Assignment Outer Space (1960)
Space Men (original title)
Unrated | 1h 13min | Sci-Fi, Adventure | 13 December 1961 (USA)
In the 21st century Ray Peterson, reporter for the Interplanetary News, is assigned to write a story aboard a space station. Tension mounts between Peterson and the station commander, who believes he is in the way, but has orders to leave him alone. Errant spaceship Alpha Two enters the solar system and its photon generators are radiating enough heat to destroy Earth as it approaches. It falls to Peterson to try to figure out a way to enter the spaceship, disarm the generators, and escape before suffocating.
Director: Antonio Margheriti (as Antony Daisies)
Writers: Ennio De Concini (as Vassilji Petrov), Jack Wallace
Stars: Rik Van Nutter, Gabriella Farinon, David Montresor
Space Men (original title)
Unrated | 1h 13min | Sci-Fi, Adventure | 13 December 1961 (USA)
In the 21st century Ray Peterson, reporter for the Interplanetary News, is assigned to write a story aboard a space station. Tension mounts between Peterson and the station commander, who believes he is in the way, but has orders to leave him alone. Errant spaceship Alpha Two enters the solar system and its photon generators are radiating enough heat to destroy Earth as it approaches. It falls to Peterson to try to figure out a way to enter the spaceship, disarm the generators, and escape before suffocating.
Director: Antonio Margheriti (as Antony Daisies)
Writers: Ennio De Concini (as Vassilji Petrov), Jack Wallace
Stars: Rik Van Nutter, Gabriella Farinon, David Montresor
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00This is a playback of a radio-taped report of an exclusive feature story for the Planetary
00:00:22Chronicle of New York.
00:00:25Ray Peterson reporting. Dateline, December 17th, year 2116. Spaceship Bravo Zulu 88.
00:00:37Destination, Galaxy M-12. Assignment, outer space.
00:01:07The editor of my paper assigned me to cover a routine check of infraradiation flux on
00:01:20Galaxy M-12. The crew members, in order to overcome the earthly gravity, have been subjected
00:01:45to a state of hibernation. That is, the human body put through a congealing process, simulating
00:01:51an apparent death. At a preset time, under the impulses of an electric brain, the heart
00:02:00resumes its normal beat. The lungs begin their regular functioning, the blood flowing evenly
00:02:06again. In short, man is reacquiring his earthly faculties.
00:02:36To counteract the state of weightlessness caused by lack of gravitation, special magnetic
00:03:04boots are provided to control the balance of space travelers.
00:03:34While the crew and I were still in a state of hibernation, the engineer pilot, Al, reported
00:03:45our approach to international satellite Zulu Extra 34. Bravo Zulu 88 calling Zulu Extra
00:03:5334. Bravo Zulu 88 calling Zulu Extra 34, over. Zulu Extra 34 to Bravo Zulu 88, go ahead.
00:04:03Project established. Hibernation period finished, over. Is that you, Al? Hi, Richard. Any news
00:04:10to relay? The usual nausea when awakening, my boy. Bravo Zulu 88 has entered orbit of
00:04:17your satellite. Bravo Zulu 88 closing electronic brain, over. Roger. Everything's in your hands
00:04:26again, Al. Thanks for nothing, pal. Hey, we got cargo aboard. We've already been informed.
00:04:32Reporter, eh? Did he wake up yet? No, not yet. I haven't brought him his coffee. Bravo
00:04:40Zulu 88 requesting your position. Coordinates pi, two, one, over. Okay. I'll send you the
00:04:48reporter as soon as possible. Bravo Zulu 88 closing. Hello, Archie. How are you feeling?
00:04:57Man, this time I had a dream. You had a dream? What about? I dreamt I was sleeping. Take
00:05:05over the controls while I wake up the baby. Al, is it true what we took out? You're telling
00:05:10him a lullaby? That's right. Just call me Space Wet Nurse. Next time, why don't you
00:05:15just bring a cow along? Yeah, a pacifier would do. Bravo Zulu 88 calling extra three-four.
00:05:23Over. Go ahead, Bravo Zulu 88.
00:05:45To
00:06:13come out of a state of hibernation is an eerie sensation. I didn't know who or where
00:06:20I was until I heard Al's voice. Hi there, spaceman. Hello. This was not my first space
00:06:31flight. Previous assignments for my newspaper had sent me to the moon many times, but never
00:06:38into the vast reaches of deep space. I feared that ten days in a cramped ship with a crew
00:06:46of seven men who would resent a reporter's questions and lack of usefulness might make
00:06:51me an unpopular passenger. The coffin was much too small. Couldn't you have found me
00:07:04a bigger one to sleep in? We didn't have one, leech. Why do you call me that? No offense,
00:07:13kid. It just means that here you're a parasite. Where are we now? Outside. Outside what? Outside
00:07:24everything. Breakfast is served. Bravo Zulu 88, you're directly in line with us. We'll
00:07:34send you that reporter as soon as possible. Hey, Al, they're asking for the boy. Hey,
00:07:41hey, Al. Al, what's happening? We're off to a bad start. Calm down, my boy. You'll get
00:07:48along fine. Just control your nerves. There. From now on, you'll be able to hear my instructions.
00:08:00Just remember to regulate your volume now. Hey, you're forgetting the tools of your trade.
