On the Threshold of Space

I assume this film won't appeal to everyone. It's a bit cerebral and a bit slow, but a very important movie historically. The title of the film refers to the experiments that made even the consideration of space travel possible. In other words, the film is NOT about early rockets or the space program, but experiments on the suitability of humans for the harsh demands this or ultra-high speed planes would put on their bodies. Two particular scientific programs run by the air force are featured here--high speed rocket sled trials as well as super high-altitude balloon flights combined with insanely dangerous parachute drops from as high at 100,000 feet! For folks like me who are fascinated by airplanes and space travel, this film is a must-see. And, instead of the typical science fiction film of the day, this is all based on scientific fact--feats that even today seem extraordinary. What I particularly liked, other than the story, is that the film did NOT rely on grainy stock footage--everything looked very real. And, on top of that, the acting and direction were excellent.

While teens and kids might not sit still for this sort of film, try to get them to. It's highly educational and makes you really appreciate these men and their brave deeds.

While high-performance aircraft were being tested at places like Edwards Air Force Base and Naval Air Station Patunxet River, equally important work was being done at places such as Holloman Air Force Base.

Edwards and Patunxet River tested the flying machine. Holloman tested the men who would fly them. Among the work that was done at Holloman was the effects of high acceleration on the human body with Col. John Stapp one of the investigators. There was also Project Manhigh which took men to the edge of space to study the effects of cosmic rays on the body.

All of this was essential in order to put men into space. Among those who would participate were Maj. David Simons and Capt. Joe Kittinger.

"On the Threshold of Space" tells the latter part of that story and does so quite effectively, being quite matter-of-fact. It shows some of the work being done that would help make high-altitude flight and spaceflight itself not only possible but safe for the crews. This was cutting-edge research conducted even before Sputnik was launched and there were a lot of questions that had to be answered before anybody could be launched into space.

There is a side story in which the main character gets married to one of the civilian assistants, but, fortunately, it doesn't take much away from the plot.

I liked it better than I expected. If you're an aviation and/or space buff, this movie would be definitely worth watching. I came across this one quite accidentally and I'm glad I did.

Having met actor Warren Stevens several years ago, and having corresponded with him as such, I can tell you that he is a truly kind gentleman and a World War II hero, having been a Navy pilot in the Pacific Theatre of Conflict. He is always patient and generous with his time and nothing like the villains that he has portrayed on screen! I and many of his fans believe that he never achieved the recognition he truly deserved in the industry. However, he is still acting, just recently appearing on "E.R." and will hopefully be acting for many years to come! He recently did a voice-over for the 50th Anniversary edition of "Forbidden Planet". Here's to you, "Doc" Ostrow, many voyages into the galaxy...

Guy Madison portrays an Air Force flight surgeon who performs daring experiments in space medicine. He's somewhat of a cross between real-life researchers Col. John Paul Stapp (rider of the famous rocket sled) and Capt. Joseph W. Kittinger, who performed a free-fall parachute jump from a balloon floating at 102,800 feet in 1961...5 years or so after the release of this movie!

The planning and execution of the high-altitude balloon jumps is detailed in this movie.

Admittedly, it's not a film for everyone, and it has its share of cliches, but remember that this was released in 1956. It's an interesting movie, very dated now, but that actually enhances its appeal for those interested in the earliest days of the space program.

I saw this film in 1959 and again in the 1970's and it reminded me how much research and testing went into the space program before John Glenn made his historic entry into space. This film is a must for younger people to see what went on before they were born and how the space program began. Stand back and look at it today and see just how far we have come in just 42 years.