Wednesday, January 14, 2009

RICARDO MONTALBAN WAS KHAN

Ricardo Montalban's splash into Hollywood via the musical was before my time. Like many, I was introduced to and transfixed by the actor through his portrayal of Khan Noonien Singh on the Star Trek episode "Space Seed". The Mexican born actor made a role, which could have been a stock villain-of-the-week guest shot, into something immensely memorable. (Admittedly, Gene L. Coon and Carey Wilbur's script is outstanding, giving the cast some juicy moments and dialogue. In one scene, Kirk and Khan sit and have a confrontational conversation and Khan throws something onto the table between them by saying with no slight amount of intimidation, "Ah, yes Captain... it appears we will do well in your century".)

As some know, Khan made a return in the Trekkie feature The Wrath of Khan fifteen years later (that's all?), playing the part a little more in the comic book spectrum -- so too did the film itself -- as opposed to the very dark installment of the old show. But, in 1982, Khan was back and we got to see the man give James T. Kirk a run for his money; at least making the famed captain earn his Starfleet pay.

I am less familiar with Montalban as Mr. Roarke from Fantasy Island, but his run in that long running program is how many in the general public would remember him.

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