00:08:23What's the matter, sonny? Cut it out, Al. Are you scared, son? Stop
00:08:29treating me like a greenhorn. But that's what you are, my boy. I took the accelerated
00:08:35course before I started on this trip. It probably was too quick. I'm not going to take all the
00:08:41air out of the decompression chamber. You'll have an easier exit. I'll give you a count
00:08:45from 20 to 1. And out you go. I know what to do. Son, you don't know anything yet. Don't
00:09:00touch the metal frame around the hatch. Minus 20. Why? Can't you see me? No. But the first
00:09:10time out, they all behaved the same way. Minus 15. Indiazulu 4-1. You ready? 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
00:09:24Out you go. Al was absolutely right. I was scared. The artificial satellite is like an
00:09:39island in the sky. In order not to disturb its calculated orbital chart, we lined up
00:09:462,000 feet parallel to it. The only way to get there was to float through the terrifying
00:09:53void between us. Keep talking, Al. What do you want to hear? Fairytale? Explain to me
00:10:19what's going on. That's something you'll have to find out for yourself. You still afraid? Yes.
00:10:25Of what? I don't know. You still there? Say something. A chilly sense of emptiness. Do
00:10:37you understand me, Al? Sure, I understand. Every baptism has its mystery, even out here in space.
00:10:45I've never felt so lonely. Hey, Al. Maybe if I tried to turn around. I did it. Al, I'm turning.
00:11:02Indiazulu 4-1, get back to normal position. You're at the end of your trip.
00:11:15Once aboard Zulu Extra 3-4, I passed through the decompression chamber. I now regained my
00:11:34normal weight because the gravitational area was similar to our Earth's. The reason for this being,
00:11:40all space stations rotate around a central axis. In the ship's cabin, I was met by King
00:11:58116, the doctor in charge of all crew members' physical and mental health. Take off your space
00:12:05suit and report to the commander. He's waiting for you. Hey, what kind of a guy is our reporter?
00:12:13He still smells earthy.
00:12:35Special correspondent Ray Peterson reporting to the commander. I've heard you're rather famous on
00:12:51Earth. Well, I see my fame has reached the stars. Well, let me give you a bit of advice. Here among
00:12:58the stars, it is better not to be quite so cocky. You are only here to do a job. Don't worry, that's
00:13:06all I intend to do. On condition that you don't interfere with ours. You've arrived here at a
00:13:13critical moment. So much the better. Peace and tranquility don't have any news value. Sullivan.
00:13:28Yes, sir. How long would it take to reinstall the terminal stages to the spaceship that arrived from
00:13:32Earth just now? That all depends, sir. We only have two mechanics on board. Cancel all rest periods. The
00:13:37ship must be ready as soon as possible. I must go to base 12 on Mars. Yes, sir. You talk about Mars as
00:13:43if it were just down the street. There are no streets here. I firmly oppose your unwelcome
00:13:51visit. Are you trying to flatter me? But the high command refused to listen to me. It's apparent that you
00:13:57have quite a pull there. Not me, but my organization has. Don't forget, Peterson, that everything you put on
00:14:05your tape recorder will have to be sent by me before it's sent back to Earth. Here, everything is regulated
00:14:10by machines. You'll find that things are very different here. You may go now. Later on, you'll be shown
00:14:16to your quarters. Working crew is ready, sir. Any changes? No, Sullivan.
00:14:46Where is everybody going? For a picnic? The working crew is leaving on a space detail. What if I wanted to go
00:14:53along to get some air? You'd have to go and ask the commander for authorization. Is it necessary? Absolutely
00:15:02necessary. Okay. Hoping this special detail might make a good story, I went outside without permission to observe
00:15:18and photograph it. This special detail was a refueling operation, one of the most dangerous and delicate operations
00:15:27The engineers carried an enormous tube from the space station and carefully attached it to a rear valve on our
00:15:33ship. Thousands of gallons of precious neohydrazine were being pumped into our fuel tanks in order for us to go
00:15:43on to Mars. Look out! The meteorite! Suddenly, I saw a fiery ball racing toward the cosmonaut next to me.
00:15:53I pushed him out of the way, but the subsequent reaction caused me to bounce against the connection of the fuel valve,
00:15:59disconnecting it and letting the irreplaceable neohydrazine escape. Close the fuel valve! Lost 500 gallons of
00:16:18neohydrazine. Lost. I'm sorry. Furthermore, you went without my permission. I said I'm sorry, even though I saved a
00:16:33man's life. You didn't come here to be a hero. The damage you have just caused is much more serious than the mere loss of a
00:16:42life. Evidently, Commander, my way of thinking must seem prehistoric to you. I thought nothing was worse than the loss of a human
00:16:49being. But then I only saved a number, Yankee 13. I didn't even see his face. Maybe he hasn't got one. I knew that you were
00:17:01going to give me trouble. I see you're a psychologist, too. Now look here, Peterson, let's get this straight. From now on, you
00:17:08must ask permission for everything you do. And you won't ask me for it. That's an improvement. You'll have to ask my second in
00:17:15command. And I'm afraid you'll find that he's tougher than I am. You may go now. You may go. First, Commander, tell me one thing.
00:17:27Why do you deny me the honor of talking to you? I'm leaving, Peterson.
00:17:57Hey, buddy. I'm King 116. Pardon me for not having called you by name. Allow me. India Zulu 41. What do you want? I'm looking for
00:18:19someone. Excuse me, I'm looking for a number. Yankee 13. He was injured. He should be around here somewhere. Just dismissed. It was nothing but
00:18:29simple shock. Have a look in the biochemical lab. Please excuse my curiosity, Mr. King 116. May I come in? Hey, spaceman.
