The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy
- TV sitcom
- BBC Two
- 1981
- 6 episodes (1 series)
Television adaptation of the highly successful sci-fi radio sitcom and comic novel, created by Douglas Adams. Also features Simon Jones, David Dixon, Sandra Dickinson, Mark Wing-Davey, David Learner and more.
Episode menu
Series 1, Episode 3 - Fit The Third
Further details
Zaphod explains that he stole the Heart of Gold so that he could fly to the legendary planet of Magrathea, which is noted for being the planet that made a vast fortune by making other planets.
Ford believes that Magrathea does not exist, but is soon proved wrong when not only do they discover the planet, but they are attacked by two nuclear missiles. Luckily, Arthur saves everyone using the Infinite Improbability Drive, resulting in the missiles turning into a bowl of petunias and a very surprised-looking sperm whale. Trillian also discovers that her white mice have escaped.
When they land on the planet, Ford, Zaphod and Trillian go down a tunnel and are attacked. Arthur meanwhile is left with Marvin the Paranoid Android on the surface of the planet, where they meet a native, Slartibartfast. Arthur and Slartibartfast travel deep inside the planet, where Arthur makes a disturbing discovery: Earth was built by Magrathea in order to discover something called "The Ultimate Question".
Broadcast details
- Date
- Monday 19th January 1981
- Time
- 9pm
- Channel
- BBC Two
- Length
- 30 minutes
Cast & crew
Simon Jones | Arthur Dent |
David Dixon | Ford Prefect |
Sandra Dickinson | Trillian |
Mark Wing-Davey | Zaphod Beeblebrox |
David Learner | Marvin |
Stephen Moore | Marvin (Voice) |
Peter Jones | The Book (Voice) |
Richard Vernon | Slartibartfast |
David Tate | Eddie (Computer on the Heart of Gold) (Voice) |
Stephen Moore | Whale (Voice) |
Douglas Adams | Writer |
Alan J. W. Bell | Director |
Alan J. W. Bell | Producer |
John Lloyd | Associate Producer |
Ian Williams | Editor |
Glenn Hyde | Editor |
Andrew Howe-Davies | Production Designer |
Dee Robson | Costume Designer |
Bernie Leadon | Composer |
Paddy Kingsland | Composer |