Codename Icarus facts for kids
Codename Icarus is an exciting five-part British TV show for children. It was made by the BBC in 1981 and written by Richard Cooper.
This show combined stories about teenagers with a thrilling mystery. It featured very smart young people, called child prodigies, who were being used in a big plan. This plan involved nuclear missiles and a secret group called the Icarus Foundation, which wanted to take over the world.
The main actors were Barry Angel as a smart boy named Martin Smith and Philip Locke as John Doll. Richard Cooper also wrote a book based on the TV show. It was published by the BBC and Knight Books in 1981.
The show was later released on VHS tapes in 1985. In 2006, you could also get it on DVD in its original, full episodes in the United States.
Contents
About Codename Icarus
What is Codename Icarus?
Codename Icarus is a drama series that aired in 1981. It tells a story about young, gifted individuals caught up in a global conspiracy. The show was known for its suspense and mystery, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Where Was it Filmed?
Many scenes where the children were at school were filmed at a place called Redrice. This is a location just outside Andover, Hampshire, in the UK. The school there is now known as Farleigh School. All the children who appeared as extras in the show came from Harrow Way Community School in Andover.
Who Helped Make It?
The show's creators got help from experts to make sure the science parts were accurate. The credits for all five episodes mentioned 'Scientific Advice — Professor John Taylor'. The BBC also thanked the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, for their help.
Awards and Recognition
One of the episodes, Part Three, which was called 'Harlequin', was nominated for a special award. It was put forward for 'Best Drama/Light Entertainment' at the 1982 BAFTA Awards. This shows how well-liked and respected the series was.
When Was it Broadcast?
Codename Icarus was shown twice a week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Here are the dates when each part was first broadcast:
- Part One — 8 December 1981
- Part Two — 9 December 1981
- Part Three — 15 December 1981
- Part Four — 16 December 1981
- Part Five — 22 December 1981
Other Ways to Experience Icarus
The Book Version
A book version of Codename Icarus was released in 1981, at the same time the TV show was broadcast.
- Publisher: BBC/Knight Books
- Year: 1981
- Author: Richard Cooper
- Original Price: £1.25
- Availability: Out of print (meaning it's no longer being printed and sold new)
The book is very similar to the TV show. However, Richard Cooper changed some scenes and added new parts that weren't in the TV version. He also left out one character, Frank Broadhurst, who was played by Gorden Kaye in the show. The front cover of the book featured a special photo of Barry Angel as Martin Smith holding binoculars, with Philip Locke as John Doll in the background.
Home Video Releases
The show was released for people to watch at home in different ways over the years.
VHS Release
The show first came out on VHS tapes in 1985.
- Label: BBC Video
- Release Date: 1985
- Availability: Deleted (meaning it's no longer available for sale from the publisher)
This VHS version was a single, longer movie, about 106 minutes long. It had a "U" certificate from the BBFC, meaning it was suitable for everyone. Some parts of the opening and closing credits were changed or removed to make it flow like one long film.
DVD Release
Later, the show was released on DVD in 2006.
- Label: Home Vision Entertainment
- Release Date: 24 January 2006
- Availability: Out now
This DVD version presented the show in its original, full episodes, lasting about 146 minutes. It was "Unrated" by the MPAA.
The DVD also included some special features:
- The episodes were digitally restored, meaning they looked much better.
- A trailer for The Chronicles of Narnia TV series.
- Captions for people who are hearing-impaired.
So far, Codename Icarus has only been released on DVD in the United States. There are currently no plans for a release in the UK.
