Destination Moon
Author: Robert A. Heinlein
Originally aired: 24 June 1950
Plot synopsis: The crew of the first spaceship to travel to the moon have to overcome various problems, not only to reach their destination, but also to return safely to Earth. Based on an advance copy of the script of the film Destination Moon, released in 1950 (which was subsequently adapted as a short story, first published in Short Stories Magazine, in September 1950).
Favourite line: 'You know, this is the second time I ever walked on a ceiling - only this time I'm sober.'
Review: There are two main reasons for listening to this episode, both of which are rooted in the historical context in which it was produced. First, towards the end, it is interrupted by an announcement declaring the outbreak of the Korean War, which those interested in Cold War history especially will find quite fascinating. Second, almost two decades before the first actual moon landing, this story endeavours to present a realistic view of what a journey to the moon might be like - though there had, of course, been fictional accounts of lunar voyages before, many of these earlier ones were pure fantasy (Edgar Allen Poe, for example, wrote a story about such a trip by balloon!) Credit must be given to the episode, therefore, for its efforts at authenticity. At the same time, though, there are a number of issues that detract. One of these is simply that, whereas the film upon which the episode is based benefits enormously from being able to present visually its attempts at scientific accuracy, a radio play obviously cannot do this, so is much less impressive. Furthermore, now that men have landed on the moon, the episode inevitably loses much of the impact it would have had when originally broadcast. Finally, neither the characters nor plot are very strong; frankly, the story itself is fairly prosaic. Especially notable is that the dilemma explored at the end - SPOILER ALERT! - centred on the problem of the ship carrying too much weight to make the return journey home successfully, is resolved in a not very satisfactory way dramatically; compare this to the hauntingly memorable way in which the X Minus One episode Cold Equations deals with a similar situation. Even so, worth a listen for the reasons mentioned at the start (and Robert Heinlein fans may like to try another episode adapted from his writings about a mission to the moon, Requiem [X Minus One version reviewed].)
Rating: * * *
