The Production GuideScript To Screen: The Seance Spectre
by Martin Willey
The Production Guide
The shooting script for The Seance Spectre was titled "The Mutiny" and dated 16th September 1976. The title was changed shortly before filming (on Monday 18th October), and all production documents appended "formerly The Mutiny" to the episode title. There was a rare day of Saturday shooting, on Saturday 30th October, to finish the episode.
Shown here the script cover and title page, with doodles by Martin Landau (thanks to Julie).
Martin Landau's comments in the top right corner of the title page say BAD NEWS Re: SPACE 1999. Mon Oct 18th 1976 3:00 P.M. As from the mouth of Gerry Anderson.
Further comments inside the script covers indicate that Landau disagreed with ITC New York boss Abe Mandell. GA is executive producer Gerry Anderson, FF is line producer Fred Freiberger, LG is ITC chairman Lew Grade
Boxed are the words To save £,
Abe horrified,
To tell G.A.
and the line stunning us, to last minute -. The crew would be told the show was cancelled the following day, Tuesday 19th.
Other comments: He'll accuse GA + FF of sabotage - if this thing is just to ? - this may call his + LG's bluff - bring to a head
We're going ahead but let's not tell 'em.
We're not " " " " "
Either way Abe is mad -
it's to his advantage that the last five shows are good-
now everyone will drop the ball.
Side comments (not all very legible): Abe might think I'm doing this phone call + all that to force his hand - Gerry's telling the crew etc. that quickly may dismantle the show as he knows it - + Freddie ? dismantle
So it may be way to counter what way? one doing to him.
His cracking them a classic syndrome - crunches ?
Page 9 of the script, with some intense doodling.
Copyright Martin Willey