The Martian Chronicles
1 9 8 0 (USA)
3 x 95 minute episodes
This cerebral mini-series is not one for those who think that
sci-fi started with Star Wars.
Based on the 1940s novel by Ray Bradbury, The Martian
Chronicles is set in 1999 when a group of astronauts embark on
the first manned flight to Mars (because the Earth is on the verge
of extinction) and find all manner of strangeness once they
arrive.
Hard science is ignored (astronauts arrive on a breathable Mars
in leisure suits!) and the space travel effects are clunky, but
the action on Mars - with Assheton Gorton's geometric sets and
simple props - are far more effective.
The unprepared Earthlings quickly discover that there are
Martians at large, but as the planet is rapidly colonised and
humans pour in quickly - bringing with them all the evils of their
old world - the dying Martian population become near spectres,
bringing awe and fear to those they encounter.
Master sci-fi writer Richard Matheson (I Am Legend)
smartly streamlines Bradbury's episodic stories, giving a central
role to Colonel John Wilder (Rock Hudson).
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