'The Spaceman' by David McKee

Strolling in the park, Mr Benn sees a kite. Deciding to try a trip into space, he returns to the costume shop, puts on a spacesuit, and steps through the changing room door… into the cockpit of a spaceship that is about to blast off! Together with the vessel’s two crewmen, Mr Benn travels through space, eventually arriving on a planet festooned with precious minerals and jewels; however, a dejected man dressed in rags tells them that the treasure will turn to rocks as soon as they leave, and he suggest that they try the next planet, which has everything they could want - and for free. The three astronauts travel to this world, but although the planet’s goods and food are indeed wonderful, everything is in black and white. The next planet is too noisy, and the one after that is too hot. Mr Benn soon realises that there is no place like home…

Ray Brooks (The Narrator)

Illustrated by David McKee and Ian Lawless
Music by Duncan Lamont (as Don Warren)
Directed by Pat Kirby
Produced by Zephyr Film Productions for the BBC

TX:
UK (BBC 2):
1st April, 1971

Notes:
*Featuring Mr Benn and the Shopkeeper