00:19:00Are you addressing me? Yes, but you're a... Go on. You're a girl. And you're selling flowers, too. There are no flowers here. These are diaspora.
00:19:13Even with a name like that, they're flowers. They serve the purpose of changing hydrogen into breathable oxygen and are as necessary here as the air is on
00:19:24earth. But I still say they're flowers. If you like. Do you sell them? I'm afraid not. But maybe we could make a deal. What do you mean? Oh, you see, you won't have to send
00:19:41them anywhere. I'll pay for them. But then I'll leave them here for you. Do you work in this section? Sometimes. But I'm really a navigator. When I'm not working with the astrocompass,
00:20:00I like to substitute for the section chemist. But tell me, why do you want to offer them to me? Oh, no particular reason. Just to celebrate the second smiling face I've run into. Al's was the first. Now I find you. Speaking of you, what's your name? I don't mean your numbers, serials, codes, but just your name.
00:20:23Lucy. Lucy. Do you like it? It's not bad. My uncle had a mascot with that name. It was quite cute. I liked it very much. It was a monkey. Thank you. No, really. She was very cute. I meant it as a compliment. Very flattering, Mr. Peterson. Do you know my name too? Of course.
00:20:51I've already heard about you from George. You know, the commander. My old friend. But doesn't the commander have a number, like everybody else? Not for me. And now, if you'll forgive me, I've got work to do. Yankee one three.
00:21:14I forgot. Thank you, Ray. I really mean it. Following the order from the commander, Al came over to our ship to pilot a space taxi from which I could photograph a passage of asteroids.
00:21:36India's UFO one. We just made it. I bet you this was the most interesting action shot of your career. Yeah, shooting these rocks is sure something. They're not rocks, my son. They're asteroids, each of them 1700 feet in diameter. The commander bawled me out for the loss of 500 gallons of hydrazine when I saved a life and a girl's too.
00:22:03So you have a weakness for the weakest sex. And she doesn't even call him sir, just George. By all our rings around Saturn, they were right when they called you a meddler. Al, he's ashamed of that. Hold tight now, I'm going to make a sharp turn. Who is ashamed? George. You understand him.
00:22:25Is it true that George is leaving? Yes. And Lucy, will she go with him? I'm sorry for you, but that's exactly what you'll do. Something very serious is going on. And all you can talk about is this nonsense. We're leaving for Mars. We? You too, Al? Yes. Can't you tell me more about it? Top secret. Zulu extra three four to space taxi Bravo nine one. Hurry back to base. Over. Roger from Bravo nine one.
00:22:55Al, can I radio my Earth base? Sure. You think you're still living back in the 21st century? Thanks. You better lower your head now, we're moving back into the satellite. I wanted to join this Mars expedition. Only an order from the high command on Earth could persuade the commander to take me with him. I don't understand. What's making the pilot so late? He promised to join us immediately, sir. Al's really a strange type. He's the best there is.
00:23:25I'm sorry to be late, sir. We've been waiting for you. The situation has become worse. We've got to leave immediately. And you haven't been able to contact Alpha two? No. Alpha two does not answer. We think the pilot may be dead.
00:23:47This could mean the end. That's what I'm afraid of. India Zulu four one wishes to speak with you, sir. Let him talk to the second in command. You take care of him, Sullivan. He refuses to do so. He says he has a very urgent communication for you. Send him in.
00:24:13That's all we needed. This inquisitive, interfering meddler. He's a pretty nice guy. Do you think so?
00:24:44This is absurd. Commander, you are insulting the high command. Absolutely against all regulations. Any more criticisms? Yes. So have I, but I keep them to myself.
00:25:03Gentlemen, prepare to leave.
00:25:17Jackie one three. One moment, please. Yes.
00:25:23What is it, George?
00:25:29That man Peterson has persuaded the high command to let him come with us. It's an order. Aren't you exaggerating?
00:25:37I can't increase the crew.
00:25:40Can't you do without the radio operator? We'll get along just as well. No.
00:25:47I prefer to do without you.
00:25:50Me?
00:25:53I would not want my choice influenced by opinions that are not objective.
00:25:59Anyway, I think I could get along better without a navigator than without a radio operator.
00:26:06If I weren't the navigator, then would you give up taking one with you?
00:26:14Perhaps not.
00:26:15You see, you're not being objective. Besides, I don't want to be left behind, George.
00:26:22It's not that I'd pretend to be of more value than the high command is, but I'm not of less value, either.
00:26:28You aren't giving me an order, are you?
00:26:30No, I'm just begging you.
00:26:34I understand you, George. I know that you always try to be worthy of your position, but you'd be better off if for once you tried.
00:26:45To be worthy of yourself.
00:26:58I'm sorry, George.
00:27:15Lucy's plea to the commander was effective.
00:27:18When we left the artificial satellite and returned to our spaceship, Bravo Zulu 8-8, Lucy was aboard and set our course for Mars.
00:27:27Is the nose still turned up?
00:27:29Don't be silly. The nose of a spaceship is always up, even when landing.
00:27:33He's not referring to the spaceship, Al. He's talking about me.
00:27:36My congratulations, Commander.
00:27:39Listen, Peterson, remember you're extraneous here, so please keep to your place.
00:27:44What place?
00:27:46I don't even have a chair to sit on.
