Joe Sarno's Comic Kingdom | Sci-Fi on TV

TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET

Tom Corbett……………………………….Frankie Thomas
Astro……………….................….…………………Al Markim
Roger Manning…………...........………Jan MerlinCaptain
Steve Strong…….........................…………..Edward Bryce
Dr. Joan Dale……………………………Margaret Garland
Commander Arkwright………………………Carter Blake
Cadet Alfie Higgins……..…………..………..John Fiedler
Cadet Eric Raddison…………..……………Frank Sutton
Cadet T.J. Thistle……………………………..Jack Grimes

Announcer…….…………………………….Jackson Beck

Technical Advisor: Wiley Ley
Writers: Albert Aley, Stu Byrnes, Frank Thomas, Ray Morse, Jack Weinstock & Wiley Gilbert & others

Broadcast History: October 2, 1950 - December 29, 1950 CBS Mon/Wed/Fri 6:45 - 7:00 PM
January 1, 1951 - September 26, 1951 ABC Mon/Wed/Fri 6:30 - 6:45 PM
July 1951 - September 1951 (Summer replacement for Victor Borge) NBC Saturday's 7:00 - 7:30 PM
August 29, 1953 - May 22, 1955 Dumont Network, alternate Saturdays (alternated w/Captain Video) December 11, 1954 - June 25, 1955, NBC Saturday Mornings.

Introduction: "Kellogg's Pep, the build up wheat cereal invites you to rocket into the future with:"

Jackson Beck: "TOM CORBETT … SPACE CADET!"

Tom Corbett (Frankie Thomas)" Stand by to raise ship! Blast off minus five

four

three

two

one

ZERO!!!!

Jackson Beck: "As roaring rockets blast off to distant planets and far flung stars, we take you to the age of the conquest of space with … TOM CORBETT … SPACE CADET!!!

LOGBOOK

First daily program: October 2, 1950

The first episode begins with a call from Captain Turner to Lt. Pearson at Space Port control. Turner, aboard the Rocket Scout V-74, has vital information for Captain Strong regarding the future safety of the Solar Alliance.

Captain Strong: Michael Harvey; Lt. Pearson: Dennis Harrison; Captain Turner: Tom Poston.

Directed by George Gould; Production Supervised by Mort Abrahams; Scripts Supervised by Albert Aley; Settings by Michael Baronoff; Costumes by Eddie Taliaferro.

The following is a listing of Tom Corbett summer re-runs, which were usually three 15 minute weekday episodes edited down with an introduction and commentary by Frankie Thomas as Tom Corbett.

#1        SPACE WEEK                                                                      July 7, 1951
            written by Jack Weinstock & Willy Gilbert

            NBC #51-2044 (30 minutes, edited and condensed from previous 15 minute episodes)

Narrated by Frankie Thomas

A Space Academy tournament, consisting of sports, a written exam, and a space race, pits the Polaris unit in competition against other Cadet units at the Academy. The chief competition is the Vulcan unit led by Eric Rattison. Controversy casts a shadow over the Polaris unit when evidence indicates that one of them has stolen an examination paper from Dr. Joan Dale's office.
Eric Rattison: Frank Sutton

Additional notes: This may be the first appearance of Eric Rattison, who makes numerous appearances in subsequent episodes, frequently bumping heads with Roger Manning. Rex Marshall as "Lieutentant Saunders", does the first commercial for Kellogg's Variety Pack. Frankie Thomas takes a break from his narration to do the second commercial for Kellogg's Corn Flakes.

#2 THE MARTIAN REVOLT July 14, 1951

written by Marc & Anne Siegel
NBC #51-2098 (30 minutes edited and condensed from previous 15 minute episodes)

Narrated by Frankie Thomas Sponsor: Kellogg's

An apparent plan by the Solar Council on Mars to break up Space Academy into three separate Academies actually masks a much more sinister plot to start a revolution with the goal of destroying the entire Solar Guard. The Space Cadets wind up imprisoned inside an old rocket that has been programmed to go out of control and crash into the surface of Mars.
Commander Elblas: Joe DeSantis Captain Bex: Ralph Camargo

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by George Gould                                Script Editor: Albert Aley
            Produced by Allen Ducovny                             Production Assistant: Muriel Maron

#3 TRIAL IN SPACE July 21, 1951

written by Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert
NBC #51-2154 (30 minutes edited and condensed from previous 15 minute episodes

Narrated by Frank Thomas sponsor:Kellogg's

Astro is believed to have contracted "Space Fever" a desease which could result in having him permanently grounded from space travel.
Cadet Harvey: John Weaver

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Script Editor: Albert Aley                                   Directed by George Gould
            Prouduction Assistant: Muriel Maron                 Produced by Allen Ducovny
            NBC Techinical Director: Noel Warwick            Costumes: Eddie Taliaferro

AdditionaL Notes: This was rewritten for radio, and broadcast as two half hour episodes on Tuesday 2/26/52 and Thursday 2/28/52.

