art by Mary Stacy-MacDonald (13)
- Journey to Mabel, parody fiction by Pat Cooke ("With an apology to anyone sensitive--or foolish--enough to be offended.") (Star Trek: TOS) (14)
- Always On Their Minds, poem by Craig Nelms (Begins with "When Mark puts on a mysterious grin, MLIFC gals just churn within... Their hearts often start to flutter, They cannot speak, but simply stutter...") (19)
- Crossword Puzzle by Elaine Norwood (20)
- The Impossible Wish, fiction by Meg Fouty (Here Come the Brides) (22)
- Back Issues Ordering Information (25)
- Re: Mark by Meta (Lenard's old roles, one of them: "Mark once portrayed a young Italian father who was visiting his grandmother with his daughter and wife for a 'Chef Boy-Ar-Dee' commercial.") (26)
- Philanthropic Phootnotes by Meta (26)
- Mark's Remarkable Past Articles (clippings) (28, continued on further pages)
- Suicide MUST Be Painless, or The Romulan Had a LOT of Company, filk by Jeanne Webster to the tune of the theme from M*A*S*H* (a commentary on all the roles Lenard has had that have him committing suicide) (31)
- two pages of Lenard photos (one of him is telepix of him in other roles, the other of him at cons with fans) (un-numbered)
- "Urko en El planeta de los simios, Mark Lenard: La Serie Tiene Un Mensaje Pacifista", clipping of an article in Spanish by Yoran Kahana (35)
- "Urko" in Planet of the Apes, Mark Lenard: The Series has a pacifistic message", translated into English by Elea de Vera (36)
- That's No Way to Treat a Monkey Blues, poem by "Urko Cootes" (37)
- Quick Limerick Treats by Elaine Norwood (37)
- ML Art (38)
- Ode to Urko, poem by Richard Knapp (Planet of the Apes) (40)
- The Centurion, fiction by Terry Madden and Carla Jordon (Star Trek: TOS) (40)
- Will the Real Urko Please Stand Up?, "Urko Cootes" visualizes meeting Lenard's character, Urko, at a convention in November (41)
- Thoughts on Despatch #36, a long poem by Karen Mitchell (42)
- You Said It: MLIFC Letter Column (43)
- two pages of more photos of Lenard in roles, telepix, with fans at cons (not numbered)
- The Interrupted Wedding, fiction by Susan Wyllie (Here Come the Brides) (49)
- Cross/Marks, puzzle (55)
- The Bully, fiction by Pat Cooke (Planet of the Apes) (57)
- Song Dedication, song titles related to Star Trek: TOS characters, compiled by Jeanne Webster (64)
- The REAL Secret of the the Secret Empire, poem by Susan Wyllie (The Secret Empire [98]) (65)
- Lament of the Romulan Commander's Wife, poem by Elaine Norwood (Star Trek: TOS) (66)
- To Urko, poem by Elaine Norwood (Planet of the Apes) (66)
- portrait of Mark Lenard by Mary Stacy-MacDonald (not numbered)
- Question Mark (lots of terse answers to nosy questions, except for his answer about his cats) (67)
- Genuine Honourary Sightings (a fan's description of seeing Lenard at Star Trek America: "He signed my program book and my copy of The Night of the Twin Moons by Jean Lorrah. As I was asking him to sign it, he remarked, "So this is that famous book everyone is talking about." I said, "Yes it is." So he signed it and I thanked him.") (69)
- Commercials and Paid Political Announcements by Elaine Norwood (descriptions of some imagined commercials made by various characters Lenard has portrayed) (70)
- A Discussion with Sarek, commentary in dialogue between Sarek and D.H. (Barbara Metzke, one of the editors) (71)
- Annual MLIFC Family Census, a listing of club members by home location (72)
- Photo/Art Credits (75)
from issue #37, Mary Stacy-MacDonald
from issue #37, Mary Stacy-MacDonald
from issue #37, Pat Cooke
from issue #37
from issue #37
from issue #37, Mary Stacy-MacDonald
from issue #37, Linda Lindsey
from issue #37
from issue #37
from issue #37, Susan Wyllie
Issue 38: Bulletin (May 1979)
Despatch 38 was published in May 1979 and contains 36 pages. While May 1979 is the date on the zine, the editors have added "or thereabouts." This, plus a description of a phone call in "late July" means this issue was likely issued in perhaps September 1979.
The interior art is by Diane Klingbeil.
It is the club's eleventh anniversary.
From "Skimmed Off the Top":
Back in late July, Mark called. He was all excited, having just completed work on the Star Trek film for Gene Roddenberry. He told us, that the makeup on the new Klingon alien was brown (squelching rumors to the contrary), and that the latex appliance that was fitted to the top of his head and face was "almost like the makeup on Planet of the Apes." Some of you who missed that series or the movies may ask what THAT means it was hot, uncomfortable. And you may not recognize Mark, though he's sure you will. (He's the tall Klingon in the middle, the one speaking Klingonese.) He was given a tape of a Klingon dialect made by Jim Doohan and left on his own to adapt it and get it down phonetically. Eventually, he had to stand on a tall chair, shake it, shake himself, rattle the false teeth they put in his mouth, and speak Klingonese. Plus, get done in by green whipped cream and the special optical camera—repeatedly. Susan Sackett and Gene Roddenberry had just viewed the first rough cut of the film ... and they said that his footage (the initial three minutes, folks) looked good and they didn't think Mark would need to come back for voice work (looping). Let's hope that all Mark's efforts remain visible and aren't edited out.