00:27:49Look, there are two cots in there that you can use when we haven't a chance to rest.
00:27:53Oh, while the rest of you are working, I'm supposed to sleep.
00:27:56There are times when old children should go to bed.
00:27:59Yeah.
00:28:02Listen, ever since we came on this trip, you've all done your very best to make me feel like an outsider.
00:28:11My congratulations, Peterson.
00:28:32What the devil is going on?
00:28:34I don't know, sir. Looks like it might be a magnetic storm.
00:28:37Impossible.
00:28:38Listen to the wave boom, sir.
00:28:41Look, Captain.
00:28:52Give me its position.
00:28:54Coordinate 113.
00:28:57Inertial position of object 512.
00:29:00Try to establish contact. It looks like a moon ship.
00:29:06Bravo Zulu 8-8. Bravo Zulu 8-8 to unidentified object, over.
00:29:15They're asking for help, sir.
00:29:17Switch to voice circuit.
00:29:19Metro Sierra 1-3. Metro Sierra 1-3 to Bravo Zulu 8-8, over.
00:29:25Bravo Zulu 8-8 to Metro Sierra 1-3. Go ahead, over.
00:29:29Tanks are exploded. Engines have failed.
00:29:31We're out of control and being attracted to Mars, over.
00:29:35Try to get back into the orbit around Mars. We'll attempt rescue.
00:29:39What caused the explosion?
00:29:41I don't know, sir.
00:29:43Try to get back into the orbit around Mars. We'll attempt rescue.
00:29:47What caused the explosion? Over.
00:29:49Impossible to say. A sudden rush of hot air overpowered us.
00:29:53The instruments have gone crazy. The tanks have exploded.
00:29:56The structures melted in several places.
00:29:58What about the crew?
00:29:59Three of us left, sir.
00:30:04One dead.
00:30:06Engineer.
00:30:07Put on your spacesuits and stand by for immediate bailout as soon as you enter orbit.
00:30:11Radio out.
00:30:13Disconnect the voice circuit.
00:30:16Do you think they'll make it?
00:30:18That's what I'm checking now.
00:30:21Are you thinking the same thing I am now?
00:30:24They can't make it.
00:30:25Why not?
00:30:30No. We won't be able to make it.
00:30:32One of Mars' satellites is crossing our path.
00:30:35Try the engines again.
00:30:42David. David.
00:30:48David. Don't.
00:30:51Don't, David. It's suicide. Don't jump.
00:30:55I don't feel like ending my days in a trap.
00:31:01David, don't.
00:31:08What are you doing?
00:31:11Can you make it?
00:31:16I'm climbing.
00:31:18One of my engines has started. I'm climbing.
00:31:23I'm getting lighter. I can make it.
00:31:26I'm getting lighter. I can make it.
00:31:34Start the engines and get ready for a vertical landing.
00:31:38We will fly above Phobos.
00:31:48Now.
00:31:50Engines at seven gammas.
00:32:08Now.
00:32:12Engines at eight gammas.
00:32:16Look there to the right.
00:32:19Perhaps.
00:32:33Engines at 11 gammas.
00:32:35Gyros unlocked. Moving to vertical position.
00:32:50Engines at 12 gammas.
00:32:54What's going on?
00:32:55We're going down, Parasite.
00:32:57But it's insane. With all stages full of fuel.
00:33:00We're like a bomb.
00:33:03Landing area at two degrees off our coordinates. Just below us.
00:33:07Engines at 14 gammas.
00:33:14Engines at 16 gammas.
00:33:25Engines at four RPM.
00:33:32Engines at 15 gammas.
00:33:35Engines at 16 gammas.
00:33:53Put on your spacesuit, Bleach.
00:33:55You're coming to help rescue that poor guy.
00:33:58The captain sits.
00:34:02We're going down.
00:34:20Nine degrees to starboard.
00:34:23One more and we would have remained here forever.
00:34:33He's still alive. Let's hurry up.
00:34:35Captain, we're coming in.
00:34:38Lucy, keep the gyros working.
00:34:41As soon as they're inside, we'll get out of here.
00:34:49You stay here and look after him.
00:34:54I'll take care of the engines.
00:34:56I'll take care of the engines.
00:34:58I'll take care of the engines.
00:35:00I'll take care of the engines.
00:35:06Gyros, unlock.
00:35:07Roger.
00:35:31How is he?
00:35:32Bad.
00:35:34I think he'll hold out until we get to Mars.
00:35:36We're almost there anyway, aren't we?
00:35:38No.
00:35:39What do you mean, no?
00:35:41We've changed course. We're now heading for Venus.
00:35:43You're what?
00:35:46A direct order from the high command.
00:35:48And you accepted it?
00:35:50Yes, I did.
00:35:52I'm glad you're here.
00:35:54I'm glad you're here.
00:35:56I'm glad you're here.
00:35:58A direct order from the high command.
00:36:00And you accepted it?
00:36:15Do you realize, Commander, there's a dying man in there?
00:36:18I don't have to account to you for my actions.
00:36:20Look, Captain.
00:36:21I'm picking up an area of intense heat.
00:36:24Almost as hot as the photonic field of the sun itself.
00:36:28Turn on the safety system.
00:36:30I think you should tell him, sir.
00:36:32It's no longer top secret.
00:36:36Alpha 2, propelled by photonic energy, is now without a pilot.
00:36:41She is floating in space and is only controlled by the electronic brain.