#4 GRAVEYARD OF THE ROCKETS July 28, 1951

written by George Lowther
NBC #51-2210 (30 minutes edited and condensed from previous 15 minute episodes

Narrated by Frankie Thomas sponsor: Kellogg's

            The Space Cadets, along with Captain Strong, Commander Arkwright, and Dr. Joan Dale, seek an Academy scientist lost on a distant planet in an uncharted solar system. Their search takes them to the legendary Rocket Graveyard, where dozens of lost ships have accumulated over the past 200 years.
           The graveyard appears to be deserted, but there are unknown foes waiting -- not all of which are human.
            Professor Chambers: James Van Dyke         Norgerson: Ralph Riggs

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
          Directed by George Gould                           Script Editor: Albert Aley                                                             Produced by Allen Ducovny                                       Production Assistant: Muriel Maron
             NBC Technical Director: Noel Warwick                      Costumes: Eddie Taliaferro

Additional Notes: George Lowther has done previous comic strip and comic book writing, and penned the 1942 SUPERMAN novel.

#5 THE ASTEROID OF DEATH August 4, 1951

written by Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert
NBC # 51-2210 (30 minutes edited and condensed from previous 15 minute episodes)

Narrated by Frankie Thomas sponsor: Kellogg's

A clue provided by a youthful stowaway provides the only hope of preventing Roger and Captain Strong from making contact with an anti-matter asteroid -- and instantaneous annihilation.
Jodie Morton: Clifford Sales

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by George Gould                                    Script Editor: Albert Aley
            Produced by Allen Ducovny                                 Production Assistant: Muriel Maron
            NBC Technical Director: Noel Warwick                Costumes: Eddie Taliaferro

#6        THE MYSTERY OF ALKAR                                             August 11, 1951
                                                       written by Frank Thomas & Ray Morse

            NBC #51-2269 (30 minutes edited and condensed from previous 15 minute episodes)

Narrated by Frankie Thomas sponsor: Kellogg's

The Cadets are menaced by a weird, near-mute visitor from Alkar, the legendary black planet, lying beyond the orbit of Neptune. But a much more deadly threat comes from an old and very dangerous enemy, that could lead to an attack against the entire Solar Alliance.
Elblas: Joe DeSantis Luxor: Ralph Riggs

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by George Gould                                            Script Editor: Albert Aley
            Produced by Allen Ducovny                                          Production Assistant: Muriel Maron
            NBC Technical Director: Noel Warwick                         Costumes: Eddie Taliaferro

Additional Notes: Tom Poston guest stars as the mysterious invader from Alkar, though he is not identified in the closing credits. Poston also appeared as Captain Turner in the premier episode of Space Cadet on October 2, 1950.

#7 "The Lost Colony Of Venus"* August 18, 1951

written by George Lowther
NBC #51-2378 (30 minutes edited and condensed from previous 15 minute episodes)

Narrated by Frankie Thomas sponsor: Kellogg's

An adventurer calling himself the "Ace of Space" stows aboard the Space Cadets' ship (The Ventura on this occasion) with the aid of the impulsive Roger Manning. But "Ace" thereupon commandeers the ship and forces the Cadets to fly to Venus and help him search for the legendary Lost Colony. They do find it, amidst the Venusian jungles, but they also encounter the very same menace that wiped out the original Colony, established by the first colonists from earth 200 years ago. Ace of Space Bradley: Chester Stratton

#8 SUMMER SPACE MANEUVERS part 1 August 25, 1951

written by Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert

The Polaris, on a mission to destroy a dangerous contraterrene asteroid, is crippled by a split in the servo-gyro and forced to land on Jupiter for repairs.