Also from "Skimmed from the Top":
NOW, about the end to Cliffhangers that never aired, Mark had been told that it would. And it didn't. And we're all miffed. He tried to find the script for the last episode, but it got shuffled around at [his] home. He did say that Thorval does NOT die, and that his brother, Demeter, is crowned as leader of the underground village. Thorval and cronies make an escape to space.
Anyone in Europe may eventually get to see the entire sequence of "Secret Empire” shows uninterrupted, since Universal, which owns the property, is releasing it as a full length feature abroad. Sigh. But domestically, the situation looks grim. We can suggest that anyone who did follow the show and who would like to see the end aired write NBC and Fred Silverman at NBC... Two episodes of "Secret Empire” went unaired.
- Skimmed Off the Top (2)
- A Note from Mark (handwritten congratulations and best wishes) (4)
- A Moment of Weakness, fiction by Elsa de Vera (Star Trek: TOS) (5)
- A Little Advice for the Emperor, poem and political commentary by Elaine Norwood (The Secret Empire) (10)
- Maybe Next Time, fiction by Diane Klingbeil and Leslie Ann Rous (Star Trek: TOS) (11)
- You Said It: MLIFC Letter Column (15)
- A Puzzle Poem (21)
- Terror at Federation Headquarters, fiction by Elaine Norwood (Star Trek: TOS) (23)
- Back Issue Ordering Information (31)
- The Mind Sifter, fiction by Richard Knapp (Planet of the Apes) (32)
- Trade Mark (36)
- Photo List Supplement (may not be in all issues) (37)
from issue #38, political commentary and poem about The Secret Empire
from issue #38, Diane Klingbeil
from issue #38, Diane Klingbeil
from issue #38, the puzzle poem: "If you read the words in this poem correctly, you'll spell out the name of someone who's very special to us."
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 38
DESPATCH #38 at hand and muchly enjoyed, especially the fiction by Elaine Norwood--great new author, there, and she had enough plot to have done a novelette out of just what is included in "Terror." Mark should be proud of you two young women. Sob--just wish Shatner were so lucky, doesn't even have a fan club now. Yep, I am also a displaced Kirk/Shatner fan, taking comfort from the joy of Mark's lovely saturnine features always so well displayed in MLIFC's art.[99]
DESPATCH 38, the 11th Anniversary Issue, was great. The fiction on Sarek was great and I always like reading about Urko. I hope some of the members can come up with fiction on "The Secret Empire. " It was a good show and had a lot of promise.[100]
I just finished #38 -- nice stories and everything else. I exhaust my store of superlatives just trying to describe the gorgeous job you two are doing. The pictures are especially nice. [101]
Issue 39: Bulletin (August 1979)
Despatch 39 was published in August 1979 and contains 44 pages.
Gail Saville and Barbara Metzke were co-presidents.
The art is by Susan Wyllie and Mary Stacy-MacDonald.
From Barbara Metzke in "Skimmed Off the Top":
We had worked up an appetite hiking all over Beverly Hills, so Mark began asking me what I thought I'd like for lunch. I'm always noncommittal (seems to drive him batty, for some reason), so I concluded that he was the native and I the foreigner, so I'd let him select a place to eat.His wife had suggested an European cafe that had fantastic salads and atmosphere. It was down a hillside from the famous Comedy Store. We found a parking space and managed to get a seat away from the kitchen but, as Mark pointed out, under the bathroom window. Oh, well, the lunch was great, and we decided that Ann had been right on this one. Mark ordered dilled eggs. I opted for the spinach salad. I have never, in my whole life, had such a spinach salad. It had carrots, mushrooms, onions, a Californian specialty called 'jicama,', sunflower seeds, tomatoes, black olives...the works. Mark let me taste his dilled eggs--which we agreed tasted like dilled pickles--and I swapped him some salad for his pasta salad, which he didn’t eat.
That brings me to an important bit of news. Our honourary has really decided to stick to a stiff regimen. He's given up pasta, potatoes, and breads and sweets. He currently enjoys fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, diet drinks, Perrier, and an occasional glass of dry white wine. And he's exercising a LOT. He looked ten years younger when I first glanced at him. I couldn't get over the change that his new regimen has made on him. Mark wanted to know how to make spinach salads, so he could try his hand at them. So, I told him of various recipes I'd tried.
[...]
[At the studios], Mark wandered up to a little window that was open. Inside, someone was typing away, I recognized Susan Sackett. Mark waved. She smiled in recognition, remembering me as he introduced me. We had met in N.Y. two years ago. After several moments of pleasant discussion Susan invited us inside, (She probably realized that neither one of us appeared to be going away.) We agreed and walked around. The moment she saw my camera on my shoulder, she went into apoplexy.
"Where did you get THAT?” she asked,
"I brought it in,” I replied calmly.
Susan was incredulous, ”You mean, the guard didn’t make you check it at the station?”
Terribly illogical, since I obviously had the camera on my shoulder. ”No, he didn’t.”
"Well, don’t let anyone around here see you with it, or they’ll take it from you and expose all your film.”
