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Author
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Topic: On the Threshold of Space
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ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 05-06-2006 08:09 PM
   
This 1956 movie has just come to my attention, as it is based on the incredible work at Holloman Air Force Base (where most of it was filmed) of John Paul Stapp - once dubbed "the fastest man on earth." I can probably pick up a VHS copy on eBay, but before I do does anyone have an opinion on this film? Is it good, or a bit of a shocker, and what are the rocket sled sequences like? I'd certainly be interested in any opinions. |
Prospero
Member Posts: 94
From: Manchester, UK
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 05-07-2006 10:43 AM
I saw this film at a meeting of my local film society a couple of years back. I enjoyed it. I don't know very much about the pre-astronaut work that was going on in the 50s, but as far as I could tell it was technically accurate. It was made with the co-operation of the USAF, if I remember right, and the film was introduced by a military man. I don't remember too much of the plot, but as far as I remember the hero was a doctor who was engaged in research into the medical problems of aircrew at high altitudes. I think he starts of by trying to make ejection at high speeds more survivable, and eventually progresses to being involved in the high altitude balloon projects that were taking place at that time. It had an authentic, semi-documentary feel, and I would say it's definitely worth seeing. |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 05-07-2006 05:10 PM
Thanks Prospero; on that recommendation alone I think I'll get hold of a copy through eBay. There's one available there now, but the seller admits it's a little flawed, so I'll wait for another one. Has anyone else seen this film and would care to comment? Just judging by Prospero's comments and a couple of short online reviews, the main character seems to be an amalgam of Holloman researchers John Paul Stapp, David Simons and Joe Kittinger. | |
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