Tom Corbett, Space Cadet
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Tom Corbett, Space Cadet
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| Episodes: | 369 |
| Year: | 1950 |
| Country: | United States |
| Seasons: | 5 |
| Seasons Breakdown: | (1) 72, (2) 135, (3) 108, (4) 9, (5) 20, (6) 28 |
| Category: | Space |
| Colour: | No |
| Format: | Series |
| Company: | CBS/ABC/NBC |
| Creator: | Joseph Greene |
| Run Time (mins): | 15 |
| Language: | English |
| Type of Show: | Live Action |
| Status: | Ended |
| Broadcaster: | CBS |
| First Aired: | October 2, 1950 |
| Last Aired: | June 25, 1955 |
Summary
Set in the twenty‑fourth century, the series follows three cadets, Tom Corbett, Astro, and Roger Manning, as they progress through the Space Academy with the goal of qualifying for service in the distinguished Solar Guard. Manning was later replaced by T.J. Thistle, who joined the training programme after Manning’s departure.
In contrast to contemporaneous science‑fiction productions such as Captain Video and his Video Rangers and Space Patrol, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet generally avoided narratives centred on eccentric scientists or extra-terrestrial invasions. With rocket expert Willy Ley serving as technical consultant, the programme sought a degree of scientific plausibility. Storylines typically addressed the practical challenges of survival in outer space and on other worlds, encounters with conventional criminals operating beyond Earth, and interpersonal tensions among the cadets themselves.
Conflicts most frequently arose between Roger Manning, characterised as boastful and abrasive, and Astro, a native of Venus. Tom Corbett often acted as mediator between the two. In the third season of weekly broadcasts, Manning was replaced by T.J. Thistle, a cadet who perceived the universe as fundamentally hostile due to his comparatively short stature. Under the supervision of Captain Strong, the cadets divided their time between classroom instruction and non‑critical training missions aboard their vessel, the Polaris. Competitive exercises were periodically held between cadet crews, fostering rivalries, most notably between Corbett’s team and that led by Cadet Rattison.
Cast
Tom Corbett FRANKIE THOMAS JR., Cadet Roger Manning JAN MERLIN (1-2), Cadet Astro AL MARKIN, Dr. Joan Dale MARGARET GARLAND, Commander Arkwright (head of the academy) CARTER BLAKE, Captain Steve Strong EDWARD BRYCE , Cadet Alfie Higgins JOHN FIEDLER, Cadet Eric Raddison FRANK SUTTON, Cadet T.J. Thistle JACK GRIMES (3), Captain Steve Strong MICHEAL HARVEY (episode one only), Dr. Joan Gale MARGARET GARLAND.
Tags: Space, United States, 1950, English
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