"They’d better NOT,” I replied. ”Besides, I’m not taking pictures of anything I’m not supposed to here. Right Mark?” I batted my eyelashes in innocence. He agreed. ”You see, Susan,” I began, wanting to make sure she understood about this particular film in my camera, ”this camera contains pictures taken at the top of the Hollywood Bowl, and, well, we’re not about to hike back up ,there again any time soon.” To reassure her that I was not about to slip into the screening room and begin snitching illegal shots, I left my camera and purse in the middle of her office floor.
[...]
A tall, lanky figure with a prominent nose, long locks of grey hair, and baggy clothes appeared. Gene Roddenberry. Susan had told him I was visiting. As he entered, he pronounced my name, looked off, said it was familiar for some reason. A few years back, I had pointed out an impending fan fraud which Susan and Gene helped stop. That was what he remembered. He said that he'd managed to stop smoking AND lose 12 pounds, whereupon I congratulated him and told him to keep it up. The poor man looked as if he'd been working so hard that he hadn't taken time to refit his clothes. He confessed to a bad habit of eating beans and its aggravation of his weight problem, but felt that he'd turned over a new leaf. He mentioned Mark's weight loss, complimenting him on his trimness.
[...]
During the course of our conversation, it was mentioned that Gene had gotten mail from fans who wanted other various guest stars to be included in the film. He seemed perplexed, telling us that they demanded to know why so-and-so hadn't been included. He said he hadn't thought of including them. Arlene Martel (I KNOW she goes by another name now) was cited as an example. I told him that we'd gotten a lot of mail that had wanted to see Sarek used on Vulcan, but that we were glad he’d thought to use Mark in some capacity, at least. Incidentally, Mark stressed that the Klingon death scene is NOT a recap of the Romulan one. "A whole different ball of wax," he said, paraphrasing my question. I did manage to get a "Mark-frown" out of Gene by suggesting that he include those various characters in the NEXT Star Trek movie. I think one motion picture at a time is enough for any executive producer. Gene had to run off, and we'd been taking up enough of their office time, so we left as well. On the way out, we nosed into Gene's office for a peek. There were the traditional putting irons, with practice balls scattered around the carpet. A lava light flowed endlessly back-and-forth. On the opposite wall, a giant portrait of Majel, Gene’s wife, loomed. Shane Johnson’s drawings were on the large conference table that dominated the room. We edged our way out, and, along the way, ran into Robert Wise... He was smaller than I’d imagined he’d be, with a large gold chain around his neck and—of all things--a Federation/IDIC sign in solid gold. Can’t say that he doesn’t get into his work!
Also from "Skimmed Off the Top," further hints of resentment (and subtle digs) about the time and energy this club took from the editors:
Mark mentioned that he had stayed up till 2:00 a.m. gathering the materials that I'd asked him to bring for our meeting. I refused to feel guilty when he said that he was tired from it already, thinking instead of the midnight hours (like these) that both Slugger and I have burned (and DO) working on the club. But still, I felt a little guilty....Sigh.
[...]
[After Mark Lenard had an elevator door slam on him]: Somehow, I KNEW that would get blamed on me. Somehow... Mark frowned, muttered a few expletives, and shook his head at me. I knew it.
- Skimmed Off the Top (the topic is a very long (13 pages single-spaced!), very detailed, very rambling account by Barbara, one of the editors, about visiting Hollywood with Lenard. It reads like a description of a long, occasionally awkward date: riding in his car, sharing his lunch at restaurants, talking about mutual weight loss and each other's appearances, meeting Gene Roddenberry and seeing his lava lamp, getting scolded by Susan Sackett, seeing Robert Wise in a IDIC necklace... The second part of this article is written by Karen Mitchell, a fan who joined them several days later.) (2)
- AGS Awards (Elaine Norwood and Susan Wyllie tie for first place, then Mary Stacy-MacDonald, Elsa de Vera, Meg Fouty, Maria Wolf, and lastly, June Greene) (15)
- War and Peace, fiction by Kathy Manns (Here Come the Brides) (17)
- Nursery Rhymes from the Secret Empire, fiction by Slugger aka Gail Saville (The Secret Empire) (25)
- You Missed the Last Episode, So..., poem by Craig Nelms (The Secret Empire) (26)
- The Network Man, poem by Susan Wyllie (commentary on The Secret Empire, ends with "NBC can't pull this stunt and then expect to do scot-free. So in one last final protest ML fans will all agree-- We will blow up NBC!!!") (27)
- Notes from MLIFC Headquarters (29)
- Chapter 15: Plan of Justice, fiction by Slugger aka Gail Saville (The Secret Empire) (30)
- Ode to Aaron (Here Come the Brides) (37)
- To the Emperor (The Secret Empire) (38)
- Better Left Untitled, poem by Elaine Norville (The Secret Empire) (38)
- Discussion of a Possible MLIFC Convention (transcription of Mark Leonard and Barbara Metzke's conversation about NonCon) (39)
- So You Want to Meet Mark Lenard Before This Century is Up?, a plug for NonCon (43)
from issue #39
from issue #39
from issue #39
from issue #39
from issue #39
from issue #39
from issue #39, Susan Wyllie, commentary on The Secret Empire
from issue #39
from issue #39, Mary Stacy-MacDonald, portrays Thorval and Tara from The Secret Empire
Reactions and Reviews: Issue 39
I got to go home [from college] for most of the week, and while I was there, I received my DESFATCHs! That even made going home better. I finished #39 late at night and was so excited that I didn’t want to go to bed! I finally did, and you would have thought I mrould have dreamt of Mark. My hands get all shaky when I think about the chance of getting to meet Mark next August! I asked Mom if she wanted to go and meet Mark and she said ”Yes!” I think she is teasing, though! (Don’t be too sure! Eds.) I’m starting a "Go To Florida And Meet Mark Fund.” All donations gladly accepted!
