Despite multiple test failures a private venture builds a nuclear thermal rocket to reach the Moon. Sidestepping the opposition of the US government, four astronauts hastily launch towards our satellite.
Possibly the 'hardest' example of science fiction happening before actual spaceflight. There is no need for far-fetched alien civilisations or secondary plots because it's all about the voyage itself, and drama will be driven by its challenges (a spacewalk to perform repairs, or being short on reaction mass for the return trip).
The overall realism and almost didactic approach aren't for everyone, but it makes up for the weak characterisation and is truly refreshing in comparison to many other 50s sci-fi movies with trite plots and less funds (in fact, there are movies made today that still can't match this one's accuracy). Solid special effects, and the spacecraft's design is iconic. As expected from 1950 there are some blink-and-you-will-miss Red Scare motifs, with the launch failures being blamed on 'sabotage' and the push for the mission being justified in terms of beating 'them' to the Moon.
An interesting parallel with the somewhat-inferior Rocketship X-M, shot in a brief time and on a small budget to capitalise on the anticipation for Destination Moon, and much more pessimistic in its view of nuclear energy and mankind's chances of success.
Possibly the 'hardest' example of science fiction happening before actual spaceflight. There is no need for far-fetched alien civilisations or secondary plots because it's all about the voyage itself, and drama will be driven by its challenges (a spacewalk to perform repairs, or being short on reaction mass for the return trip).
The overall realism and almost didactic approach aren't for everyone, but it makes up for the weak characterisation and is truly refreshing in comparison to many other 50s sci-fi movies with trite plots and less funds (in fact, there are movies made today that still can't match this one's accuracy). Solid special effects, and the spacecraft's design is iconic. As expected from 1950 there are some blink-and-you-will-miss Red Scare motifs, with the launch failures being blamed on 'sabotage' and the push for the mission being justified in terms of beating 'them' to the Moon.
An interesting parallel with the somewhat-inferior Rocketship X-M, shot in a brief time and on a small budget to capitalise on the anticipation for Destination Moon, and much more pessimistic in its view of nuclear energy and mankind's chances of success.