The Battle Point Astronomical Association is screening classic science fiction movies at selected member meetings. These twentieth century images shaped our collective ideas of outer space, aliens, and space travel. At the February 13 meeting (7:30 p.m. at Ritchie Observatory) we will be watching Pavel Klushantsev ’s “Planet of Storms.” This groundbreaking film was made in the Soviet Union during the mid-century space race, when the Russians were winning. The special effects are so good clips were stolen for several Hollywood productions, which will give some viewers an odd feeling of deja vu. (Like, I know I’ve seen this somewhere, but wasn’t Mamie Van Doren in it, wearing a sea-shell bra?) You can read a complete review at allmovie.com.
Elliot Swanson, former film librarian for the KRL, will be introducing the film and leading the discussion afterwards. We hope to see some of you there: it should be an unusual evening.
BPAA film buff and board member Russell M. Heglund has also picked out the following movies, which we are considering for future screenings:
This Island Earth, directed by Joseph Newman (1955)
Aliens are recruiting leading earth scientists to work on a secret project at a remote location. Of course the scientists are not aware they are working for aliens, in spite of their large domed heads. One scientist figures it out and tries to escape with his love interest and is captured by a flying saucer in a great special effect scene. The rest is history. They supposedly spent two and a half years on the special effects.
When Worlds Collide, directed by Rudolph Mate (1951)
An early disaster film. The entire earth is about to collide with a another planet which has entered our solar system. Scientists are sure of it, but it takes time to convince the government (sound familiar?). A spaceship is being built, by private sources, to rescue what they can. The politics, special effects, and how they choose people for the trip is the story. It’s produced by George Pal, same guy that did War of the Worlds, and it won an Academy Award for the special effects.
Forbidden Planet, directed by Fred McCleod Wilcox (1956)
It is great to watch this movie if just for the opening scene in the space ship. The writers came up with an innovative way for the crew to survive rapid deceleration from light speed to orbital speed. Also, the theremin music, which is pervasive throughout the movie, is excellent. The story is basically about a rescue mission to a remote scientific outpost. There is a fight with an alien that is not alien, and of course a “love” interest. Robby the robot stars: the actors are mediocre players, but the story and special effects are excellent. It’s well worth watching just for the beauty of the backgrounds in the sets on an alien planet (it’s supposed to be Altair 4…for you astronomy buffs).
Let us know if you have any preferences.–Russell M. Heglund and Vicki Saunders