AUGUST 2026

1946: A Great Year Under the Stars!

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

Every August the TCM (Turner Classic Movies) channel features a month-long dedication to classic films and memorable performers under its banner "A Summer Under the Stars."   In that same spirit the Galaxy Nostalgia Network takes this opportunity to celebrate the 80th anniversary of 1946 - a landmark year for classic films.  We realize that making lists of favorite films, books, sporting events and other such topics is largely subjective.  However, we thought it might be fun to give a "sniff of the cork" by citing five (5) classic films for your viewing consideration along with the invitation for you, our wonderful GNN audience, to submit your favorites from 1946 either by writing directly to us or via the GNN FACEBOOK page.

The year 1946 matters because it marked the first year of the post-World War II era.  The films released at that time reflect societal trauma, ambivalence, moral ambiguity plus a desire for hope and escapism for a generation that for nearly two decades was shaped by a prolonged economic down cycle (i.e., the Great Depression) and World War II.  The major films of 1946 captured the nation's mood and popular culture through superb storytelling and memorable performances that have left a lasting influence on the generations that have followed.  As such, there are films that serve as time capsules for post-war America that clearly illustrate the way we were.  The themes addressed by these films continue to resonate in our popular consciousness, thereby making them transcendent if not perennially relevant.  In no particular order here are five (5) films for you to consider adding to your watch list so you may create your own "Summer Under the Stars."

>  The Big Sleep -- One of Hollywood's most famous couples both on-and-off screen -- Bogart & Bacall -- truly shine forth with style and chemistry as a private detective navigates through a labyrinth of blackmail, murder, deceit and gambling while romancing his client's eldest daughter.

 

> The Best Years of Our Lives -- Tracking the lives of three World War II veterans (played by Frederic March, Dana Andrews and Harold Russell) from different walks of life all returning to the same hometown.  The themes of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), love, disability and shifting societal attitudes are addressed in a heartwarming but realistic manner.

 

>  It's A Wonderful Life -- James Stewart as a compassionate man who literally sacrifices his heartfelt dreams to help his family and community, only to eventually confront a crisis that causes him to question his self-worth, until his guardian angel shows him the profound, lasting impact of his life.

 

> The Postman Always Rings Twice -- Lana Turner as a femme fatale and John Garfield as a restless drifter combine lust, fate and betrayal in a film noir that defines the genre.

> The Stranger -- A war crimes investigator (played by Edward G. Robinson) tracks down a fugitive Nazi (played by Orson Welles) to a small American town, where under a new identity the fugitive is a respected teacher engaged to a Supreme Court justice's daughter!  The themes of justice and the horrors of the Holocaust are intertwined under the skillful direction of Welles (who uses the same techniques he pioneered for his 1941 classic Citizen Kane).

Obviously this is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather a starting point.  Honorable mentions for classic 1946 films that members of our GNN audience might recall include, but are not limited to: My Darling Clementine (John Ford's account of the Gunfight at the OK Corral), Gilda (featuring Rita Hayworth in a sultry film noir set in Buenos Aires) and Cloak and Dagger (with Gary Cooper as an American scientist recruited by the Office of Strategic Services to uncover nuclear efforts by the adversary).

We hope you enjoy your Summer Under the Stars and look forward to you sharing your favorite films from 1946 as we journey back to get a glimpse of what our parents and relatives experienced during their coming of age!

 

JULY 4, 2026

HAPPY 250th BIRTHDAY USA!

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

For Baby Boomers, the primetime broadcast "The Red Skelton Hour" on January 14, 1969 is especially memorable as the legendary comedian took the stage to share his sentiments about The Pledge of Allegiance.  The nationwide reaction was so powerful that in June of that same year, thousands of elementary schools across the United States incorporated this into commencement ceremonies for students who were graduating and preparing to enter junior high (aka middle) school.  In honor of our nation's 250th birthday, the Galaxy Nostalgia Network (GNN) presents Mr. Skelton's tribute to the Pledge of Allegiance.  First, we will present the text of the Pledge, and then share the transcript of Mr. Skelton's tribute plus include the web link so our GNN audience may view/listen for themselves.  We wish all of you a Happy 4th of July!  Enjoy this heartwarming recital in both written and video formats!

