R.U.R (BBC 1938, Harvey Braban, Cherry Cottrell)

Published

7 years ago

November 15, 2016

R.U.R. was the very first science fiction play to be shown on British Television (and anywhere else on TV for that matter) and detailing the adventures of a Robot.

The title stood for Rossum’s Universal Robots which was the name of a company manufacturing the Robots designed to ease the strain on humankind’s work load but the Robots end up taking over the world.

One of the first appearances of the word Robot in a science fiction vein, the word is Czech and means toil and drudgery. This production was only a brief section of the play, very few productions were broadcast in full at this time, being live and from TV’s infancy the show is no longer available for viewing of course.

production details
UK / BBC / 1×25 minute episode / Broadcast 11 February 1938 black and white

Writer: Karel Capek / Adapted by Nigel Playfair / Costume: Mary Allan / Producer: Jan Bussell

cast
HARVEY BRABAN
CHERRY COTTRELL
ANNIE ESMOND
LARRY SILVERSTONE
DEREK BOND

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Alastair James

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.