Rocky Jones, Space Ranger

Rocky Jones, Space Ranger is an American science fiction television serial originally broadcast in syndication from February to November 1954.

Because it was produced on black-and-white film, rather than being broadcast live as were most other TV space operas of the day, it has survived in reasonably good condition.

Although they might destroy a rocketship full of unseen villains, their space pistols were never fired at people, and conflicts were always resolved with only fistfights.

The script-writers did not appear to know the difference between planets, moons, stars, and constellations, so that the specific locations Rocky and his sidekicks visited are generally unknown to astronomers.

Wristwatches, wallets complete with space dollars, badges, buttons, records, and clothing were produced to promote the show.

In February 1954, Scotty Beckett was arrested for possessing a weapon after being implicated in an armed robbery at the Cavalier Hotel in Hollywood.

(Several researchers have stated that this may have been due to the high cost of the special effects, which apparently made the series unprofitable, especially since the show was syndicated, rather than being broadcast by a major network.)

Thirty-nine 30-minute episodes were filmed and shown during the period starting in February, 1954, and running into January, 1955, depending on the local market schedule.