A for Andromeda: The Message

"The Message" is the pilot episode of A for Andromeda and first aired on the BBC on October 3rd, 1961. The story takes place in Great Britain in the (then-future) year of 1970. Professor Ernst Reinhart, John Fleming and Dennis Bridger are all scientists in the employ of the Ministry of Defence. They develop a highly advanced radio telescope at Bouldershaw Fell in the Yorkshire Dales. Shortly before its official opening, Doctor Fleming picks up a string of intermittent signals, which he determines originates from the distant Andromeda Galaxy. Examining the signal, Doctor Fleming realises that the signal is in fact a computer program. He brings his findings to his superiors who compel him to secrecy.

Notes & Trivia

 * The story is told in flashback from the recollection of Professor Ernst Reinhart.