New discovery about A Piece of the Action

First thing I did the other day, I counted the stripes. "You know you're a Star Trek fan when..."

 

Thanks guys for the useful info.

I share your skepticism @Maurice , although I think we can be fairly certain the external shots were on the Gower NY streets used by The Untouchables.

Didn't realize there were so many versions of NY west of the Rockies. Do we know anything about the Gower NY streets that would be useful here? Like interior/exterior set combinations or something? I read that the 1967 film The St. Valentine's Day Massacre used Gower's NY. Maybe some of this was theirs?

OTOH, maybe IDing the dude in the portrait would help?
http://tos.trekcore.com/hd/albums/2x17hd/apieceoftheactionhd1048.jpg

 

Now listen, sweetheart. The external shots of Bela's office, the city square, and the street were shot on Paramount's McFadden street and the exteriors for Krako's office were shot on Boston Street, according to the call sheets.

You play ball, we'll show you this link. You don't, we won't. You know what I mean?

 

Thanks for the clarification: I was referencing this area in my comments but realize now (by more carefully reading) that my labeling was incorrect (as was my understanding of the UTs history.)

 

I agree. I meant the interior sets, not backlots. But @Harvey says there was an in-soundstage street set, too, which had been on one of the Gower stages Trek later occupied; probably used to facilitate night shooting without having to go on location at night (expensive) and ensuring they could always shoot an "exterior" even if there was inclement weather.

 

So much was lost in the fires over the years...

 

Never noticed the painting with the die and playing cards before.
http://tos.trekcore.com/hd/albums/2x17hd/apieceoftheactionhd0921.jpg

 

Other similarity is that "A Piece Of The Action" and "Robin And The Seven Hoods" were both utter dogshit
In fact "Action" was probably the worst ever episode of Star Trek

 

in a universe where “Spock’s Brain” exists, I must disagree.

 

"A Piece of the Action" is at least entertaining (yes, the story's nuts). "Spock's Brain" can also be funny (if you're drunk or just in the mood) but, "And the Children Shall Lead" is just plain crap...

 

Of the three TOS out-and-out comedy episodes, I'd say "A Piece of the Action" is definitely the weakest.

 

It has a great gag reel:

 

For those who've never seen Robin and the 7 Hoods, here's a taste...

 

In a reality where Plato's Stepchildren was created, I must contradict you all on A Piece of The Action, Spock's Brain and of course And The Children Shall Lead! The answer is obvious and logically you are all wrong!
JB

 

Ha ha Johnny
"Stepchildren" is "Citizen Kane" compared to "Action"

 

Was Citizen Kane that bad then, Delt?
JB

 

The worst episode has always been "And the Children." Don't you guys know that?

"Plato's" is the most embarrassing episode if you are watching in mixed company (meaning non-fans are present).

"Spock's Brain" is a fun but unserious outing, with some chills, some laughs, some cheesecake, some cool shots (rear-screen on the bridge, prop close-ups), and a fantastic music score. And it was always trashed by people who seem to have watched it once, out of the corner of their eye while reading the paper. But if you pay attention, there's a lot to like.

"A Piece of the Action" and "The Trouble with Tribbles" were hugely popular in the 1970s, as our rare comedy episodes. They were never considered bad, that I ever read of, until a younger generation came along whose starting point for comparison was major motion pictures and lavish spinoff series.

 

You say that about Plato's Stepchildren as though it's only the non-fans who might find it incomprehensible or embarrassing, Zap! I think that whomever chose this episode for inclusion to the series took a lot on trust!!!
JB

 

Nope. Great show.