[...]
In #39, your and Karen’s ’’Skimmed” was really something else! I really, honestly enjoyed it. You lucky, lucky girls! I’ve turned Vulcan (Green with envy. And then there are those lucky AGS Award winners! I’ve got to get to work! Susan Wyllie’s ”The Network Man” was great. And Slugger’s ’’The Secret Empire--Chapter 15 is truly great! She is really full of surprises! Mary Stacy-MacDonald’s picture of Thorval and Tara is beautiful. I guess I’ll just have to double up on stamps and any money I can locate to help with the club! And ”The Discussion of a Possible MLIFC Convention” was—well—I would have been hysterical right along with Karen. (Karen laughed throughout, but wasn’t quite ’’hysterical”... that came later. DH) How you two ever get anything done, I don’t know, though you-both seem to think along the same lines. [102]
I have really enjoyed DESPATCH 38 & 39 at the same time. As they say, it's twice the fun. I especially enjoy your first person comments. The portrait of of Mark as Thorval in #39 is really beautiful. Mary Stacy-MacDonald can really draw him! [103]
I saw Jesco von Puttkamer's slide show in September in N.Y.C. and I am GROSSED OUT and VERY disappointed at what has been done to US KLINGONS and poor Mark. How could they?... NASTY looking creatures--YUCK! Mutated Klingons. The Klingon ship is GORGEOUS and that shot of the new Enterprise. ..absolutely MAGNIFICENT....Mark should have been in the movie as SAREK. To me, there IS only ONE who could ever be Sarek, and that is Mark! Well, maybe NEXT time....I am glad someone IS writing Thorval stories. "Secret Empire" could have been so good--and Thorval a richly complex character. Mark never had the chance to fully realize the character and demonstrate those superb acting skills of his. I'm still hoping Mark will grace one of the N.Y. cons with his presence--so I can see him in person. [104]
The DESPATCH package was fantastic and more of a Godsend than you will ever know. It always seems to arrive when I really need a pick-me up! I really loved Kathy Manns' story, and Slugger, I 'm eagerly awaiting Chapter #16 [of the Secret Empire story]. All I can say is "Truck On." Why didn't they ask you to work on it (The Secret Empire) before it hit TV?Those sweet dreams just keep on rolling in. Good thing that I have an AC adapter for my tape player or I would have spent a small fortune on batteries by now. It was really a fantastic idea to give taped messages (or massages--either way! That's an idea--an aural massage!).
"Mother Goose!" How dare you! They really gave me a hard time about that one at work! [105]
The last page of #39 prompted a quick reply... Barb, your trip to L.A. sounded great. Both or the DESPATCHes I enjoyed very much. One thing I'm glad of is that we are getting the end of Cliffhangers. I'm with Susan [Wyllie]. LET'S BLOW NBC. (Editors: Why bother? They're blowing themselves.) As usual, Susan and Elaine Norwood have given us some enjoyable reading as well as the other contributors. [106]
Issue 40: Bulletin (Oct/Nov/Dec 1979)
Despatch 40 was published in Oct/Nov/Dec 1979 (reprinted May 1980?) and contains 50 pages. The art is by Susan Wyllie, Mary Stacy-MacDonald.
From the editorial:
Front and Back Cover Pictures were loaned to MLIFC by Mark Lenard; copy negs taken and enlarged from the original proof sheet by Barbara Metzke. (Slugger's Note: After standing over the camera for hours shooting all the negs for the pictures Mark loaned us, and coming away from the task sent into a pretzel and looking like she spend about four days in the saddle, I felt my co-prexie deserved a credit. Also, although the electronic stencils do not do the expressions on these photographs credit, the BACK shot typifies the look we get when we do something nutty like when we stick out our lower lips and say, "But we'd go see YOU more than that if YOU were in a play!')
- Skimmed Off the Top, editorial (in dialogue form with Mark Lenard) (2)
- Cross-Marks, puzzle (7)
- The Best Laid Plans, fiction Susan Wyllie (Here Come the Brides) (8)
- You Said It: MLIFC Letter Column (21)
- A Karmic Legacy by D.H. (Star Trek: TOS, Sarek and Amanda) (32)
- Chapter 16: Dance of Death, fiction by Slugger aka Gail Saville (The Secret Empire) (44)
from issue #40, Susan Wyllie
from issue #40, Susan Wyllie
from issue #40, Mary Stacy-MacDonald
from issue #40, Mary Stacy-MacDonald
Issue 41: Yearbook (May 1980)
Despatch 41 contains 103 pages. While it has 1979 on the cover, it has a publication date of " January February March April May 1980."
The art is by Shona Jackson, Margot Klein, and Mary Stacy-MacDonald.
This issue contains no letters of content.
