2008 Woodie Awards
From the Archives
Beam me up, Scottie
Issue date: 4/3/06 Section: Web Content
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A.M. DelGiacco
Star Trek's chief engineering, James Doohan, known to audiences the world over as "Scottie," appeared before an overflow Snell Hall on Friday evening, September 21.
"To see you all smiling and eager does my heart good," was the opening remark in Doohan's talk. This expression of good will, along with the energy and enthusiasm of the night, prompted Clarkson students in the audience to begin doing their own imitations of Scottie. Not to be outdone, the man who earned his Star Trek role and accompanying reputation because of an aptitude for accents and imitations, responded in like kind, imitating some of the more boisterous in attendance.
This was followed by the film, 'Space Shuttle: A View into the Future.' The film dealt with the capabilities of the space shuttle as a tool of mankind in space. One space shuttle that was shown has the potential to carry four satellites into space. Furthermore, after divesting itself of the satellites, the space shuttle also makes possible routine maintenance and repair, should the need arise. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration intends to send 60 shuttle flights into space in the next five years, and 400, all told, within twelve years. Doohan warned, "We are faddists. Don't forget the shuttle and the space platform." In regard to the space race, he further impressed, "It is important that we stay on top. Don't forget it!"
Next on the agenda were the well received Star Trek 'blooper reels.' Everything from walking into doors and muffed lines, to facetious on-screen romance, drew uproarious laughter and plaudits from the audience. The three reels gave an otherwise hidden glimpse into the personalities, particularly the humors, of Star Trek's long standing stars.
In the question-and-answer session that followed, Mr. Doohan related that he won the role that was to bring him fame, not fortune, through an audition arranged by his agent. He was asked to read script and do accents for the show's producers. In addition, he was asked to suggest which accent he thought a character could best be built around. Doohan's choice was predicted on his belief in the 'fine tradition of Scottish engineers.' "Scottie," he says, "is 99 percent James Doohan, 1 percent Scottish accent."
Star Trek's chief engineering, James Doohan, known to audiences the world over as "Scottie," appeared before an overflow Snell Hall on Friday evening, September 21.
"To see you all smiling and eager does my heart good," was the opening remark in Doohan's talk. This expression of good will, along with the energy and enthusiasm of the night, prompted Clarkson students in the audience to begin doing their own imitations of Scottie. Not to be outdone, the man who earned his Star Trek role and accompanying reputation because of an aptitude for accents and imitations, responded in like kind, imitating some of the more boisterous in attendance.
This was followed by the film, 'Space Shuttle: A View into the Future.' The film dealt with the capabilities of the space shuttle as a tool of mankind in space. One space shuttle that was shown has the potential to carry four satellites into space. Furthermore, after divesting itself of the satellites, the space shuttle also makes possible routine maintenance and repair, should the need arise. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration intends to send 60 shuttle flights into space in the next five years, and 400, all told, within twelve years. Doohan warned, "We are faddists. Don't forget the shuttle and the space platform." In regard to the space race, he further impressed, "It is important that we stay on top. Don't forget it!"
Next on the agenda were the well received Star Trek 'blooper reels.' Everything from walking into doors and muffed lines, to facetious on-screen romance, drew uproarious laughter and plaudits from the audience. The three reels gave an otherwise hidden glimpse into the personalities, particularly the humors, of Star Trek's long standing stars.
In the question-and-answer session that followed, Mr. Doohan related that he won the role that was to bring him fame, not fortune, through an audition arranged by his agent. He was asked to read script and do accents for the show's producers. In addition, he was asked to suggest which accent he thought a character could best be built around. Doohan's choice was predicted on his belief in the 'fine tradition of Scottish engineers.' "Scottie," he says, "is 99 percent James Doohan, 1 percent Scottish accent."