In the 50s WWII was over and the space race was on. With the creation of atomic energy things never before dreamed possible were coming true. It all resulted in a new wave of motion picture that had rarely been used before, the science fiction film. Some took on the form of giant monsters created by this new energy. Others were more forward thinking, looking at the capacity for man to fly to the stars and explore. FLIGHT TO MARS was one of the first of these films.
The first flight to explore Mars is about to take place. None of those on board is certain that they will return. Included on the flight are physicist Dr. Lane (John Litel), includes Professor Jackson (Richard Gaines), engineer Jim Barker (Arthur Franz), and his assistant Carol Stadwick (Virginia Huston). Joining them is journalist Steve Abbott (Cameron Mitchell) who will send back reports along the way of this historic mission. To do this he’ll be using self-propelled cylinders filled with his reports as well as data collected along the way.
After losing contact with Earth, a meteor storm ruins their landing gear. With no hope of returning and determined to learn more they crash land on Mars fortunately having a safe landing. But all is not what they expected. The first thing they encounter are five human appearing Martians who approach them. Led by Ikron (Morris Ankrum), the president of their planetary council, they are first told they’ve learned our language from watching broadcasts from Earth. They are escorted below ground where the Martians live.
The expedition meets with the ruling council and is welcomed to their city. They will also have the chance to learn about the discoveries the planet holds and perhaps help them. It seems that a mineral called Corium is what allows them to produce oxygen to survive underground this way. Unfortunately this mineral is now in short supply. Knowing this there is little they can do.
But Ikron has plans that will save his people. Pretending to offer the Earthmen to help them rebuild their spaceship so they can return home, his plan is to build a fleet of them and use them to transport his people to Earth where they will control the planet. Only a few members of the council object and then secretly help the expedition in the hopes of escape. Toss in a couple of romantic angles to this film and you have one heck of a ride.
The combination of space expedition and thriller work well together here. We’ve always been wary of other cultures let alone other beings from space. To think that there plans would involve overtaking the world would seem normal at this time. It also works as a nice allegory about the Red Scare going on at the time involving the Russians.
The Film Detective is working hard to join the ranks of other boutique labels in finding vintage and forgotten film and giving them new life. This movie looks amazing on blu-ray with a 4k restoration from the original 35mm Cinecolor Separation Negatives. In addition to that are some great extras including an audio commentary track by author/film historian Justin Humphreys, “Walter Mirisch: From Bomba to Body Snatchers” a new documentary short from Ballyhoo Motions Pictures, “Interstellar Travelogues: Cinema’s First Space Race” a new documentary short with artists/historian Vincent Di Fate from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures and a full color insert booklet with an essay by Don Stradley.
Like many films from this time period it seems fairly predictable and rather simplistic but you have to view films like these through the eyes of the time. With that in mind this film is an entertainment offering that deserves to be seen once again. Thank goodness The Film Detective is offering us that chance. This one is worth adding to your collection.
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