Harlan Ellison Sues Paramount Over Classic Star Trek Episode

Harlan Ellison is suing CBS Paramount for allegedly not paying him for the merchandising and publishing of “City on the Edge of Forever,” an early “Star Trek” episode that he wrote. Also named in his suit is The Writers Guild Of America for not acting on his behalf. While the damages being sought against Paramount are unspecified, Ellison is only seeking $1 dollar in damages plus court costs and attorney fees from the guild.

“Paramount has earned millions exploiting the ‘City’ teleplay since it was aired in 1967,” the suit said. “Yet Paramount has not accounted to Ellison or paid him for such exploitations as it is required to do under the 1960 MBA (minimum basic agreement) and 1966 Amendment.”

CBS Paramount was not immediately available for comment and a spokesman for the WGA declined to comment.

“It ain’t about the ‘principle,’ friend, it’s about the money! Pay me!” Ellison said in a statement. “I’m doing it for the 35-year-long disrespect and the money!”

The episode, which centered on time travel and starred Joan Collins, first aired in April 1967. It won the WGA teleplay award and a Hugo award.

source: Variety