Text of The Pledge of Allegiance

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

From “The Red Skelton Hour” – January 14, 1969

Original composition by Richard “Red” Skelton

SOURCE: https://sites.rootsweb.com/~allcdar/redpledge.html

Red Skelton's copyrighted Pledge of Allegiance is presented here for the benefit of all Americans from the official Red Skelton Website. 

" When I was a small boy in Vincennes, Indiana, I heard, I think, one of the most outstanding speeches I ever heard in my life. I think it compares with the Sermon on the Mount, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and Socrates’ Speech to the Students. We had just finished reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and he [Mr. Lasswell, the Principal of Vincennes High School] called us all together, and he said, “Uh, boys and girls, I have been listening to you recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems that it has become monotonous to you. Or, could it be, you do not understand the meaning of each word? If I may, I would like to recite the pledge, and give you a definition for each word:

I -- Me; an individual; a committee of one. 
Pledge -- Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity. 
Allegiance -- My love and my devotion.
To the Flag -- Our standard. “Old Glory”; a symbol of courage. And wherever she waves, there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts “Freedom is everybody's job.”
of the United -- That means we have all come together.
States -- Individual communities that have united into 48 great states; 48 individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided by imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common cause, and that’s love of country --
Of America. 
And to the Republic -- A Republic: a sovereign state in which power is invested into the representatives chosen by the people to govern; and the government is the people; and it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands
One Nation -- Meaning "so blessed by God." [Under God] (1)
Indivisible -- Incapable of being divided. 
With Liberty -- Which is freedom; the right of power for one to live his own life without fears, threats, or any sort of retaliation.
And Justice -- The principle and qualities of dealing fairly with others.
For All -- For All. That means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

Now let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said, "That is a prayer" -- and that be eliminated from our schools, too? "

Footnotes

(1) The phrase "Under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954 at the request of President Eisenhower, among others. Mr. Skelton's story refers to events that took place prior to 1954. 

(2) All photos & images are from the Public Domain. 

Here is the web link to a high quality YouTube version of Red Skelton's tribute to the Pledge of Allegiance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUTjwQUvP0Q

 

JUNE 2026

60th Anniversary for

Classic TV Series Mission Impossible

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

For seven seasons (1966-1973) CBS aired Mission Impossible -- an American espionage TV series created by Bruce Geller (while financed and produced by Desilu Productions) -- that highlighted a small team of covert government agents using creative techniques to combat Cold War adversaries, organized crime, 3rd world dictators, corrupt industrialists and on occasion, rescuing or helping each other in distressful personal situations.  The series boasted a lively opening instrumental theme song composed by Lalo Schifrin plus a now legendary if not stellar cast -- Steven Hill (team leader in Season One), Peter Graves (team leader for the six remaining seasons), Martin Landau and Barbara Bain (Seasons 1, 2 and 3), Greg Morris and Peter Lupus (all seven seasons), plus Leonard Nimoy (Seasons 4 and 5), Lesley Ann Warren and Sam Elliott (Season 5), Lynda Day George (Seasons 6 and 7) and Barbara Anderson (recurring in Season 7).  The show won 10 Primetime Emmy Awards (including two for Outstanding Drama) and 3 Golden Globe Awards (including one for Best Drama).

This year marks the 60th anniversary for this storied Classic TV franchise and also the 30th anniversary for the Tom Cruise motion picture franchise.  Each primetime TV episode was noted for essentially being an action-packed mini-movie (although there were several two or three part story arcs during its seven year run) that was not resolved until the final seconds of the episode!  Usually the "Mission Impossible" team would be shown making their getaway or exit in a nondescript truck or sedan with the episode ending in a freeze frame.  The clarity and concision was aided by a now iconic opening scene in which the team leader would pick up a hidden tape recorder (or sometimes a phonograph record) accompanied by photos and information describing the mission.  The episodes were characterized by clockwork precision plus multiple elaborate deceptions in which cast members were in disguise and usually having to be prepared to handle unexpected, oft random events that might otherwise jeopardize the success of the mission.

The template for the core regular "Mission Impossible" members was established in Season One.

> Barbara Bain as Cinnamon Carter, an actress and top fashion model;

> Martin Landau as Rollin Hand, master disguise artist and magician;

> Greg Morris as Barney Collier, electronics whiz and mechanical genius;

> Peter Lupus as Willy Armitage, a world champion weightlifter.

Of note is that the agents' fame in their respective private careers never compromised their identities during their various missions around the globe.  Occasionally there would be guest stars playing agents with highly specialized skills to augment the core group.