#9 SUMMER SPACE MANEUVERS part 2 September 1, 1951

written by Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert
NBC #51-2502 (30 minutes edited and condensed from previous 15 minute episodes)

Narrated by Frankie Thomas sponsor: Kellogg's

Cadets Astro, Roger Manning and Eric Rattison, out on space maneuvers aboard the Polaris, run into trouble when the Servo-unit (which controls the automatic steering unit) on the space ship goes out of commission, and they are forced to make an emergency landing on Jupiter. Problems with Jupiter's intense gravitational field and ammonia storms threaten the ships' survival, and also hinder the efforts of Tom and Captain Strong to come to their aid.

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by George Gould                                            Script Editor: Albert Aley
            Produced by Allen Ducovny                                         Production Assistant: Muriel Maron
            NBC Technical Director: Noel Warwick                        Costumes: Eddie Taliaferro
            NBC Sound Engineers: Ken Arbor & William Goetz     NBC Film Control: Norm Albert

There were 20 episodes broadcast on the Dumont Network presented on Alternate Saturdays (alternating with The Secret Files of Captain Video). These ran from August 29, 1953 until May 22, 1954.

#1 THE MILLION DOLLAR PATROL August 29, 1953

The Space Academy is in danger of being closed down forever, so Tom Corbett and the Space Cadets risk their lives to save it when they come to the aid of passengers of a crippled rocket liner a million miles from home base.

#2 THE TROJAN PLANETS September 12, 1953

Tom Corbett and the Space Cadets find treachery and danger on the deserted planets in the orbit of Jupiter.

#3 THE OUTPOST OF DANGER September 26, 1953

Receiving an urgent distress signal from the black void of space, Tom Corbett and the cadets race to battle a dread disease which has ravished the colonial outpost of Mimas.

#4 TARGET: DANGER October 10, 1953

written by Albert Aley
Dumont #5201 (30 minutes) sponsor: Red Goose Shoes & John C. Roberts Shoes

Anytime that Cadets Roger Manning and Eric Rattison come within a parsec of each other, the tension is sure to build and the sparks are going to fly. It happens again n this eipside when Eric is temporarily assigned as an extra member of the Polaris. But past differences are insignificant when the two men are trapped together, fighting for survival, and facing certain death. Also: A feud between two cadets causes the wreck of the commanders flagship during interplanetary war games. Tom, Astro, and Manning suddenly find themselves the target of deadly atomic torpedoes while taking part in maneuvers to repel a mock invasion from space.

Special Notes: Two premiums are offered during the presentation of this show: Minature spacemen and a Strato-Treasure Hunt Game, which includes cutout pictures of the Space Academy members, and a Membership Card to Space Academy.

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION                                          Narrator: Jackson Beck
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                               Produced by Allen DucovnY
            Lighting: Carl Gaiti                                                       Senior Technician: Burch Hayes
            Audio Engineer: William Woglom                                Production Assistant: Phillip Tantillo
            Assistant Producer: Muriel Maron

#5 THE MOUNTAINS OF FIRE October, 24, 1953

In a daring maneuver, Tom Corbett and the Space Cadets use their spaceship to prevent the destruction of an important agricultural station.

#6 THE GHOST SHIP November 7, 1953

A mysterious rocket ship drifts through the skies destroying liners in seemingly accidental crashes. When Cadet Astro is accused of negligence, Tom steps into the picture.

#7 THE BEACON OF DANGER November 21, 1953

A crooked mechanic tampers with the beacons surrounding a space junk field thereby hoping to waylay a treasury ship.

#8 SPACESHIP OF DEATH December 5, 1953

An airport is threatened with destruction when an explosion occurs aboard a spaceship in flight.

Information from Chuck Lassen, who has recently obtained a script from this show is that an actress by the name of Pat Ferris played the part of Dr. Joan Dale in this episode. We will relay more information as it becomes available.

#9 THE RAIDERS OF THE ASTEROIDS December 19, 1953

The cadets disguise themselves as prospectors to trap space gangsters who have been preying on uranium seekers.

