Two Thousand Minus Sixty

2000 - 60

1958 - United Kingdom

2000 - 60, broadcast on 4 April 1958, was Commercial Television's first essay in Science Fiction. The story tells the last sixty minutes of the year 1999 in the headquarters of UNICON, an imaginary control centre of world government. It starts with a report of a runaway rocket apparently heading for London.

As the minutes tick by every possible defence is tried without success against the seemingly indestructible rocket. Total destruction of the centre of world government seems imminent and the immediate evacuation of the city is ordered. As the tension slowly mounts, the last few seconds tick away...

After 40 years of peace, the world is menaced by a destruction far more terrible than war

Technically the play was something of a challenge for Associated Rediffusion, who produced this one-off play under the umbrella of its popular drama series Television Playhouse. One of the visual effects required was the creation of what was called in the script 'a Cosmograph', a monitor screen showing the rocket, in full detail, flying through space - something that today you'd be able to create on your home computer, took A-R's Visual Effects Department several weeks to realise. In addition, a new range of sound effects were also required.

This original play began as an idea from James Workman, who was educated in England and trained as a naval cadet. He spent three years in the London Metropolitan Police. Moving to South Africa, Workman enlisted with the Witwatersrand Rifles and later joined a touring theatre company. He worked for the South African Broadcasting Commission as an announcer, scriptwriter and producer, occupations he continued to pursue after moving to Australia, where he began writing for radio in 1948 at the age of 46. On a working holiday to London he met with A-R's script editor and head of drama who commissioned 2000 - 60 based on his outline

June Thorburn

Charles Lloyd Pack (father of Roger Lloyd Pack), John Robinson, Eric Lander (No Hiding Place), June Thorburn (a popular English actress whose career was cut short by her death in an air crash), and popular character actor Campbell Singer, starred in this one-off play which was well received by critics at the time of broadcast.

Published on February 14th, 2021. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Private Investigator

Groundbreaking British television drama that delved into the shadowy, complex world of private detection through the cases handled by an English detective agency

Also starring Campbell Singer

Imposter

The Earth has been at war with the Outspacers for many years. The fate of the planet depends on the success of a vital project headed by one man.

Also tagged Science Fiction

The Flipside of Dominick Hide

Dominic Hide, a time-travelling observer from the year 2130 has an agenda. Going back back 150 years in search of his great-great-grandfather is illegal. And things become further complicated when he falls in love.

Also tagged Science Fiction

Cannonball TV series

Fun, free-wheeling, undemanding early adventure series, Cannonball was a series of half-hour family dramas chronicling the adventures of two truckers who hauled freight on the highways of Canada and the U.S.A.

Also released in 1958

The Jack Jackson Show

Music, quick-fire comedy and soundbites that influenced a generation of DJs

Also released in 1958

Oh Boy!

Groundbreaking British music show from the early days of rock n' roll.

Also released in 1958

The Final Test by Terence Rattigan BBC 1951

An ageing cricketer's last match is marred by his poor final innings, but the arrival of his pretentious, sport-hating son brightens the day in Terence Rattigan's debut television comedy.

Also starring Campbell Singer

Quatermass ll

Daniel Tessier gives his verdict on the second series of the now legendary sci-fi show.

Also starring John Robinson

Educating Archie

As strange as it may seem now, Archie Andrews was a ventriloquists dummy that first hit the big time on Radio!

Also released in 1958