Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
    Nostalgia Central
    • Home
    • Blog
      • Lists
      • Playlists
    • Television
      • TV by Decade
        • TV – 1950s
        • TV – 1960s
        • TV – 1970s
        • TV – 1980s
        • TV – 1990s
      • Comedy
      • Drama
      • Kids TV
      • Variety
      • News & Sport
      • Advertisements
    • Music
      • Music by Decade
        • Music – 1950s
        • Music – 1960s
        • Music – 1970s
        • Music – 1980s
        • Music – 1990s
      • Artists – A to K
        • Artists – A
        • Artists – B
        • Artists – C
        • Artists – D
        • Artists – E
        • Artists – F
        • Artists – G
        • Artists – H
        • Artists – I
        • Artists – J
        • Artists – K
      • Artists – L to Z
        • Artists – L
        • Artists – M
        • Artists – N
        • Artists – O
        • Artists – P
        • Artists – Q
        • Artists – R
        • Artists – S
        • Artists – T
        • Artists – U
        • Artists – V
        • Artists – W
        • Artists – X
        • Artists – Y
        • Artists – Z
      • Artists – 0 to 9
      • Genres
      • Music on Film & TV
      • One-Hit Wonders
      • Online Radio
    • Movies
      • Movies by Decade
        • Movies – 1950s
        • Movies – 1960s
        • Movies – 1970s
        • Movies – 1980s
        • Movies – 1990s
      • Movies – 0 to 9
      • Movies – A to K
        • Movies – A
        • Movies – B
        • Movies – C
        • Movies – D
        • Movies – E
        • Movies – F
        • Movies – G
        • Movies – H
        • Movies – I
        • Movies – J
        • Movies – K
      • Movies – L to Z
        • Movies – L
        • Movies – M
        • Movies – N
        • Movies – O
        • Movies – P
        • Movies – Q
        • Movies – R
        • Movies – S
        • Movies – T
        • Movies – U
        • Movies – V
        • Movies – W
        • Movies – X
        • Movies – Y
        • Movies – Z
    • Pop Culture
      • Fads
      • Toys & Games
      • Fashion
      • Decor
      • Food & Drink
      • People
      • Radio
      • Technology
      • Transport
    • Social History
      • 1950s Year by Year
      • 1960s Year by Year
      • 1970s Year by Year
      • 1980s Year by Year
      • 1990s Year by Year
      • Events
    Nostalgia Central
    Home»Television»Drama
    Drama TV Shows - 1970s 2 Mins Read

    Secret Empire, The

    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email

    1 9 7 9 (USA)
    12 x 20 minute episodes

    This Tuesday night NBC series aired under the umbrella title Cliffhangers in 1979, sharing the same hour with Stop Susan Williams and The Curse of Dracula.

    The combination Western/science fiction story was set in Wyoming in the 1880s. Marshal Jim Donner (Geoffrey Scott) was tracking down a series of gold-shipment thefts by a group of desperadoes known as the Phantom Riders when he stumbled upon the entrance to the hidden underground kingdom of Chimera.

    The people of Chimera were visitors from another planet, living in futuristic splendour marred only by the dictatorial rule of the evil Emperor Thorval (Mark Lenard) who maintained control over his subjects with the use of the “Compliatron” – a device that enslaved minds and was powered by the gold stolen by his soldiers.

    Thorval’s seductive daughter, Princess Tara (Diane Markoff initially, and Stepfanie Kramer in the final few episodes), was spoiled and self-indulgent, and his aide, Hator (David Opatoshu), was almost as power-hungry as he was.

    Struggling to free their people from the rule of Thorval was a group known as the Partisans, led by Roe (Peter Tomarken) and the beautiful Maya (Pamela Brull).

    Most of the folks around the town of Cheyenne had no idea about their alien neighbours – only Donner’s friends Millie (Carlene Watkins) and Billy (Tiger Williams) and gold miner Jess Keller (Peter Breck), who planned to provide Thorval with gold in exchange for an army of slaves to take over the surface world.