Although there were a few episodes that gave the viewers a glimpse into the personal background of the various agents, the focus of each episode was on the caper or mission.  There was minimal character development so that seeing the agents as "blank slates" would make them more convincing in their undercover work.  The agents were very rarely seen in their "real lives" so that the story was the priority!  With the advancements in computer graphics and special effects in the decades following the show's cancellation in 1973, it is easy to conceptualize how this great concept could be leveraged into the big-screen box office success it became starting in 1996 and running to this present day with marquee stars and exotic locales.

Two important items that distinguished this classic TV series and made it such a lasting great success:  First, the original premise of Mission Impossible drew inspiration from Jules Dassin's 1964 film Topkapi (featuring Peter Ustinov in his Academy Award winning performance) for its innovative, highly detailed and methodical layout of an elaborate heist.  Mission Impossible obviously switched its focus away from criminals but it featured the same formula of a lively musical score, precision clockwork and minimal dialogue as its agents operated in time pressure situations fraught with physical and psychological dangers.  The second item that differentiated Mission Impossible was its use of elaborate means in which the outcomes were guided in such a manner that the criminal adversaries often ended up being at odds with each other, thereby neutralizing themselves or incriminating themselves so that traditional law enforcement agencies could arrest them as our heroes exited the scene having accomplished their mission!  The clever use of disguises, electronic gadgetry and psychology created dissension among the criminals and they would self-destruct.

In celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Mission Impossible, we not only recommend taking time to watch or rewatch this classic TV series via streaming or DVD, but invite you, our wonderful audience to share who your favorite actors are from this series by posting to the GNN FACEBOOK page or writing to us directly with your recollections and special memories.

NOTE:  All photos are from the Public Domain.

 

MAY 2026

"A Radio Friendship for the Ages"

Red Barber & Bob Edwards

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

Hall of Fame Baseball player Jackie Robinson once said that "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."  Robinson emphasized that the true measure of a life is not self-glory or personal gain but rather the positive influence one has on others. This statement is especially true when examining the role that Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster Red Barber had in helping to shape Jackie Robinson's life story for a national audience showing Robinson to be a symbol of honor, dignity and perseverance.  Barber recognized Robinson's strength of character along with his broad impact in breaking down societal barriers -- notably the color barrier in Major League Baseball -- that would forever alter the game and America.  Barber's baseball broadcasts were warm and respectful while serving as a template for objective reporting.  Bob Edwards, in his book Fridays With Red, observed that "He [Barber] never said the word 'black' or 'brown' or 'Negro' or 'colored.' He just said 'Robinson' in the same way he would say 'Stanky,' 'Reiser' or 'Casey.' Robinson was just another infielder."  Both Robinson and Barber affirmed that each helped the other in professional, personal and spiritual terms.  Barber's baseball broadcasting career (Cincinnati Reds 1934-38, Brooklyn Dodgers 1939-53 and then the New York Yankees until his retirement in 1966) offers a unique prism to view baseball and American history as communications technology (radio and television) altered the landscape of the nation.  During this period it was noted that a person could walk up-and-down the various New York City neighborhood streets and never miss a pitch as Barber's Southern accented voice seemed to emanate from every residence and business throughout the great metropolis.

But what catapulted Barber from legendary voice of the game to a national icon (and finding a whole new listening audience) was his professional broadcasting renaissance through his collaborative work with NPR (National Public Radio) host Bob Edwards that aired every Friday morning from 1981 till Barber's passing in 1992.  Edwards, a Peabody Award-winning member of the National Radio Hall of Fame, teamed up with Barber for a weekly four-minute conversation beginning New Year's Day 1981 that spanned over 600 Fridays until Barber's passing October 22, 1992.  While sports was a recurring topic, what made this program so universally popular was how the conversations would invariably move into a wide variety of subjects including but not limited to cats, gardening (especially Camelias), passages of Holy Scripture (usually Psalms), music, books, plays and so forth.  Barber was extraordinarily knowledgeable on these subjects and was able to weave a historical perspective into most if not all of his conversations with Edwards.  Moreover Barber was able to produce what we would term as a seamless stream of consciousness in a clear, concise manner that fit nicely into the four-minute time slot!  One such example cited by Edwards occurred in 1984 as Barber went from Geraldine Ferraro to Mary, Queen of Scots to golf to French cadets to caddies to Scotland to St. Andrews to the British Open with time to spare!

