Space

Before Tom Hanks took us from the Earth to the moon, the adaptation of Michner's Space ran in the spring of 1985 on the CBS network.

Most movies, TV shows have concentrated on the original seven astronauts, or the Apollo spaceflights, Space shows the early history of rocket development through the work of Michael York's Dieter Kolf is based on Wehrner von Braun, who headed the team which developed the concept and the rockets which lofted American men into space. The mini-series concentrates on Harry Hamlin's John Pope, a Navy aviator, who ends up a Gemni astronaut. Lot's of good stuff on the often overlooked Gemni program, which was used to write the playbook to get us to the moon. Hamlin eventually is part of the Apollo program, and lands on the moon which is where the series diverges -- Hamlin is part of an accident on the moon and ends up dying in an explosion. Great drama, but we know it didn't happen. James Garner is great as a senator who bolsters the space program.

I wish somebody would release this on video. Seems there would be a market for it given all the recent space related programs and movies of late.

This is an excellent mini-series with lots of stars and a great story line. If you liked Right Stuff, Apollo 13, Space Camp then this is for you. Lots of sub plots to keep it interesting. Definitely worth watching if you can find it.

Exciting mini-series about the US space program

During the Christmas season of 1987, this American series about the history of space travel from the end of the Second World War, through the great UFO scare to the moon landing, was broadcast on one of the West German private channels. The US premiere took place in April 1985 on CBS. The basis was the novel SPACE by bestselling author James A. MICHENER, which was published in 1982. In addition to the technical development, it was of course also about intrigue and love confusion - in the style of a soap opera.

The great cast included stars like James GARNER (as Senator Norman Grant), Beau BRIDGES (as the astronaut), Bruce DERN and Martin BALSAM. Blair BROWN, Harry HAMLIN and David DUKES were there as hot young stars.

And since the space program relied on the expertise of German scientists who had previously worked for the Nazi regime, there was also a storyline with characters of German descent.

CABARET (1972) star Michael York (two years later also as Abby Ewing's former childhood love in KNOTS LANDING) and the German actress Barbara SUKOWA (LOLA / THE LEAD TIME) played the German couple Dieter and Liesel Kolff, who had a decisive influence on the should get moon landing.

To my knowledge, this was Barbara SUKOWA's first appearance in an American production. A year later, the actress would be awarded the Silver Palm at the Cannes Film Festival for her role as ROSA LUXEMBOURG.

Interesting series that I really enjoyed watching back then. Recommended!

From Penemundee to the tragic 'Apollo 18', it was quite an inspiration to saw this miniseries as a kid 15 years ago. The 80s saw the production of some of the best TV miniseries around and this is certainly one of them. As usual, the novel was even better though I only got to read it years later. It potrayed the human spirit version of the space program in their golden era. Great work by Harry Hamlin and Michael York as John Pope and Dieter Kolf respectively. If you're looking for some heart warming, feel good time, this's one worth the watch.

Based on the James Michener novel of the same name this mini series which originally aired on CBS tells the tale of Americas space program through fictional characters. Beginning with German Rocket scientists who choose to go to the Americans side after the war up to the manned lunar landings. The politics, money making business, careers and romances of those who made up the space program are covered.

The original broadcast was the best version. It has been rebroadcast a few times since but has always been edited in some form or another. A little heavy at times on the soap opera romance bit but still a good mini series. Don't miss reading the novel by Michener.