Conquest of Space

Conquest of Space, directed by Byron Haskin, is a special-effects laden science fiction film from 1955. The movie features a cast that includes seasoned actors of the time such as Walter Brooke, Eric Fleming, and Mickey Shaughnessy. The script is based on concepts from the 1949 nonfiction book "The Conquest of Space," by Chesley Bonestell and Willy Ley. Originally conceived as a documentary before ending up as a Moyan science fiction flick, Conquest of Space explores futuristic notions of space travel with an aspiration pragmatism as distinct from its mid-50s contemporaries.

The groundwork of the storyline is set around an Eisenhower-era vision of space exploration, when the conquest of space was on the cusp of becoming a reality. The setting and the atmosphere of the film are cleverly built around this ambitious vision. The film revolves around a crew of multinational astronauts stationed on a rotating space station, who are tasked with a secret mission to embark on the first manned journey to Mars.

Walter Brooke portrays the role of General Samuel T. Merritt, the commanding officer with a vision of exploring the outer space that is respected and shared by his fellow crew members. However, the keen observers of the film might find an underlying struggle that Merritt deals with between his strong professional dreams and the personal fear of losing his son, Captain Barney Merritt, played by Eric Fleming, in the dangerous expedition.

The film's subplot also revolves around the close relationship between father and son, and their differences in facing the daunting mission. Barney, being the second in command, handles these tense moments in contrast to his father, adding further to the suspense and psychological drama underlying the mission. Mickey Shaughnessy, a bumbling Brooklynite and comic relief character, represents the earthiness and the common man reaction to the adventure and danger in front of them.

The film's visuals and production design are one of its major highlights. The Wheel, the spinning space station, is a fascinating piece of mid-century space culture. It forecasts the later real-world space station designs in structure and operation, with astronauts dealing with zero gravity, life support systems, and interplanetary navigation. The movie also shows a massive spaceship, built in orbit, anticipatory of the actual construction of the international space station decades later.

Conquest of Space showcases amaizing specail effects considering the era it was made in, creating a realistic representation of space travel, entirely complementing the storyline. The portrayal of Mars, the Red Planet, and its desolate landscapes, adds to the movie's attraction for science fiction enthusiasts.

The director, Byron Haskin, known for his other significant works in the sci-fi genre, brings a skillful fusion of science fiction and space realism in this movie. Being ahead of its time, Conquest of Space reflects the optimistic space age vision of the mid-1950s and speculates into the then rapidly evolving understanding of space's complexities.

While on the surface, the film has all the ingredients of a traditional space adventure – the tension, the danger, the amazement of space travel – Conquest of Space also encompasses more profound themes of human ambitions, personal struggles, courage, and humanity's insignificance in the vast expanse of the universe.

Through clever character development and relationships, the movie delivers a picture of man's venture into space that demands teamwork, commitment and bravery amid uncertainty and peril. The protagonists’ psychological struggles become as significant as the technical difficulties of the daunting journey, adding layers of depth to the storyline.

Conquest of Space is, therefore, not just a sci-fi movie about space and aliens, but it also offers a deep insight into human courage, the spirit of exploration, and personal relationships under extreme pressure. This 1955 production's special effects, storyline, and characters still hold up well, ensuring that Conquest of Space continues to entertain both classic film buffs and sci-fi fans alike.