Destination Space (1959)

From space pioneers to modernday missions, it's a thrilling look at man's quest to conquer space.

Director:

Joseph Pevney

Writer:

Alford Van Ronkel (as Rip Van Ronkel)

Stars:

Harry Townes, John Agar, Charles Aidman

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Harry Townes	...	Jim Benedict
John Agar	...	Col. Matthews
Charles Aidman	...	Dave
Whitney Blake	...	June
Cecil Kellaway	...	Dr. A.A. Andrews
William Traylor	...	Space Ship Crew
Gail Kobe	...	Kim
Edward Platt	...	Dr. Easton (as Edward C. Platt)
John Clarke	...	Space Ship Crew
Joel Lawrence	...	Space Ship Crew
Jon Lormer	...	Prof. Logan
Robert Cornthwaite	...	Sen. Royce

Storyline

The U.S. space program is attempting launch a moon mission from the "BB" space station that is orbiting 500 miles above Earth. Just as the rocket is readying for departure, a meteor strikes the space station a glancing blow. It requires scrubbing the launch and more costly delays. Space program director Jim Benedict is called to testify at Senate hearings to assess the returns of the space program for the high costs of its projects. Space station "BB" is short for Benedict's Billions. Senator Royce is particularly out spoken about the expenditure of more funds. He thinks a ground-based launch control center would be less expensive. Jim succeeds in winning a majority vote on continuance but is asked by Royce to take an independent scientific observer that will report back to Congress. Dr. Easton is selected. Unfortunately, a leaky hydraulic line causes a reactor control rod to freeze during the second pre-launch sequence. The Reactor C aboard the rocket gets closer and closer to going ...

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | space station | space program | congressional hearing | unsold tv series pilot | 

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Genres:

Sci-Fi

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Joseph Pevney would direct some of what many consider the best Star Trek: The Original Series (1966) episodes, including Star Trek: The Original Series: Arena (1967) and Star Trek: The Original Series: The Devil in the Dark (1967). He would also be responsible for casting a young, little-known actor named Walter Koenig as Ensign Chekov.

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Connections

Featured in Classic Sci-Fi TV: 150 Episodes (2009)

User Reviews

Destination Space not destined to be series

Destination Space appears to have been a pilot for a CBS TV series. You can tell it was a pilot as the end of the 'movie' leaves things unanswered. John Agar is wasted here and Agar Sci Fi fans will be disappointed. John shows emotion late in the film by breaking a pencil (Whoo Hoo!).

Majority of the film is the main character trying to convince the powers that be to try another rocket launch (zzzz). When he finally convinces them, they try again and have to abort. Can you imagine a series where each week they try and fail to launch the rocket? Neither could CBS.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1959 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, CBS Television Network

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1