Original subtitles

The future of mankind is being decided

behind closed doors. In laboratories all

over the world, scientists are working

on projects designed to take man beyond

the confines of this earth. You are

looking at the actual models of

spacecraft now being developed by

agencies of the United States

government. This is an Apollo spacecraft

designed for elliptical orbit of the

moon. Its lunar landing vehicle can

transport three men safely to and from

the moon surface. These are other types

[music] of manned and remote control

mechanisms, each designed for a specific

function. Many already in operation as

satellites of this Earth. Some in

readiness for the moonshot, others

designed for probes in deep space. A few

to serve as space stations. And the most

complex of all, prototypes of craft

capable of putting a man on the surface

of another planet. The wheel was one of

man's first inventions and has been with

him all of his civilized life. But now

it, like so many other of his creations,

must be modified to fit his new demands.

These are three types of variable radius

wheels designed to transport a vehicle

over a rocky surface. [music]

New concepts are being created almost

daily. Some will never get beyond the

drawing board, but others or their

descendants will become part of man's

greatest adventure, the exploration and

colonization of space. All over the

world, men and women are working to make

that dream a reality. Every aspect of

the journey is being analyzed, from the

tiniest control devices to the mightiest

rocket engines. But it's not enough to

just get there. Just as the great

explorers sailed from Spain and England

and France to discover the Americas so

that the colonizers might come later, so

will our exploration spacecraft precede

the colonizers of the planets. Already

plans are being made for the colonies.

Sources of food and power must be found.

Artificial atmosphere is created.

Everything done to build an Earth away

from the Earth. No man living today can

predict exactly what the future holds.

But this much we do know. All through

man's march across this earth, the

wildest dreams and fantasies of one age

have become the common places of the

next. The motion picture you are about

to see can be called today a fantasy of

the future. But one day, maybe not too

[music] far distant, audiences will be

able to look back on it in the same

spirit with [music] which we view

pictures about the first covered wagons

crossing the plains. Heat. Heat.

[music]

Heat. Heat. [music]

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Heat. Heat. [music]

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In the fear-ridden years following the

Great Atomic War, the Earth and its

people had been reduced to a state of

death and destruction. Those who had

survived the tragedy began building a

new with a hope for the future. But

still the world remained divided. This

time man-made boundaries stretched

beyond mere countries, [music] forcing

the isolated separation of one vast

hemisphere from another. These two

conflicting powers became known as the

north hemis and the south hemis. Heading

South Hemis' top security project red

planet was Dr. Albert Gordon. Working

with him was his wife, Dr. Ruth Gordon.

They and a carefully selected team of

scientists had labored in secret for 5

years on the project which hoped to put

the first man on the planet Mars. Now,

just days before the launching, the

first public information releases were

being given to certain journalists who

would spread the story to the world if

the project were a success. If it met

with failure, neither the citizens of

South Hemis nor their rivals in the

northern hemisphere would know that it

had even been tried. Astronaut Craig

Matthews was in charge of briefing a

government journalist on the details.

Information had been leaked from North

Hemis that their scientists were also

trying to reach Mars and the pressures

were building in both governments to

make sure that their men landed on the

planet first. Man carrying space

stations had been circling the earth for

several years and trips to and from the

stations were not unusual. The first

step in project red planet was to

transport the personnel in a normal

manner to a specially equipped station.

The second phase would be the actual

launching from this artificial planet

where the spacecraft would no longer be

subjected to the Earth's gravitational

pull.

Ground control will now take command for

launching. Blast off is set for 02100.

All personnel must be at their stations.

You've worked so hard.

We've come so far.

Just keep the faith and courage you've

always shown.

Dr. Gordon, forgive the intrusion.

As personal representative of the

president, I want to extend best wishes

for the success of Project Red Planet

from all the people of Sims. Thank you.

We're approaching second unit countdown.

Our hopes for the future go with you.

All visitors must leave the launching

area. Passengers will board immediately.

Take good care of her, Craig. Now you

see that he does.

Well, I promise not to let her out of my

atmosphere.

He's always joking.

You know, this flight to the space

station could become just a routine

stopover.

An interplanet bus stop.

Hope your mother approves of me.

Do you think she does?

