A For Andromeda (1961)

A for Andromeda is a British television science fiction drama serial starring Esmond Knight and Mary Morris with Peter Halliday, Patricia Kneale, Noel Johnson, and introducing Julie Christie.

The story concerns a group of scientists who detect a radio signal from another galaxy that contains instructions for the design of an advanced computer. When the computer is built, it gives the scientists instructions for the creation of a living organism named Andromeda, but one of the scientists, John Fleming, fears that Andromeda's purpose is to subjugate humanity.

Only one episode of the original production survives, along with a few short extracts from other episodes. A for Andromeda has been remade twice: first by the Italian state television RAI in 1972 and by the BBC in 2006 (starring Jane Asher). A sequel, The Andromeda Breakthrough, was made by the BBC in 1962.

Cast

Among the uncredited cast members was John Scott Martin ("Lab Assistant" / "Man in Pub") and Kenneth Colley ("Dead Body") in episodes 1 and 7, respectively.

Episodes

1. "The Message" (October 3, 1961)
   • The year is 1970, and it is the eve of the opening of a new giant radio-telescope. Professor Reinhart's staff are making routine tests, when something unexpected cuts across the usual background static of outer space, and across all their lives.
2. "The Machine" (October 10, 1961)
   • The radio message from outer space received on the new giant radio-telescope throws the country into a panic. Scientists, military, security forces, and a great international cartel are all competing for the information it contains. The only one with the answer is the young scientist John Fleming. "It's a do-it-yourself kit. And it isn't human!"
3. "The Miracle" (October 17, 1961)
   • John Fleming interprets a message from outer space as a plan for the construction of a super computer. His colleague Dennis Bridger sells information about the computer to an international cartel, and a government agent following Bridger is killed. When the computer is built, it begins to print out information which only Fleming understands.
4. "The Monster" (October 24, 1961)
   • John Fleming and his colleague Dennis Bridger have built a super-computer, to a plan received from outer space, which acts as a means of communication between the source of the message in the constellation of Andromeda and the Earth. With the help of the computer, the scientists produce a synthesised living organism. Bridger, who has been selling information about the project, is arrested, escapes and, after a chase, falls to his death.
5. "The Murderer" (October 31, 1961)
   • With the help of a computer designed from a message from outer space, Professor Dawnay succeeds in making and keeping alive a synthesised creature, and even makes it grow. The computer achieves a haphazard and unsatisfactory communication with the creature. Against his better judgment, Fleming, who built the computer, suggests arranging a direct electrical supply between it and the machine. Even this is not entirely satisfactory, and the computer, in an attempt to extend its knowledge of humanity, compels Christine, one of Professor Dawnay's assistants, to take hold of the exposed terminals, and kills her.
6. "The Face Of The Tiger" (November 7, 1961)
   • The computer built by Fleming, from a design received in a message from space, begins to show its power. In spite of Fleming's warnings, Professor Dawnay continues to use it for her experiment in the synthesis of life. The final result of the experiment is a human baby, which is christened Andromeda and which grows up to show a startling resemblance to the dead Christine. She is clearly in mental communication with the computer. When the international situation becomes desperate, the Prime Minister turns to Andromeda and the computer for help. (Watch on YouTube: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6)
7. "The Last Mystery" (November 14, 1961)
   • The computer designed by an intelligence from another world, and its girl-like creature Andromeda, provides the Government with a rocket capable of intercepting and destroying any space satellite. Everyone is delighted except Fleming, who refuses to see the conjunction of Andromeda and the computer as anything but a menace. He tries to sabotage the computer. It takes its revenge, but the blow falls by mistake on Professor Dawnay. (Watch on YouTube: Final 15 minutes)

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