60s (or 70s) British SciFi TV Drama - space experiment

[liamjford]

Hi,

A few years back the BBC did a week of 50s 60s and 70s SciFi, all made fo TV stuff and mainly British.

One was a story about a small group of people living on a spaceship on some centuries long mission to get to somewhere. But halfway through someone one board realises that they are actually not moving, and before long discovers that they are actually part of a huge experiment.

I don't remember much more, it was British, I think black and white, it felt 60s but could be 70s, possibly BBC made but I think it was ITV.

Anyway - anyone got any ideas what it was? Or did I dream it?

My google-fu has so far given me nothing!

[boxtops]

It's ringing bells, but I have no idea what it is.

[mickrog]

Lost In Space????

[mickrog]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058824/

[boxtops]

Mickrog, I used to love that!

[mickrog]

me too

[dickythecook]

I seem to remember reading a short story by Isaac Asimov (I think it was he) that had that sort of plotline. I think that as the crew rounded the moon on their "mission" they saw that it was just a mock up on as on a film set. My memory dims but in my defence I read it in or around 1965 and it was probably written in the early 50's. I think the crew went mad in the end.

[boxtops]

do you remember Journey into Space on the radio, too ?

[liamjford]

CHeers - certain it was British, so not 'Lost in Space' - one scene in it a teenage boy was learning maths and it was his experiments that lead to the discovery that they aren't moving.

A lot of the show was about the discourse between those that wanted to keep it a secret and those that didn't... I think...

[Grandma_Yiddo]

Wasn't there one called "Space Family Robinson" in the 60's?

[liamjford]

Thanks Grandma - but it wasn't that - was much more gritty and dark, it was British too - basically revolved around them finding out there weren't really on a space mission.

[liamjford]

Whoop whoop - finally found it: http://www.ballardian...thirteen-to-centaurus

Thanks guys and gals!

[weecalf]

Coronation Street

[HowardKennitby]

J G Ballard wrote a short story in a similar vein called "Thirteen to Centaurus". I have no idea if it has been televised.

[liamjford]

Yes Howard - it's def that, I found the video in the end too: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLN2kuCGcDE

[brainwashed]

Thanks for that question and answer all - found it on youtube and enjoying the show....nice one!