A special hook-up was installed in Barber's Tallahassee, Florida residence so that he and Edwards (based in the NPR Washington DC studio) could have their weekly four-minute conversation broadcast live!  The technology and gentlemanly style of both radio professionals made it seem as if it was a simple conversation between two friends seated in the same room!  Over the ensuing years, listeners would hear Barber describe the antics of his pet cats playing in his garden while learning about the habits of felines and the nuances of the flora surrounding his home.  Barber was a lay reader in the Episcopal Church and his frequent references to passages of Holy Scripture were integrated into his weekly conversations in a manner that showed him to be spiritual rather than religious.  As such, and given his objective reportorial style, people from all walks of life and religious denominations enjoyed Barber's wisdom, historical perspective and ability to create imagery for his audience.  In this new venue, Barber was still having a positive influence on others as he did in his baseball broadcasting career.

In today's age of endless chatter via seemingly innumerable digital media outlets, the radio friendship of Red Barber and Bob Edwards is a testimonial to the art of conversation (with clarity and concision) while informing, educating and ultimately inspiring the listenership to find meaning in life's special moments.  If you are interested in learning more about this unique memorable radio friendship here are two books that I strongly recommend.  (1) Fridays With Red - A Radio Friendship, by Bob Edwards and (2) Rhubarb in the Catbird Seat, by Red Barber and Robert Creamer, Afterword by Bob Edwards.  Also a careful search via the Internet will yield various taped segments of several of the original weekly broadcasts featuring Barber and Edwards.  As one who was a faithful listener to this program for 8+ years, I think Baby Boomers will really enjoy this unique look back at history through being a part of a wonderful conversation that remains forever pressed between the pages of our minds.

 

APRIL 2026

A "Spiritual Finale" for

Classic TV Series Lost In Space

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

From 1965-68, every Wednesday evening primetime TV viewers followed the exploits of the Space Family Robinson in the 83 episode sci-fi adventure series Lost in Space (LIS).  When the show went off the air in 1968, it was not given a proper series finale leaving viewers wondering whatever became of our favorite family in space?  While LIS ended abruptly without planned closure, it turns out that there was an episode that aired in its final months on network TV which can be viewed as a "spiritual finale."  The episode titled "Time Merchant" (Episode 77 out of 83 / first telecast on January 17, 1968) unintentionally provides a satisfying thematic conceptual wrap up.  In order to appreciate this, we first must review a synopsis of the story followed by how it functions as a series finale (even though it aired officially before the final network broadcast episode), and therefore repurposes LIS as a mythical or cyclical adventure rather than a serialized narrative!

Synopsis of "Time Merchant"

This episode features Dr. Chronos as the guest villain who can manipulate time and the nefarious stowaway Dr. Smith who uses Chronos' time travel technology to return to Earth before the Jupiter 2 was launched.  The plot twist is that if Dr. Smith DOES NOT stow away, the Jupiter 2 will collide with an uncharted asteroid four months into its journey, thereby destroying everyone on board!  LIS fans will recall that it was Dr. Smith's additional weight that sent the Jupiter 2 off course and his sabotage before the launch that caused the Robinson expedition to become lost in space.  The Robot is sent back in time to make sure that Smith is on board again to restore the "original" timeline.  This creates a closed loop: 

> Smith's sabotage caused the Jupiter 2 to go off course and become lost in space.

> But without this sabotage, the space ship would have been destroyed, killing everyone on board!

> Therefore Smith's stowaway presence as an enemy foreign agent ironically saves the Robinsons.

How "Time Merchant" Functions as a Series Finale

From a narrative perspective, this episode provides a thematic "reset" by returning to the moment of launch.  As such, it implies the Robinson expedition will continue, perhaps more successfully.  With the Robot achieving success in its timeline-preserving role, it ties the fate of the Jupiter 2 to Smith in a manner that essentially reframes the entire series!

