Space Patrol
1963 - United KingdomOften overlooked and neglected, the only possible explanation that this superior children's puppet series from the early sixties is not held in higher esteem, is that it reached the screen at the same time as Gerry Anderson's futuristic adventures were beginning to take off, with Supercar and Fireball XL5 overshadowing it.
The series, scripted by former Anderson colleague Roberta Leigh, was set in the year 2100 and concerned the adventures of the United Galactic Organization, a peace keeping force formed by the natives of Venus, Mars and Earth. The crew of Galasphere 347 was comprised of human captain Larry Dart, Martian Husky and Venusian Slim. Colonel Raeburn gave the orders, assisted by Venusian secretary Marla and Professor Haggerty was the unit's scientific advisor, himself assisted by his daughter Cassiopea.
The series, which was shown in the US as Planet Patrol, features the vocal talents of Dick Vosburgh, Ronnie Stevens, Libby Morris, Murray Kash and Ysanne Churchman, and comprises 39 half-hour episodes. All the episodes were thought wiped at one time until the complete series of 16mm prints was discovered in the garage at Roberta Leigh's home and later released on DVD.
Published on January 31st, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.
