Assignment Outer Space (1960) a.k.a. Space Men

[Scott]

ASSIGNMENT: OUTER SPACE (1960)  - This is an Italian Sci-Fi film a.k.a. Space Men which is not bad in fact you might like it. The movie plays it straight with some great opening scenes of rocket launch and waking up the astronauts from their hybernation capsules much like in PLANET OF THE APES. The film is a little stale here and there, but I thought it was better than some American space films of the same time period.





Post Edited (09-14-04 22:32)

[Chris K.]

Being a big admirer of Italian horror/thriller genre, Italian sci-fi has not crossed my path. At least not yet. ASSIGNMENT: OUTER SPACE has been on my list for a long time and plan to see it as soon as I can. I do wish some DVD company (i.e., Blue Underground, Anchor Bay, Mondo Macabro, etc.) would release the film in it's proper format.

But for triva, ASSIGNMENT: OUTER SPACE was the first directorial debut for Antonio Margheriti, as well as doing the major effects work. The film was actually made on a bet by Margheriti for the Titanus production, and it ended up being a sucessful film. However, Margheriti's name would not be on the credits as he was told that an American sounding name would be better. Margheriti's name was translated to 'Anthony Daisies' and was used in both the Italian and English releases. And yet, it was considered to be a name to close to "homosexual", so Margheriti decided to be called 'Anthony M. Dawson' in his later films like SEVEN DEATHS IN A CAT'S EYE (1970), CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE (1980), and TIGER JOE (1983). And amazingly enough, it was ASSIGNMENT: OUTER SPACE that would lead Stanley Kubrick to ask Margheritit to assist in the effects work for 2001: A SPACE ODDESY, yet Margheriti declined due to other prior commitments.

[Scott]

The copy I have is from oldies/alpha video DVD an the color is a bit faded, so yes it should be restored or find a better copy. If you want to see the film though Alpha has a Triple Feature Outer Space Classic on one disk and it's good enough copy even if faded in color. Best Buy in our area is selling it for $5.99. Here are the 3 films:

Voyage To The Prehistoric Planet (Seen this one before)
Assignment Outer Space
Warning from Space

I also picked up Alpha Video DVD called Triple Feature Monster Classics for $5.99 at Best Buy and the three films are:

Night of the Blood Beast
Attack of the Giant Leaches (Seen this one before)
Gamera The Invincible (may have seen it when younger)