    The daring marshal tried to help the Partisans overthrow Thorval and stop the gold robberies on the surface.

    In the last episode aired, Donner was chased into the generator room in Chimera, where there was an explosion. In true cliff-hanger fashion, “To be continued . . . ” was flashed on the screen. Unfortunately, the series – aired against Happy Days on ABC – was cancelled and the audience never found out if the marshal had survived.

    Scenes set in the West were filmed in black and white, with scenes in the futuristic world of Chimera shot in colour.

    Marshal Jim Donner
    Geoffrey Scott
    Billy
    Tiger Williams
    Millie Thompson
    Carlene Watkins
    Jess Keller
    Peter Breck
    Maya
    Pamela Brull
    Princess Tara
    Diane Markoff (1)
    Stepfanie Kramer (2)
    Emperor Thorval
    Mark Lenard
    Roe
    Peter Tomarken
    Hator
    David Opatoshu
    Yannuck
    Sean Garrison

    Related Posts

    • Electrode 93
      Electrode 93
      1 9 5 7 (UK) 7 x 30 minute episodes This ABC science fiction series starred George Pravda as Dr Quorum,…
    • Curse of Dracula, The
      Curse of Dracula, The
      1 9 7 9 (USA) 10 x 20 minute episodes This Tuesday night NBC series - promoted with the tagline "Dracula…
    • Conflict
      Conflict
      1 9 5 6 - 1 9 5 7 (USA) 20 x 60 minute episodes This dramatic anthology series from ABC…
    • Marshal of Gunsight Pass, The
      Marshal of Gunsight Pass, The
      1 9 5 0 (USA) 32 x 25 minute episodes This western series from ABC (based on the radio series of…
    • Science Fiction Theatre
      Science Fiction Theatre
      1 9 5 5 - 1 9 5 7 (USA) 78 x 25 minute episodes This early science fiction anthology series…
    • Jigsaw John
      Jigsaw John
      1 9 7 6 (USA) 15 x 60 minute episodes John St. John (Jack Warden) was a veteran detective with the…
    • Voodoo Factor, The
      Voodoo Factor, The
      1 9 5 9 - 1 9 6 0 (UK) 6 x 30 minute episodes This Saturday night thriller from ATV…
    • Monroes, The
      Monroes, The
      1 9 6 6 - 1 9 6 7 (USA) 26 x 60 minute episodes A family western TV series, The…

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleStop Susan Williams
    Next Article Curse of Dracula, The

    Comments are closed.

    A Labour of Love

    Nostalgia Central has been a labour of love for me since 1998.

    If you find the site informative or enjoyable, please consider a donation – no matter how small – to help me with the running costs of the site and ensure I can keep Nostalgia Central running for your entertainment and education.

    Thank you so much, and please enjoy your trip in the time machine!
    Follow us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    You May Also Like
    • Walking Tall
      1 9 8 1 (USA) 7 x 60 minute episodes Buford Pusser (Bo Svenson) […]
    • Mink DeVille
      Mink DeVille often seemed to be the odd men out at New […]
    • Desmond Tutu
      Born in 1931, Desmond Tutu taught until 1957 when he trained for […]
    • You Bet Your Life
      1 9 5 0 – 1 9 6 1 (USA) 209 x 30 minute episodes They […]
    • Come In Spinner
      1 9 9 0 (Australia) 2 x 100 minute episodes This superb […]
    • You Wish
      1 9 9 7 – 1 9 9 8 (USA) 13 x 30 minute episodes Created by […]
    Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

    OUR LATEST FACEBOOK POSTS

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-65006801 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Terry Hall: Coventry scooter ride-out pays tribute to singer

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Hundreds of people ride through Coventry on what would have been the singer's 64th birthday.
    5 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 12
    • Shares: 2
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    metro.co.uk/2023/03/13/the-whos-roger-daltrey-thinks-theres-no-point-releasing-an-album-18434779/ ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    The Who's Roger Daltrey thinks there's 'no point' releasing another album

    metro.co.uk

    Bad luck.
    5 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-64963359 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Sir Michael Caine's first Rolls Royce sells at Duxford for £120K