From "Skimmed Off the Top":
Meanwhile, Mark has a contract to appear in advance of Gene’s one-man show [107]...a contract initiated early in January without advance warning to MLIFC — or Mark either, really —- and just as abruptly cancelled within a week. The tour is still on a back burner, but details should be finalized — with any luck -- sometime this summer. Mark has promised to let us know so we can get a bulletin out to you all when and where he will be in your area. He did make a few appearances promoting ST:TMP, its soundtrack record and the McDonald's "Star Trek Meals" last January in Philadelphia... "in a blizzard; it screwed up everything; the entire schedule was changed; they came and got me at 8:30 a.m. and brought me back to my room at 2:00 a.m. ..." Then, in Washington, D.C., "...they changed the publicity people!" His tour finally ended in Providence, Rhode Island, where he spoke to several fans at a record store (no, he did not scare a baby).
Much chaos ensued from the entire tour, with puzzled fans wondering why we were calling them long distance - at the last minute with news. Imagine the explanations when, after dropping notes to those in Kentucky and Ohio areas where Mark was scheduled to go — but didn’t! — we-received notes thanking us for the advance warning...only to have the tour postponed indefinitely! Sigh...we tried. Mark maintains that he had heard something about the deal before he left on vacation and thought he would have plenty of time to call us about it. As soon as he got back from vacation, the tour people advanced his departure date. Mark claims that he had to pull things together so quickly that he "didn’t even remember an overcoat." We all hope that this tour, when it begins again, will be better-organized and that we’ll be able to share with you news of Mark’s local appearances.
MEANWHILE, ... DH and Mark finally got together via a payphone. Mark's agent had DH on one line, gave the phone number to Mark at home, who then called her. Imagine, standing at a pay phone, covering the receiver with your hand and staring blankly — and imploringly — at five furious people and saying meekly, "But this phone is going to ring in just a moment. I’m not through with my call!" It took guts...
Also from the editorial, news about Star Trek: TMP (it is alluded that it was a disappointment):
The latest news we have on ST:TMP is that it!s being recalled and will be re-edited with previously unshown footage being added. The modifications will increase dialogue and decrease those lengthy special effects, shots. Gene Roddenberry is also working out details and plans for a sequel, so hold onto your hats, and this time, according to Sue Sackett, his secretary, he will maintain creative control and not be locked into a fixed release date. [108]
The poem, "Missing Mark":
- I saw the Star Trek movie, but was saddened just a bit.
- I loved the Enterprise but wanted Mark to make a hit.
- I waited very patiently for Mark upon the screen.
- I wondered what he'd look like; this new face I hadn't seen.
- The moment I'd been waiting for had finally come to pass.
- I saw the Klingon cruisers and would soon see Mark, at last!
- The light was very dim, his face I couldn't see;
- I didn't recognize his voice--he spoke in Klingonese!
- My seat should have been closer so I could get a better look;
- I strained my eyes, I broke my back. Oh, the energy it took!
- Next time I see the movie, you can bet that I'll prepare.
- I'll take with me binoculars, so the rest of you BEWARE!
- Skimmed Off the Top (comments about Star Trek: The Motion Picture, a description of Barbara Metzke's trip to Los Angeles to see Lenard where he talked about his cancelled "one-man show" and they share Chinese food off the same plate, some detained info about NonCon, and a long inane transcript of a phone interview with ML) (2)
- A Klingon Dialogue, or, What Two Fan Club Presidents Write When They're Giddy from Too Much Despatching (silly dialogue) (7)
- Philanthropic Phootnotes (charity info) (8)
- A Note from Mark (handwritten) (9)
- The Menu (photocopy of a menu that was in Leonard Nimoy's dressing room) (10)
- Facts about Diabetes by June Greene (ML Fund—Diabetes, including a letter from the American Diabetes Association whichi s the club's charity) (11)
- Photo: Our Klingon Commander on His Bridge (12)
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Excerpts from the Script (13)
- Sarek Logic and Sehlat Cubs (small illos by Shona Jackson and E.H.W.) (17)
- A Skunk By Any Other Name, fiction by Patti Corbin (Sarek/Amanda) (18)
- A Terrific MLIFC Photo Page (pictures of ML at a convention with one of the editors, ML at the Hollywood Dome) (21)
- The Vulcan Princess, fiction by June Greene (Star Trek: TOS) (23)
- A Terrific MLIFC Photo Page (photos of Mark Lenard in his Klingon costume on the backlot, photos of one of the editors trying on his Klingon prosthetic mask at a con) (33)
- Poetry Corner (35)
- Haiku by Craig Nelms (Star Trek: TOS)
- On RomCom by Meg Fouty (about The Romulan Commander
- Ode to Thorval by Linda Sawicki (The Secret Empire)
- art by Mary Stacy-MacDonald (The Secret Empire) (35)
- Not Always As Simple As It Seems, fiction by Mary Stacy-MacDonald (The Secret Empire) (36)
- Question Mark (Q&A with ML: "Last summer we sat down with Mark and went over the questions that you all have been asking. The resulting conversation included a tickle-fight [between Barbara Metzke and Mark Lenard], an upbraiding from Thorval, some fond memories, and some very candid reflections." Lenard appears to be a bit impatient at times; he asks one of the editors "Let's not drag it on" and calls one of her interview questions something a "poor interviewer" would ask; at one point she makes a joke and he says "I don't think that's so funny.") (40)
