20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

2. You've Blocked My Car, I'm Getting A Part

Star Trek Layla Sarakalo
CBS

Layla Sarakalo plays the part of the young woman from whom Uhura and Chekov ask directions. She runs her hand through her hair, unable to answer them, and advises them that the Naval Base in Alameda is most probably across the bay - in Alameda.

This scene is a funny placeholder that was effectively left in for the hell of it. Sarakalo was not an actor. She had returned to her car to discover that it was blocked in by the filming crew and therefore she couldn't leave. Rather than create a fuss, she asked if she could have a walk-on role in the film.

For the scene in question, Walter Koenig and Nichelle Nichols attempted to stop random passers-by on the street with their questions. They were observed by a cop - a hired actor - but none of the non-speaking roles had been professionally cast. Crucial there is the term non-speaking, as these were simply extras. Sarakalo's inclusion of lines actually caused a tiny headache for the crew, who then had to chase after her - and induct her into the Actor's Guild - so that her lines could remain.

All agreed that the comedy was worth it and the scene was left in the film.

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Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"