Of course.

Nancy, have you lost your confidence?

Don't be silly.

Countdown entering stage red. All

personnel, stand ready. Synchronized

units now being switched over to master

control.

This is control.

Attention personnel.

Project Red Planet, prepare for flight

countdown.

Begin your lane reports.

First stage rocket ready. Main rocket

stage ready.

Fuel ready. Stabilization center ready.

Power ready. Air conditioning ready.

Radar ready. Guidance ready. Alan ready

for takeoff.

Countdown ready. Continue at 34.

Attention flight personnel. Loading

elevators are now being withdrawn.

Countdown continues at 20. All stations

prepare for zero red. Countdown

continues at 10.

Zero red minus 5

project red planet. All units clear.

Switch over to standby.

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Heat. Heat.

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Attention

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all landing prison. Personnel [music]

report on flight deck. Standby to

receive flight number 87 from Earth.

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

Have all preparations been completed?

Yes, sir.

Welcome, Dr. Gordon.

It's good to see you, Commander.

Hello, Paul.

Commander Daniels.

Right this way, gentlemen. My men will

take care of your crew.

Hey, Astronaut Johnson just blasted off

from Mars.

[laughter]

Tell us when you get there.

I will if I can find a telephone. Don't

reverse the charges.

Actually, we had the Mercury ready for

you.

Any changes?

Not so far. Here are the micronic

charts.

The solar reports continued to verify

our last calculations. Couldn't ask for

better conditions.

How long will it last?

An estimated five or 6 weeks. Beyond

that, we'd be taking a chance.

If all continues as planned, we

shouldn't have any problems.

None whatsoever.

Commander, we are receiving an encoder

television wave.

You can screen it for us here.

Yes, sir.

It couldn't be coming from one of our

ships. All fights have been diverted

with the project in effect.

We'll find out soon enough.

We request your aid.

Identify yourself and state the nature

of your request.

This is Captain Torrance and Dr. Martin

aboard the ship Typhoon from North

Hemis.

We request permission to land for

emergency repairs. I've informed our

base.

You have permission. We'll prepare for

your ship to land.

Thank you.

We'll trouble you as little as possible.

I'll switch you to control.

[music]

Attention landing personnel on flight

deck. Attention, standby to receive

unassisted landing. Repeat, stand by to

receive unassisted landing.

It's your hammer ship. Of

[music]

[music]

course you realize we must make our own

repairs.

[music]

[music]

I want you to know how much we

appreciate your assistance.

If we could work this way, north and

south combined.

Think of it. The advantages.

I agree with that to its eventuality.

Captain Torren.

Thank you.

If the attitudes of our governments

could somehow be changed.

[laughter]

You know how politicians work. Always

years behind science.

What brought you into our radius?

It was unintentional, I assure you. We

were flight testing a new synergic curve

pattern

to lessen fuel consumption after orbit.

Well, we've also been working on that.

Oh, if only we were allowed to exchange

data.

They're politics instead of science

again. Still, I believe we should try to

instigate a new research exchange.

We've all thought that for a long time.

Maybe if we took the initial step,

Mars is our immediate project.

Mars.

Now that you know,

[music] spaceship Mercury,

have a look at it.

This is the culmination of all our

research. [music]

How close are you to its completion?

Well, the ship itself has been ready for

quite some time. We've just been waiting

for the proper solar conditions

in your time plan.

Yes. How soon?

Countdown has already been set for

tomorrow. If there are no drastic solar

changes, we'll proceed with the plan.

Any questions? [music] May I ask you?

We've already imposed enough. The hour

is going late. [music] Good luck on your

flight tomorrow.

Thank you.

Good night, doctor.

Until later.

Good night.

Good night.

[music]

We had no indication of this. It may

leave us no alternative. [music]

Don't take too much upon yourself.

Yes, Dr. Martin. [music]

Come in.

I hope you don't mind this intrusion.

No, not at all. Be seated. Thank you.

After all these years, we can finally

talk.

A discussion I look forward to. I've

long admired your writings.

That's an honor coming from you,

Dr. Martin.

I've observed your ship.

Anything unusual? [music]

It's designed for deep probe, very

similar to our Mercury. What is the

Typhoon's flight range?

