Space Patrol

LITTLEV DID WE know when we tuned in to all of these various images of "futuristic" space shows, that we were rapidly approaching the day when "Outer Space" would mean much more than just a bit of science fiction or fantasy. The year was 1950 and Sputnik (Soviet un-manned satellite), Muttnik (Soviet satellite with bowser inside) and Yuri Gargaran (man) weren't far off.

Space Patrol really started a long tradition of the love of science fiction and space adventure that continues to this day. As a youth in San Francisco I watched it every chance.

Although Space Patrol is set 500 years beyond the Star Trek TNG series it seems to be as primitive as the 20th century. Our concept of space travel seem to center on the rocket, all the science fiction shows of early television had that concept be it Rocky Jones, Tom Corbett, or even Space Patrol.

The headline of that month was of Ernest Hemingway and a short version of The Old Man and the Sea.It explained that a WWII fighter pilot had thought the whole thing up while flying raids in the Pacific during the War.

If you craved thrills and action with not much science fiction underpinning, and an unabashedly total lack of realism, this was the early 1950s space adventure program for you. Square-jawed, intelligent and courageous Commander Buzz Corry and his comical sidekick Cadet Happy faced certain death in nearly every once-a-week Saturday morning broadcast.

When Kit Cory disappeared on a secret mission to Plannet "X:", his younger brother Buzz took over the fight for right in Space. The Actor who played Kit Corey is my father Franklin Mullen.

"....Buzz Corey, Commander-in-Chief of the SPACE PATROL!

I grew up in Las Vegas NV, where there was no television until 1954. I was in the 4th grade, and it changed life for us kids quite dramatically.

And yes -- I actually saw it "live" on TV. Sponsored by Ralston.