Roger Ebert Called Gene Roddenberry’s ‘Star Trek’ Movie ‘Embarrassing’
Gene Roddenberry, the creator of *Star Trek*, ventured into a extremely different genre with 1971’s “Pretty Maids All in a Row,” a sexploitation film that drew a distinctly negative reaction from the late, celebrated film critic Roger Ebert. Even as Ebert generally held a respectful view of Roddenberry’s original science fiction vision, he labeled the post-*Star Trek* effort as “embarrassing,” though his criticism was largely directed at the film’s director, Roger Vadim.
The film arrived two years after the original *Star Trek* series concluded its run on NBC in June 1969. It stands as the only feature film Roddenberry ever wrote. The story centers on a high school football coach, Michael “Tiger” McDrew (Rock Hudson), who finds himself embroiled in a series of mysterious deaths involving his female students. The plot thickens with the introduction of Ponce de Leon Harper (John David Carson), a sexually frustrated student, and his teacher, Betty Smith (Angie Dickinson), leading to a complicated and unsettling dynamic.
Ebert’s Evolving View of Fandom and *Star Trek*
Ebert’s assessment of “Pretty Maids All in a Row” came amidst a broader contemplation of fandom itself. In a 2009 essay, he wrote about the tendency for fans to be “fans of fandom itself,” prioritizing their own devotion over the source material. He suggested that for some, the universe of a franchise like *Star Wars* or *Star Trek* serves primarily as a backdrop for their own engagement. This perspective suggests that Ebert, while not necessarily a devoted “Trekkie,” recognized the cultural significance of Roddenberry’s creation.
despite his dismissal of “Pretty Maids All in a Row,” Ebert’s overall relationship with *Star Trek* wasn’t entirely negative. He acknowledged the value of the original series during Roddenberry’s tenure, describing it as a time when the show “might play with questions of science, ideals or philosophy.” He contrasted this with what he perceived as a shift towards “loud and colorful action” in later iterations of the franchise, as he noted in his review of the 2009 reboot. Notably, Ebert never awarded any *Star Trek* film a rating lower than two out of four stars – a surprisingly generous assessment considering his famously harsh reviews and the “thumbs down” reserved for films he truly disliked, such as the Oscar-winning war movie *Mediterraneo* (he famously walked out of that one).
The Film Itself: A Departure for Roddenberry
“Pretty Maids All in a Row” began as a novel by Francis Pollini in 1968, undergoing several script revisions before landing with Roddenberry. The film was directed by Roger Vadim, a French filmmaker known for his erotic dramas, and thrillers. Vadim brought a distinct visual style to the project, one that clearly clashed with Ebert’s sensibilities.
The film’s plot, as described by Slashfilm, involves a series of murders at a high school, with suspicion falling on the charismatic football coach, Tiger McDrew. Simultaneously, a shy student, Ponce de Leon Harper, is encouraged by the coach to pursue a relationship with his teacher, Betty Smith, as the police investigation intensifies. This premise, and its execution, proved to be a significant departure from the optimistic, philosophical themes of *Star Trek*.
Why Ebert Found the Film “Embarrassing”
In his original two-star review, Ebert didn’t entirely dismiss the film. He found Rock Hudson’s casting as a high school coach with a dark secret “fascinating.” However, his primary criticism focused on Vadim’s direction, particularly the scenes involving the relationship between Ponce and Betty. Ebert felt that Vadim’s attempts at humor and sophistication fell flat, creating an awkward and uncomfortable viewing experience.
He argued that Vadim’s “personal hang-ups” – a reference to the director’s penchant for exploring themes of sadomasochism – were ill-suited to the high school setting. According to Ebert, these elements worked in Vadim’s more “straightforwardly decadent” films, but felt out of place and jarring in “Pretty Maids All in a Row.” Ebert concluded that the film was “embarrassing” because of a fundamental mismatch between the director’s vision and the material.
MGM’s Shifting Landscape
“Pretty Maids All in a Row” was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), a studio with a rich history in Hollywood. As of March 3, 2026, MGM is a subsidiary of Amazon MGM Studios, following Amazon’s acquisition in 2022. The studio’s website highlights its focus on film and television production and distribution. Founded in 1924, MGM experienced its golden age in the 1930s and 40s, boasting a roster of iconic stars like Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, and Elizabeth Taylor. The studio’s current ownership under Amazon signals a new chapter in its long and storied history, as detailed in its Wikipedia entry.
While Roddenberry’s foray into sexploitation filmmaking didn’t resonate with Ebert, and remains a footnote in his otherwise groundbreaking career, it serves as a reminder of the creative risks and unexpected turns that can occur even for the most visionary storytellers. The film’s legacy, however, is largely defined by its critical failure and its stark contrast to the optimistic and thought-provoking themes that defined *Star Trek*.