Space Men
| Space Men | |
|---|---|
 Italian film poster for Space Men | |
| Directed by | Antonio Margheriti[1] |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Starring | Rik Van Nutter |
| Cinematography | Marcello Masciocchi[2] |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Titanus |
Release dates |
|
| Country | Italy[2] |
Space Men is a 1960 Italian science fiction film starring Rik Van Nutter and directed by Antonio Margheriti. It follows an assignment by Interplanetary News reporter Ray Peterson aboard a space station in the 22nd century. Despite problems with the base commander, he is eventually responsible for stopping a space ship which threatens to destroy the Earth.
Cast
- Rik Van Nutter as Ray Peterson (IZ41)
- Gabriella Farinon as Lucy (Y13)
- David Montresor as George the Commander
- Archie Savage as Al (X15)
- Alain Dijon as Archie (Y16)
- Franco Fantasia as Sullivan
- Joe Pollini as King 116
- David Maran as Davis
- José Néstor as Venus Commander
- Anita Todesco as Venus Control
- Aldo Pini as Jacson
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.[4]
The film was made from a script written by Margheriti and Ennio De Concini.[4] The film was shot the same time director Mario Bava was filming Black Sunday on a sound stage the next door.[5]
Release
Space Men opened in Rome in August of 1960 where it was distributed by Titanus.[1][2] It's United States premiere was under the title of Assignment: Outer Space, in San Diego on December 13 1961.[2]
Reception
In Phil Hardy's book Science Fiction (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".[3]
See also
- List of films in the public domain
- List of science fiction films of the 1960s
- List of Italian films of 1960
Notes
- 1 2 "Space Men" (in Italian). Archivo del cinema Italiano. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 "Assignment--Outer Space". American Film Institute. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
- 1 2 Hardy 1984, p. 203.
- 1 2 Fischer 2011, p. 423.
- ↑ Lucas, Tim (2013). Commentary by Tim Lucas (Blu-ray). Arrow Films. Event occurs at 4:38. FCD756.
References
External links
- Space Men at the Internet Movie Database
- Space Men is available for free download at the Internet Archive
- Space Men at AllMovie