Reappraising Lost In Space With "Time Merchant" as its Symbolic Ending

Throughout its three (3) seasons, LIS often embraced paradoxes and whimsical sci-logic rather than adhering to strict continuity.  Given how the series evolved from a serialized, serious sci-fi with multiple story arcs in its first season, to flights of fantasy in its second year and visits to a different planet each week in its final season, "Time Merchant" presents the idea that even though the Jupiter 2 is still lost, the timeline has been preserved thereby saving the mission!  In other words, this symbolic ending is a soft reboot: the timeline is reset while preserving the Jupiter 2 expedition.  The adventure continues but with a new understanding of why things unfolded the way they did during the series run.  A closed loop has been created in which the Robinsons are lost (perhaps for eternity) because Smith unintentionally saved them!  The viewer is left to think that perhaps the Robinsons being lost in space is a cosmic inevitability - eerily similar to the ending of the 1967 book Lost in Space by Dave Van Arnam and Ron Archer, in which the authors frame or set their novel about the Jupiter 2 mission in the show's first season.

If you are a fan of the 1960s Lost in Space TV series, treat yourself to a reunion with the Space Family Robinson by either viewing "Time Merchant," reading the aforementioned novelization by Van Arnam and Archer or listen to Galaxy Moonbeam Nightsite's podcast titled "Man, Moon, Media & Myth", program number 69, available on our Galaxy Nostalgia Network page on Mixcloud, at this link: 

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/GalaxyNostalgiaNetwork/galaxy-moonbeam-night-site-show-69-man-moon-media-and-myth/

 

This program focused on the original, unaired pilot of Lost in Space and how it reflected the scientific protocols of the day while actually having a prescient view of the future.

NOTE: All photos are from the public domain.

                                                       MARCH 2026

Biblically Themed Films for Great Lent

Spotlight on "Valley of the Kings"

Precursor to Indiana Jones

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

Great Lent is an inspiring time of year in which there can be great fun in viewing Biblically themed films that are a fusion of adventure, romance and the search for archaeological evidence that have direct connection with major events described in The Holy Bible.  Among the most popular films of this genre are from the 1980s featuring Harrison Ford as our favorite swashbuckling archaeologist Indiana Jones - notably "Raiders of the Lost Ark"(1981) and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989) - that respectively, involve a search for the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail.  If you are a fan of these particular Indiana Jones adventure films or this genre, we have an old favorite that we recommend you add to your watch list: "Valley of the Kings."

This 1954 classic features Robert Taylor as archaeologist Mark Brandon searching the ancient Egyptian tombs to prove the Biblical Joseph's presence in Egypt.  Brandon is enlisted by Ann Mercedes (played by Eleanor Parker) to find this evidence to validate her late father's goal of making this historic connection between Ancient Egypt and the Holy Bible.  This intriguing archaeological search forms the same template we would later see in the Indiana Jones epics.  It turns out that Brandon's interest in archaeology was inspired by Ann's late father and this becomes intertwined with adventure and romance as our hero and heroine must confront intrigue, murder, betrayal and continuous danger in their travels.  Sharp eyed movie fans will note that this particular mix (including the relationship and connection between the main characters) shown in "Valley of the Kings" would create the template or formula repeated successfully in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (released 27 years later) thus making the viewing experience all the more interesting.

"Valley of the Kings" was largely filmed on location in Egypt making the thrilling natural scenes equally important in the enjoyment of this nicely paced 86-minute film: the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, Temple of Luxor, St Catherine's Greek Orthodox Monastery plus sailing along the Nile River and across the Red Sea!  The film also shows the Abu Simbel temples as they existed for 3,000 years, before they were relocated for construction of the Aswan High Dam.  Robert Taylor excels in all aspects of his role whether it is swordplay, exploring the ancient tombs or singing in Arabic!  Like the Indiana Jones films that would follow decades later, the ending is most satisfactory as the distant past is shown to not only be valid and truthful, but also a beacon of hope looking into the future.

For many Baby Boomers, "Valley of the Kings" is like a Lowell Thomas travelogue and to more recent generations an early version of "Expedition Unknown" with Josh Gates.  Half the fun is the journey itself and the adventure along the way.  The mix of history, local customs and culture amidst exotic locales is enough to stimulate interest in wanting to learn more.  In this regard, we are interested if any of you in our GNN audience have any favorite Biblically themed films that you found inspiring, intriguing or just plain fun?  What similarities are you able to find when comparing "Valley of the Kings" to the Biblically inspired Indiana Jones films?   Please share your thoughts and memories by either contacting us directly via email or posting directly to the Galaxy Facebook page.  

NOTE: All photos are from the public domain.

