Once a year on the last weekend of April numerous Shatner fans and members of the Captain’s Club in Los Angeles hook up for the so-called Shatner Weekend with various presentations, visitations, a cozy get-together and, of course, to meet one man: William Shatner. This year I had the opportunity to take part in this weekend for the first time, and I’d like to tell you more about it. For some years the Shatner Weekend, which has been taking place since the end of the 1980s, has been hosted in combination with the Hollywood Charity Horse Show (HCHS), which Shatner has been presenting for the benefit of disabled children for the last 18 years.

1st day (Friday): Right away the first highlight: We visited the Raleigh studios in Manhattan Beach – film location of “Boston Legal.” Bill’s assistant is leading us through the studio; we take a look at the conference room, the individual offices, and are allowed to have a seat in the armchairs on the balcony. Well, it’s obvious which place was the most popular ;-). And then there suddenly is the man for whom some of us have travelled to the US from Germany, England, and Australia.

Shatner talked to us for some time, told us that he had been promoting for the HCHS and his autobiography and was now expected on the set. But he’d meet us there shortly anyway when we’d be coming by. Originally this wasn’t scheduled because it seemed a bit difficult to manage with this year’s impressive number of 42 participants. And while we were cheering, the somewhat surprised assistants tried to find a way to get us to the set without interruption. In small groups of about six people we were allowed to watch for 10 minutes at a time.

Shot was a court scene with Alan and Denny for the last episode of the fourth season called “Patriot Acts,” to which – this much can be given away – we can really look forward to.

In the afternoon of the first day there was also a guided tour around the Paramount Studios, the location where “Star Trek: The Original Series” (1966-1969), as well as the following movies, were shot.

2 nd day (Saturday): Equestrian Center in Griffith Park, Burbank. According to the program there was a photo session with Bill Shatner (single photos and group pictures) in blazing sunshine and about 95 degrees F. Since Shatner took part in the riding competition in line with the HCHS like every year (even though he had just had a hip operation about three months ago!), we were able to watch him practicing, as well as in the competition. During an arena show presented by Shatner a group of comedians showed us their tricks (knife throwing, cracking whips and riding stunts). Also, a young girl who benefited from the riding programs supported by HCHS was allowed to show her tricks.

In the evening there was a dinner party with a silent auction (available were posters, signed photos, a “Boston Legal” script, DVDs, books, etc.) and – another highlight – an auction presented by Shatner himself (more for high earners ;-)). Sold was a meeting with Shatner, aka Denny Crane, on the balcony – including, among other things, a cigar and scotch. Country star Randy Travis provided musical entertainment. And when else do you have the chance to stand beside Shatner at a buffet? ;-)

3rd day (Sunday): The (yet again horribly hot) day started at the Equestrian Center once more. We met Shatner again and had the chance to get photos or other personal things signed. In the afternoon we went to Hollywood Boulevard where we took a look at Bill’s star and the signatures and fingerprints of the Star Trek crew in front of the Mann’s Chinese Theater. We also took part in a guided tour through Kodak Theater, the place where the Oscars are awarded annually.

All in all it was a delightful adventure. We experienced Shatner as a really kind, courteous, patient and, most notably, funny person. That’s why at this point sincere thanks are given to everybody who added to the success of this get-together, and most of all, of course, Bill Shatner, who found time for his fans despite his hectic appointment book (those were the last days of shooting for "Boston Legal," which meant working hours until late in the evening/night).


Text & Pictures © Cornelia Pokorny, Mai 2008 | Translation: Michaela H.