Rocky Jones, Space Ranger
Earth's space policeman patrols the United Worlds.
Rocky Jones, Space Ranger is an American science fiction television serial that first aired in syndication in October 1953. It was produced on black-and-white film rather than broadcast live, which allowed for more elaborate special effects and sets, and has survived in reasonably good condition. The show lasted only one season and eventually dropped into obscurity.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Science fiction
- Creator
- Roland D. Reed
- Writer
- Warren Wilson
- Arthur Hoerl
- Marianne Mosner
- Director
- Hollingsworth Morse
- Starring
- Richard Crane; Sally Mansfield
- Theme music
- Alexander Laszlo
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
Facts from the source article.
Plot
The series followed Rocky Jones, a Space Ranger who patrolled the United Worlds of the Solar System in the not-too-distant future. He and his crew launched in the chemically-fueled upright rocketship Orbit Jet XV-2, later replaced by the nearly identical Silver Moon XV-3. Missions to moons and planetoids often seemed hopeless, but Rocky always prevailed. Conflicts were resolved with fistfights; space pistols were never fired at people. Half-hour episodes were usually grouped into three-chapter storylines broadcast in successive weeks, though a few storylines were completed in a single episode.
Characters
Rocky Jones, played by Richard Crane, was the brave, strong, and highly moral action hero. His co-pilot Winky, portrayed by Scotty Beckett, provided comic relief until Beckett became unavailable after 26 episodes; the character was replaced by Biffen Cardoza from Herculon, played by James Lydon. Vena Ray, played by Sally Mansfield, served as navigator and translator. Bobby, the young ward of Professor Newton, aspired to become a Space Ranger. Professor Newton, played by Maurice Cass, offered scientific explanations; after Cass's death in 1954, the character was replaced by Professor Mayberry. Secretary Drake, played by Charles Meredith, headed the Office of Space Affairs and was a father figure to Rocky. Cleolanta, played by Patsy Parsons, was the Suzerain of Ophecius who often caused trouble but secretly admired Rocky. Juliandra, played by Ann Robinson, was the friendly Suzerain of Herculon who had an imprisoned mad twin sister, Noviandra. Pinto Vortando, played by Ted Hecht, was a seedy space rogue.
Production
Roland D. Reed created Rocky Jones, Space Ranger. Warren Wilson wrote the pilot screenplay in 1951. The pilot was filmed between January and April 1952, with outdoor scenes at Palomar Mountain Observatory. After the pilot screened on September 29, 1952, several characters were recast. Filming for the first 26 episodes ran from October 1953 to April 1954. A merchandising blitz produced wristwatches, wallets, badges, buttons, records, and clothing. Charlton Comics issued a Rocky Jones comic book and devoted issues 15–18 of Space Adventures to the series. The Gordon Baking Company, maker of Silvercup Bread, was the largest sponsor. The series premiered in Los Angeles on KNXT on January 7, 1954, and began wider syndication on February 22, 1954. Scotty Beckett was arrested in February 1954 for possessing a weapon; after fleeing to Mexico and a gun battle with police, he was incarcerated for four months, and the character of Winky was written out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes of Rocky Jones, Space Ranger are there?
Rocky Jones, Space Ranger has 39 episodes across 1 season.
When did Rocky Jones, Space Ranger first air?
Rocky Jones, Space Ranger first aired on 13 October 1953.
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