Introduction
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century is an American science fiction adventure television series produced by Universal Studios. The series ran for two seasons between September 1979 and April 1981, and the feature-length pilot episode for the series was released as a theatrical film before the series aired.
The film and series were developed by Glen A. Larson and Leslie Stevens, based on the character Buck Rogers created in 1928 by Philip Francis Nowlan that had previously been featured in comic strips, novellas, a serial film, and on television and radio.
Outline
The Earth Defence Directorate faces a crisis when nearly everyone becomes sick after eating poisoned food. An attempt is made to create an antidote, but the plan is thwarted when the laboratory is sabotaged and an assassin takes aim at Dr. Huer. Buck and Wilma then pursue leads to the planet Vistula where the contaminated food was exported from and there they find a world engaged in slave labour. A slave girl named Ryma, hopeful Buck will help her people, informs him about the food processing centre where the food is being poisoned. Buck and Wilma then discover the poisoning is part of an elaborate plot by a fanatical religious leader and slave trader with paranormal powers named Kaleel. After Wilma is captured, Buck and Major Duke Danton, (Wilma’s former boyfriend), attempt to rescue her from Kaleel’s mountain fortress. Meanwhile, Kaleel plans to invade Earth with a secret strike force while their defences are incapacitated.
Part Two here.
Trivia
- This was a two-hour episode, later syndicated as a two-part episode.
- Guest stars: Jack Palance (as Kaleel), David Groh (as Major Duke Danton), Roddy McDowall (as Governor Toban Saroyan), Brianne Leary (as Ryma), Sheila DeWindt (as Major Fields), Robert Dowdell (as Galen), Macdonald Carey (as Dr. Mallory), Karen Carlson (as Stella Warden), and Michael Mullins (as Regis Saroyan).
- It also features a special appearance by Buster Crabbe (who played Buck Rogers in the original serial), playing Brigadier Gordon (a reference to his other famous role, Flash Gordon).
Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century Series
You can find a full index and overview of Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century here.
You can find a full index of the Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century TV Series here.
Production & Filming Details
- Release Date: 27 September 1979.
- Running Time: 60 minutes (per episode, with adverts).
- Rating: 15.
- Country: US.
- Language: English.
Video Link
