Rocketship X-M (1950)

An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead.

Director:

Kurt Neumann

Writers:

Orville H. Hampton (additional dialogue) (as Orville Hampton), Kurt Neumann

Stars:

Lloyd Bridges, Osa Massen, John Emery

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Lloyd Bridges	...	Col. Floyd Graham
Osa Massen	...	Dr. Lisa Van Horn
John Emery	...	Dr. Karl Eckstrom
Noah Beery Jr.	...	Maj. William Corrigan
Hugh O'Brian	...	Harry Chamberlain / Voice on Loudspeaker
Morris Ankrum	...	Dr. Ralph Fleming
Patrick Aherne	...	Reporter #1 (as Patrick Ahern)
Sherry Moreland	...	Martian Girl
John Dutra	...	Physician
Kathy Marlowe	...	Reporter (as Katherine Marlowe)

Storyline

Astronauts (Lloyd Bridges, Osa Massen, John Emery, Noah Beery, Jr., and Hugh O'Brien) blast off to explore the moon. Because of craft malfunction and some fuel calculations, they end up landing on Mars. On Mars, evidence of a once powerful civilization is found. The scientists determine that an atomic war destroyed most of the Martians (who surprisingly look like humans). Those that survived reverted to a caveman-like existence.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | low budget sci fi movie | blood pressure | meteor shower | outer space | 

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Taglines:

The Most Amazing Story Ever Filmed!

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Genres:

Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

When George Pal announced production of his space epic Destination Moon (1950) this film was rushed into production to capitalize on it and beat Pal's film into theaters by several weeks.

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Goofs

While the added tinting to make Mars the "Red Planet" of lore makes for an an interesting effect, it also creates a kind of "logic loop". This tinting should also not only be visible when viewing the planet through the portholes, but it would cast this same tint through them, lighting the much of the interior of the ship's cabin red during the landing and while on the planet. But if that were the case, the areas of the interior NOT lit by this tint would remain in B&W, further betraying the film's own look and showcasing the gimmicky use of the tint in the first place.

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Quotes

Harry: From this distance it would only appear a mere speck.
Major Corrigan: A mere speck? *Texas* a mere speck?

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Alternate Versions

The Navarre DVD release (as part of a 'triple feature') does not include the new special effects sequences or the pink/red coloring. The Mars sequences are, however, tinted a pallid, sickly green.

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Connections

Referenced in Rewind This! (2013)

User Reviews

A pioneering, well-honored science-fiction film.

Some films are blessed (though the producers would argue) by having less money with which to work. "Rocketship X-M" (the initials represent "eXpedition Moon") relies therefore upon, ahem, a real Story, with Acting, rather than flash and effects. That's why a half-century later, the well-remembered "RX-M" has held up so well. (An analogy could be drawn with the co-incidental 1949-1955 television series "Captain Video and His Video Rangers", where the bulk of budget also went towards quality writers and cast.) John Emery is - surprise!- a good guy here.

Osa Massen, one of the screen's most photogenic stars ever, is radiant. The whole cast carries through the forgivable inconsistencies with style. Ferde Grofé's music takes us from exultant triumph to eerie mystery and, finally, into bitter realization of what the RX-M crew discovers, the utter waste of an entire civilization. (Remember the real-life "face" on Mars?) Grofé well-illustrates the withering madness in the crew's panicked escape and return attempt. And the final moments aboard the doomed RX-M are of the stuff that makes for great film. I saw this in theatrical release, and you, too, will find "Rocketship X-M" one of your most memorable. Highly recommended to all.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 June 1950 (USA)

Also Known As:

None Came Back

Filming Locations:

Mojave Desert, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$94,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lippert Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

77 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1