The Martian Chronicles

"Based on Ray Bradbury's sweeping sci-fi classic, this 1979 mini-series details the mystery, wonder and horror of humankind's attempts to leave Earth and establish a new culture on Mars. Scientists travel to Mars to study its atmosphere and terrain, and decide that earthlings can dwell safely in this new environment - but some in the group learn that an alien life form might exist beneath the planet's surface. Everyone will eventually learn that the colonization of Mars might not be welcomed by its present inhabitants... and with good reason. This epic television production originally aired in three parts."

In January 1999 the first manned mission to Mars is underway. Everything appears normal except unknowingly they are being monitored by a female Martian called Ylla, who in a dream-state is able to 'remote view' their progress. Being stuck in a dull partnership Ylla has romantic notions regarding one of the approaching Earthmen. Her partner becomes jealous of Ylla's newfound preoccupation and when the men land he murders the entire crew of this fateful mission.

As the command centre back on earth have no idea what has happened, a second mission is sent to find out what had happened to the first mission. Once again the crew are murdered by the Martians after being lured into a false sense of security by the use of their own memories to create telepathic visions of their loved ones.

Nuclear war looks likely on Earth, so a third more urgent pre-colonisation mission is launched as the planet could be in peril. The Mission Control leader Capt. Wilder (Rock Hudson) insists that he commands this team of explorers to Mars. However upon their arrival they find the planet deserted, the Martian civilization seemingly dead for a thousand years and there is no sign of the previous two missions either.

To discover if the planet is safe for the new arrivals Jeff Spender is sent out alone on a fact finding operation. He uncovers that there were in actual fact Martians living on the planet as recently as a week before they arrived, but they had all died from disease. Spender is changed by learning about the Martian civilization, he knows that man wishes to colonise the planet and will inevitably bring disrespect and destruction, so he feels it is his duty to save the planet from ruin...

 

 

Trivia

The Martian Chronicles (Wikipedia)

• Movies

The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
Ghosts of Mars (2001)
The Illustrated Man (1969)
Fahrenheit 451 (1966)
It Came from Outer Space (1953)

• Television

The Ray Bradbury Theater (1985 - 1992)

• Radio

Dimension X (1950 - 1951)
X Minus One (1955 - 1958)

• Literature

The Martian Chronicles, Ray Bradbury