 

FEBRUARY 2026

Celebrating 60 Years of "Star Trek"

By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Gene Roddenberry's landmark TV science fiction series "Star Trek," which is set in the 23rd century.  With so many variants of this historic franchise released in the decades since its 1966 debut on the NBC network -- multiple television series, motion pictures, animated programs as well as books in both print and audio -- there are lots of opportunities to enjoy celebrating the staying power of this truly transformative franchise and its optimistic view of the future.  One such opportunity is to watch the 1986 motion picture titled "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home."  It features the cast from the original series that aired from 1966-69 and uses a storyline that not only appeals to a general audience but it actually stands on its own, so anyone, including a first time viewer, can enjoy this film without being a Star Trek fan.

Even if you never watched "Star Trek" there are lots of reasons to celebrate this historic franchise, and this particular film makes it more accessible if not enjoyable for a general audience.

> "Star Trek" inspired generations to support manned space exploration.  This led NASA to naming its first Space Shuttle "Enterprise" after the series most famous flagship with its original cast in attendance at the ceremony.  Appropriately, "The Voyage Home" begins with a poignant dedication to the Space Shuttle "Challenger" which was tragically destroyed with all its crew in 1986 - the same year the film was released! 

> The core of the film is built around the deep friendship and camaraderie of the "Enterprise" bridge crew over their many decades of serving together.  The storyline is replete with lots of humor and each cast member is a significant contributor with ample screen time.  One such example is actress Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Uhura, the communications officer throughout the original series during its airing in the late 1960s.  Her role in the original series inspired the Rev Dr Martin Luther King to personally reach out to Ms Nichols and affirm the importance of her portrayal of Uhura in helping transform the social and cultural landscape of the day, and thereby help engender change that would advance the future.  By the mid-to-late 1980s, twenty years after its debut, "Star Trek" was more than just a science fiction series, it was a cultural touchstone.  Uhura plays a critical role in the storyline as she is assigned the task of secretly gathering nuclear materials to help regenerate the fuel supply for their spaceship so they can return to the 23rd century.  Her interaction with fellow bridge officer Chekov (played by Walter Koenig) is superb as they locate an unlikely source to acquire nuclear fuel -- the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise!  In sum, the contributions of Ms Nichols and her fellow "Star Trek" castmates both on and off screen have been more appreciated with the passage of time.  

> The use of time travel is central to the plot as our heroes journey back to late 20th century Earth (specifically to San Francisco) to find humpback whales and return to the 23rd century (where these creatures are extinct) as the song of humpback whales are the only means by which to respond to an alien probe, whose contact signals are creating havoc with Earth's atmosphere.  The fusion of time travel and the importance of conservation of nature (especially noteworthy animals such as whales) makes for a compelling social message.  Longtime fans will observe that some of the very best "Star Trek" episodes and films involve time travel, and "The Voyage Home" fits this niche very nicely.

> The "fish out of water" comedy arising from 23rd century time travelers attempting to blend in with late 20th century pop culture keeps the film from being pretentious while still adhering to the importance of repopulating future Earth with humpback whales to preserve the planet.  It is truly a fine line, but the likeability, warmth and caring shown by the characters enable them to connect with the audience while delivering a powerful, and ultimately transformative message.

There is much more, but hopefully this summary of highlights will engender interest in seeing this film again, or perhaps viewing it for the first time.  "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" has an enduring legacy 40 years after its release as it not only helped raise worldwide awareness on the importance of preserving the species of humpback whales -- thereby leading to a resurgence in its population -- but also helped to inspire later generations to make manned space travel an important driver for human development.  Worldwide whale watching expeditions for the general public have become commonplace, a reflection of heightened awareness about ecological stewardship and a deeper appreciation of the animal kingdom.  Manned space travel, with the creation of SpaceX and Blue Origin space exploration companies, have helped bring "Star Trek" to life!  Watching this fun film is a great way to celebrate the enduring legacy of this franchise regardless of whether or not you are a fan of "Star Trek."  To close this month's Blog in celebration of the 60th anniversary of "Star Trek," here is the text of the aforementioned opening dedication of the film.

" The cast and crew of Star Trek wish to dedicate this film to the men and women of the spaceship Challenger whose courageous spirit shall live to the 23rd century and beyond..."

May all of you, our wonderful GNN audience, have that same spirit in going for your dreams!  And may your journey be blessed with the friendship and camaraderie shown by our fictional "Star Trek" heroes.

NOTE: All photos are from the public domain.