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 Astounding SPACE ADVENTURE of All Time!

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Genres:

Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original trailer for this film emphasized the fact that it was the first film involving space travel. It was in theaters more than three weeks before the first showings of George Pal's Destination Moon (1950).

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Goofs

When the rocket reduces power the first stage of the rocket begins approaching the second stage in a violation of the laws of physics. The rocket has pulled away from the first stage and even if the power of the second stage was completely cut off inertia would keep the second stage moving faster than the first stage.

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Quotes

Dr. Lisa Van Horn: What does it mean, Doctor?
Dr. Karl Eckstrom: It means there are times when a mere scientist has gone as far as he can, when he must pause and observe respectfully while something infinitely greater assumes control. I believe this is one of those times.

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Alternate Versions

In the original theatrical version, the Mars scenes were tinted pink/red.

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Connections

Referenced in Sea Hunt: Underwater Ejection (1959)

User Reviews

An early anti-nuclear war film done with imagination and style.

Despite what we would now consider laughable scientific goofs, this science-fiction film carried itself well as a dramatic film. The actors were all solid professionals. The Martian settings were believable. The sentiments, while a bit pretentious, were sincere and laudable. It was an early attempt at mature science-fiction and succeeded better than many more polished, but cynical efforts that came later on.

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