Ian Hendry – The Adventures of Don Quick [1970] – Rare London Weekend Television Promotional Still
Picture above: Ian Hendry in The Adventures of Don Quick [1970].
Recently discovered rare London Weekend Television promotional still for the episode ‘The Benefits of Earth’ which was first transmitted on Friday October 30th 1970.
The Adventures of Don Quick [1970]
Video: The Benefits of Earth [1970]. The only episode known to have survived from the 70s.
Source: Wikipedia
The Adventures of Don Quick is a science fiction comedy television series that ran from October–December 1970, on ITV. Starring Ian Hendry and Ronald Lacey, six 50 minute episodes were made, shown in a 60-minute time slot. As of 2008, only the first episode exists, the other five are now missing. A technologically impressive 30 foot model spaceship was built in the studio for the series.
Plot summary
The show was a science fiction satire based on the characters of Don Quixote, with astronaut Captain Don Quick (Ian Hendry) and Sergeant Sam Czopanser (Ronald Lacey), members of the “Intergalactic Maintenance Squad”. On each planet they visit, Quick attempts to set right imaginary wrongs, often upsetting the inhabitants of whatever society he is in. The plot bears some resemblance to the five Penton and Blake stories by John W Campbell, about two astronauts who travel the Solar System meeting strange races.
The episodes
The Benefits of Earth. The pair land on a planet with two extremely different races. One is technologically advanced and is warlike, addicted to human sacrifices. The others are beings of peace and sensitively, living in a dream world. Quick decides to reform them. Kevin Stoney as Betuchuk, Anouska Hempel as Marvana, Thorley Walters as Chief Dreamer. Written by Peter Wildeblood.
People Isn’t Everything. The pair land on the planet Ophiuchus and leave their rocket in the care of a robot who unfortunately likes to drink. Tony Bateman as Skip, Kate O’Mara as Peleen, Colin Baker as Rebel. Written by Kenneth Hill.
The Higher The Fewer. The pair land on Melkion 5 where the population live in 2,000 storey high skyscrapers. The upper floors are for the upper classes and the lower floors for the lower classes. Quick decides to change all of that with disastrous results. James Hayter as Hendenno, Hildegard Neil as Mrs Arborel, Derek Francis as Arborel. Written by Peter Wildeblood.
The Love Reflector. A planet populated only by beautiful women but the planet holds hidden dangers as an astronaut who landed there a generation ago proves, as he is now only six inches tall. Liz Bamber as Angeline, Madeline Smith as Leonie, Faith Brook as Queen Bee. Written by Keith Miles.
The Quick and The Dead. The pair accidentally land their rocket in a live volcano crater and Sam is convinced he is dead and this is the afterlife. They meet an assortment of gods who unknown to them have made them immune to the heat so they can survive, so Quick thinks the volcano is not real. Patricia Haines as Aphrodite, Pauline Jameson as Hera, Graham Crowden as Zeus. Written by Keith Miles.
Paradise Destruct. The planet has many beautiful people and lush vegetation. Night and winter have been abolished in this paradise but Quick decides to change a thing or two with bad results. Kara Wilson as Jonquil, Lorna Heilbron as Willow, Roy Marsden as Sycamore. Written by Charlotte and Dennis Plimmer.
Unproduced episodes include ‘It Was Such a Nice Little Planet’ by Angela Carter. A copy of her script is held in the British Library Manuscript Collection.
Until next time,
Neil Hendry
Editor, Official Tribute To Ian Hendry
Further Reading
A detailed account of the life and work of Ian Hendry in the new biography:
Read: ‘Send in the Clowns – The Yo Yo Life Of Ian Hendry’ by Gabriel Hershman
You can keep up-to-date with all our latest articles and updates by following us on Facebook and / or Twitter:
Ian Hendry Appreciation Society Facebook Page
and:
Ian Hendry Tribute – Twitter Page
More From Ian Hendry
The Southern Star (1969) Stills – George Segal + Ursula Andress + Orson Welles + Ian Hendry + Harry Andrews
This Is Your Life Camera Script (1978)
Ian Hendry + Wanda Ventham – The Lotus Eaters Promotional Still [BBC Production 1972- 1973]
Rare Still – Ian Hendry + June Ritchie: This Is My Street (1964)
Ian Hendry’s Ipswich School Days – Alan Gibson Reflects On Being School Friends With Ian Hendry In The Early 1940s [Audio]
‘This Is My Street’ (1964) Rare Original Quad Poster Prototype Artwork By Tom Chantrell – Shared With Us By Owner
The Avengers ‘Tunnel of Fear’ [1961] Lost Episode – Studio Canal DVD Pre-Order/ Release Date Set For 9th April 2018
This Is My Street (1964) – Ian Hendry Promotional Still
Tom Clegg – Director – A Tribute: The Sweeney, McVicar + Much Much More
The Avengers TV Series 1 (1961) – With Umbrella, Scotch And Cigarettes
The Avengers (1961) Original Theme Tunes Vinyl LP Album – Ian Hendry + Patrick Macnee
The Avengers TV Series 1 (1961) – A Case Reopened
Doppleganger a.k.a. Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun – Show Guide November 1969
Laurence Payne Obituary – Actor and Crime-Writer of Girl In The Headlines (1963)
Ian Hendry – Les Fiches de Monsieur Cinema
Children Of The Damned (1963) Original MGM Promotional Still – Ian Hendry + Alan Badel ‘Researchers’
With Umbrella, Scotch and Cigarettes – The Avengers, Series 1 – by Richard McGinlay and Alan Hayes
Brian Clemens – Rare Interview Of Legendary Screenwriter and Producer Rediscovered And Released On DVD
Ian Hendry + Britt Ekland – Rare Promotional Picture For Britt’s British TV Debut In ABC’s Armchair Theatre Production Of ‘A Cold Peace’ (1965)
The Birth Of ‘The Talkies’ – 90th Anniversary Of The World Premiere Of The Jazz Singer [1927]
Ian Hendry + Janet Munro Interview [Showtime Magazine – September 1964] Plus Jack Lemmon, Susannah York, Cilla Black, Richard Chamberlain, James Bond’s Girlfriends – Honor Blackman + Jacqueline Jones And More!
Ian Hendry, Alan Badel and Alfred Burke – Children Of The Damned [1963] – Film Review
Ian Hendry – Rare Collection Of Photographs Discovered In Newpaper Media Archive In Iceland
The Crossfire (1967) – Watch Rare ITV Play – Ian Hendry + Peter Wyngarde + Eric Portman + Jeanette Sterke
Get Carter (1971) – Behind The Scenes
Ian Hendry ‘A Life On Screen’ 30th Anniversary Tribute
Sylvia Anderson – 27th March 1927 – 16th March 2016
David Warner – BBC Radio Interview in which he discusses his life, work and Ian Hendry – who also appeared as Morgan in ‘A Suitable Case For Treatment’
Stefan Gryff – In Memory Of The Actor Who Played Captain Michael Krasakis, Alongside Ian Hendry In The Lotus Eaters [1938 – 2017]
Ian Hendry + Orson Welles – Rare Original Still Photograph – The Southern Star (1969)