In the near future of 1970, a new British radio telescope receives a complex signal from the Andromeda galaxy. Scientists, led by the sceptical John Fleming (Peter Halliday), discover the signal contains instructions for building an advanced computer. Once active, the machine provides a genetic blueprint, which biologist Madeleine Dawnay uses to create a human-like organism. Named Andromeda (Julie Christie), she acts as a living link to the machine. Fleming comes to believe the computer is a tool for an alien invasion and must thwart its plans, which are supported by a powerful international consortium.
Created by astronomer Fred Hoyle and producer John Elliot, this was the BBC’s first major adult science fiction project since the Quatermass serials of the 1950s. The production aimed for scientific plausibility and provided a breakout role for drama student Julie Christie as the title character. The story was continued in a 1962 sequel, The Andromeda Breakthrough, with Susan Hampshire taking over the lead role. Most of the original serial is now lost, a common fate for programmes of its era.
Broadcast: BBC, Tuesdays, 3 October – 14 November 1961
Written by: Fred Hoyle, John Elliot
Director: Michael Hayes
Producer: Michael Hayes, Norman James
Main Cast: Peter Halliday (John Fleming), Julie Christie (Andromeda/Christine), Esmond Knight (Professor Reinhart), Mary Morris (Dr Geers), Frank Windsor (Dennis Bridger), John Hollis (Kaufman)
