It only makes sense that during a week when I would spend several hours experiencing the wonders of Arrakis in full 2024 special effects glory that I would also watch this wonderful example of 1964 science fiction storytelling. Adapted from a 1901 H.G. Wells story about humans going to the moon, this movie begins with a United Nations expedition as the first mission to the moon. But when they get there they discover that someone from earth has already been to there. Produced five years before the actual first human mission to the moon, this movie is all about the Fiction and less about the science in a sort of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” kind of fantastic fable, complete with the crazy scientist/inventor, the scheming businessman/playwright and his virtuous but practical girlfriend. An added bonus are the creature effects produced by Ray Harryhausen. I love the current generation of sci-fi movies and shows that doesn’t get all tripped up in the visual spectacle but tells amazing stories, but there’s also room for stories, like the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, that are less serious about the science but still have an interesting message. So, please enjoy this silly sci-fi fable (and the other more serious stuff too!).

The First Men in the Moon (1964)
The First Men in the Moon (1964)

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