#10 THE PLANET OF DOOM written by Albert Aley January 2, 1954

Two pretty young auxiliary cadets make an emergency landing, causing their spaceship to crash land on Jupiter through negligence. (sic)

#11 CARGO OF DEATH by Albert Aley January 16, 1954

Dumont #5717 (30 minutes) Sponsored by Red Goose Shoes & John C. Roberts Shoes

A freighter captain and his made do not properly maintain the antiquated vessels they purchase, and the result is death for the passengers and crew of five of the ships. The negligent captain kidnaps Roger Manning for his crew on another ill-fated vessel. Tom and Astro, posing as civilian passengers on the freighter, must rescue Roger and stop Captain Farley before the malfunctioning freighter crashes on the moon. crazed crew chief plunges the spaceship Polaris into the orbit of the moon and certain destruction.
Captain Brad Farley: Humphrey Davis, Dickson: Harry Bellavar

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION                                    Narrator: Jackson Beck
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                        Produced by Allen Ducovny
            Lighting: Carl Gaiti                                                Audio Engineer: William Woglom
            Senior Technician: Phillip Tantillo                        Production Assistant: Hal Bowden
            Music: Hank Silberg                                               Assistant Producer: Miriel B. Maron

#12 THE IRON MAJOR January 30, 1954

A tyrannical officer forbids the crew to leave their ship while in port.

#13 THE SPACE PROJECTILE February 13, 1954

Tom Corbett is called upon to halt sabotage of a cargo firing tube.

#14 RESCUE IN SPACE February 27, 1954

no information available

#15 THE EARTHDIGGER March 13, 1954

A machine causes a cave-in under the moon's surface.

#16 SPACE STATION OF DANGER March 27, 1954

Liquid compound K has seeped into the air and threatens the lives of those on the space station. Conspirators then plant a nuclear bomb to blow up the space station and its crew.

#17 TREACHERY IN SPACE April 10, 1954

Tom Corbett is expelled from the Space Academy on suspicion of treason.

#18 COMET OF DEATH April 24, 1954

Tom's spaceship runs into a speeding comet, and the crew is in danger of death.

#19 DEATH TRAP May 8, 1954

On a routine training flight to Mars, Tom answers a distress signal from the depths of space.

#20 THE RUNAWAY ROCKET written by Albert Aley May 22, 1954

Dumont # 6292 (30 minutes)
Sponsored by International Shoes, Red Goose Shoes & John C. Roberts Shoes (featuring Joe King, Patty McCormick, Eddie Brian)

Tom, Astro and Roger are on escort duty for the speed trial of a new rocket scout manned by Commander Arkwright, Captain Strong, and Cadet Rattison. The rocket develops a short circuit in the main control panel and sends it off course to plunge directly into the sun. Only Tom Corbett and the Space Cadets are in a position to save the rocket as it falls out of control toward the sun.

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION                                             Narrator: Jackson Beck
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                                 Produced by Allen Ducovny
            Senior Technician: Phil Tantillo                                     Production Assistant: Hal Bowden
            Audio Engineer: John Giordano                                     Costumes: Eddie Taliaferro
            Audio Engineer: Bill Woglon                                          Music by Hank Sylvern

Special note: This episode was the final one of the season, as all three Space Cadets wish their viewers a happy summer vacation before they return in the fall. The Cadets themselves are even said to be going home for the summer. This is the last appearance of Jan Merlin as Roger Manning.

The following is a list of 28 programs sponsored by Kraft Foods and broadcast over the NBC Network between December 11, 1954 and June 25, 1955.
There is one noticeable difference: Roger Manning has been replace by T.J. Thistle (Jack Grimes) as the third member of the Polaris unit. Tom Corbett, Space Cadet may be the only program to be broadcast on all four major networks during its five year run.

#1 THE ATOMIC CURTAIN December 11, 1954

Tom Corbett and his pals at the Space Academy return to TV in their series of interplanetary adventures. Today's episode: A radioactive beam pins two cadets behind an atomic curtain.

#2 "Astro's Trial" December 18, 1954

Tom Corbett fights to clear his friend Astro of a negligence charge. Astro had given orders to a spaceship that somehow leads to its crash.

