Destination Moon

One of the George Pal-produced series of sci-fi movies from the '50s, this is characteristically thin on plot and characterisation, high on patriotism, and impressive in its colour photography and special effects; a true precursor to Star Wars, in fact. A group of scientists defy the familiar bunch of superstitious and unadventurous philistines (politicians, businessmen) and take off in their new rocket to beat the Russians to the moon.