00:36:46The photonic heat which our radar has picked up has the power of destruction and death.
00:36:54Alpha 2 has re-entered the solar system.
00:36:56During the sun's next revolution, she will start to orbit around the Earth and will destroy it completely,
00:37:02burning everything and eliminating all forms of life.
00:37:06Have we any hope of stopping her?
00:37:10That's why we're going to Venus.
00:37:13It's the nearest point to the elliptical path of Alpha 2.
00:37:17We have but one chance in a million.
00:37:25Our world was in danger, about to be destroyed.
00:37:29Perhaps in a few days, maybe in a few hours, it was up to us,
00:37:33a handful of cosmonauts from Earth, millions of miles away,
00:37:37to try and save humanity.
00:37:41Lucy, you're crying.
00:37:49Dark spots.
00:37:51The continents.
00:37:53And there are the oceans and the trees.
00:37:57You can't see them.
00:37:59In my mind, I can.
00:38:01I'd like to run down a road that's laden with pine trees.
00:38:04Would you?
00:38:06Yes, and feel just once again the excitement of speed.
00:38:10But we're already running at 90,000 miles an hour.
00:38:14And we're standing still.
00:38:17That's nothing but an illusion.
00:38:21Do you know what day it is?
00:38:24Don't you know that in space we don't count the days?
00:38:27No, but do you know what date it is?
00:38:30It's the 359th of rotation around the sun.
00:38:34That's just part of it.
00:38:37It's Christmas, Lucy.
00:38:51We started to land at the interplanetary base on Venus,
00:38:55the largest best-equipped base closest to Alpha 2.
00:38:59From there, Alpha 2 could be intercepted,
00:39:02and we hoped, destroyed, by the remote-controlled atomic missiles.
00:39:08Hey, Archie, is that the base?
00:39:11Yes, right under the protective dome.
00:39:13There's too much hydrogen in Venus' atmosphere.
00:39:17From here, it looks like the glass dome.
00:39:20It's a good place to land.
00:39:23It's a good place to land.
00:39:26It's a good place to land.
00:39:29It's a good place to land.
00:39:32It's a good place to land.
00:39:35From here, it looks like the glass dome of a temple.
00:39:38You don't need a respirator inside.
00:39:40What about those plugs? Are they purifying filters?
00:39:42Hey, that accelerated course is showing results, isn't it?
00:39:45Tell me, why is it that when a man wants to protect himself,
00:39:48he hides himself under a dome?
00:39:50Put on your helmet, kid.
00:39:53I'm going to take you on a quick tour of Venus,
00:39:55only this time it won't be for sightseeing.
00:40:02Emergency action was taken immediately
00:40:04by firing an atomic missile at Alpha 2
00:40:07in an attempt to destroy this deadly mechanical monster.
00:40:118,500.
00:40:138,000 miles.
00:40:157,500.
00:40:187,000 miles.
00:40:206,500.
00:40:226,000 miles.
00:40:245,800.
00:40:265,500.
00:40:295,200.
00:40:315,000 miles.
00:40:34The polar disintegrated.
00:40:37Exactly at 5,000 miles.
00:40:43We'll have a chance to hit her only if the electronic brain
00:40:46which propels her
00:40:49has gone out of control.
00:40:51You see, the two photonic generators
00:40:54which are moving gyroscopically at each end of the spaceship
00:40:57are creating around Alpha 2
00:41:00an invisible sphere of heat
00:41:02which radiates up to 5,000 miles.
00:41:07We've just had the proof of it.
00:41:09It's indestructible.
00:41:11So one of man's dreams has finally come true.
00:41:14An indestructible destroyer.
00:41:19Unless we have a sudden change in the next solar system revolution,
00:41:23Alpha 2 will start orbiting around the Earth
00:41:26at only 3,500 miles from it.
00:41:29That means 1,500 miles within the safety limit.
00:41:35In a few days, maybe a few hours,
00:41:38our planet will become a mass of boiling mud
00:41:42as it was soon after its formation.
00:41:45We mustn't give up hope. Something might stop it in time.
00:41:48Maybe a miracle.
00:41:53And while we're waiting here for your miracle,
00:41:56I would suggest that we immediately put into operation
00:41:59all the means at our disposal.
00:42:01They've already prepared to fire missiles from the other hemisphere.
00:42:04Meanwhile, why don't you order your men
00:42:06to reach the audio stations on the beach?
00:42:11You stand by electronic telescope number seven.
00:42:166,800.
00:42:215,700.
00:42:235,200.
00:42:255,000. 4,500.
00:42:284,000. 3,700.
00:42:302,900. 2,400.
00:42:332,200.
00:42:39I don't understand.
00:42:41With your permission, sir, I have an explanation.
00:42:44What is it?
00:42:45I think I've found the answer.
00:42:47Tell it to us.
00:42:48I'm sure that due to some technical error,
00:42:51that spaceship is vulnerable.
00:42:53The two photonic deflectors at both two hemispheres
00:42:56separated in their fields by a channel.
00:43:00You mean like a halved orange?
00:43:02A perfect example, my son.
00:43:04That's why a missile has gone through.
00:43:06According to you, it was the only one
00:43:08fired exactly into the center of the channel.
00:43:10But why did the last one disintegrate at 2,200 miles?
00:43:13Because of some imperceptible deviation.
00:43:15Perhaps it was attracted by one of the photonic fields.
00:43:18The orange is right out.
00:43:20There's still a chance.
