Catacombs Reference LibraryPublicity
26 Half Hours
Catacombs Reference LibraryThis is the first announcement of hour long episodes (although 26 episodes, not 24). Otherwise concept and characters are similar to the earlier advance program information. The studio is EMI/MGM (eventually they will move to Pinewood). The starting date is given as 5th November 1973 (SFX filming started then, but proper filming began 3rd December). The schedule is 50 weeks, which would over-run considerably.
There is no date, but it is prior to July 1973 when the Landaus were cast. There is no mention of RAI involvement.
TELEVISION SCIENCE FICTION FILM SERIES
- 26 ONE HOUR EPISODES
PRODUCTION COMPANY
GROUP THREE PRODUCTIONS LTD.,
EMI/ MGM STUDIOS,
ENGLAND
PRODUCERS
GERRY & SYLVIA ANDERSON
RECENT PRODUCTIONS
'U.F.O.'
'THE PROTECTORS'
DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
I.T.C. NEW YORK/LONDON
PRESIDENT: MR. ABE MANDELL
STUDIOS
EMI/MGM ENGLAND
PRE-PRODUCTION
COMMENCED.
STUDIO FLOOR SHOOTING
COMMENCING 5TH NOVEMBER 1973 FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 WEEKS.
The year 1990... with the use of highly sophisticated equipment, radio waves have been intercepted from outer space which confirms the theory that life exists outside our solar system. The major powers on Earth unite and create a manned permanent base on the Moon... its purpose, to maintain surveillance of deep space and become the first outpost of Earth's defence system. Further analysis of the signals reveals that inter-stellar travel is already taking place.
By 1999, the Moon Base is complete and operational. Vast stocks of nuclear fuel have been deposited at various points on the far side of the Moon. Unaccountably, one of the stockpiles is detonated. There is a chain reaction which causes a devastating thermo-nuclear explosion. The gravitational relationship of Earth and Moon is abruptly negated, and the Moon is violently thrust out of orbit.
The 300 men and women on the Earth outpost find themselves marooned in space and the Commander of Moonbase becomes, if effect, the head of government of this new world. A council composed of officers, scientists and medical personnel decides that it will be their primary mission to find a way back into Earth's orbital range. Failing this, they must locate a compatible planet on which to settle. In the meantime, they are prepared to continue functioning in outer space the same way they have been functioning in Earth orbit. Food, air and water recycling installations are powered with atomic and solar energy. All systems necessary for the maintenance of life as it was on Earth are operative - making the Moon totally self-supporting.
The marooned Earthmen begin their fateful journey through the incredible vastness of space. Soon they learn that they are regarded as intruders and considered a menace to the Universe. Suspicious aliens attack and they must match wits and weapons against fantastic life forms found throughout the galaxies on their unexpected odyssey.
Principal leads are THE COMMANDER, THE SPACE CAPTAIN and THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER.
The awesome responsibility of commanding Earth's outpost in space was assigned to a leader chosen for his combination of outstanding leadership qualities, superior space knowledge and unequalled administrative ability. A former test pilot and celebrated astronaut, he won the command over candidates from all nations because their leaders acknowledged that he knew the job better than anyone in the entire world. He is a self-assured career man with the ability to inspire loyalty and fidelity among the elite core of Earthmen on the Moon.
A man of great experience in space technology whose prime function is now advance reconnaissance of planets in the paths of the Moon's trajectory.
A close associate of The Commander, it is the doctor's responsibility to maintain the species of Man on an artificial earth, marooned in the infinity of Space, where the rules of medical science as he had learned them are constantly bent and broken.