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T O P I C R E V I E WRick BoosI trying to remember a TV series that aired in the late 50's and or early 60's that started out showing one of the rocket sled tests runs. For the life of me I can not remember the title of the short lived series or even what the series was all about. Can any old timers out there help me out? Also was wondering if anyone knows if there has ever been a dvd put together on all the rocket sled tests?dss65Rick, I don't remember specifically a rocket sled episode, but the series that came to mind for me was "You Asked for It". At least it's the right era. I remember really enjoying the show, although I sure don't remember that much about was was aired.--DonP.S. On further reflection, as well as a more careful read of your original post, I'm almost certain that this is the series you are asking about. The idea was that viewers would write in asking to see something, and the show would go do it. I'm pretty sure that a scene of a rocket sled was part of the opening sequence. This was reality TV when reality was actually a part of it.E2M Lem ManYou might also want to look up the TV show "Steve Canyon" by Milt Canniff, back after 50 years with lots of that stuff and the Zero Launch F-104, mid air refueling and other stuff that was being done in those days, starring people as DeForest Kelly (Dr. McCoy of Star Trek fame) and Morgan Woodward.J.M. BusbyvonBockHello! I just joined and read this post and had to add my 2 cents. I think the series that you're remembering was "The Man & The Challenge". It lasted about a year from 1959 to 1960. The star played a scientist/engineer/testpilot etc. type who weekly became involved in some dramatic episode that required both intelligence and daring to accomplish. It was enjoyable as I recall but not being a western it stood little chance of lasting. You can find a tiny bit more (actors etc.) at the Internet Movie Data Base (imbd) site. Some other non-western series of the time that involved "new" technology were "Rip Cord" which revolved around a group of parachutists & "The Wirleybirds" which featured a crew and there bubble fronted helicopter. You might check with the Space Museum at Alamogordo New Mexico as they have an extensive collection of rocket sled material. Most of the early and even later tests were done there at Whites Sands test range. 'Hope I have helped some even though late!Rick BoosThanks to all, I really appreciate it! "The Man And The Challange" sounds like what little I remember about the program. As I recall it was about the time "Men Into Space" aired.Lou ChinalAlong the same lines the was a T.V. show in the 60's "The Aquanauts". One episode faetured a man making a sub-orbital flight. the parachute didn't open all the way, and he crashed into the ocean. The Aquanauts were called to rescue the astronaut from a space capsule that was slowly filling with water.-Loudss65Although my memory seems to have failed me in my answer to this topic, it sure has been fun reading the string. I'd forgotten all about "The Man and the Challenge", and although I can't remember any details about it, I'm quite sure now that it's the series you were thinking about. "The Aquanauts" was my very favorite series during a portion of my time in grade school. (In fact, becoming a scuba diver is one of the seemingly few really dear dreams from that era that actually came true for me.) What a kick to remember these old series!------------------DonColinBurgessNot just "Man and the Challenge," but as a youth I used to watch shows such as "Men of Annapolis," "Blue Angels," "Whirlybirds," "Jet Jackson" (aka "Captain Midnight" in the U.S.) and "The Silent Service," and I seem to recall there was another similar show called "West Point."Although I don't have a copy, I was recently discussing with a friend the old movie "On the Threshold of Space," which is a fictionalized account of the extraordinary achievements of guys such as David Simons with his high-altitude balloon tests and John Paul Stapp on his rocket-powered sled at Holloman AFB.Colin garymilgromI just received Spacecraft Film's "Man in Space - US Air Force Manned Space Projects" and it has fantastic footage of Projects Manhigh and Excelsior. I had only read about these brave people before, so to see footage of them and their balloons was most interesting. Another great DVD from this terrific space vendor.
--Don
P.S. On further reflection, as well as a more careful read of your original post, I'm almost certain that this is the series you are asking about. The idea was that viewers would write in asking to see something, and the show would go do it. I'm pretty sure that a scene of a rocket sled was part of the opening sequence. This was reality TV when reality was actually a part of it.
J.M. Busby
-Lou
------------------Don
Although I don't have a copy, I was recently discussing with a friend the old movie "On the Threshold of Space," which is a fictionalized account of the extraordinary achievements of guys such as David Simons with his high-altitude balloon tests and John Paul Stapp on his rocket-powered sled at Holloman AFB.
Colin
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