Having gained credibility as a writer in radio and television comedies, including the Goone Show and the Tony Hancock hour, Terry Nation was finally rewarded in 1962 with the opportunity to write his first dramatic works. This was Nation's first brush with science fiction - it was called Out of this World.

Broadcast on ITV, it was the network's first attempt to bring serious science fiction to the commercial channels. Devised by Canadian television luminary Sydney Newman, the series consisted of thirteen epsiodes. Horror master Boris Karloff (Frankenstein) introduced each episode. Nation's plays were not only a hit, but provd to be the stepping stone to his success as a science fiction writer.

The only episode that has survived is Little Lost Robot, an adaptation of an Asimov story, the rest (including The Dumb Martian) were wiped.

Terry Nation's Episodes

Imposter (broadcast 21/07/1962):
Adapted from a story by Philip K. Dick. Starred John Carson, Glyn Owen, Patrick Allen. A scientist tries to clear his name after he has been sentenced to death.

Botony Bay (broadcast 28/07/1962):
An original story by Terry Nation. Starred William Gaunt (appeared in The Champions), Julian Glover, Ann Lynn. A psychiatry student discovers that his patients are possessed by aliens.

Immigrant (broadcast 08/09/1962):
Adapted from a story by Clifford Simak. Starred Gary Raymond, Vivienne Drummond, Penelope Lee. Only the brightest humans are allowed to live on the planet Kimon.