Hick Trek…where to start? A start is exactly what it is, actually. Pete Schuermann along with his brother John had often dabbled as children making movies with their parents’ Super 8mm camera. Hick Trek was the culmination of that experience.

Hick Trek was an early “fan film” that spoofed the classic sci-fi television show Star Trek. In this case, redneck characters took the place of the seasoned Starfleet officers from the show.

It was always a pet project for Pete and John, basically something for them along with a local Star Trek enthusiasts club to do. When completed, over the course of 2 years, it was shown at several science fiction conventions and was greeted with much enthusiasm by the audiences there.

Many years later, the original super 8 print was digitally scanned and re-edited with some modifications. The brothers sought distribution which was ultimately found through Sterling Home Video on both DVD and VHS. The former was available for years through Netflix.

The film definitely has its comical moments, but of course acting and production value (cardboard sets and props) are rather terrible. Pete Schuermann actually plays the lead – his one and only lead role.

NOTE: Recently, when J.J. Abrams film Star Trek Into Darkness was shown at the Alamo Drafthouse theater chain, the preview for Hick Trek preceded screenings. (!)