Rocky Jones, Space Ranger facts for kids

Rocky Jones, Space Ranger was an exciting American science fiction TV show that first aired from February to November 1954. It was shown in different places at different times, which is called syndication. Even though it only had two seasons, it's special because it was filmed. Most other space shows back then were broadcast live. Being filmed meant it could have cooler special effects, better sets, and outdoor scenes. This also helped the show survive over the years in good condition!

What is Rocky Jones, Space Ranger About?

The show follows the adventures of Rocky Jones, a brave and honest Space Ranger. Space Rangers are like space police from Earth. They patrol the "United Worlds of the Solar System" in the future. Rocky and his team fly their rocketship, first the Orbit Jet XV-2, then the Silver Moon XV-3. They go on missions to different moons and planetoids. Even when things look impossible, they always find a way to win!

How Rocky Solves Problems

Rocky and his crew never used their space pistols on people. Instead, they would solve problems with exciting fistfights. They might destroy a rocket full of bad guys, but they always kept the fights between people fair.

Strange Worlds and Aliens

Rocky visited many strange planets and moons. Interestingly, the aliens he met usually spoke American English. They also looked like normal humans, but wore really wild costumes! The show's writers sometimes mixed up planets, moons, stars, and constellations. So, the exact places Rocky visited are often a mystery to real astronomers.

Episode Format

Most of the half-hour episodes were part of bigger stories. These stories usually had three parts, or 'chapters'. Each chapter was shown on a different week. A few stories were complete in just one episode.

Meet the Characters

Here are some of the main characters you'd see on Rocky Jones, Space Ranger:

• Rocky Jones: Played by Richard Crane, Rocky is the ultimate hero! He's brave, strong, good-looking, and always stands up for what's right. He's very popular, even with the bad guys!
• Winky: Winky was Rocky's loyal co-pilot and best friend. He was the funny one, always cheerful, which balanced out Rocky's serious side. Scotty Beckett, who was one of the original Our Gang comedy kids, played Winky. Later, Winky was replaced by Biffen "Biff" Cardoza, played by (James Lydon), from the planet Herculon.
• Vena Ray: The smart and beautiful Vena was Rocky's navigator and helped translate alien languages. She was a strong female character in many episodes. Sally Mansfield played her.
• Bobby: Bobby was a young boy who lived with Professor Newton. He dreamed of becoming a Space Ranger one day. The show never said anything about his parents. Robert Lyden played Bobby.
• Professor Newton: Played by Maurice Cass, Professor Newton was the smart scientist who explained all the amazing events. Even though he was older, he often joined the crew on their adventures. After Maurice Cass passed away, Professor Mayberry took over his role.
• Secretary Drake: Secretary Drake was the boss of the Space Rangers. He was like a father figure to Rocky and his team. Charles Meredith played him.
• Cleolanta: Patsy Parsons played Cleolanta, the queen of the planet Ophecius. She often caused trouble for the United Worlds. But secretly, she had a crush on Rocky and would even tell her henchmen they weren't as good as him!
• Juliandra/Noviandra: Ann Robinson played Juliandra, the queen of the planet Herculon. She was a friend to the United Worlds and offered Biffen Cardoza to be Rocky's new co-pilot. Juliandra had a twin sister, Noviandra, who was locked up and hated the United Worlds.
• Pinto Vortando: Pinto was a rough-looking space rogue who usually meant trouble for Rocky. Ted Hecht played him.
• Bovarro: Bovarro was a big, loud character who lived on the stormy moon Posita. He appeared in the three-episode adventure Crash of the Moons. John Banner played him.
• Ranger Clark: Ranger Clark was another Space Ranger and a friend of Rocky's. He managed the refueling space station O.W.9. William Hudson played Ranger Clark.

How the Show Was Made

The Rocky Jones Silvercup Rocket on display at the Air Zoo

Rocky Jones was created by Roland D. Reed, a Hollywood producer. He was also known for his show My Little Margie. Roland Reed Productions started in 1950. In 1951, Warren Wilson wrote the first script for the Rocky Jones pilot episode.

Getting Started

By the end of 1951, the actors were chosen, including Richard Crane as Rocky Jones and Scotty Beckett as Winky. The pilot episode was filmed between January and April 1952. The special effects were added in March. Outdoor scenes were shot at Palomar Mountain Observatory. Everything was finished by May.

The pilot was shown on September 29, 1952. People liked the idea, but some actors were changed, including Vena Ray and Secretary Drake. With the new cast ready and scripts for the first 26 episodes prepared, filming began in October 1953 and lasted until April 1954.

Merchandise and Sponsors

While filming, lots of merchandise was made to promote the show! You could buy wristwatches, wallets with "space dollars," badges, buttons, records, and even clothes. Charlton Comics also made a Rocky Jones, Space Ranger comic book. The biggest sponsor of the show was the Gordon Baking Company, which made Silvercup Bread. They were also a sponsor for The Lone Ranger radio and TV shows.

Changes During Production

The show officially started the week of February 22, 1954. Soon after, Scotty Beckett, who played Winky, became unavailable. So, the character of Winky was written out of the show. Biffen Cardoza, played by James Lydon, took his place.

After the first 26 episodes were filmed, Maurice Cass (Professor Newton) passed away in June 1954. Another 13 episodes were ordered and filmed between August and October 1954. Lydon continued as Biffen Cardoza. Professor Newton was replaced by Professor Mayberry, played by Reginald Sheffield. Also, the villainess Cleolanta was replaced by Juliandra, played by Ann Robinson. No more episodes were ordered after these 39. Some people think this was because the special effects were very expensive, making the show not profitable since it was syndicated instead of being on a major network. Today, you can find many episodes of the series online!

Episode Guide

Thirty-nine 30-minute episodes were filmed and shown from February 1954 into January 1955, depending on where you lived. Thirty-six of these were grouped into 12 stories, each with three 30-minute chapters. Three episodes were complete stories on their own. Many of the three-chapter stories were later edited into longer movies for TV. Some of these movies were given new names.

Two of these edited movies, Manhunt in Space and Crash of the Moons, were made fun of on the popular comedy show Mystery Science Theater 3000. You can still find all the episodes on DVD and VHS.