00:43:22What chance?
00:43:24We'd have to fire on a straight line
00:43:27from another spaceship
00:43:28traveling alongside Alpha 2 at the same rate of speed.
00:43:31I think I've earned the right to try, sir.
00:43:33By the right.
00:43:34Because if my hunch turns out to be correct,
00:43:37I'd like to be the one to receive the credit.
00:43:40And if it's wrong,
00:43:42you want to be the one to risk it.
00:43:44There's an old atomic spaceship here, sir.
00:43:47I'll use its remote-controlled missiles.
00:43:51May I go ahead, sir?
00:43:55Yes.
00:43:58And I hope you'll manage to save humanity.
00:44:05We'll take off and follow you as close as possible, Al.
00:44:08All of us.
00:44:11As if we were right there with you.
00:44:14All of us.
00:44:21Hey, Ray.
00:44:22Now you have a chance to do a real exclusive.
00:44:25It'll be a universal scoop.
00:44:29Let's just make it a world scoop.
00:44:51Let's go!
00:45:11We're out of it now.
00:45:16You did very well, Phoebus.
00:45:18It's not everybody that can stand 16 gammas.
00:45:21Considering the fact that I'm a parasite.
00:45:24Tango Sierra 1-3, Tango Sierra 1-3 to Bravo Zulu 8-8, over.
00:45:39Al, piloting the old atomic spaceship, Tango Sierra 1-3,
00:45:43flew alongside us.
00:45:45Both spaceships shut off their engines,
00:45:48and the inertial thrust allowed them to fly at fantastic speeds.
00:45:52His mission?
00:45:54To find the channel between the two hemispheres of Alpha 2.
00:46:15Tango Sierra 1-3, go ahead.
00:46:17Everything okay, Captain?
00:46:19Perfect.
00:46:21How's the reporter?
00:46:25Doing fine.
00:46:28Requesting route check.
00:46:30Present inertial speed 30,000 miles.
00:46:33Coordinate 1-3 in respect to Vega.
00:46:36Estimated intersection point with Alpha 2 on coordinate 4-1
00:46:41in respect to Earth at 18 degrees, over.
00:46:45Correct, but change approximately 3 degrees
00:46:48at intersection point with Alpha 2.
00:46:51Will go.
00:46:53I'll request another route check on approach,
00:46:55and let's hope for the best.
00:46:57Radio out.
00:47:05Satellite Zulu Extra 3-4.
00:47:08Satellite Zulu Extra 3-4 calling Bravo Zulu 8-8, over.
00:47:12Bravo Zulu 8-8 to satellite.
00:47:15Zulu Extra 3-4, go ahead.
00:47:17Captain, this is Sullivan.
00:47:19What's the trouble, Sullivan?
00:47:20About 45 seconds ago,
00:47:22the photonic field around spaceship Alpha 2
00:47:25came into collision with the asteroids.
00:47:27Well then?
00:47:28Alpha 2 has changed her course by 6 degrees in respect to Vega.
00:47:33I'm afraid she'll enter orbit around the Earth
00:47:36before the estimated time.
00:47:40Can you ascertain her present position?
00:47:43Yes, I can.
00:47:44High coordinate, 27 degrees.
00:47:46Movement of ellipses gradually advancing.
00:47:50Look out! It's coming towards you!
00:47:59Yes, sir.
00:48:00It will be on top of us any minute.
00:48:03What about the men, Sullivan?
00:48:05They are...
00:48:06All on standby, sir.
00:48:09Two mechanics went out of the space taxi
00:48:11to solar mirror Foxtrot 1-2.
00:48:14I ordered them not to come back.
00:48:16Commander, see if you can save them.
00:48:21Sullivan, save yourself!
00:48:24It's too late, sir.
00:48:27Sullivan!
00:48:29Sullivan!
00:48:31Can you hear me?
00:48:33Sullivan!
00:48:35Sullivan!
00:48:54Frey.
00:48:57Al.
00:48:58Don't forget Sullivan in your scoop.
00:49:01Write this.
00:49:02He was never afraid.
00:49:04Since man, even in space,
00:49:06changes his position but not his character.
00:49:09He is what he is, wherever he lives.
00:49:14What's he mean?
00:49:19What you're always saying.
00:49:21To himself, every man is a whole world.
00:49:34Commander.
00:49:35I've been able to locate the position of the space taxi.
00:49:39Tell it to me.
00:49:41Coordinate Pi-28, 8 degrees.
00:49:44In respect to Aldebaran.
00:49:46We're changing course and we'll try to rescue the survivors.
00:49:55Bravo Zulu 8-8 to space taxi Bravo 9-1.
00:49:59We're coming in to rescue you.
00:50:01Be ready to bail out.
00:50:05Bravo Zulu 8-8 to space taxi Bravo 9-1.
00:50:10We're coming in to rescue you.
00:50:12Be ready to bail out.
00:50:14Out.
00:50:30The commander says your boy should rest.
00:50:33No, Ray. Show them in here.
00:50:47I just wanted to see you boys.
00:50:52Barry.
00:50:54Jackson.
00:50:56I'm glad to see you.
00:50:59Go and get some rest now.
00:51:03All right.
00:51:34How do you like that, Jackson?
00:51:36He called us boys.
00:51:38Yeah, and he even remembered our names.
00:51:41I didn't think he even knew.
00:51:45Sir, I'm now 7,000 miles from Alpha 2.
00:52:04In a few seconds, I'll start firing the rockets.
