Space Men

Plot

In 2116, Interplanetary Chronicle of New York reporter Ray Peterson (Rik Van Nutter), launched in Bravo Zulu 88, joins the crew of an orbiting space station. Peterson is assigned to write a story about the infra-radiation flux in Galaxy M12. While on the space station, tension mounts between Peterson and the station commander (David Montresor). The commander believes the reporter is in the way, calling him a "leech", but has orders to leave him alone. A complication arises when Lucy (Gabriella Farinon), the station botanist and navigator, is attracted to both the commanding officer and Peterson.

When errant spaceship Spaceship Alpha Two enters the solar system, as it approaches closer to the Earth, its photon generators radiate enough heat to destroy the planet. In efforts to intercept Alpha Two, Sullivan (Franco Fantasia), a crew member, sacrifices himself in a futile attempt, and space station pilot Al (Archie Savage) also fails in an aborted attempt to shoot the spaceship with a missile.

With the two crew members dying in their attempt to destroy Alpha Two, Peterson decides to use Space Taxi B91 to fly to the spaceship. His goal is to enter the spaceship and disarm the generators. When inside, he is directed to disable the computers that run the spaceship and shut down all power sources, but finds that he is trapped inside when the emergency hatch is also disabled.

Despite orders from the "High Command", not to intervene, The commander and his assistant undertake a dangerous mission to intercept the out-of-control spaceship and rescue Peterson. Reaching the reporter as he is slumps to the floor, the rescuers bring back him back to the space station. With the stricken spaceship redirected away from the Earth, Peterson wins Lucy's affection and the commander's respect.

Production

Director Antonio Margheriti had read science fiction comic books since a young age, and when he was offered to direct a science fiction film, he immediately seized the opportunity. Space-Men was his first full directoral effort, with Margheriti going on to direct 55 films.

Space-Men was made from a script written by Margheriti and Ennio De Concini. The film was shot at the same time director Mario Bava was filming Black Sunday on a sound stage the next door. Margheriti took over the studio work with miniatures that were featured in the outer space segments.

Release

Space-Men opened in Rome in August 1960 where it was distributed by Titanus. The film was re-titled Assignment: Outer Space on its release in San Diego on December 13, 1961.

Reception

In Phil Hardy's book Science Fiction: Complete Film Source Book (1984), Space-Men was described as "... not one of Margheriti's best, the narrative line is unclear and jerky" while also noting that "its visual splendours are ample compensation."