MovieChat Forums > The Reluctant Astronaut (1968) Discussion > Vintage NASA clips alone make this a mus...

Vintage NASA clips alone make this a must-see

posted 16 years ago by bsantosu
4 replies | jump to latest

If you are a NASA or space race aficionado this movie is a must see!
When this movie was filmed the Apollo program was just getting started.

The large rocket he's looking up at is actually the first Saturn V ever to be put on the launch pad! It's actually not a real flying rocket but the Saturn V test-article: a full-sized mock-up used to test the the lunch pad systems. This mock-up has unique markings at the base of the rocket that the rest of the Saturn V's didn't have.

Also, it looks like some of the scenes were actually shot on location! The launch complex (It's either 39A, or 39B) looks brand new. There is also footage of Saturn 1b's and a launch of a Saturn 1 used. (No footage of a Saturn V launch existed)

I'd like anybody with any more knowledge about the Apollo program to comment here or correct me if I missed anything.

[–] tuttt 15 years ago

I like the shots of him walking about the Manned Space Center (now the Johnson Space Center). The big shade trees in the central courtyard were just saplings back then.

Teresa
http://MermaidLady.com

[–] bsantosu 15 years ago

Are there many new buildings on the JSC campus? I'm hoping it has held on to its 60's feel architecturally.

[–] belgol5671 9 years ago

Joan Freeman makes this a must-see. God what a woman!

[–] nutsberryfarm 8 years ago

very cool.

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