preserving knowledge show

[mckitterick]

Hi folks -

I got a question from a Center for the Study of Science Fiction reader, and it got me curious. Sounds like a neat show. Any ideas what it is?

"I wonder if you could give me some guidance on how to trace or discover the identity of an excellent science fiction movie (or TV drama) that I remember from the 1960's. It concerned a very long journey to a distant earth-like planet, to found a new colony. The problem explored was how to preserve scientific knowledge down many generations and prevent the growth of superstitions, by the time the descendents arrived at the destination."

Any ideas?

Best,
Chris

Comments

[roya-spirit.livejournal.com]

You mean it wasn't Aeon Flux? *grin*

[arian1.livejournal.com]

Space 1999?

[jamer-31.livejournal.com]

lost in space??? ;) if only i had a tv back in the day. i missed such good sci fi

[eleanor.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine moderates a media science fiction forum in an online community. I just e-mailed her and you might have an answer in a couple of hours.

[eleanor.livejournal.com]

OK, the fabulous Emily, who knows more about science fiction television and movies than anyone I know, says the following:

"I think the program your friend is referring to is
"The Starlost."
It concerns an "ark" type ship made up of connected
biosphere, on a
multi-century journey from a devastatingly polluted
Earth to another
planet to seed new human communities. But over time,
the
passengers/inhabitants forget why they're on the
journey or even that
they're on a spaceship.

The Starlost was in development in the late 60's/early
70's. Harlan
Ellison played a big role in its pre-production
development, but left
before it ever hit the airwaves, because the ideas got
watered down.
Ended up being a pretty rinky-dink affair that didn't
last an entire
season.

If that isn't the one, let me know; I'm interested
enough to dig around a bit!"

I hope this helps.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Dear Ellie -

That's so great; thanks for the quick response! I forwarded it off to the scholar in question.

Sounds like a really interesting show. I'd like to track it down and see just how badly it was produced, because the ideas sound really neat.

Best,
Chris