Space Patrol (1963-1964)

Space Patrol was a 1963 science-fiction marionette series made by former Gerry Anderson associates Roberta Leigh and Arthur Provis. The show is often confused with Anderson's Fireball XL5 -- given the similar plotlines and being released the same year. The main confusion of course existing because the series incorporated elements of Anderson's Supermarionation techniques.

Space Patrol takes place in the year 2100 and chronicles the actions of an interplanetary police force, Space Patrol, where men from Earth, Mars and Venus live and work as guardians of peace. The series mainly focuses on the crew of Galasphere 347 - under the command of Captain Larry Dart with his crew Slim and Husky. The crew is under command of Colonel Raeburn and his Venusian secretary Marla.

The series aired from April 7, 1963-June 11, 1964 in the UK and was sold overseas and broadcast in America, Canada and Australia, and in spite of its low budget, the show rated particularly high with young audiences in many regions. The show aired in America as Planet Patrol to avoid confusion with the 1952 series of the same name. The show garnered a large following, including Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski - which he stated was his favorite show as a child.