Archive Collection
A prime time network show like "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." requires many tools to support a four-year run; scripts, props, wardrobe, publicity, etc.... And when a show stops shooting, what becomes of all those once essential items? Well, usually, they're scrapped--literally thrown away. The same fate awaited the artifacts of this monumentally successful program, even though any of its 85 million fans would have gladly offered to save and protect it.
Bob Short and Bill Mills, concerned about the
possible loss of such irreplaceable items, decided - nineteen years ago - to intercede in an
attempt to protect anything connected to the UNCLE program.
Today, they have one of the most
unique and comprehensive research libraries and t.v. history collections, greater even than any
university with files on fine arts. If the need arose, even M.G.M. Studios would have to use
Archive material because they have so little on their own show.
Now, you might say "So? What's the use of having all this stuff?" But, if you are a
film student, the Archive files on everything from pre-production to the cancellation of
U.N.C.L.E. could be an educational goldmine. The same for writers, producers, advertisers, etc.
Educational aspects aside, the U.N.C.L.E. Archives presents a unique opportunity to enjoy
and observe an otherwise hidden view of film making and t.v. history. Mills and Short continue
to collect and exhibit their unusual museum, providing a look at another aspect of a
fascinating industry.The U.N.C.L.E. Archives can often be found displaying their impressive memorabilia at film and science-fiction conventions throughout California (left: part of the Archive display at the 1984 WorldCon in Anaheim). Some items in the collection were salvaged from M.G.M. trash cans, some came through dealings with U.N.C.L.E.'s prop man, some from M.G.M. auction, and some through private parties. The car, for instance, was purchased from a private party and rennovated by Short. Waverly's table and chairs were obtained from the auction. However, the internal mechanics that allow the table top to revolve were not identified as part of the table and were being sold separately as a "penny wheel of fortune." Only careful sleuthing united the pieces of Waverly's table. Unfortunately, there are as many stories to tell as there are pieces of the collection.
The only fair evaluation of the worth of the entire collection is to say that it is priceless.
The collection is so large, that it must be separated into three storage areas in Van Nuys, Santa Monica, and Malibu, California.
The collection was first shown at the 1970 WesterCon in Goleta. It has only been exhibited four times, including the 1984 WorldCon. The U.N.C.L.E. car has been shown at a few car shows.
The flashing lights box was first used in "Forbidden Planet," they sat in the prop shop for years and then were reused (slightly altered) in the "Twilight Zone" episode "People Are Alike All Over..." it was then sent back to the prop shop until they were called upon again for the U.N.C.L.E. episode "The Neptune Affair."
The three U.N.C.L.E. Specials (guns) in the collection are the original Mauser version of the gun, the Walther P-38 version, and the New Special used in "The Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E." The newer gun, incidentally, was designed by Short for the C.B.S. feature film.
BOB AND BILL . . .
...have both been actors and stuntmen. However, Bob is also a fine and respected special effects designer and artist. He currently owns and operates his own business creating film effects for major film producers.
Bill and Bob have been collecting on U.N.C.L.E. since their early teens. "'In junior high we shared a mutual interest, our hobby so to speak," says Bill, "and as we matured, so did the purpose and the very nature of the collection."
"We both have our own careers and other interests," adds Bob, "but we are very proud of what we've built and continue to relegate as much time as we can to maintaining the collection."
Bill, on the other hand, is a talented singer/songwriter, currently working on a syndicated radio program.
