The problem is that the film aimed for as much authenticity as possible, but that means it is a niche film of historical importance. It doesn't really provide 'escapist' entertainment in a similar vein to early 1950's SF movies. So (at least for me) it's a single viewing experience that relies a great deal on context. Unfortunately, this is often what happens to projects that rely on the courage of the film makers and their best efforts to make a significant contribution. I can respect the film, but I can't really say I enjoyed it.
I'm pretty good at watching films like this one in their historical context. It's more enjoyable when you have a healthy knowledge of film history, which helps make suspension of disbelief less a chore.
To be fair, Heinlein apparently wanted a more realistic multi-stage vehicle, and no-one realised how limited a solid core nuclear thermal rocket would be. They can only run at a fraction of their potential efficiency as the core would melt at higher tempreatures. And the thing is heavy, even before you add the vital radiation shielding. So despite the fact that you have a million times the energy density, you only get about twice the performance from an NTR that you get from the best chemical fuels.
I love your retro reviews, this one as usual very good. With all due respect though the first film based on a sci fi novel looking in the Aurum Film Encyclopedia of Sci Fi would be 1905's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea (aka Amid The Wonders Of The Deep). Melies borrowed from Verne's Trip To The Moon and Welles First Man In The Moon for his earlier epic, but it was the 1905 film that took the real first stab at a proper version of a sci fi novel of the time. Sorry to appear pedantic but I spend quite a lot of time using that tome for reference and something just went "eh" after watching your great review. 🙂🙂
A dry, but watchable 1950 sci fi that in its own way open the door into "Atomic Age" movies. It was appreciated that they made every effort to apply facts & information available in that era. Rocketship XM is also watching in other ways. A thank you to George Pal, staff & others for opening the door to this fantastic genre
Many thanks for reviewing this film. I have watched it many times. Since I grew up during the cold war which is used as the reason for making the trip to the moon. It also showed that Nuclear power could be used for other purposes and not just bombs. I have been watching many of your reviews this past week and I wanted to add my comments to those listed here.
Footage from this movie, along with the costumes, were heavily recycled in the 1966 episode of The Time Tunnel, titled "One Way To The Moon." Worth a look to see how how they integrated the footage into an entirely different story.
4:53 Note: I did put a Woody Woodpecker cartoon before my recent animated movie, “Plum Landing” (2022, based on the PBS Kids web series of the same name).
Detonation Moon is a fantastic movie...it was the inspiration for many to get degrees in aerospace that allowed them to get jobs in the burgeoning US Space program. It was a film that spurred the space race and made Kennedy's moon declaration a reality.
As I sure you recall, I have discussed the works of Mr. Heinlein on several occasions... & his influence on 2nd half 20th Century Sci/Fi cannot be understated! But if I recall my anecdotal history correctly... he did not enjoy the experience of collaborating on this film. Which is probably (at least in part) why there were not more Hollywood Production based on his works!
The only other film I can think of where private corporation takes it on themselves to advance human space faring without the involvement of governments is Prometheus. The tone is similar between the two movies-lots of board room meetings and side conferences between the big boss and the functionaries. Also makes me think of Portal 2.
I have loved this film since i was a small boy. I have always thought that one of the astronauts seemed to base his look on Humphrey Bogart, What do you think ? (:
I disagree; Rocketship X-M 's lasting legacy is in being, arguably, the first mockbuster. Every time The Asylum cranks out another Transmorphers or there's another based on a public domain source movie to compete with its studio brethren (looking at you War of the Worlds) it can be traced to Rocketship X-M.
As best as I can tell from my limited Internet searching, the animated Rupert was just a very realistic puppet, no taxidermy involved. I think he probably wanted to match the puppet as closely as possible to the real squirrels he used in a couple of scenes.
Heinlein had good reason to think we'd bypass chemical rockets entirely and go straight to nuclear propulsion, but he missed a political angle: how would the public react if there was an accident and a nuclear reactor crashed to the ground? He also hated the idea of the first moon landing being the "socialist" project that it became. If he were alive today, he'd love Elon Musk.
Hey Don't shortchange XM. with Lloyd Bridges, A decent space tale with a sad end. Destination Moon was my grade school Movie. around 1956. I liked it but the jerks behind me were shooting spitballs. And look at this, Private funded space ventures are more real than ever. Got that one.
I made the original version of this video before I reviewed Rocketship X-M, so I was a bit more unkind than I should have been. I give it its due in my X-M review, though!
The problem is that the film aimed for as much authenticity as possible, but that means it is a niche film of historical importance. It doesn't really provide 'escapist' entertainment in a similar vein to early 1950's SF movies. So (at least for me) it's a single viewing experience that relies a great deal on context. Unfortunately, this is often what happens to projects that rely on the courage of the film makers and their best efforts to make a significant contribution. I can respect the film, but I can't really say I enjoyed it.
I'm pretty good at watching films like this one in their historical context. It's more enjoyable when you have a healthy knowledge of film history, which helps make suspension of disbelief less a chore.