00:52:165,000 miles.
00:52:184,500.
00:52:224,000.
00:52:243,500.
00:52:293,000.
00:52:33It's disintegrated.
00:52:36I'll try again.
00:52:445,000.
00:52:454,500.
00:52:474,000.
00:52:483,500.
00:52:493,000.
00:52:502,500.
00:52:522,000.
00:52:531,500.
00:52:551,000.
00:52:56900.
00:52:57800.
00:52:58Going to make it.
00:52:59700.
00:53:00600.
00:53:01500.
00:53:02400.
00:53:03300.
00:53:04200.
00:53:09Fire another rocket.
00:53:12I'm getting near it, sir.
00:53:22It's too dangerous, Al.
00:53:24Stop.
00:53:25You'll be attracted by the photonic fields.
00:53:27I've located the channel.
00:53:28I'll try to break through it, Commander.
00:53:30I'm sure that I can get at least 1,500 miles away from the spaceship.
00:53:34Come back, Al.
00:53:35It's murder.
00:53:36I'm 2,000 miles away from Alpha 2 now, sir.
00:53:39Let me try.
00:53:41Al, that's an order.
00:53:42I'm sorry, sir.
00:53:44But I'm not taking orders anymore.
00:53:46It's a useless sacrifice.
00:53:49Son, I'm 1,200 miles away from it.
00:53:54I don't want to disillusion you.
00:53:56But what would be the use of living if the Earth were destroyed?
00:54:01We'd all be prisoners of space.
00:54:04With no hope of return.
00:54:08800 miles.
00:54:09Al, please!
00:54:10After 200 miles, you'll have only a very slight chance to keep on a steady course.
00:54:14That slight chance challenges me to try.
00:54:27Al!
00:54:46Al, you don't know what you're doing.
00:54:48Maybe not, Commander.
00:54:49Al!
00:54:50But in a few seconds, I'll know for sure.
00:54:57Al!
00:55:09Al has succeeded in proving the existence of a channel by the sacrifice of his own life.
00:55:17But we still haven't got a chance.
00:55:20There's nothing for us to do but follow his lead.
00:55:23But how, Lucy?
00:55:25Commander, why don't you request more spaceships equipped with missiles?
00:55:29It's too late now.
00:55:30They'd never get here in time.
00:55:34Well, then.
00:55:37I don't know.
00:55:40What's that object that keeps appearing on the screen?
00:55:49It's the space taxi from the disintegrated satellite.
00:55:54It is now circling an orbit around us.
00:56:06The space taxi.
00:56:15I rode on it once with Al.
00:56:25Al!
00:56:32Are you afraid, Lucy?
00:56:33Yes, for him.
00:56:37I understand.
00:56:40I love him, George.
00:56:42I know.
00:56:45But love has no meaning anymore, George.
00:56:49Does it?
00:56:51Perhaps it's the only thing that does matter.
00:56:59The world of human feelings has been much less explored
00:57:05than the whole of the universe put together.
00:57:11But now it's late.
00:57:14What have we been doing all these thousands of years?
00:57:17We've been congratulating ourselves on our progress
00:57:20and going faster and faster and faster.
00:57:24When, in reality,
00:57:27we've only been getting further away from ourselves.
00:57:43Lucy,
00:57:45Lucy,
00:57:49take my place, will you?
00:58:15Where do you think you're going?
00:58:17Out, in the space taxi.
00:58:19That's madness.
00:58:21Maybe so, but it's not half as mad as the idea that brought us to this point.
00:58:24You are staying here.
00:58:26Listen.
00:58:28Lucy loves you.
00:58:29And Lucy has been and is everything in the world that matters to me.
00:58:35You may not understand it, but for that very reason,
00:58:37I will stop you from going to certain death.
00:58:40Why stop me?
00:58:41We are all going to get killed anyway.
00:58:43I'm going to stop you even if I have to use force.
00:59:13Commander.
00:59:18He's going to make it.
00:59:26He's picked up the platonic field alongside the channel.
00:59:34He's going to make it.
00:59:37He's picked up the platonic field alongside the channel.
00:59:43He's going to make it.
00:59:54To find my way through the channel,
00:59:56I had to throw to the right and the left any loose objects in the space taxi
01:00:01in order to judge the distance between the two curtains of disintegration.
01:00:06Look, it's insane.
01:00:14The channel is getting narrow.
01:00:17Every second.
01:00:19What's he throwing out?
01:00:20Plugs.
01:00:21Transistors.
01:00:22The spare parts from the mechanics tool kit.
01:00:28George, I'm going to make it. I'll get through.
01:00:31Go on, Ray.
01:00:33Go on.
01:00:35You're nearly there.
01:00:44I don't have anything else to throw out.
01:00:46Get rid of everything which isn't essential.
01:00:48Quick.
01:01:03The path is clear.
01:01:04George, I'm going through.
01:01:13Go on.
01:01:32Ray, hurry.
01:01:34Don't lose time.
01:01:36The hatch is above you.
01:01:37Right in the middle of the sphere.
01:01:43Go on.
01:02:01Ray, can you hear me?
01:02:05Ray, answer me.
01:02:08Go ahead, George. I'm listening.
01:02:11Get into the pilot seat.
01:02:13And disconnect the electronic brain.
01:02:16It should be on the left-hand panel.
01:02:19Turn off everything else.
01:02:30The pilot's still inside the hibernation cell.
