Raumpatrouille - Die phantastischen Abenteuer des Raumschiffs Orion, colloquially also known as Raumpatrouille Orion, is the first German science fiction television series. Its seven episodes were broadcast by the ARD in 1966 and achieved audience ratings of up to 80 %. The series has since acquired cult status in Germany. Raumpatrouille translates as "Space Patrol" in English.
The special effects of the black and white series, which were spectacular at the time, now possess a certain quaint charm. The series' budget was comparatively low, but the set designers proved very creative in making the best of their limited means. Electric irons were used as part of the command console, for instance, and plastic beakers as ceiling lighting. Nonetheless, the considerable costs of the series led to its termination after only seven episodes. 2003 saw a movie composed of various scenes from the original series, and 145 novels based on and continuing the series were published over the years.
The occasionally ironic series focuses on the adventures of Commander McLane (Dietmar Schönherr ) who commands the fast cruiser Orion during a war with the alien "Frogs" and often gets in trouble with the government of Earth. In addition to the set design, the terminology of the series was memorable. Instead of using or translating the English terms, the series created original German terms.
The soundtrack was composed by Peter Thomas.
Episodes
- Angriff aus dem All (Attack from Space)
- Planet außer Kurs (Planet off Course)
- Die Hüter des Gesetzes (Keeper of the Law)
- Deserteure (Deserters)
- Kampf um die Sonne (Battle for the Sun)
- Die Raumfalle (The Space Trap)
- Invasion (Invasion)
Sources
External links (in German)
Other works with the same name
At least two other science fiction series have had the name Space Patrol - see the disambiguation page for details.
