Before Star Trek, there was Space Patrol. Science fiction television has its roots in this live, action-packed series that captured the imagination of Americans from 1950 to 1955, when space travel was just a dream. This book explores the freewheeling spirit of live TV, where anything could go wrong before millions of viewers–and often did. It spotlights (often in personal interviews) the risk-taking Space Patrol cast and crew who laid vital groundwork for television today. Included are episode logs for both television and radio shows as well as a complete guide to Space Patrol memorabilia.
About the Author: Jean-Noel Bassior is a journalist based in Los Angeles. She has written for Redbook, McCall’s, Parade, AARP The Magazine, Woman’s World and many other publications, and her work has been syndicated worldwide.
Johnny Jay Says: This is a great book that looks behind-the-scenes at the making of Space Patrol while also giving a good lens into the early days of television. Highly recommended for lovers of ’50’s sci fi TV.
>Read more about Space Patrol at this link.
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Smokin’ rockets, thanks for mentioning the Space Patrol book! So many cast and crew of this show are the unsung heroes of early live TV. They played a big role in inventing television, a sci-fi device invading your living room that had never been seen before on Earth. They used daring special effects never tried before, and with millions watching, anything that could go wrong often did. Their hair-raising accounts of live TV will hopefully not be forgotten, and so I greatly appreciate your recommendation. Thanks again!
Jean-Noel Bassior
Author of “Space Patrol: Missions of Daring in the Name of Early Television”
Thanks for your wonderful book. I have really enjoyed reading it and traveling back to the days of Space Patrol!
So glad you enjoyed the book!
Spaceman’s luck,
Jean-Noel