#3 THE RUNAWAY ASTEROID written by Albert Aley January 1, 1955

NBC #55-3 (30 minutes) sponsored by Kraft Carmels

Four Hundred million miles from earth, The Space Cadets, Captain Strong and Commander Arkwright attempt to alter the course of an asteroid presently orbiting Jupiter. Their purpose: to find a way to force it into orbit around Ganymede, largest satellite of Jupiter, where it is to be ultimately transformed into a massive space station. Commander Arkwright has staked his reputation on this project. Failure means that he will feel compelled to resign from the Academy

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                                Produced by Albert Aley
            Assistant Producer: Muriel Maron                                 Technical Director: Fidelis Blunk
            Visual Effects by: NBC Special Effects

#4 SUIT UP FOR DANGER January 8, 1955

NBC #55-95 (30 minutes) sponsored by Kraft Carmels

Major Bemus, The Space Academy Quartermaster, refuses to believe that the oxygen feed line flutter valves on Academy spacesuits are defective, despite a series of accidents and the vehement contention of Captain Strong. The Major's stubbornness is leading toward a fatal catastrophe.
Major Bemus: Lieutenant Mitchell:

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                               Produced by Albert Aley
            Assistant Producer: Muriel Maron                                 Technical Director: Fieelis Blunk
            Scenic Designer: Tom Jewett                                       Lighting: Dick Schmidt
            Video: Al Sielski                                                          Sound Effects: Agnew Horine
            Audio: Neal Smith                                                       Visual Effects: NBC Special Effects

#8 ACE OF THE SPACE LANES by Albert Aley February 5, 1955

NBC #516 (30 minutes) sponsored by Kraft Carmels

During a routine space run, T.J. Thistle, and to a lesser extant, Astro, are enthusiastically following (by long-range televiewer) the attempt of Captain Cowan, famous Solar Guard rocketbuster, to establish a speed record for a run around Titan (largest satellite of Saturn) and back. Tom has a more objective opinion of Captain Cowan. The Cadets suddenly see Cowan's ship explode, but Cowan miraculously survives, and is rescued by the Cadets. Cowan decides to take another try at the Titan speed record, and manages to appropriate the Polaris and its Cadet crew, in spine of the vehement objects of Captain Strong, who recognizes Cowan for the glory seeker that he is. In his attempt to break the speed record Cowan's recklessness endangers the ship, and he bails out, leaving the Cadets to the mercy of space debris near the rings of Saturn.
Captain Roy Cowan: Ralph Camargo

Special Notes: This is a superior episode in the Kraft series, with superb acting by the entire cast. It is also one of the first to be made available from Mossman/Williams Productions on Video Tape.

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by: Ralph Ward                                    Produced by Albert Alley
            Scenic Designer: Tom Jewett                            Assistant Producer: Muriel Maron
            Technical Director: Fiedelis Blunk                     Visual Effects: NBC Special Effects

#11 ASSIGNMENT: MERCURY by Richard Jessup February 26, 1955

NBC # 835 (30 minutes) sponsored by Kraft Carmels

On a trip to Mercury, the Cadets are assigned to Major Connel, the "roughest, toughest, meanest" officer in the entire Solar Guard. This is much to the chagrin of T.J., who starts off by putting hisfood in his mouth, and just deeps driving it in deeper. But the humor of this situations quickly turns to disaster when a technical error by T.J. puts Tom and the Major in a deadly situation and on the verge of perishing in Mercury's 700 degree heat.
Major Connel: Ben Stone

Special Notes: Major "Blastoff" Connel apparently appeared regularly in many of the early Space Cadet episodes, including the following radio episodes: "Ice Caves of Pluto", 2/21/52; "Danger in Deep Space" 5/6/52. In the Kraft commercials Frankie Thomas as Tom explains how we can obtain our Space Cadet Membership Kit, which consists of an Academy Ring with the Space Cadet rocket insignia, an offical shoulder patch, and a Membership Certificate with the Universal Space Pledge.

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                     Produced by Albert Aley
            Scenic Designer: Tom Jewett                           Assistant Producer: Muriel Maron
            Technical Director: Fidelis Blunk                       Video by Al Sielski
            Audio: Neal Smith                                             Sound Effects: Agnew Horine
            Lighting: Dick Schmidti                                      Vsual Effects: NBC Special Effects

#13 THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING MAIL SHIP March 12, 1955
by Albert Aley

NBC # 1048 (30 minutes) Sponsored by Kraft Carmels

Roy Cowan, the former "Ace of the Space Lanes" (see synopsis episode 8) returns, and this time he starts off by hijacking the Titan Mail Ship, leaving Captain Strong in dire jeopardy as revenge for his having been discharged from The Space Academy. He then teams up with a weapons specialist who has also been discharged from the Academy. They go on a devastating rampage, destroying other ships that they come across at random. The Polaris Crew offer themselves as bait to trap Cowan. Cowan then comes after the "bait" with a vengeance.
Roy Cowan: Ralph Camargo

