Posted on 03/13/2019 7:18:05 PM PDT by LS
So far this year, if there is one move you should see it's a space movie. No, not "Captain Marvel."
It's "Apollo 11," and believe it or not, it's by (gulp) CNN. That's right. Well done, CNN.
Using often the highest quality documentary footage from NASA's moon mission, this film follows the spacecraft from its slow slothlike transit to the launch pad to the three Apollo astronauts climbing aboard to the army of engineers, scientists, and technicians in both Florida and in Houston as Apollo 11 makes its epic voyage.
With the exception of a very few well-placed simple animations depicting, for example, the docking of the Eagle and the Columbia, or trajectories, virtually all the other footage is real-life shots taken aboard the spacecraft, on the moon, and in the control center.
Even though you know the outcome, you are gripped by whether or not the rockets will get Apollo 11 aloft; whether the vessels will separate, then dock safely, and even whether the Eagle can rise from the surface of the moon. At the same time, you are overwhelmed that WE, as Americans---nobody else---did this. While the plaque says men of earth, it really should have said, "Men of the United States of America, for the benefit of all earth . . ." Half the time you don't know whether to cry or cheer.
But when the Apollo safely comes down in the Pacific, the American flags come out all over the Houston control center. There is not the slightest thought by anyone that India, or China, or Germany had any role in this.
The musical score is perfect, building tension when sometimes you're only watching a rocket fly. There are humorous moments too, and I won't give them away. The film ends with JFK's speech about the dangers yet the necessity of exploring space and going to the moon.
Having already christened a Space Force, I would love very much for President Trump to announce a goal of a manned flight to Mars that would arrive long after he is out of office. It is that kind of vision that made us the only peoples to set foot on the moon.
I’m asking. I have heard it before, but can’t place it.
HA! Found it. It’s John Stewart, “Mother Country.”
What was the song that was Buzz Aldrin was playing on the small spinning weightless tape recorder? It sounded country but I couldn’t place it.
“Willow Weep for Me”
Thanks
It was “Mother Country” by John Stewart.
We, as a people, are slipping
I wish I’d seen it in IMAX. Liftoff, transposition and docking, the lunar landing, and the final docking and LEM castoff would be even more impressive.
And for breaking stories all over the world, CNN usually has the best coverage as it is happening... before they can start adding their editorial and political agenda to it all, they're usually quite good, and generally better than the competition.
Buzz Aldrin’s Race Into Space bump!
You are correct, it was Apollo 12 that was hit by lightning during the ascent.
Thanks for the post. I remember typing on an old Remington typewriter all the NASA updates. I was converted from a young pubescent boy to a geek during that first mission. BTTT.
Not according to my dictionary!
(I just saw the movie in the theaters, for a special showing today for the 50th Anniversary.)
Not according to my dictionary!
(I just saw the movie in the theaters, for a special showing today for the 50th Anniversary.)
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