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Pathfinders in Space
Harcourt Brown and Captain Wilson - Pathfinders to Venus
This page looks back to the 'Pathfinders' serials of the early 1960s.Background Information The Pathfinders serials were an early attempt at science fiction serials aimed at a children's audience, and are regarded by many as the forerunner of "Doctor Who", as both were produced by the same man, Canadian Sydney Newman. In all, there were four Pathfinders serials - TARGET LUNA, PATHFINDERS IN SPACE, PATHFINDERS TO MARS and PATHFINDERS TO VENUS. I have to confess that I have no memory of "Target Luna" and it is likely that I didn't see it. I do remember the other three. At the time, I found them very enjoyable. However, some years ago, BBC2 had a 'Mars Weekend' (to coincide with the landing of a Mars space probe) and they showed some clips from 'Pathfinders To Mars'. They looked very out-dated.
 A short clip from Pathfinders To Mars The two links below will give you more information about the Pathfinders serials. The Pathfinders Serials - the full story
Whatever happened to....Some additional information regarding the cast of the Pathfinders Serials. Gerald Flood played the action hero, Conway Henderson, in the Pathfinders Serials. Born in 1927, he began acting in 1948. In the 1980s, he appeared in Doctor Who as King John in "The King's Demons" and also provided the voice of Kamelion. Gerald Flood died of a heart attack in April 1989 at the age of 61. George Coulouris was born in Manchester, England in 1903 and was ideally cast as the villain, Harcourt Brown. After the Pathfinders serials, he appeared in Doctor Who as Arbitan in "The Keys of Marinus". He died of a heart attack in April 1989 (less than two weeks after the death of Gerald Flood).
Graydon Gould played Captain Wilson in 'Pathfinders To Venus'. He is best known as the voice of Mike Mercury in the Gerry Anderson puppet series - SUPERCAR. After he left 'The Forest Rangers' he went to Hollywood to pursue his career. His television appearances include "Matlock" and his most recent big screen role was as Dana's dad from the film "Deja Vu" in 1998 which starred Vanessa Redgrave. In 1999, he made a guest appearance at a cult TV convention in England.
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