- Alternatives, fiction by Margo Klein (Sarek/Amanda) (47)
- A Terrific MLIFC Photo Page (pictures of ML at a convention, of the two editors collating issue #37) (57)
- And Now a Word From Our Sponsors by Elaine Norwood (imagined advertisements narrated by Sarek, and by Lenard's character on The Bob Newhart Show) (59)
- A Day at Wakulla, fiction by Patti Corbin (meta, Molly and Polly are two alligators in Florida pondering chasing Mark Lenard) (61)
- Crazy Book Dedications by Jeanne Webster (61)
- Bondmates, fiction by Mary Stacy-MacDonald (Sarek/Amanda) (62)
- Slugger Puzzlers (77)
- Poetry Corner (77)
- Missing Mark by June Greene (lamenting Lenard's small role in Star Trek: The Motion Picture)
- Dreamer, To Thorval by Meg Fouty (The Secret Empire)
- Klingon by Linda Sawiki
- A Terrific MLIFC Photo Page (publicity shots of Lenard as Emperor Thorvald) (79)
- You Said It!, letters from fans (81)
- For a Klingon He’s Not Such a Bad Guy (clipping from Providence RI Journal) (90)
- Here Come The Brides: Its Historical Basis (92)
- Chapter 17: Seeds of Betrayal, fiction by Slugger aka Gail Saville (The Secret Empire) (94)
- Question, poem by Linda Sawicki (Here Come the Brides) (100)
- A Terrific MLIFC Photo Page (publicity shots, some very old, of Lenard in plays and shows) (101)
- Photo and Art Credits (103)
from issue #41, Shona Jackson
from issue #41, Mary Stacy-MacDonald
from issue #41, Margot Klein
from issue #41, collating issue #37
from issue #41, Mary Stacy-MacDonald (Sarek)
from issue #41, Mary Stacy-MacDonald (Sarek and Amanda)
from issue #41, Mary Stacy-MacDonald (Sarek and Amanda)
from issue #41, Mary Stacy-MacDonald (Thorvald and Tara)
from issue #41, Lenard in old roles
from issue #41, publicity shots of Lenard as Thorvald
Issue 42: Bulletin (April 1980)
Despatch 42 was published in April 1980 and contains 46 pages.
From the report about Walter Koenig at Starbase Baltimore:
Mark has always mentioned that Walter Koenig was one of his "favorite" Star Trek actors. Gail and I had been introduced to Walter briefly at conventions in New York and Atlanta, but we never felt that we*d gotten a chance to get to know the seemingly dark, brooding, mysterious gentleman that portrayed the lively and sometimes lascivious Mr. Chekov. In Baltimore, we had just that opportunity — finally — and it was fascinating. I first encountered Walter in the hall. Recognizing him and noting that he looked 100% better, happier than he had before -- I grabbed his hand. and shook it as if I were running for office.
Walter Koenig's journal featured additional commentary and copies of pictures from the RAST convention in Baltimore that included Mark. During the convention, the RAST group made Mark an honorary member of their group. To update y'a11, Mark informed us that he'd received a letter from the organization asking for an update on his activities and closing with that he would be dropped from their club if he didn't comply. Well, don't hold your breaths in Baltimore.
Is there to be Star Trek or not to be Star Trek? The question, like the road, goes ever on and on. LAST thing we heard, Gene Roddenberry turned down an offer to list himself as Technical Advisor [on the next Star Trek project], ergo losing creative control. Back to square one for Paramount execs. It now seems that they are considering feature-length TV movies with Roddenberry in control and Shatner signed aboard, with rumors flying that Leonard Nimoy "may" do some cameo appearances. The rest of the crew has not been contacted, nor has Mark, about appearing. And no one knows the rest of the story — yet.
- Skimmed Off the Top (long, long con report full of complaints and minutia for Starbase Baltimore, see that page) (2)
- More Skimmings (A long report by Metzke and Saville about a trip to Los Angeles to visit Mark Lenard, full of minutia about food, weather, and awkward moments) (9)
- Saga of the Brides, filk by Jeannie Webster to the tune of "Seattle" (includes: "The idea of dance hall girls would be poor. What they needed most of all. Though the order was tall. Was brides to make them all their families.") (Here Come the Brides) (13)
- Shadow of the Past, fiction by Margot Klein (Star Trek: TOS) (14)
- Aboard Chekov's Enterprise, A Review by Barb Metzke (all about Walter Koenig at Starbase Baltimore, and comments about his book, "Chekov's Enterprise: A Personal Journal of the Making of Star Trek - The Motion Picture" (17)
- You Said It: MLIFC's Letter Col (19)
- In a Different Reality, fiction by Jennifer Tifft (Star Trek: TOS, The Romulan Commander) (22)
- Vulcan, poem by Linda Sawicki (26)
- Reality, poem by Meg Fouty (26)
- At Such a Strange War, fiction by Rosemarie Bierman with thanks to Karen Hunter (Star Trek: TOS, Sarek and Amanda) (27)
- Trade Mark (a fan would like to buy or borrow cassette tapes of The Secret Empire) (30)
- Invisible Guest Stars: Nashville's Southern Con, The Con that Wasn't (a very negative con report, see that page) (31)
- Close Encounters of the Remarkable Kind, short comments by Anna Douglass for Starbase Baltimore (33)
- AGS and Klingon Dialogue Awards (33)
- Many Changes, fiction by Jeannie Webster (A preface to The Rookies episode, "Tribute to a Veteran", in which Lenard portrayed the character, Fred Cox.) (34)
- Chapter 18: Web of Intrigue, fiction by Slugger aka Gail Saville (The Secret Empire) (40)
Issue 43: Bulletin (August 1980)
Despatch 43 was published in August 1980 and contains 38 pages.
