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
Ian Hendry + Janet Munro – Engagement Party, Wedding Pictures + News Reel Film Footage [1963]
Ian Hendry + Hildegard Neil – The Adventures of Don Quick. Rare Still Found From London Weekend Television Production [November 1970]
The Birth Of ‘The Talkies’ – 90th Anniversary Of The World Premiere Of The Jazz Singer [1927]
The Hill (1965) – 50th Anniversary Tribute – Ian Hendry + Sean Connery + Harry Andrews + Ian Bannen
Armchair Theatre – Ian Hendry, Kenneth More + (1965)
Still Photographs From The Informer (1966-1967)
The Avengers (1961) Original Theme Tunes Vinyl LP Album – Ian Hendry + Patrick Macnee
Ian Hendry in Bobbikins [1959] – Previously Unknown Film Role As A BBC Radio Announcer Discovered By Film Enthusiast
Culford School Sports Day (1947) – Extremely Rare Footage Of A Young Ian Hendry ( Just 16 Years Old ) + His Brother Donald Hendry At The Culford School Sports Day
Ian Hendry – Rowing Home Across The Thames To ‘Sphinx’, Pharaohs Island, Shepperton [1966]
Rare Ian Hendry Autograph From The John Verzi Collection
Wedding of Ian Hendry + Janet Munro: Today Magazine Article – February 23rd 1963
The Avengers – Lost Episode ‘Tunnel of Fear’ [1961] – Studio Canal DVD Release Date Set For 15th January 2018?
Ian Hendry + June Ritchie – Original Lobby Cards – Live Now Pay Later (1962)
Peter Wyngarde – In Memory Of The Man Who Would Be King [ 1926/1927 – 2018]
Ian Hendry In The Secret Place [1957] – Video Of His First Speaking Role In A Film
Ian Hendry and Janet Munro At Home c.1964
Leonard White – British Actor and Television Producer – 5th November 1916 – 2nd January 2016
Ian Hendry + Britt Ekland – ABC TV’s Reception Held At The Westbury Hotel, London[1965]
Ian Hendry – Rare Collection Of Photographs Discovered In Newpaper Media Archive In Iceland
Ian Hendry + Diana Rigg – Theatre Of Blood [1973] Original Still – Two Former Avengers Reunited In A British Film Classic
The Avengers – ‘The Deadly Air’ [Series 1 Ep.24 – 1961] – Ian Hendry [as David Keel] and Patrick Macnee [as John Steed]
The Avengers TV Series 1 (1961) – With Umbrella, Scotch And Cigarettes
Children Of The Damned (1963) Original MGM Promotional Still – Ian Hendry + Alan Badel ‘Researchers’
Doppleganger a.k.a. Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun – Show Guide November 1969
100th Celebratory Post – Restrospective Of 10 Key Highlights + Discoveries From The Official Website Of Ian Hendry
Ian Hendry – This Is Your Life 40th Anniversary – First Broadcast On 15th March 1978 [Thames Television]
On The Set Of The Avengers (1961)
The Hill (1965) – Harry Andrews (as Sergeant Major Wilson) + Ian Hendry (as Staff Sergeant Williams) + Sean Connery (as Joe Roberts)
Sir John Hurt – A Tribute