1 9 5 5 (USA)
12 x 30 minute episodes
Both natural and man-made catastrophes were the fearless Cody’s territory. The single-minded sky marshal (Judd Holdren) patrolled the universe and frequently came face-to-face with Retik, the evil ruler of the Moon (Gregory Grey).
The series was produced by Republic Pictures – who were the owners of a library of theatrical science fiction footage – to inexpensively capitalise on the success of their 1952 theatrically-released series Radar Men from the Moon and such mid-1950s TV shows as Captain Midnight and Rocky Jones.
The series’ writers incorporated many gadgets to assist Cody in his duties, including an ever-present mask to hide his secret identity. He also wore a rocket backpack with an elaborate dial on his tunic to control ascent and descent.
The show’s dated theatrical car chases and alien encounters did not endear it to TV audiences.
Holdren had previously played the lead in Columbia Pictures’ theatrical version of Captain Video. William Schallert became a frequent sight on The Patty Duke Show and The Nancy Drew Mysteries. He was president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1979 to 1981.
Commando Cody/Jeff King
Judd Holdren
Joan Albright
Aline Towne
Ted Richards
William Schallert
Retik, Ruler of the Moon
Gregory Grey
Dr Varney
Peter Brocco
Henderson
Craig Kelly
Clancy
Dale Van Sickel
Dick Preston
Richard Crane