| The Message | |
|---|---|
| Series A for Andromeda Season 1, Episode 1 | |
| |
| Air date | October 3rd, 1961 |
| Writers | Fred Hoyle John Elliot |
| Director | Michael Hayes |
| Producers | Michael Hayes Norman James |
| Starring | Esmond Knight; Patricia Kneale; Peter Halliday; Noel Johnson; Julie Christie |
| Episode guide | |
| Previous — |
Next "The Machine" |
"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 Ernest 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 realizes that the signal is in fact a computer program. He brings his findings to his superiors who compel him to secrecy.
Cast[]
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Peter Halliday | Doctor John Fleming |
| Esmond Knight | Professor Ernest Reinhart |
| Frank Windsor | Dennis Bridger |
| Patricia Kneale | Judy Adamson |
| Noel Johnson | J.M. Osborne |
| Donald Stewart | General Vandenberg |
| Mary Chester | Grace |
| John Murray-Scott | Harvey |
| John Nettleton | Harries |
| Bernard Kilby | Whelan |
| Brenda Peters | Secretary to Osborne |
| Peter King | News reader |
| Kenneth Kendall | Himself - interviewer |
| Terry Lodge | Jenkins |
| John Barrett | Oldroyd |
Notes & Trivia[]
- First episode of the series.
- At the time of production, it was customary amongst TV studios to erase recordings after an episode's initial broadcast. As such, no existing master reel of this episode exists and is considered a "lost" episode.
- The story is told in flashback from the recollection of Professor Ernest Reinhart.
- In addition to being a producer, Norman James also works as a production designer on this series.
- This episode was edited by Agnes Evan.