Oddity: novelization of never-made U.N.C.L.E. script

U.N.C.L.E. insignia from a second-season episode

This blog stumbled on something on Amazon on Thursday night — an apparently unauthorized novelization of THE MALTHUSIAN AFFAIR, a script for a never-made attempted revival of The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Producers Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts commissioned Sam Rolfe, developer of the original 1964-68 television series, to do a script for a made-for-TV movie.

In Rolfe’s 1970s story, Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin are still active in U.N.C.L.E. There’s a new chief, Victor Waverly. U.N.C.L.E. has also moved to a new skyscraper headquarters in New York.

The script features the “Madman,” what seems to be a robot, who tears into HQs and creates havoc. This is the starting point for an elaborate adventure. (For additional details, CLICK HERE.)

The Amazon page for the novelization includes a sample, including the Madman’s attack. One reason this appears to be an unauthorized novelization is that the author is listed as “p d.”

According to the Amazon page for the book, it sells for $10.

David McCallum endorses the U.N.C.L.E. movie

David McCallum in a Man From U.N.C.L.E. publicity still

David McCallum, the original Illya Kuryakin, endorsed The Man From U.N.C.L.E. movie in AN INTERVIEW ON FOX NEWS.

The movie “in no way encroaches into what we did back in the ’60s and at the same time uses a lot of the elements that Norman Felton and Sam Rolfe created within the old Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” the 81-year-old actor said.

Felton was the executive producer of the original 1964-68 series, co-creating the character of Ian Fleming with author Ian Fleming. Rolfe took it from there, writing a detailed prospectus as well as the script for the pilot. Rolfe also was producer of the show’s first season.

“I think it’s a wonderful success,” McCallum said. “My favorite line in the whole movie, the new movie, is the last one delivered by Hugh Grant because clearly it’s going to lead to at least another Man From U.N.C.L.E. movie. I don’t think there’s any question of that.” Grant plays Waverly, portrayed by Leo G. Carroll in the series.

The movie has an “origin” story line, including background for Solo and Kuryakin.

“They’re interesting stories,” McCallum said of the background presented in the film. “We never went into any of that. It’s a shame.”

Based on discussions on social media the past few days, McCallum’s comments probably won’t matter much. Fans of the original show who want to see the movie, will do so. Original fans opposed to the idea of an U.N.C.L.E. film, aren’t going to change their minds. Warner Bros. is betting the material can find a 21st century audience.

For the entire interview, CLICK HERE.