3 astronauts set off from Cape Canaveral to stay 7 months in an orbiting Spacelab to learn more about man?s ability to survive lengthy trips in to space. After a successful launch and a positive start to the mission, it becomes evident that the boys aren?t coping as well as they might so after five months the Mission Controller, played by Peck, pulls the plug on the mission. After decoupling from the Spacelab the astronauts strike trouble when the planned re-entry burn doesn?t go to plan.

With the people on the ground working round the clock to try to replicate the problem in space our boys circle the globe with an ever-decreasing amount of oxygen and fuel. An attempt by the astronauts themselves to fire the rockets manually fails and the mission becomes even more hopeless with every new sunset, something they see each 94 minutes. All appears lost until the US President steps in and authorises a rescue attempt to show the world that all the US people care about the astronauts? fate. Fortunately Peck decides to give a go and Janssen sets to work learning the ropes in the new machine while facing an incredibly short deadline.

Crenna, as the commander of the mission, tries hard to keep the other two focussed, having more success with the hard-nosed scientist played by Franciscus as the weaker Hackman starts to fall apart. While the Russians have a craft in space they are in a different orbit and no chance to save anyone in the time available.

Janssen fails one attempt to get airborne when a cyclone hits the launch pad. But the eye of the storm and its calm winds allow him to get off and set out on the chase for the failing heroes. By the time he gets near the boys have said their tearful farewells to their wives. In a scene reminiscent of the ill-fated Scott of the Antarctic expedition the commander has the guts to leave the ship when it becomes apparent that there is enough oxygen for only two. Just when the boys appear gone the Russians appear, in a rather sub-standard space vehicle, just as Janssen in the jazzy American one arrives. They manage to save the day between them and start the journey back to earth with the saved astronauts.

The film has a reasonable premise of people being trapped in a situation where rescue appears hopeless; it shows the decline of individuals when they face death; it has the Americans saving the day; and shows the Russians can be human after all. We all know they Yanks will have to try a rescue, even if it costs bucket loads and has a minimal chance of success. We also know that against all odds they will prevail. The film is an acceptable version of this time honoured story but never rises to great heights. It is watchable and the scenes where the boys talk to their wives are quite emotional, but I can?t resist saying that this film ain?t rocket science.

THE EXTRAS

You can watch trailers for 10 Million Miles to Earth, the 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Earth vs. the Flying Saucers and the First Men In the Moon.

CONCLUSION

Three astronauts circle Earth, apparently marooned in space when their rockets fail to fire for re-entry. But with the astounding technical capabilities of the US Air Force and a Head Pilot who knows no fear a rescue mission is launched. Despite significant barriers to success, and following the ultimate sacrifice by the mission commander, two of the three are saved.