Mandog (BBC-1 1972, Carol Hazell, Jayne Anthony)

Mandog is one of those cult telefantasy series that has generated huge amounts of interest over the years. One of the reasons is because only one episode is still in existence and the plotline is so intriguing.

The lead characters is disabled wheelchair bound Kate who along with her brother Duncan and friend Samantha discover that a group of time travellers from the year 2600 are trying to disturb the fabric of time in a bid to overcome their enemies known as “The Galas.”

To try and get Kate and Co to do what they want the time travellers perform a mind swap replacing the mind of Sam’s dog with that of one of the group (hence the title). Before you know it the Galas are also back in the past with the kids caught in the middle.

Shot on film on location in and around Southampton Mandog was from the pen of the fab Peter Dickinson whose weathermonger trilogy would serve as the basis for 1975’s superb children’s scifi series The Changes.

A novelisation co-authored by Dickinson and Lois Lamplugh is well worth seeking out.

production details
UK / BBC One / 6×25 minute episodes / Broadcast 30 January – 7 February 1972

Writer: Peter Dickinson / Producer: Anna Home / Directors: Paul Stone, Anna Home

cast
CAROL HAZELL as Kate
JAYNE ANTHONY as Sammy
ADRIAN SHERGOLD as Duncan
ROY BOYD as Henry
MOLLIE SUGDEN as Mrs Morris
JOHN RAPLEY as Mr Morris
DEREK MARTIN as Gala One
RAY TAYLOR as Gala Two