RockyJones

Rocky Jones, Space Ranger is a syndicated science fiction television serial originally broadcast in 1954. The show lasted for only two seasons and, though syndicated sporadically, dropped into obscurity. But because it was recorded on film rather than being broadcast live as were most other TV space operas of the day, it has survived in reasonably good condition. The film format also allowed more elaborate special effects and sets, exterior scenes and much better continuity.

The program was aimed mainly at children, so the plots were simple and always involved good versus evil and Rocky Jones outsmarting or outfighting the bad guys. By today's standards for television science fiction, the Rocky Jones serials seem crude and simplistic. But for its time, years before men first journeyed into space, the sets, props, and optical effects were remarkably well done. Indeed, many of the effects that became standard sci-fi fare, such as the forward view screen and automatically opening doors were seen first on Rocky Jones.

When Rocky Jones, Space Ranger debuted in early 1954 it promised to be the best of the budding new science fiction genre of kid-oriented space operas on television. Most viewers had no idea that the program had already been in development for nearly three years before the first episode finally aired.

Rocky Jones was the first science fiction show on television to be recorded on film stock rather than broadcast live. At the time that resulted in nicer sets, location shots, better special effects and grander story lines. Years later it would mean that new generations of sci-fi fans would still be able to watch the series in its entirety while other shows of the era, such as Space Patrol, Captain Video and Tom Corbett had long since disappeared or survived only on a few old kinescopes.

Rocky Jones was the creation of Roland Reed, a Hollywood producer who is best known for his successful My Little Margie series. Roland Reed Productions was founded in 1950 and in 1951 Warren Wilson penned the screenplay for the Rocky Jones pilot. By the end of 1951 a cast had been selected, headed by square-jawed leading man Richard Crane as Rocky Jones and one time Our Gang member Scotty Beckett as Rocky’s co-pilot and comic relief, Winky. Merchandising for the show started before the pilot was even shot. A coloring book was produced in 1951 that sold nearly a half million copies in its first printing.

This is the most obscure of all 1950's space adventure shows, and was almost unknown when most of its 30-odd episodes became available on video tape in the late 1970's. It is probably one of the most poorly written t.v. shows of all time. The special effects, by a Hollywood crew, were somewhat better than the usual for 1950's t.v. Only one season of syndicated programs were produced.

A thousand years into the future, Rocky Jones (Richard Crane) commands the Space Rangers. Piloting his ``orbit jet'' the Silver Moon, accompanied by his comical sidekick Winky (Scotty Beckett), his girlfriend Vena Ray (Sally Mansfield), scientific advisor Professor Newton (Maurice Cass), and kid sidekick Bobby (Robert Lyden), Jones faces adventures in a completely imaginary universe where the writers (Warren Wilson, Arthur Hoerl) don't know the difference between a planet and a star, or a solar system and a galaxy. Jones rarely encounters anything but entirely human looking aliens. When Scotty Beckett was sent to prison, Jones' sidekick became Biff (James Lydon). ``Aliens'': Juliandra (Ann Robinson), Pinto Vortando (Ted Hecht), Darganto (Frank Pulaski) and Ed Wood's bulky pal Tor Johnson played a villain in the series.

Rocky Jones, Space Ranger: Crash of the Moons
1954
Richard Crane stars as legendary space captain "Rocky Jones, Space Ranger" in this 2-part episode from the syndicated 1954 television series. The series was cancelled after a single season because the costly special effects made it unprofitable. Rocky's scantily clad assistant Vena Ray is played by Sally Mansfield.

In June of 1952, Roland Reed Productions announced the completion of the pilot episode of Rocky Jones, Space Ranger, directed by Abby Berlin. This telefilm was never shown on television, and only a remnant of this first installment remains, in the episodes entitled "Bobby's Comet"

Filming resumed with new director the late Hollingsworth Morse at the helm for the run of the series. In 1987, Morse reflected on his days with Rocky Jones and company. "I started out doing The Lone Ranger. I had worked at Roach before World War II. After the service, I met Roland Reed, who later hired me to direct Rocky Jones. We had a technical man whose name I have long since forgotten who was doing the take-offs and landings of the spaceships, and I said to him, 'When these things blast off or land, they are going too slow; can we speed them up?' He said, 'You wait, when they DO have spaceships this is exactly how it will look.' And he was right! I just didn't believe it; every time I'd look at one of the cuts, I'd have to turn my head and look away. We made a show in two days; we did three a week, which was difficult"