- Skimmed Off the Top (a long con report for NonCon) (2)
- You Said It: MLIFC's Letter Col (all of the letters are con reports for NonCon by people who where there (100% of them are very positive), or comments by people who wish they had been) (8)
- The Official Klingon Dialogue, courtesy of Mark Lenard (handwritten, dialogue from Star Trek: The Motion Picture) (24)
- Aaron Stempel, Mark Typewriter Art by Meg Fouty (Here Come the Brides) (25)
- No Regrets, poem by Sharon Fall (Star Trek: TOS) (26)
- I Wonder, Thoughts of the Romulan Commander, poem by Terry Gardner (Star Trek: TOS) (27)
- Sarek's Vendetta, poem by Meg Fouty (Star Trek: TOS) (27)
- Song Dedications by Margot Klein (28)
- Recipe for a Remarkable NonCon Cocktail by Jennifer Tifft (a con report written as a recipe (28)
- Two Years Before the Helm (Ode to a Romulan Warrior), poem by Meg Fouty (Star Trek: TOS) (29)
- Skimmed Off the Top, continued (29)
- Chapter 19: Dawn of Truth, fiction by Slugger aka Gail Saville (The Secret Empire) (30)
from issue #43, Lenard's handwritten Klingon dialogue from Star Trek: The Motion Picture
from issue #43, typewriter art featuring Aaron Stempel from Here Come the Brides
from issue #43
from issue #43
Issue 44: Bulletin (December 1980)
Despatch 44 was the final issue. It was published December 1980 and contains 18 pages.
While December 1980 is listed as the date on the zine, the editors mention a February 1, 1981 phone call between themselves and Mark Lenard. Either "1981" is a typo, or this issue wasn't sent out until several months after December.
The "Letter to the Members" is a 4 page letter on why they are shutting down both the club and the newsletter. This includes the editor's burnout, the fact that they were losing $750 per issue, which they covered, but also Mark Lenard's remark that the club "has been around a long time...too long. It's time we put it to rest, let it go...let it die with dignity." The editors also comment that the club had generated some Mark Lenard stalkers, and that this was damaging to both him and his family.
The poem on the cover expresses some of their feelings about the end of the club.
From a fan's letter:
I knew at NONCON that it was the beginning of the end. But you two are not to blamee. You both have done a fantastic job, and I agree, it was taking too much of your lives. I can also see Mark's point of view and that of his family. Especially in light of what happened to John Lennon [109] recently.At NONCON, I was shocked and a little frightened at the lengths some people go to for attention - and how ugly they can talk if they
think they have been slighted. I was also embarrassed at the harassment Mark endured, and ashamed at the indignities of a few in our group - and very upset about some of the nasty remarks I heard. (The same small core, repeatedly.) I have encountered this undercurrent of meanness at every con I have been to for the past two years. S.T. Fandom is breaking up into factions and those factions are taking cheap shots at one another. If that keeps up, S.T.will die, killed by Civil War within fandom. I can understand why Mark and his family (or any other prominent person) would want to be less. visible or accessible. And I don't think it has anything to do with you girls. It's just the prevailing meanness in today's world. (Eds: To underscore this point, Mark mentioned that Robert Brown, alias Jason Bolt, had been followed home from the grocery and his daughter shot. [110]
- Letter to the Members, see You are holding in your hands the final issue of DESPATCH (2)
- You Said It: MLIFC's Letter Col (6)
- Article on Mark's Buck Rogers Appearance, contributed by Ruth Berman (7)
- Prologue, fiction Jennifer Tifft (winner of the NonCon Writing Contest) (8)
- Thorval and Tara, art by Mary Stacy-MacDonald (10)
- Chapter 20 (conclusion): Sunrise on an Empire by Slugger aka Gail Saville (The Secret Empire) (11)
from issue #44, from "Sunrise on an Empire"
from issue #44, the open letter
from issue #44, the open letter
from issue #44, the open letter
from issue #44, the open letter
from issue #44, art by Mary Stacy-MacDonald
Despatch Collected
Despatches collects selections from issues #1-#13 and contains 65 pages and was published in 1986.
It includes the three years' worth of content edited by Maureen Bourns, the fan club's founder. This reprint is mostly complete, but omits a few items available elsewhere or not dealing with either Lenard or Star Trek. Featured are "Here Come the Brides" and visits to the set, also Sarek and the Romulan Commander.
table of contents of #1-#13
from issue #1-#13, artist is Marilyn Hawkes, reprinted from issue #12, The Romulan Commander
from issue #1-#13, sample page
from issue #1-#13, photos
Reactions and Reviews: Despatch Collected
This is a reprint of 'most of" Despatches, the newsletter of the Mark Leonard International Fan Club, collected in one volume. Not being much of a fan club type myself, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this zine. This volume contains wonderful cartoons, clear repros of a lot of interesting photos, and some entertaining anecdotes. Repro is gorgeous and it is well-designed.[111]
References
- ^ Media Fandom Oral History Project Interview with Ruth Berman
- ^ comments on "Journey to Babel" from a letter from Shirley Meech, November 21, 1967
- ^ Regarding the phrase, "RH," as well as something about myself. Many club members used the initials "OBH" to stand for "Our Beloved Honorary." "ORH" is a play on words on that phrase, and stands for "Our Reluctant Honorary."