As one scientist to another, I'd like to

discuss the entire matter. But you must

realize that it's entirely out of the

question.

Captain, do not attempt the flight.

Regardless of what you believe, we

cannot take any unnecessary risks.

General, I can't accept defeat. If your

ship is malfunctioning, you'd be merely

throwing your life away and with it the

entire project. I understand your

determination, but I must order you to

return to the base.

We cannot turn back now.

Captain Torrance.

Captain Torrance.

[music]

Then we've reached an impass. I can only

express my regrets.

No more so [music] than I, Dr. Gordon.

I understand.

[music]

Dr. Gordon.

Good night. Good night.

[music]

It's decided [music] we leave at once.

For North Hammers?

No, for Mars.

I think our friends will be somewhat

surprised.

Captain, that's not our main concern at

this time. Our repairs may not hold up.

I went over the entire system and it

proved out perfect.

You checked it. [music]

Remember my friend what this could

[music] mean.

I realize this situation completely.

But do you

[music]

[music]

Good evening.

Good evening, Paul.

We came to work on our ship.

Need any help?

Not at the moment.

Maybe tomorrow. [music]

[music]

I am.

[music]

[music]

All personnel, clear the flight deck

without delay.

What was the reason for doing that?

Someone might get hurt in a blastoff.

Too late now.

Full power.

Full power. [music]

It's the North Hell ship.

[music]

Greg, someone's been hurt. There he is.

It's Paul Clinton. Let's get him inside.

Is he badly hurt?

I can't tell.

Heat. [music]

[music]

[music]

Heat.

[music]

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[music]

The flight patterns The typhoon is

directed from Mars. [music]

They weren't ready.

You're so right. But they were obsessed.

How are you feeling?

Not too bad.

Just shaken. I'll be fine by flight

time.

Paul,

doctor,

you wouldn't replace me now.

Not at this point. I have no choice.

Nancy, tell him I'm all right.

The X-rays reveal a minor concussion has

resulted.

I'm sorry, Paul.

We can't take the chance. Paul,

Craig will replace you.

[music]

[music]

Watch your step.

Over here, Nancy.

Craig, I'm so happy Dr. Gordon chose you

for the first flight.

Mars, Nancy, think of it.

I am.

Before you know it, I'll be back with

you in South Hel.

Craig,

[music] please don't let me act like a

little girl now.

You won't, I'm sure.

Final call.

Medallion with our names on it.

Hit it on the flag you place on Mars.

I will

[music]

[music]

All

[music]

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right.

All

[music]

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right.

[music]

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begin our relay. Yes, doctor.

This is Earth control calling project

red planet.

Standby to checkpoint communication

relay.

Relay communications in effect.

Control ready.

Are you ready?

I'm ready, sir. Attention.

Countdown. Red.

Recline. Switch to auto.

Begin our relay.

Heat. Heat.

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Temperature reading

934 rising.

That checks.

Mhm.

Say, what is this thing? Good luck

charm.

Something like that.

Or pocket money for Mars.

It's a medallion for history. So, what

is that?

An asteroid?

No.

What's so interesting?

I think it's an old friend of [music]

yours.

Come here and see for yourself.

[music]

To discover a satellite. That was my

first dream.

We'll see you on the way back. It's

incredible.

[music] remaining in orbit so long, huh?

It opened the way to outer space.

That's final. General signing off.

If South Hemis would get to [music] Mars

before we did,

but they won't. Our ship's [music]

perfect. Even the general admitted.

Our Hammets might have suffered for it.

[music] Something's wrong.

Of course, it's changing.

It couldn't be. Our angle is perfect.

Can't you understand? I said it was

changing.

It won't hold.

[music] You're

wrong.

Check it again.

I have twice. You're being pulled away

by a powerful magnetic field.

It's the sun.

The directional rockets.

Won't they correct it?

They might if we fired all of them.

[music]

We have no choice. Fire them.

I intend to. Just hope it's enough. Get

ready.

positions.

Recline.

[music]

That's Monica [music] Ruth.

Yes.

And [music] continue reports. Stand

ready for checkpoint on third cycle.

Spaceship Mercury passing through

nearest proximity of sun's periphery.

