Leslie Stevens Goes to Hollywood: Daystar Productions, Kate Manx and the Making of Private Property

Leslie Stevens was a television producer who created The Outer Limits, Battlestar Galactica, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. This biography focuses on the origins of Daystar Productions and Stevens' first years in Hollywood when he was married to actress Kate Manx. Stevens made Private Property for $40,000, which grossed several million dollars and opened the doors to Hollywood for Manx and co-star Warren Oates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2020
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The enduring popularity of Leslie Stevens' 1960s television masterpiece, The Outer Limits, as well as his subsequent series creations like Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has ensured that his name remains familiar among television enthusiasts. Surprisingly, there is limited writing available on his earlier Broadway contributions and his groundbreaking film and television production company, Daystar Productions. Furthermore, the personal life of Stevens remains relatively unknown.

This biography delves into the origins of Daystar Productions and focuses on Stevens' early years in Hollywood, particularly during his marriage to actress Kate Manx. After meeting Manx in 1957, Stevens brought her to Los Angeles and transformed her into a dramatic film actress, who would later star in his startling, New Wave-style debut film, Private Property. Made for a mere $40,000, this film went on to gross several million dollars, opening the doors to Hollywood for both Manx and co-star Warren Oates. While Oates achieved great success, Manx's brief stint in the limelight was not sustainable, and her life began to unravel as Stevens' career shifted increasingly towards television.

During this period, Stevens worked on various television projects, including The Outer Limits, which gained immense popularity and helped establish his reputation as a talented television producer. He also produced other notable series, such as The Twilight Zone and The Untouchables. However, it was his work on Battlestar Galactica that truly solidified his place in television history. Battlestar Galactica, a science fiction series that aired in the late 1970s, was a groundbreaking achievement that combined elements of drama, action, and science fiction in a way that had never been done before. The series was praised for its complex characters, compelling storylines, and stunning visual effects, and it has since become a cult classic.

In addition to his work on television, Stevens also made significant contributions to the film industry. He produced the critically acclaimed film The Candidate, which starred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda and was nominated for several Academy Awards. He also produced the film version of The Bodyguard, which was a huge success and starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

Despite his success, Stevens remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He was known for his work ethic, his attention to detail, and his ability to bring out the best in his actors and crew. He was also a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental causes, and he used his platform to raise awareness about important issues.

In conclusion, Leslie Stevens' legacy as a television producer and film producer is undeniable. His contributions to the industry have left a lasting impact, and his name is synonymous with quality entertainment. While his personal life remains relatively unknown, his work on The Outer Limits, Battlestar Galactica, and other series has cemented his place in television history. Stevens' dedication to his craft, his commitment to social justice, and his ability to create compelling stories have made him a true icon in the entertainment industry.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 151 x 225 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476677484