OUT OF THE UNKNOWN

   UK tv series (1965-71). BBC TV. Prod Irene Shubik (seasons 1 and 2), Alan Bromly (seasons 3 and 4). Script editor Irene Shubik (seasons 1 and 2), Roger Parkes (seasons 3 and 4). Writers included Terry NATION, J.B. PRIESTLEY, Troy Kennedy Martin, Clive Exton, Julian Bond, Nigel KNEALE. Dirs included Michael Ferguson, Peter Sasdy, Philip Saville, Philip Dudley, Eric Hills. 4 seasons, 49 episodes, each 50 mins in 1st season, 60 mins thereafter. Seasons 1-2 b/w, thereafter Colour.

   This sf-anthology series, originated by Irene Shubik - previously story editor on OUT OF THIS WORLD (1962) - dramatized the work of many well known sf writers.Adapted stories and novels included Immortality, Inc. (1958) by Robert SHECKLEY, Liar! (1941; rev 1977 chap) by Isaac ASIMOV, "The Last Lonely Man" (1964) by John BRUNNER, "Beachhead" (1951) by Clifford D. SIMAK, "Random Quest" (1961) by John WYNDHAM, "The Little Black Bag" (1950) by C. M. KORNBLUTH, "Thirteen for Centaurus" (1962) by J.G. BALLARD, The Naked Sun (1957) by Asimov, "The Midas Plague" (1954) by Frederik POHL, "Andover and the Android" (1963) by Kate WILHELM, "The Yellow Pill" (1958) by Rog PHILLIPS, Level 7 (1959) by Mordecai ROSHWALD and "The Machine Stops"(1909) by E.M. FORSTER. Despite budget limitations, the standard of production was often very high, and good actors were used; one episode was designed by Ridley SCOTT. The quality of the scripts varied, some of the writers assigned being unfamiliar with sf. After 3 seasons the BBC decided that the series lacked mass popularity, and for the 4th switched it from sf to supernatural stories, all but one being original teleplays.

   PN/JB