Transmit your readings at 30 second

intervals.

Before I return to unified control, I

want you to know that our latest figures

coincide with the report from the space

station [music]

and the first flight to Mars continues

in perfect trajectory.

There it is, Craig.

[music]

Mars.

What a magnificent sight.

It looks like it's just waiting for us.

A distress signal.

[music]

How could that be?

Emergency. Spaceship typhoon calling.

Emergency. We are being pulled into the

sun. Our auxiliary rockets lack the

power to hold. I repeat, we are being

drawn into the sun. No power to hold

the magnetic radius.

Is there anything we can do?

Check position

within radius.14.

Could we possibly get to them?

We have the power. I realize that. But

what about the fuel?

Of course on Typhoon.

Yes, sir.

Two lives are at stake and we can

[music] save them.

But the project

The project is for man.

You won't change your decision, sir.

You can't. Ready?

Recline.

[music]

prepare for retro.

[music]

[music]

This is Typhoon.

Emergency. This is our last signal. Our

rocket power has failed to withstand the

sun.

Noise.

Has contact been made?

It's meteors being fired from the sun's

heat. The pole. Prepare yourself to

resist the pole.

We have failed.

Our eagerness failed us. We needed more

time for preparation.

No more.

[music]

Calling Typhoon.

Calling Typhoon.

This is Spaceship Mercury. Can you hear

us?

This is Radio Typhoon. Listen carefully.

It's too late to help us now. For your

own safety, don't even [music] try.

Continue on your course.

[music]

You see, they want to spare us.

Radiation up.

It's hopeless.

I don't blame you. I wanted it, too.

[music]

Don't torture yourself. It's all over.

Attention

all personnel, Project Red Planet,

report to the main control room

immediately. Attention all personnel,

Project Red Planet, report to the main

control room immediately. All stations

are red alert. I repeat, all stations

are red alert.

Mercury.

Yes.

What's the other object?

We're not positive yet. It created a

change of course.

We're waiting now

for some word.

Speed set

lock control.

Get ready.

[music]

[music]

[music]

I'm all set. [music] Hats open.

Be careful of your weight balance.

I checked the pressure.

Remember?

Yes. You'll have only a matter of

minutes to affect the transfer.

I'll [music] make it.

Just hold her steady.

[music]

[music]

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Yeah.

[music]

[music]

Heat.

[music]

[music]

Captain, pick him up. I think we have

only a few more minutes.

[music]

[music]

[music]

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[music]

[music]

going to be all right. Just trying now

to relax. Okay.

Now, let's get this thing off. [music]

Yeah. Now, how do you feel? Huh?

Better.

Let me help you, Dr. Martin.

Craig, the figures [music] were right.

Could we make it back to Earth?

We've consumed too much of the fuel.

[music]

[music]

That's unc.

But the chart doesn't show the terrain.

But we have to land there.

[music]

Listen, Craig.

Yes.

Emergency fuel must come by rocket from

South Hemis.

What could have [music] gone wrong?

Not even a signal.

Could it be ionosphere blackout?

I doubt it.

But perhaps if we

sir from spaceship Mercury

at last [music] some word.

We lost contact after receiving the

message.

[music]

Our fuel supply is exhausted.

Landing on Mars is no longer possible.

We'll attempt to land on Anchor, which

is in the Martian orbit. If we're

successful,

will require a fuel rocket.

[music]

[music]

Heat. Heat.

[music]

Heat.

Heat. [music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

Nothing over here.

I've finished checking over the ship,

doctor.

Any damage?

Everything appears [music] in order.

Then we can leave if we get the fuel.

Probably the rocket is already on the

way.

Come on, get ready. [music]

We'll have to set up the guidance

antenna to receive the fuel rocket.

[music]

Come in, Dr. Garden.

Commander,

the fuel rocket launching has been

completed.

We can rescue them if their guidance

antenna can land the fuel rocket.

Then the outcome is in their hands.

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

There seems to be a magnetic

interference. Could it prevent you from

landing a fuel conductor?

Yes, but I believe the condition is

diminishing with the planet's rotation

around Mars. Look,

[music]

[music]

[music]

beautiful.

The planet does absorb the sun's rays.

