• Welcome! The TrekBBS is the number one place to chat about Star Trek with like-minded fans.
    If you are not already a member then please register an account and join in the discussion!

R.I.P. James Darren

Ah man.....

Vic Fontaine was a highlight of DS9, and the episodes featuring him were always something to look forward to during a rewatch. Mr Darren will be missed.
 
The man brought many diverse talents, and he was at least partially responsible for one of Trek's most sensitive episodes.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
I always loved that scene because it's clearly James Darren singing to the cast rather than Vic Fontaine singing to the other characters. When Kira laughs at the "wrinkles your nose" line I'm pretty sure that's just Nana Visitor realising what he said. I wonder if the cast were even told what he was going to sing before he started?
 
I watched It's Only a Paper Moon light night, which was a bittersweet experience given that both the leads have now passed away.

It's a great episode and Jimmy's performance is note perfect. He was such brilliant casting, and Ira's anecdote in the Companion about how that came about is so good.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
 
The man brought many diverse talents, and he was at least partially responsible for one of Trek's most sensitive episodes.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
I've heard three news stories since yesterday of his passing. Every one played this clip. Getting to the point of wanting to jump thru the radio and say, "you know he did more than one song, right?"
 
I've heard three news stories since yesterday of his passing. Every one played this clip. Getting to the point of wanting to jump thru the radio and say, "you know he did more than one song, right?"
The song is about how the meeting will help someone draw courage in the future. It seems perfect as a note on which to remember Darren. As for being just one song, I have written many times in this forum how he was more than a pretty voice, that his singing was often an extension of his acting, pushing the story forward
 
The song is about how the meeting will help someone draw courage in the future. It seems perfect as a note on which to remember Darren. As for being just one song, I have written many times in this forum how he was more than a pretty voice, that his singing was often an extension of his acting, pushing the story forward
I agree! The storyline where he helped Nog with his PTSD was incredible! And then, the heist. He was a great actor.
 
RIP, James Darren. I was always a fan of Vic and whenever he would turn up. It's Only A Paper Moon was a real standout episode.

It's Only A Paper Moon is definitely one of my favorite episodes. Vic does a great job to help Nog here.


I watched It's Only a Paper Moon light night, which was a bittersweet experience given that both the leads have now passed away.

It's a great episode and Jimmy's performance is note perfect. He was such brilliant casting, and Ira's anecdote in the Companion about how that came about is so good.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

I have the Companion. Great story about Vic there.
 
I agree! The storyline where he helped Nog with his PTSD was incredible! And then, the heist. He was a great actor.
To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

For my money, this is the scene that puts James Darren on display. He's not just singing a song. His performance is driving the story: teaching Odo how to be spontaneous. On top of that, the direction and photography are amazing. The extras are part of the scene, and it feels like you are in the middle of a band during a gig.
 
I am heartbroken. genuinely tearful. I'm a big band fan, loved him in DS9 and loved the show that formed around him.

The man brought many diverse talents, and he was at least partially responsible for one of Trek's most sensitive episodes.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

I adore "and that laugh, that wrinkles your nose". It's just DS9 perfection encapsulated in a tiny moment.
 
I've heard three news stories since yesterday of his passing. Every one played this clip. Getting to the point of wanting to jump thru the radio and say, "you know he did more than one song, right?"
It's an obit. They play a well-known song in which his recording is both excellent and well-known.
 
The song is about how the meeting will help someone draw courage in the future. It seems perfect as a note on which to remember Darren. As for being just one song, I have written many times in this forum how he was more than a pretty voice, that his singing was often an extension of his acting, pushing the story forward

I totally agree with your statement.

I love this duet with Avery Brooks. Brooks was a talented singer as well, and if I recall correctly this is the only time he really got to showcase that particular talent.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

This is a great scene, not only because Avery Brooks does such a great performance but also because how Vic with his kind and friendly behavior made Sisko changed his mind about not visiting an holodeck program set in an era which Sisko for obvious reasons didn't like.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

For my money, this is the scene that puts James Darren on display. He's not just singing a song. His performance is driving the story: teaching Odo how to be spontaneous. On top of that, the direction and photography are amazing. The extras are part of the scene, and it feels like you are in the middle of a band during a gig.

I totally agree here.

And Vic's performance and actions here made Odo realise that he had a talent which later on made him famous in the entertainment business of the 24th century. ;)


 
Last edited:
If you are not already a member then please register an account and join in the discussion!

Sign up / Register


Back
Top