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The Italian Job actor hired a chauffeur to drive the 1968 Silver Shadow, with its doors still intact.
    1 week ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 2
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64900348 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Mystic Meg: Astrologer dies aged 80

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The TV star, whose real name was Margaret Lake, was a well-known TV figure in the 1990s.
    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 1
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    Do you think she know it eas going to happen

    PlayTalk Teletext (1976) | BFI Replay

    Talk Teletext (1976) | BFI Replay ... See MoreSee Less

    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 7
    • Shares: 2
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Gary Rossington: Lynyrd Skynyrd's last founding member dies aged 71.
    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Gary Rossington: Lynyrd Skynyrd's last founding member dies aged 71

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Guitarist Gary Rossington had survived a 1977 air crash that killed several of his bandmates.
    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 2
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    What a talented man. Lucky enough to see original band in concert. BRILLIANT.

    Rest in peace Dickie Davies. An absolute giant of British sports broadcasting.

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Dickie Davies, World of Sport presenter, dies at 94

    www.theguardian.com

    The broadcaster became something of a cult figure after fronting the ITV show for 20 years
    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 4
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    Yes, one of the great presenters. R.I.P.

    For fans of the radio series Round The Horne (1965 - 1968) - starring the inimitable Kenneth Williams - there are several full episodes on Spotify. Some of the humour is still pretty close to the edge, even by modern standards. Bona! 

https://open.spotify.com/show/7DIM1wfGKwDis0uzsjHeP7?si=pG0_U0TjRKGzVDvrePs4vA

    For fans of the radio series "Round The Horne" (1965 - 1968) - starring the inimitable Kenneth Williams - there are several full episodes on Spotify. Some of the humour is still pretty "close to the edge", even by modern standards. Bona!

    open.spotify.com/show/7DIM1wfGKwDis0uzsjHeP7?si=pG0_U0TjRKGzVDvrePs4vA
    ... See MoreSee Less

    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 12
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 2

    Comment on Facebook

    For those interested, the complete “Jules and Sandy” is available on Audible…

    Bona to vada your jolly old eek. Lovely riah....

    RIP the beautiful Stella Stevens, who has died at the age of 84.

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Stella Stevens: Nutty Professor and Poseidon Adventure star dies at 84

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The co-star of Elvis Presley also worked in TV on series such as Murder She Wrote and Magnum, P.I.
    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    A very young Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison and friends. 

If they only knew what lay ahead . . .

    A very young Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison and friends.

    If they only knew what lay ahead . . .
    ... See MoreSee Less

    1 month ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 18
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    I always hated the Beatles, and as it happens I still do.

    Load more
    Please note


    Nostalgia Central covers the period 1950 to 1999 and contains some words and references which reflect the attitudes of those times and which may be considered culturally sensitive, offensive or inappropriate today.
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    Search Nostalgia Central
    Tag Cloud
    1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Action Figures Amicus Arcade games Australia Beach movies Beatles Blaxploitation Board games British Invasion Britpop Bubblegum music Canada Civil rights Cold War Computer games Crime Disc Jockeys Disco Disney Doo-Wop Elvis Presley Folk rock Girl groups Glam Goth Hammer Heavy Metal Irwin Allen James Bond JFK Kraütrock Labels Madchester Merseybeat Mod revival Motown New Romantic New Wave New Zealand Nixon Northern Soul NWOBHM Oi! One-hit wonders Politics Power Pop Prog rock Pub rock Punk Radio Reggae Rolling Stones Scotland Ska Ska revival Skiffle Soul music Space Race Sport Surf music Video games Vietnam war
    Copyright © 1998, 2023 Nostalgia Central. Run by volunteers. Funded by donations.
    • About Nostalgia Central
    • Contact
    • FAQ

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.