The Adventures of Don Quick

1970 - United Kingdom

Cervantes in space: Don Quick (Ian Hendry), astronaut, is the anti-hero of this science fiction satire. As a member of the Intergalactic Maintenance Squad his only concern should be nuts and bolts. Quick, however, is not content with his role. 

Seeing himself as a roving ambassador of Earth, a latter day Don Quixote, he goes planet hopping attempting to set right anything he feels is wrong, but his efforts always end up upsetting the inhabitants of whatever society he is in. Like Quixote, Captain Don Quick has his trusty Sancho Panza in the form of Sergeant Sam Czopanser (Ronald Lacey). A 30 foot model spaceship was built for the series but in spite of the effort that went into it The Adventures of Don Quick failed to win over an audience and after just three episodes was consigned to a late-night time slot before disappearing quicker than a shooting star. 

Only the first episode exists in the archives. 

Published on November 26th, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

In France crime passionnel (or crime of passion) was a valid defence during murder cases; during the 19th century, some cases could result in a custodial sentence for two years for the murderer.

Also released in 1970

The adventures of the scruffy eccentric 11th century wizard and his efforts to escape the bewildering experiences of being trapped in the 20th century.

Also released in 1970

Billed as a 20th century Robin Hood with a bit of Merlin and Houdini thrown in, this superior children's series concerned the adventures of Tarot (Michael MacKenzie), who used his skills to solve a series of bizarre crimes by a number of 'supervillians' who would not have been out of place in Batman.

Also released in 1970

Children's comedy series about a group of scientists who work in a rambling long-forgotten Government establishment called Halfwitt House.

Also released in 1970

Hard to believe it in this day and age but in 1970, long before the video revolution, the only way to see your favourite clips from the previous week's television was to write in to Michael Aspel.

Also released in 1970

Alfred Marks starring comedy vehicle produced by Yorkshire Television and set, as the title suggests, in the late 19th century when Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert were the figureheads on the British throne.

Also released in 1970

British television series which almost immediately struck a chord in the consciousness of a viewing public which was slowly awakening to the importance of greater ecological awareness.

Also released in 1970