01:02:33Dead.
01:02:34Disconnect all contacts on the left-hand panel.
01:02:44George, they're already disconnected.
01:02:48The electronic brain.
01:02:50Ray, you must disconnect the electronic brain.
01:03:02I'm standing in front of it.
01:03:03What should I do?
01:03:06Destroy it.
01:03:07Disconnect the cables.
01:03:14I can't.
01:03:15They won't come loose.
01:03:20He can cut them.
01:03:21There are emergency tools right under the footrest of the pilot's seat.
01:03:24Did you hear, Ray?
01:03:26Under the footrest.
01:03:27All right.
01:03:29Quick.
01:03:31You'd better hurry, sir.
01:03:33I can't.
01:03:35I can't.
01:03:37I can't.
01:03:39I can't.
01:03:40I can't.
01:03:41I can't.
01:03:42Hurry, sir.
01:03:43We're entering the Earth's gravity cell.
01:03:46Our speed is increasing.
01:03:48Use a pair of wire cutters.
01:03:51Open, George.
01:03:53Now cut the wires.
01:04:04I'm cutting through the last wire.
01:04:13Ray's deflector has stopped.
01:04:18Maybe we've made it.
01:04:22How can you prove that the photonic field has been disintegrated?
01:04:26There's only one way of telling for certain.
01:04:31We're coming in.
01:04:437,000.
01:04:456,500.
01:04:486,000.
01:04:505,500.
01:04:525,000.
01:04:54We're getting through it.
01:04:56Ray, we're coming.
01:04:58The nightmare is over.
01:05:05Hurry up, Ray.
01:05:06We're coming.
01:05:07Get ready to be rescued.
01:05:13We're alongside you, Ray.
01:05:15Bail out.
01:05:26George.
01:05:27Lucy.
01:05:29The external hatch is jammed.
01:05:31It won't open.
01:05:33It will never open again.
01:05:34Never.
01:05:35Try again, Ray.
01:05:36Try.
01:05:37Quick.
01:05:38It won't open.
01:05:40It won't open.
01:05:41Try again, Ray.
01:05:42Quick.
01:05:45He can't open it.
01:05:47He cut the cables.
01:05:48There's no more power inside the ship.
01:05:55Earth Base 9.
01:05:56Earth Base 9.
01:05:57Earth Base 9 to Bravo Zulu 8-8.
01:06:00Can you hear us?
01:06:01Over.
01:06:03Bravo Zulu 8-8 to Earth Base 9.
01:06:06Go ahead.
01:06:08Are you all going insane up there?
01:06:09If you keep racing that fast, you'll disintegrate when you reach the Earth's atmosphere.
01:06:14Separate and change your course immediately.
01:06:17Alpha 2 is out of control.
01:06:19There's a man inside.
01:06:24We're going down to try to rescue him.
01:06:28Space suits on.
01:06:35Lucy.
01:06:37Take my place.
01:06:40We'll manage.
01:06:54Ray?
01:06:55Ray?
01:06:56Lucy.
01:06:58George and the others are coming to get you out.
01:07:01I can't hold out any longer.
01:07:03I can't control the oxygen flow.
01:07:05Use the regulator, Ray.
01:07:07I don't have it anymore.
01:07:09It was the last thing I threw out into space.
01:07:12Ray.
01:07:13You must hold out.
01:07:16Bravo Zulu 8-8.
01:07:18Bravo Zulu 8-8.
01:07:20Are you listening?
01:07:22Roger.
01:07:23Go ahead.
01:07:24This is an order from the high command.
01:07:26Stop rescue of Alpha 2 pilot.
01:07:29Change your course immediately.
01:07:31Alpha 2 is out of control.
01:07:32Alpha 2 pilot.
01:07:34Change your course immediately or you'll soon enter the atmosphere.
01:07:38Repeat.
01:07:39This is an order from the high command.
01:07:42They don't know what they're talking about.
01:07:45They don't know what would have happened if Ray...
01:07:48Establish contact again.
01:07:50And we'll stay as close as possible.
01:07:55Ray.
01:07:56We're very close now.
01:07:58The man is now going out.
01:08:01Too much air.
01:08:03An orgy of air.
01:08:05My thoughts are running wild.
01:08:07Talk to me, Lucy.
01:08:23Everything is spinning.
01:08:28Where are you, Lucy?
01:08:31Here.
01:08:33Beside you.
01:08:36Quick, the Coldplay port's here.
01:08:44What's the use of trying to save the world, Lucy?
01:08:48If I'm going to be lost myself?
01:08:51No.
01:08:53You can't say this, Ray.
01:08:55You believe more than any of us.
01:08:57Truly believe, Ray.
01:09:05Ray! Ray, answer me!
01:09:08I believed.
01:09:10But there's no faith
01:09:12that can destroy the fear of death.
01:09:18Ray, Brian, hang on.
01:09:28Goodbye, Lucy.
01:09:40Lucy, we're inside.
01:09:45Be ready to turn the ship.
01:09:58Lucy, watch the gyros.
01:10:00I'll tell you when to start the engine.
01:10:01Gyros are locked.
01:10:05We're in, Lucy.
01:10:06Be ready.
01:10:09Contact!
01:10:27We've made it, Lucy.
01:10:29Engines at maximum speed.
01:10:58Now, you're really worthy, Lucy George.
01:11:07That's the Earth.
01:11:27The Earth.
01:11:57The Earth.
01:12:27THE END