Catacombs Reference Library
UK Press
Into orbit with West London's space duo

Into orbit with West London's space duo

by Hugh Whittow. London West newspaper, Tuesday 30th November 1976

IT'S LAVISH, it's successful, it's the kind of spectacular that only Hollywood could produce.

But in fact, Space 1999, the TV show that has rocketed up the ratings, is made on West London's doorstep at Pinewood Studios.

And it was there at Denham that I "landed" to see the stars of ATV's top science-fiction series...only to find that life on West London film set can be almost as dangerous as exploits in outer space.

Actor Martin Landau who plays tough Commander Koenig said: "I used to think West London was a nice quiet place to work. But after this series I'll have to have a re-think."

Martin, 47, a 6ft 3in New Yorker, went on: "The special effects boys out here really push you to the limit. That's why the series has gone down so well in the States."

Martin has been in a few dicey spots on the set. Like the time a control panel exploded inches from his face and flames four foot high surrounded him.

He said: "I reckon I was lucky to get out of that unhurt."

Working with Martin on the series has been his wife of 19 years, beautiful Barbara Bain.

She plays Dr. Helena Russell, Koenig's assistant on Moonbase Alpha a space ship blown out of Earth's orbit by a nuclear waste dump explosion.

Every morning before dawn a Rolls-Royce picks them up at their Belgravia home for the 40-minute drive to the studios.

Those drives have been great for me," said Martin. But I'm not so sure about Barbara, we have to get up at 5.30 am, and she takes a long time to wake up."

Next week work will start on the final episode of the 24-part £7 million series and the cast and crew of 65 will then disband.

"It will be a sad time," said Martin. "Although some of the shots have been a bit dangerous we've built up a great friendship and understanding.

"We are all hoping there will be another series."