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                     Produced by Albert Aley
            Scenic Designer: Tom Jewett                             Assistant Producer: Muriel Maron
            Technical Director: Fidelis Blunk                       Video: Al Sielski
            Audio: Neal Smith                                              Sound Effects" Agnew Horine
            Lighting: Dick Schmidt                                       Visual Effects by: NBC Special Effects

#14 THE GREMLIN OF SPACE by Palmer Thompson March 19, 1955

NBC # 1153 (30 minutes) Sponsored by Kraft Carmels

The Polaris Crew are in trouble for an accumulation of minor infractions, so for a period of 31 days they are assigned to what is supposed to be tedious Cargo detail as punishment. But on their first run they find a part of their cargo to be alive -- and all hell breaks loose on the Polaris.
Muggs 67th: J. Fred Muggs 1^st

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                                 Produced by Albert Aley
            Scenic Designer: Tom Jewett                                         Assistant Producer: Muriel Maron
            Technical Director: Fiedelis Blunk                                  Video: Al Sielski
            Audio: Neal Smith                                                           Sound Effects: Agnew Horine
            Lighting: Dick Schmidt                                                    Visual Effects: NBC Special Effects

Special Notes: J. Fred Muggs is of course a rather famous monkey who was featured a number of times on the original Today show with Dave Garroway. The Space Cadet Membership Kit, which consists of a Space Cadet ring, shoulder patch, & membership certificate is again offered for 15 cents plus a Kraft tab or wrapper.

#15 TERROR IN SPACE (also Space Fear) March 26, 1955
written by Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert

NBC #1260 (30 minutes) Sponsored by Kraft Carmels

An accident on board the Polaris cuts Astro adrift from the ship, and he floats in a panic through the blackness of space. Psychological damage from the experience is more devastating from than the physical harm, and Astro learns that he may "never see space again". T.J. Thistle has his own ideas of providing Astro an instant cure. But a meteor striking the Polaris provides a better method for bringing Astro around.

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                                 Produced by Albert Aley
            Assistant Producer Muriel Maron                                   Technical Director: Fidelis Blunk
            Scenic Designer: Tom Jewett                                        Video by Al Sielski
            Audio by Neal Smith                                                     Sound Effects by Agnew Horine
            Lighting: Dick Schmidt                                                  Visual Effects: NBC Special Effects

#17 THE MAGNETIC ASTEROID April 9, 1955
by Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert

NBC # 1464 (30 minutes) sponsored by Kraft Carmels

A strange asteroid having an exceptionally strong magnetic field, along with the magnetic personality of one T.J. Thistle, combine to wreck a bit of havoc in space.
Jim Myers: Bob Hastings; Eric Rattison: Frank Sutton

Production crew same as above with one exception: Video by Sid Davidson

Special Notes: Bob Hastings is the brother of Don Hastings the Video Ranger on Captain Video.

#20 PURSUIT OF THE DEEP SPACE PROJECTILE April 30, 1955
by Richard Jessup

NBC #1780 (30 minutes) sponsored by Kraft Carmels

The Polaris Crew, Captain Strong and a very obnoxious Cadet Monroe, are assigned to retrieve data from a robot rocket referred to as the "Deep Space Projectile" in the vicinity of the star Sirius. While docking with the projectile a malfunction causes it to break away from the Polaris, and T.J. and Captain Strong find themselves spiraling in toward Sirius, a white star 2.35 times as massive and 23 times as luminous as our sun.
Alex Monroe: Bill Lipton

Production crew same as episode #15.

#21 OUTPOST OF TERROR by Albert Aley May 7, 1955

NBC # 1889 (30 minutes) Sponsored by Kraft Caramels

Tom, Astro and T.J. make a stop at an outpost on Triton, the largest satellite of the planet Neptune. The first thing they discover at the outpost is a corpse. The unfortunate victim appears to have died of radiation exposure; but there is also an even deadlier danger present!

Barkere: Robert Dryden

Production Credits same as above.

