Supertrain

Supertrain was a unique and ambitious American television series that aired on NBC in 1979. Created by Earl W. Wallace and Donald E. Westlake, the show was notable for its futuristic concept and high production costs, which made it one of the most expensive TV shows of its time. The premise revolved around a nuclear-powered luxury train, dubbed “Supertrain,” that traveled across the country at incredible speeds while hosting a variety of passengers and their dramatic stories. Despite its high-profile debut and innovative concept, Supertrain struggled to find an audience and was canceled after just nine episodes. However, its bold attempt at blending sci-fi elements with a drama series has earned it a cult following over the years.

The show’s unique setting—a massive, high-tech train outfitted with everything from swimming pools to nightclubs—set it apart from the typical television fare of the late 1970s. The combination of a luxury travel experience with a variety of self-contained stories each episode was meant to appeal to fans of shows like The Love Boat, but the challenges of production and inconsistent storylines ultimately led to its short-lived run. Despite its early cancellation, Supertrainremains an interesting piece of television history, remembered for its extravagant concept and lavish set designs.

The Premise of Supertrain

The central focus of Supertrain is the nuclear-powered train of the same name, which travels coast-to-coast across the United States at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. Supertrain is no ordinary train; it is a luxurious, futuristic mode of transportation designed to cater to wealthy passengers who want to travel in style and comfort. The train is enormous, featuring multiple levels and offering passengers amenities that rival those of a cruise ship. Supertrain boasts swimming pools, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping centers, and even medical facilities, making it a self-contained world on rails.

Each episode of Supertrain featured a different set of passengers, with the train serving as the backdrop for their personal stories, dramas, and adventures. Much like The Love Boat or Fantasy Island, the show was an anthology series, meaning each episode followed new guest characters who were dealing with various issues or conflicts. While the setting remained consistent—on board the train—the stories ranged from romantic entanglements and business rivalries to crime plots and mysteries. The train’s crew, including the conductor and other staff, were recurring characters who provided continuity between episodes.

The episodic format allowed for a wide range of guest stars, including well-known actors from the era, to appear in various roles, adding to the appeal of each episode. The concept of a luxurious train as the setting for dramatic, humorous, or even suspenseful stories was innovative, offering viewers a mix of adventure and intrigue in each installment.

Main Characters

Although Supertrain featured an ever-changing roster of guest stars, the show had a core group of recurring characters who worked aboard the train. These characters helped maintain a sense of continuity from episode to episode, providing viewers with familiar faces amidst the revolving cast of passengers.

  • Harry Flood (Edward Andrews): Harry Flood is the train’s supervisor, overseeing the operations of Supertrain and ensuring that everything runs smoothly for the passengers. A seasoned professional, Flood takes his job seriously and is dedicated to maintaining the luxurious experience that Supertrain promises its guests. His character adds a sense of authority and professionalism to the show, as he is often the one who deals with any issues or emergencies that arise during the train’s journey.
  • Doctor Dan Lewis (Robert Alda): Dr. Dan Lewis is the train’s resident doctor, responsible for the health and well-being of the passengers and crew. His medical expertise comes into play when passengers experience health crises or when the plot requires someone with medical knowledge. Dr. Lewis’s calm and caring demeanor makes him a reassuring presence aboard Supertrain, and he often provides wisdom and advice to passengers who are dealing with personal problems.
  • George Boone (Patrick Collins): George Boone is the train’s chief porter, responsible for ensuring that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Boone is known for his efficiency and attention to detail, making sure that the luxurious accommodations are up to par. He interacts with many of the passengers throughout the series, offering assistance and sometimes finding himself embroiled in their personal dramas.
  • Dave Noonan (Michael DeLano): Dave Noonan is the train’s assistant conductor, a charming and often humorous character who assists in the daily operations of Supertrain. Noonan’s easy-going attitude contrasts with Harry Flood’s more serious demeanor, and he often provides comic relief during tense or dramatic situations. His interactions with the passengers often serve as lighter moments in the midst of the more serious storylines.

Futuristic Technology and Design

One of the most memorable aspects of Supertrain was its futuristic technology and elaborate set design. The train itself was a marvel of television production, with state-of-the-art features that were ahead of their time for a 1970s TV show. The exterior of the train was designed to look sleek and modern, while the interior was lavishly decorated to create an atmosphere of opulence and luxury. The set design included multiple levels and rooms, allowing the train to serve as the backdrop for various storylines, from romantic dinners in the onboard restaurant to action-packed scenes in the nightclubs or swimming pools.

Supertrain’s nuclear-powered engine allowed it to travel at incredible speeds, making it not only luxurious but also futuristic in its ability to cut down travel time. The advanced technology on board included everything from high-tech communication systems to automated services for passengers, giving the show a sci-fi feel. This emphasis on futuristic design and cutting-edge technology helped differentiate Supertrain from other shows of its era, appealing to viewers interested in high-tech adventure.

Challenges and Reception

Despite its ambitious concept and large production budget, Supertrain struggled to gain traction with audiences. One of the primary challenges was the high cost of producing the show. The lavish set designs, complex special effects, and large cast of guest stars made the show one of the most expensive productions in television history at the time. Unfortunately, the high production costs were not matched by high ratings, and the show failed to attract a significant viewership.

Another issue was the inconsistent tone and storytelling. While the concept of a luxury train hosting different dramatic storylines each episode was intriguing, the execution often fell flat. The show sometimes struggled to balance the variety of genres it attempted to cover, from romance and drama to action and mystery. As a result, Supertrain lacked the cohesion that might have helped it appeal to a broader audience. The combination of high production costs and low ratings led NBC to cancel the show after only nine episodes.

Cult Status and Legacy

Despite its brief run, Supertrain has gained a cult following over the years, largely due to its ambitious concept and its status as a symbol of 1970s television excess. The show’s unique premise—centered around a futuristic luxury train—continues to capture the imagination of those who appreciate ambitious but flawed television projects. The lavish production design and futuristic elements of the train itself are often remembered fondly, even as the show’s storytelling is seen as uneven.

Supertrain is frequently cited as one of the most expensive television flops of all time, but its audacity and originality have earned it a place in television history. The show’s premise of high-tech transportation as a setting for drama was ahead of its time and has influenced later series that attempted similar ambitious concepts. For fans of classic TV and retro-futuristic designs, Supertrain remains a fascinating and nostalgic example of what happens when television takes big risks, even if those risks don’t always pay off.

While Supertrain was short-lived and commercially unsuccessful, it remains a noteworthy part of television history for its ambitious production, lavish set design, and the intriguing concept of a futuristic luxury train. Though the series failed to attract a large audience during its initial run, its legacy endures as a cult classic and a testament to the era of experimental television that sought to push the boundaries of what was possible on screen.

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