[music] Then life must exist there

in all probability.

[music]

Just think a new world is almost within

our grasp.

Imagine the discoveries we could make.

And we almost [music] got there. If you

hadn't sacrificed for us, you might have

attained your goal.

A life has more value than any goal that

man can strive for.

Let's relax and [music] celebrate.

[laughter]

We have two reasons.

Craig's forthcoming marriage to the

nicest girl I know and the rocket

bringing fuel. Suggest the boat.

Suggest the boat.

It's strange. Any other [music] time a

fuel rocket couldn't compare with Nancy,

but now I'm not so sure. subdue the

universe, but woman will always subdue

man. [laughter]

Now to business. The guidance antenna is

still directing the rocket.

It should be in our landing range

presently.

Let's get ready to receive it.

[music]

[music]

[music]

The angle of entry is perfect. [music]

Switch to automatic landing control.

[music]

[music]

It should indicate reversal stage.

Does your reading check?

Yes.

[music]

Members of the space agency,

our observatory reports that the

pilotless fuel rocket has crashed on

Anchor.

Everything possible is being done to

establish further contact with our

astronauts. As soon as we have any word,

you will be notified. Thank you.

[music]

Craig, you haven't given up hope, have

you? No,

we're alive and that's what's important.

You're right.

[music]

[music]

The transmitter is strong enough. The

signal should be received.

It will be. Seldom have I seen a man

more ingenious than [music] Dr. Gordon.

[music]

[music]

[music]

any sign at all that the interference

will decrease?

No sir, not yet.

Have you tried every wavelength?

Yes.

The distance and time element.

Everything checks out. I know I could

make it.

Report from flight station. We are still

unable to make contact. A piloted fuel

rocket is our last course of action. I

strongly recommend Paul Clinton

as the man best qualified to undertake

the flight.

This is not an easy decision for me to

make.

Piloted rocket ship still requires

additional testing. The commander could

very well be right. Still,

if there is some way to be certain that

our men are still alive, I'll leave the

decision to you, Paul.

There's no other way. I have to go.

Heat. Heat.

Mercury

calling Earth.

I'll keep trying.

Calling Earth.

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

Heat.

[music]

[music]

[bell]

[music]

Heat.

Heat. Heat.

[screaming]

Yeah.

Heat.

Heat.

A [music]

[music]

heat.

No out.

[music]

Dr. Gordon. Dr. Gordon. Look

out there,

Greg. Let's go.

Yes, sir.

[music]

[music]

It's Paul Clinton.

Doctor, the creatures,

one of our few rockets.

Paul,

what creatures?

[music]

I know they're out there.

How else do you explain the condition of

Paul's body?

We may never know the answer,

but he gave his life so that we might go

on living.

That we will always know.

We'll be taking off shortly

for Earth.

Heat. Heat.

Heat.

[music]

Heat.

Heat.

[music]

[music]

[music]

Heat. [music]

Heat.

[music]

Heat.

[music]

Heat. Heat.

[music]

[music]

[music]

Heat.

[music]

[music]

[music]

Hey, Heat.

[music]

Passengers now disembarking at ramp 7.

Mother Matthews.

Brother Matthews. Over here.

[music]

Craig will be here shortly. He's a hero.

So excited. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, I

can hardly believe it. They're so very

kind, children. Oh, see, I'm so

thrilled. This is my aunt.

Oh, I've never been so happy [music] and

proud. Oh, I'm just too excited even to

speak.

Attention. Here is the latest bulletin

on the spaceship Mercury. Landing will

take place within the next several

minutes. We are standing by to give you

a detailed description of this historic

event.

Take her out.

[music]

Heat.

[music]

[music]

Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

Heat.

[music]

[music]

[music]

Heat. [music] Heat. Heat.

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

Craig. Craig.

Just thinking [music] about you

made me know

we'd come back. [music]

I had faith.

You're a wonderful woman. I love you.

[music]

Although the first attempt by man to

reach Mars had met with failure, a

greater insight [music] to the real

problems of mankind had been achieved.

The way was now open for both sides to

begin working together in peace. And out

of their combined knowledge and effort,

all men would come to know a better

world in which to live. And one day

perhaps the entire universe.

[music]

[music]