Missile to the Moon

Missile to the Moon is a science fiction film that emerged from the silver screens of the 1950s, directed by Richard E. Craven. This film represents the height of Cold War era cinema, examining the notions of space travel, alien encounters, and the unknown during a time when these ideas were still bordering on the precipice of mystery and mankind had not yet landed on the moon. The film stars Richard Travis, Cathy Downs, and K.T. Stevens, creating a fascination with mankind's first venture into outer space.

The central plot follows scientist Dirk Green (played by Richard Travis), who is harboring a shocking secret. Unbeknownst to the authorities, he is constructing a rocket ship in his private desert location. The movie starts off with a sense of authority, reality, and conformity being challenged as Green fends off investigations into his activities. Along with his compatriot and sometimes reluctant supporter, Steve Dayton (Tommy Cook), Green intends to be the first to land a human-made object on the moon before anyone else.

Meanwhile, Cathy Downs plays June Saxton, Green's concerned fiancée, who harbors her own doubts about his ambitious aspirations. She plays the classic 1950s sweetheart, concerned for her future husband yet unwilling to stand in the way of his dreams. In her character, we see the contrast between human relationships and the pursuit of a larger-than-life dream, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative that resonates with the viewer.

When Green's endeavors become dangerously close to discovery, he takes an unorthodox route to complete his mission. He unwillingly draws in two convicted criminals Gary (Gary Clarke) and Lon (Michael Whalen), hoping to convince them to take the risky journey to the moon in his steed. The trio's dynamic adds tension and unpredictability into the plot, carrying the audience along a thrilling and bumpy ride.

The movie takes a strange and fascinating turn on their arrival when they discover a civilization of beautiful, young women led by a queen, known simply as Lido (played by K.T. Stevens). The alienated society's existence introduces an otherworldly allure with an undercurrent of danger. Stevens's performance stands out, swaying between charm and dread, trapping the crew in a beguiling and eerie predicament. The secrets of the Moon's population unfold over the course of the film, adding surprise elements that keep viewers hooked until the end.

It is worth mentioning that the effects of the film, while now seeming somewhat dated, were an accomplishment for the time. The lunar landscapes, rocket ship designs, and the strange lunar inhabitants are visual testimonies to the creative imagination of the film's creators. The video effects, costumes, and set designs display a cutting-edge creativity that stands as evidence to the audaciousness of movie-making in the era.

The soundtrack by Nicholas Carras perfectly complements the film’s dramatic tension, the uncertainty of space travel, and the sublime beauty of the moon. The music paints the emotional landscape of the movie, supplementing the narrative and enhancing the cinematic experience.

"Missile to the Moon" captures a small glimpse of the nostalgia of 1950s cinema, still retaining its charm to this date. Those fascinated with the classic era of science fiction will be intrigued by this representation of a time when the actual lunar landing was still years away.

In essence, Missile to the Moon is a classic science fiction tale that takes the audience on a thrilling journey beyond our world, using pioneering special effects and a gripping narrative about human ambition, discovery, and the allure of the unknown. Its exploration of human relationships and the pursuit of dreams reflects the societal ambience of the time, providing a window into the era's collective psyche and anxieties. Despite its age, the feature’s charm lies in the time capsule it provides into an era where mankind's foray into space was still a labyrinth of mystery and anticipation.