Weltraumschiff 1 startet...

I'm glad this is a short movie, because it is not much fun. The plot it: an expedition to the moon. Most of the story is told through narration (by "scientists") and press junkets. But there is hardly any story, at least no conflict. With a heavy emphasis on science, it feels more like a movie that an engineer would make to show in schools. Maybe to motivate the kids into becoming scientists? I am being a bit unfair, because this was no meant to be a movie. It's pieced together from the remains of two films that were canceled due to the second world war breaking out, with some archival footage added into the mix. With that in mind, it makes sense that there isn't more story or plot. This also explains why it is so short.

Ultimately, I am glad that they pieced this movie together, because some of the special effects are fantastic. Especially as they show the space ship flying above the moons surface. Obviously it is dated these days, but you can still admire the handy work. I wish we could have seen what movies they were originally making - it could have been masterpieces.

Is this movie worth seeing? Yes, both for it's part in science fiction history, and for it's marvelous special effects. But not for its plot.

A side note: You might wonder if there's any Nazi influence in this. Not overtly, but there is references to a German base in Africa, and USA being hostile to the German space exploration. And of course, German engineering is in the front and center of the movie.