#22 AN EXERCISE FOR DEATH by Albert Aley May 14, 1955

NBC # 1993 (30 minutes) Sponsored by Kraft Caramels

Secretary Masters, the top man in the Solar Guard pays a visit to Space Academy and receives a quite unfavorable first impression of the Polaris Cadets. Later, as part of an exercise, and to impress Secretary Masters who is aboard the Polaris, and to atone for their previous embarrassment, the cadets must knock out a robot rocket in Mars orbit. They hit it as planned, but the robot rocket careens wildly out of control, posing a deadly threat to other ships. The cadets voluntarily risk their necks to try to stop it.

Secretary Masters: William Johnstone

Production Credits same as above.

#23 AMBUSH IN SPACE by Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert May 21, 1955

NBC # 2094 (30 minutes) Sponsored by Kraft Caramels

Two convicts, including the treacherous Roy Cowan, escape from the Prison Asteroid by hijacking a space freighter. Cowan and his accomplice lure the Polaris cadets into an ambush using their hijacked freighter as bait, which they themselves have abandoned, but not before starting a wildcatting reaction in the freighters reactors, which will cause the ship to explode as the Cadets approach.
Caretaker: Geoffrey Bryant; Roy Cowan: Ralph Camargo; Brock: Bill Zuckert

Production Credits same as above.

#25 A FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL by Albert Aley June 4, 1955
(also known as Assignment: Survival)

NBC # 2302 (30 minutes) Sponsored by Kraft Caramels

Tom, Astro and T.J. are assigned to fly an old ship to Venusport, where it is to be scrapped. But as the Cadets are descending toward Venus, the ships reactors malfunction, sending it crashing into the Venusian jungle with the Cadets bailing out to survive. Then they must work to survive again in the midst of a Venusian jungle, while all the time an unseen volcano threatens to erupt.

Production Credits same as episode 23 with one exception: Technical Director: Lawrence Elikann

#26 SPACE BLINDNESS by Art Wallace June 11, 1955

NBC #2415 (30 minutes) Sponsored by Kraft Caramels

A brilliant, but eccentric professor is anxious to photograph a nova that he recently discovered, and that was named after him. The professor and Commander Arkwright approach the exploding star for this purpose, but are stricken with temporary blindness from then nova's intense light and ultra-violet radiation when the professor foolishly removes their ships protective sun filter for a better look at the star.

Professor Hinkel: Leon Janey

Production Credits same as episode # 23

Last Program:

#28 THE FINAL TEST by Albert Aley June 25, 1955

NBC # (30 minutes) Sponsored by Kraft Caramels

CAST: Frankie Thomas, Al Markim, Jack Grimes, Edward Bryce, Carter Blake, and Frank Suttun as Cadet Eric Rattison

Synopsis: Tom and T.J. have finished their final exams and are waiting for Astro to complete his nucleonics exam. Eric Rattison is concerned that Astro might not be doing so well. After receiving a failing grade, Captain Strong decides to give Astro a little more to do on the tactical part of his test aboard the Polaris. The test is also attended by Cadet Rattison, who may be given Astro's job on the Polaris if he should fail this part of the test. The Polaris Crew is ordered to take appropriate action in destroying a derelict freighter in Mars orbit. However Tom decides to try and salvage the ship instead. Astro and Eric are on board the freighter when Tom learns that a salvo of torpedo's have been fired from Mars to destroy the derelict. Tom fires torpedo's from the Polaris to disrupt the homing devices on the missiles sending them off course and saving the lives of Eric and Astro.

At the end of this episode Tom turns to the audience and says: "And thanks to all of you spacemen out there for being with us this year. You've been a swell gang and it's been great having you with us on all our flights. We've appreciated all your letters, and those of you who haven't received any answers yet -- don't worry -- we'll spend most of our vacation catching up with you. Oh, and keep writing, it's the best way to make sure that we can come back again for another term. Well, so long for now, hope to see you again next year!"

            A ROCKHILL PRODUCTION
            Directed by Ralph Ward                                               Produced by Albert Aley
            Scenic Designere: Tom Jewett                                     Assistant Producer: Muriel Maron
            Technical Director: Fidelis Blunk                                  Video: Sid Davidson
            Audio: Neal Smith                                                         Lighting: Richard Schmidt

The show never did come back, but I remember seeing an issue of TV Guide about a week or two after the Russians launched Sputnik that sponsors had expressed an interest in bringing back the show.

This Saturday morning show would mark the end of an era. It would be the last science fiction space exploration show to be broadcast live on network television.