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #16
- ^ from a letter by Shirley Maiewski in "Despatch" #16
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #16
- ^ from an LoC in issue #19
- ^ from The Halkan Council #15
- ^ from Morjana Lee C in Interstat #92
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter by Shirley Maiewski in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter by Jean Lorrah in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #29
- ^ from a letter by Ruth Berman in "Despatch" #30
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #30
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #30
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #30
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #30
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #30
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #30
- ^ "TGP" stands for "The Great Pumpkin," see Some Nicknames Bestowed Upon Mark Lenard .
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #30
- ^ "... thanks to the listing in Letters to ST, the club was keeping me so busy that I no longer had time to write -- and that the inability to find information [about Mark Lenard] was frustrating. [...] So, what JL says makes a lot of sense. Any of you members out there willing to start sharing the work?"
- ^ This is a very disingenuous statement. Lichtenberg was almost certainly award that Roddenberry, and his proxy, Susan Sackett, were very active in Star Trek fan clubs. Roddenberry sent fans assertive pep letters specifically asking fans to send letters and rally on behalf of Star Trek. See To Fellow Nimoy-Spock Fans, discouraged fans from buying certain Trek products, see Stardate 1977. Roddenberry asked fans to support a wide variety of Roddenberry's other personally professional projects. See the 1973 heavy promotion in fannish spaces by proxies David Gerrold and D.C. Fontana for Star Trek: The Animated Series. In 1977, there was heavy promotion of Roddenberry's project, Spectre, in many issues of Star Trektennial News, so heavy, in fact, that the editor issued a sort-of apology to fans after the majority of issue #21 was used as a spotlight for the show, and encouraged fans to write to the network to express their support. In the next issue of this newsletter (July/August 1977), Susan Sackett addressed this over-reach: "STAR TREKTENNIAL NEWS wishes to apologize to those STAR TREK fans who were offended at our urgings last month that you write to NBC about SPECTRE. We may have been over-confident and presumptuous in assuming that you would support any project by Gene Roddenberry which you hadn't seen yet. Also, we should have stated that if you wished to write, these were the people to write to. We did not mean to sound manipulative; we were just exuberant and hoped that our enthusiasm would be contagious. However, we do not feel an apology is necessary for devoting so much space to SPECTRE." Later, fans were heavily canvassed by Susan Sackett and other to buy Roddenberry a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
- ^ from a letter by Ruth Berman in "Despatch" #31
- ^ from a letter by Lori Chapek-Carleton in "Despatch" #31
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #31
- ^ from a letter by Nikki White in "Despatch" #31
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #31
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #31
- ^ from a letter by Helen Padgett in "Despatch" #31
- ^ from a letter by Barbara Metzke in "Despatch" #31; Metzke and the aforementioned Gail become the club's president and editors with the next issue, and end their reign with a bang, see You are holding in your hands the final issue of DESPATCH
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #32
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #33
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #33
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #33
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #33
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #33
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #33
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #33
- ^ The spelling of "honourary" is a nod to the oritinal editors' home country of Canada.
- ^ from "Despatch" #34
- ^ from "Despatch" #34
- ^ from "Despatch" #34
- ^ from a letter by Anna Hreha in "Despatch" #34
- ^ from a letter by Richard Knapp in "Despatch" #34
- ^ from "Despatch" #34
- ^ from "Despatch" #34
- ^ from "Despatch" #34
- ^ Don't worry! This fan reported that she got an "A" on her school test.
- ^ from "Despatch" #34
- ^ It is unclear where this "nitpicking" has been happening, as the letters from fans in this newsletter series are relentlessly, giddily positive.
- ^ from "Despatch" #34
- ^ from "Despatch" #34
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #35
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #35
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #35
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #35
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #35
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #35
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #35
- ^ A list by Jean Lorrah of people she considers her inner circle BNF, and includes herself.
- ^ Sure, why not, as the sneaky point of this letter, among other things, appears to be a big advertisement.
- ^ from a letter by Jean Lorrah in "Despatch" #35
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter by Ruth Berman in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter by Pat Cooke in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter by KathE Donnelly in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter by Mary Stacy-MacDonald in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter by Susan Wyllie (one of the author's of the two stories Jean Lorrah critiqued in the previous issue) in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter by Mary Bloemker in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #36
- ^ Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire
- ^ from Dixie Owen in a letter in "Despatch" #40
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #40
- ^ from Dixie Owen in a letter in "Despatch" #40
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #40
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #40
- ^ from a letter by Shona Jackson in "Despatch" #40
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #40
- ^ from a letter in "Despatch" #40
- ^ This is a reference to one of Gene Roddenberry's for-profit, promotional lecture series.
- ^ Fans had already been "holding on to their hats" as this was a film that was many years in the making; the sequel being "locked into a fixed release date" was likely not reassuring.
- ^ This a reference to his December 1980 assassination.
- ^ Is this true?
- ^ from The Women's List #1