UFO (1970–1973)

In the year 1980 the Earth is threatened by an alien race who kidnap and kill humans and use them for body parts. A highly secret military organization is set up in the hope of defending ... See full summary »

Creators:

Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson

Stars:

Ed Bishop, Dolores Mantez, Michael Billington

Cast

Series cast summary:
Ed Bishop	...	Cmdr. Ed Straker (26 episodes, 1969-1973)
Dolores Mantez	...	Nina Barry (23 episodes, 1969-1971)
Michael Billington	...	Col. Paul Foster (21 episodes, 1969-1973)
Ayshea Brough	...	SHADO Operative (18 episodes, 1969-1971)
George Sewell	...	Col. Alec Freeman (17 episodes, 1969-1971)
Keith Alexander	...	Lt. Keith Ford (15 episodes, 1969-1971)
Antonia Ellis	...	Joan Harrington (13 episodes, 1969-1971)

Storyline

In the year 1980 the Earth is threatened by an alien race who kidnap and kill humans and use them for body parts. A highly secret military organization is set up in the hope of defending the Earth from this alien threat. This organization is named SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization) and operates from a secret location beneath a film studio. They also operate a fleet of submarines and have a base on the moon as well as an early warning satellite that detects inbound UFOs. UFOs can be destroyed in space by Interceptors which are launched from Moonbase. If one gets through it can be attacked in the Earth's atmosphere by a high altitude aircraft launched from one of the submarines. If a UFO also avoids this and manages to land it can be tracked and destroyed by a number of Mobiles (armored vehicles) which are deployed throughout the world.

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Plot Keywords:

ufo | 1980s | female astronaut | flying saucer | sexy suit | 

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Genres:

Action | Sci-Fi

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 September 1970 (UK)

Also Known As:

Alerte dans l'espace

Filming Locations:

MGM British Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Century 21 Television, Incorporated Television Company (ITC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min 45 min (26 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Initially Ed Bishop's hair was bleached for the series. As time wore on they decided to switch to a blonde wig instead to avoid damaging his hair with repeated bleaching. Bishop used to own this wig and would bring it with him to sci-fi conventions.

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Goofs

When the alien is being taken down the corridor to the operating room, his eyes are open. Then, while on the operating table, the doctor removes the white plastic protective shells covering them.

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Quotes

Col. Paul Foster: We can't just sit around!
Ed Straker: I've solved quite a few problems by just "sitting around", as you call it, Colonel. You should try it yourself sometime.

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Crazy Credits

During the opening theme, the show's title "UFO" is flashed on the screen for only a fraction of a second. It appears "officially" on screen at the end of the teaser sequence.

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Connections

Edited into UFO: Prendeteli vivi. (1974)

User Reviews

Just Great!!!!!!

In ones opinion this is the best of the Gerry Anderson productions. The various plot lines go into many different aspects of the personal lives of the characters, marriage break-ups, blackmail, interracial and sexual tensions (very new on TV in 1970), the loneliness of command and the mundane arguing of budgetry cuts. The acting is as good as anything seen today particularly Ed Bishop, Michael Billington and George Sewell. Excellent direction, marvellous sets and special effects on limited TV budgets. The programme stands the test of time and one thinks that young people of today would find it just as exciting as people did in 1970.