'GALACTICA' AT 40: WHEN 'WORZEL' MET 'GALACTICA'!

You could always count on the UK children's TV listings/feature magazine Look-In to bring together cover stars of the most eclectic kind, as especially seen here - both Cylon and Galactica fused with the comedic British scarecrow comedy figure of Worzel Gummidge (as played by another sci-fi TV legend in former Doctor Who Jon Pertwee) for this fun 1979 artwork created by magazine cover regular artists Arnaldo Putzu.

'GALACTICA' AT 40: INTRODUCING ADAMA

Despite his own early misgivings and personal doubts about his abilities to lead them after the Cylon sneak attack, the remains of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind couldn't be in better hands for safety and protection in the search for the lost Thirteenth Tribe, than those of the passionate and commanding presence of Adama, as played with steely grit, authority and personable charm by respected Canadian actor Lorne Greene.

CLASSIC ART: BATTLE IN THE HEAVENS!

The Battlestar Galactica comes under attack as its moves into deep space, away from the attacked Colonial Fleet, as seen in this iconic Ralph McQuarrie art used in all kinds of film and series publicity at that time, like this lovely international poster for Saga of a Star World (in its feature-film composition) showcasing the superb design and evil Cylon villains. And, of course, the mighty Sensurround sound experience that UNIVERSAL loved to put in bigger showcase theatres back in those halcyon days!

'GALACTICA' AT 40: INTRODUCING LT. STARBUCK!

He'd prior been best known for playing a human turned reptile in the subtly effective seventies horror film Ssssss, but now Dirk Benedict was finally getting the chance to be a heartthrob hero for fans young and old to enjoy, portraying with comfortable ease the likeable card-playing scoundrel, ladies man, begrudging flying ace and Cylon Centurion blaster extraordinaire- Lt. Starbuck!

It was to prove a role tailor made for him!

'GALACTICA' AT 40: TERROR FROM SPACE!

A trio of Cylon Raiders close in for the kill during their brutal attack on the colony world of Caprica, from Saga of a Star World. I love the huge amount of detail on the models presented here.

'GALACTICA' AT 40: BROTHERS AND WARRIORS!

It should have been a peace envoy where nothing could go wrong, yet sadly Apollo's young brother, Zac (warmly played by singer/actor Rick Springfield), despite all his skills and enthusiasm as a Colonial Warrior, would perish just short of reaching the human fleet in his damaged viper, and just as the Cylon attack was unveiled...

The above image comes from an alternate/deleted scene shot for Battlestar Galactica's pilot episode by is original director, Richard A. Colla. It surfaced on DVD eventually.

'GALACTICA' AT 40: VIPERS AWAY!

The Colonial forces greatest weapon of war: the Viper craft, one of many aboard the legendary Battlestar Galactica, takes to the spacial skies alongside one of its comrades, in this unused effects angle for Saga of a Star World.