To be fair, Heinlein apparently wanted a more realistic multi-stage vehicle, and no-one realised how limited a solid core nuclear thermal rocket would be. They can only run at a fraction of their potential efficiency as the core would melt at higher tempreatures. And the thing is heavy, even before you add the vital radiation shielding.
So despite the fact that you have a million times the energy density, you only get about twice the performance from an NTR that you get from the best chemical fuels.
I read an explanation of the inaccurate lunar surface was so the stage can meld in with the background. A clever move.
I love your retro reviews, this one as usual very good. With all due respect though the first film based on a sci fi novel looking in the Aurum Film Encyclopedia of Sci Fi would be 1905's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea (aka Amid The Wonders Of The Deep). Melies borrowed from Verne's Trip To The Moon and Welles First Man In The Moon for his earlier epic, but it was the 1905 film that took the real first stab at a proper version of a sci fi novel of the time. Sorry to appear pedantic but I spend quite a lot of time using that tome for reference and something just went "eh" after watching your great review. 🙂🙂
A dry, but watchable 1950 sci fi that in its own way open the door into "Atomic Age" movies. It was appreciated that they made every effort to apply facts & information available in that era. Rocketship XM is also watching in other ways. A thank you to George Pal, staff & others for opening the door to this fantastic genre
Many thanks for reviewing this film. I have watched it many times. Since I grew up during the cold war which is used as the reason for making the trip to the moon. It also showed that Nuclear power could be used for other purposes and not just bombs. I have been watching many of your reviews this past week and I wanted to add my comments to those listed here.
the antenna on their backs to cover wires is genus. and the zero g shots are still quite nice 72 years later
Footage from this movie, along with the costumes, were heavily recycled in the 1966 episode of The Time Tunnel, titled "One Way To The Moon." Worth a look to see how how they integrated the footage into an entirely different story.
It's dry, as others have observed, but the thing I respect so much about this film is its incredible optimism at the opening of the 50's.
4:53 Note: I did put a Woody Woodpecker cartoon before my recent animated movie, “Plum Landing” (2022, based on the PBS Kids web series of the same name).
Detonation Moon is a fantastic movie...it was the inspiration for many to get degrees in aerospace that allowed them to get jobs in the burgeoning US Space program. It was a film that spurred the space race and made Kennedy's moon declaration a reality.
Fun movie. Good review. 👀👁🧠
LOVED the inclusion of MST3K! Your reviews are always so very thorough. Kudos!
Thank you kindly!
As I sure you recall, I have discussed the works of Mr. Heinlein on several occasions... & his influence on 2nd half 20th Century Sci/Fi cannot be understated! But if I recall my anecdotal history correctly... he did not enjoy the experience of collaborating on this film. Which is probably (at least in part) why there were not more Hollywood Production based on his works!
This remastered version is a better quality and it's also good timing.
We're about to lunch a rocket to the moon the day after this premiered.
The only other film I can think of where private corporation takes it on themselves to advance human space faring without the involvement of governments is Prometheus. The tone is similar between the two movies-lots of board room meetings and side conferences between the big boss and the functionaries. Also makes me think of Portal 2.
I have loved this film since i was a small boy.
I have always thought that one of the astronauts seemed to base his look on Humphrey Bogart, What do you think ? (:
Awesome stuff 👏👌👍
I disagree; Rocketship X-M 's lasting legacy is in being, arguably, the first mockbuster. Every time The Asylum cranks out another Transmorphers or there's another based on a public domain source movie to compete with its studio brethren (looking at you War of the Worlds) it can be traced to Rocketship X-M.
That’s pretty much what I say in my Rocketship X-M review. 😂
@@TheUnapologeticGeek I know, I was there. But they say memory is the second thing that goes, so I was worried about you.
Stars twinkle because of air.
Awesome
Is The Great Rupert puppet taxidermy or just a very realistic design? I've always wondered.
As best as I can tell from my limited Internet searching, the animated Rupert was just a very realistic puppet, no taxidermy involved. I think he probably wanted to match the puppet as closely as possible to the real squirrels he used in a couple of scenes.
@@TheUnapologeticGeek It sure was well made!
Don't bother to call this room
There's nobody here who can pick up
Or has stuff they need to talk about
And who won't be now
Checking out and flying
Magnetic titanium?
Heinlein had good reason to think we'd bypass chemical rockets entirely and go straight to nuclear propulsion, but he missed a political angle: how would the public react if there was an accident and a nuclear reactor crashed to the ground? He also hated the idea of the first moon landing being the "socialist" project that it became. If he were alive today, he'd love Elon Musk.
Good stuff (as always) on this channel.
And I like the 1958 song that shares its name with this movie: ua-cam.com/video/GD05wmlTge4/v-deo.html
Hey Don't shortchange XM. with Lloyd Bridges, A decent space tale with a sad end. Destination Moon was my grade school Movie. around 1956. I liked it but the jerks behind me were shooting spitballs. And look at this, Private funded space ventures are more real than ever. Got that one.
I made the original version of this video before I reviewed Rocketship X-M, so I was a bit more unkind than I should have been. I give it its due in my X-M review, though!