*Please note: Titles are listed in quotation are possible titles, as my sources do not give titles for these episodes.

*******************

The following article appeared in the September 2, 1953 issue of VARIETY.

"TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET, with Frankie Thomas, Jan Merlin, Al Markim, Edward Bryce, Carter Blake, others. Producer: Allan Ducovny; Director: Ralph Ward; Writer: Albert Aley 30 mins., Sat., 11:30 a.m. INTERNATIONAL SHOE CO. DuMont, from N.Y. (D'Arcy)

'Tom Corbett, Space Cadet', which Rockhill Productions has resurrected for International Shoe, shapes up as a good entry for the Saturday morning juve viewing time. But the initial presentation on DuMont last week was a shamefully snafued production, one that's inexcusable in this advance television age. Premiere was a conglomeration of flubbed lines, missed cues, forgotten musical background and general production-direction amateurishness that got the series off to a very bad start, in spine of a highly acceptable script. Flubs went so far as to include a flash commercial for Kelloggs, which isn't even connected with the show.

"Assuming the flaws will be corrected within the next couple of showings -- and corrected they'll have to be if the show is to survive -- the science fictioneer should make good juvenile viewing on its alternate week schedule. Initial Albert Aley script had a Frank Merriwell flavor, as Tom Corbett (Frankie Thomas) and his Space Cadet sidekicks, as played by Jan Merlin and Al Markim, saved the old school (The Space Academy) from being eliminated by economy-minded bureaucrats.

"Trick was turned by the trio's taking the visiting bigwig on a space flight to show how the school trained cadets in teamwork and technical skill. Bigwig was unconvinced until they saved his wife and daughter from a spaceship in distress. This type of story line is to be encouraged in the kiddie field. There's no violence or brutality, yet it's the type of story that'll maintain interest throughout and keep the moppets tied to their sets.

"Likewise, the technical science-fiction layout is convincing, Producer Allen Ducovny fashioned a believable spaceship layout as one of the sets, and Aley's terminology is convincing. Interspersed film clips are well chosen and fit smoothly into the story line.

"On the thespian side, all concerned had their difficulties on the opener. But cast is well-chosen; Thomas fits into the clean-cut category nicely, and Merlin and Markim make unstereotyped cadets. Edward Bryce is good as a space captain and Carter Blake makes a sympathetic school commander.

"Once the kinks are ironed out, DuMont, International Shoes and Rockhill should have a winner on their hands."

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The following article appeared in the Wednesday, December 15, 1954 issue of VARIETY.

"TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET with Frankie Thomas, Al Markim, Jack Grimes, Ed Bryce, Carter Blake. Producer-Writer: Albert Aley; Director: Ralph Ward; 30 mins.; Sat., 11:30, KRAFT, NBC-TV, from New York (J.Walter Thompson)

"Kraft Foods is waiting until Jan. 1, for "Tom Corbett, Space Cadet" to clear its rocket tubes for fear that even though its better than half-year anchorage (after finishing at DuMont) was spent in anti-oxidation balls it wasn't enough to keep out rust entirely. Then too, the sponsor didn't want to join the cadets at the Space Academy until the start of a new (commercial) semester, that being after the New Year. As far as the former is concerned, the bank-roller needn't have feared. The veteran video vehicle (which, incidentally, is making it tour of TV's fourth solar system, NBC-TV, after having soared through the other three in its lifetime) was in reasonably good condition at it's launching.

"The kid stanza, anchoring the new NBC-TV Saturday morning two-hour juve block, made perhaps a couple too many trial turns on the preem before opening its rockets full and heading for adventure in outer space. After a long scene in which roles were established and dissension was created, Tom Corbett and his fellow cadets were sent on a cruise to learn teamwork. New crewman -- supposed to be a brain but played like a lesser Hell's Kitchen thug by Jack Grimes -- made one of his practical jokes, causing real trouble, but after showing he meant no harm, was saved by Frankie Thomas' bright 'n' brave Tom Corbett.

"Following what seems to be Rockhill's code, producer-scribbler Albert Alley (vice Allen Ducovny, presently of D'Arcy agency) asserted dramatic elements without once getting gory. In the NBC preem, 'Space Cadet' had no darkly evil antagonist to the forces of good, but instead exaggerated (some times too much) failings of 'our side' to motivate action.