LITERARY LAS VEGAS

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"Trying to write an autobiography is like tring to do a humongous puzzle with some of the pieces missing. When memory fails, imagination prevails," Anthem resident Lawrence Montaigne writes in his book "A Vulcan Odyssey." What started out as an autobiographical account of his life became a novel, with the differences between fact and fiction blurred.

In fact, Montaigne has danced on Broadway, and acted in 25 films and 200 television show episodes, with notable appearances in "The Great Escape," "Escape to Witch Mountain" and "Tobruk."

The actor is best known for two Vulcan roles he played in the original "Star Trek" series, Decius in "Balance of Terror" and Stonn in "Amok Time." For more information on Montaigne or his book,visit lawrencemontaigne.net.

Excerpt from "A Vulcan Odyssey"

When I arrived at the studio, there must have been some two hundred male dancers waiting to audition. They ran us through in groups of ten ... As we got down to ten dancers, we were lined up according to height. I was getting really nervous. What if they wanted a small group and I had to actualy dance? I was comforable in a large ensemble where I could get lost and blend into the background (as I was able to do at MGM when I worked for Gene Kelly on Singing in the Rain ... but a specialty number would be way over my head ... I approached Mr. Sidney (and said) ... "I don't think I can dance well enough to do a specialty number."

"Is this some kind of joke?"

"Oh, no, sir. Honest. I just don't think I can cut it... To be honest, I'm an actor who picks up a dance job now and again."

He took me by the arm and steering me toward the door. "Are you a good actor?"

We arrived at the door and he opened it. "Yes, sir. I think so."

"Fine ... show up Monday morning at nine o'clock and act like a dancer."