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Journey into Space

The first episode of the re-recorded and re-produced Operation Luna series was broadcast in 1958. Originally broadcast as episode 5 in the first broadcast of the Operation Luna series in 1953. This episode also introduces us to the four main characters of the series, Jet Morgan, Stephen “Mitch” Mitchell, Doc Matthews and Lemmy Barnet.

This first episode kicks off on October 19, 1965 (in the far future) as the rocket ship Luna blasts off on it’s atomic motors, from a space port in the Australian Outback, for the Moon with Jet, Doc, Mitch and Lemmy aboard. Soon after escape velocity from earth is made radio contact with Earth is lost.

While the radio is out of service Jet and Mitch are discussing their options if the radio can not be repaired. When Jet says they would turn around and head back to earth Mitch blows a gasket. We find out that he is the one who designed and built the Luna. He even said that he had hired Jet as Captain. Irregardless Jet stands his ground and threatens anyone with mutiny if they don’t follow his direction.

Finally Lemmy has made repairs to the radio and is ready to test it. When he turns it on there is some odd ‘music’ on the radio (this music will appear through the next several episodes). All crew members hear this strange music then it stops. They immediately try to contact control again and find out that the earth has been hearing them all along.

Next a meteor strikes the Luna. Jet goes outside the ship to inspect for damage and finds that it was a minor strike by a small meteorite. Satisfied the damage is minor he invites the others out to view the spectacular scenery. Since one of them must remain inside Doc volunteers to stay if he can be the first to set foot on the moon.

While outside the ship Lemmy hears that odd ‘music’ again on his space suit radio. No one else hears the strange music. The others do not hear him and question whether he did or not.

The episode ends with Mitch going off on Lemmy claiming he is unstable. It didn’t help that Lemmy brought a harmonica and kept hearing that ‘music.’

In this episode we are introduced to Lemmy’s most frequent saying “contact!” Which is his reply whenever he is asked to start or turn on any piece of equipment including the opening and closing of the ship’s hatch.

This episode reminds me very much of the 1950 movie Destination Moon. From Lemmy’s raio operator character, not to mention the harmonica, to the space walk right after launch. I would be surprised if Charles Chilton were not influenced by the George Pal production.

Originally aired in 1953 as episode 5 but was re-recorded in 1957 as episode 1 of 13 episodes for airing world wide in 1958.

Broadcast Date: 26 Mar 1958

Journey Into Space Cast From Express Weekly Comic

Cast:
Jet Morgan: Andrew Faulds
Doc Matthews: Guy Kinglsey Poynter
Stephen “Mitch” Mitchell: David Williams
Lemmy Barnet: Alfie Bass
The Time Traveller: Deryck Guyler: Eps: 9-13
Control: John Cazabon Eps: 1-2 David Jacobs: Eps: 5, 13
Voice of London: Alan Keith: Ep: 2
Uncle Hector: Duncan McIntyre: Ep: 3
Spaceship X4372: David Jacobs: Ep: 3
Moon Control: Duncan McIntyre: Ep: 3
BBC Overseas Service: David Jacobs: Ep: 4
Weather Station XLG: David Jacobs: Ep: 5
Alien Voice: David Jacobs: Ep: 8

Production Credits:
Written By: Charles Chilton
Produced By: Charles Chilton
Announcer: Guy Kinglsey Poynter 1-2, 9-10 David Jacobs 3-8, 11-13
Music: Orchestra conducted by Van Phillips who also wrote the music.

Listen below to Journey into Space Operation Luna Episode 01:

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List of Journey Into Space - Operation Luna Episodes: