Watch Rocketship

Set in the near future of 1948, Rocketship is a sci-fi movie that explores the human desire to explore space, the dangers of that exploration, and the ethical questions that arise when a relative handful of people make decisions that could change the course of history. The plot centers on the first manned mission to the moon, led by scientist Dr. Karl Eckstrom (played by Charles Middleton) and pilot Dick Donnelly (Buster Crabbe). Along for the ride are journalist Jane Drake (Jean Rogers), engineer Jim Barker (Frank Shannon), and photographer Spider (John Picorri). The team blasts off from Earth in a rocket they designed themselves, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of humanity.

However, things quickly begin to go wrong when the rocket misses the moon and instead crash-lands on Mars. The team is forced to face a series of challenges including limited resources, harsh environment, and mysterious creatures. As tensions rise and conflicts surface, the team must struggle to survive and find a way back to Earth.

One of the most striking aspects of Rocketship is its incredibly ambitious special effects. The rocket launch scenes are especially notable for their impressive use of models and miniature sets. For a movie made in 1938, the effects are quite impressive and add a genuine sense of excitement and awe to the film.

Beyond the effects, however, Rocketship also boasts a strong cast. Crabbe, best known for his role as Flash Gordon, brings a sense of adventure and bravado to the role of Donnelly. His chemistry with Rogers, who plays Drake, is palpable and makes for some enjoyable scenes.

The real standout, however, is Middleton as the obsessive and often cold-hearted Dr. Eckstrom. He is a fascinating character who is ultimately torn between his desire for scientific discovery and his duty to keep his crew safe. His performance manages to be both chilling and sympathetic, showing the complexity of his character's choices.

Overall, Rocketship is a solid entry in the sci-fi genre of the era. While it may not be especially deep or profound, it's an enjoyable film that holds up thanks to its impressive effects and strong performances. It's easy to forgive some of the more dated aspects of the film and get swept up in the excitement of exploring space alongside the crew.

Rocketship is a 2010 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.