"Satellite in the Sky" is a sci-fi film from the UK and since it IS fantasy, you are expected to believe that the Brits were the first folks in space. The plot involves an enormous jet rocket (looking a lot like the one from the great film "When Worlds Collide") and it's carrying the T-1 into space. The T-1 is a bomb meant as a demonstration to the world about the futility of war. In other words, by the Brits demonstrating that they can weaponize space, other countries will just give up war! However, the project is jeopardizes after the launch because a Lois Lane-like female reporter stows away on the craft. No worry that it's Britain's #1 secret project...this feisty (and hot) woman just casually sneaks aboard! In fact, although it's a good film, she is a singularly annoying character...one that make women look really dumb. My wife saw the film with me and was quite annoyed with the way she was written...especially when she ended up being right, in a way, about the T-1 demonstration! What's next? See the film.This war is a film meant to warn us about the effects of the militarization of space and is awfully good for its time. Today its special effects must seem very quaint but back in 1956 it was state of the art--and in full color. Clearly this was NOT a cheap British film and represented their best work. Now that doesn't mean it was a great film--the Professor and lady reporter were very silly and clichéd characters...as well as a bit campy. But it is enjoyable...especially for folks who love 50s sci-fi.By the way, isn't it fortuitous that aboard the jet rocket they just happened to have a jumpsuit that fit the lady PERFECTLY!! Also, if any of you are aviation nuts, you'll get a chance to see some wonderful British planes--such as the Vulcan bomber and the Brits' first jet fighter, the Meteor.

I watched this film on DVD (in color with the original widescreen aspect ratio, a double-bill with "World Without End") with no expectations, not having seen it before. The movie started out great, with some amazingly beautiful footage of the delta-wing Avro Vulcan bomber. Then there was some excellent footage of another British jet plane, a small fighter which I believe (but am not sure) was a Folland Midge. The first views of the "Stardust" spaceship were really cool. And unlike many reviewers, I didn't mind the "talkiness" of the screenplay--I thought it gave the characters needed depth. So far, so good. But then things started falling apart, science-wise.Many of the scientific explanations were standard 1950s sci-fi B-movie gobbledygook--for example, that the space-plane would travel "beyond gravity" when it was merely going into orbit. The whole "metallic attraction" explanation for the bomb sticking to the end of the spaceship was nonsense, but I guess they needed some sort of plot device to endanger the crew. What really killed it for me was the rocket-exhaust effect. The exhaust floated about like cigarette smoke in a light breeze, nothing like actual rocket plumes. (I must believe that a little extra effort on the part of the FX crew could have given a much more believable rocket exhaust.) I really liked the observation bubbles on each side of the spacecraft, though--quite a nice touch.I still recommend this film for sci-fi and aviation buffs, if only for the Vulcan footage at the beginning.

This little seen film is definitely worth seeking out for fans of 50's sci-fi that concerns space travel. It has very nice production values, something along the lines of KRONOS, and is equally entertaining.Good acting, intelligent script, nice matte paintings and some pretty good effects using miniatures make this one an interesting watch throughout. Recommended mostly for fans of good, lost 50's sci-fi!Note: Satellite in the Sky was originally filmed in 2:35 widescreen, however the collectors copy in circulation is unfortunately a horrendous pan and scan version. Whoever put together this sloppy and choppy pan and scan transfer should be shot into space without a satellite...

This well-made British science fiction story concerns the crew of a test rocket on which a lady reporter (Lois Maxwell) stows away. Kieron Moore plays the pilot of the rocket sent into orbit in connection with the test of a new "Tritonium bomb". Donald Wolfit plays the bomb's inventor.After releasing he bomb, it's internal propulsion system fails and it becomes attached to the hull of the spacecraft. All attempts to dislodge it are unsuccessful, so the bomb's inventor takes drastic action to deal with the situation.Director Paul Dickson presents an exciting and intelligent story. The special effects are both competent and exciting -- which is no surprise in view of the fact that their creator, Wally Veevars, later worked on "2001".The special effects include the space scenes, an underground space complex, and a rocket which is launched from a horizontal track, similar to "When Worlds Collide". Well-designed sets and props (especially the ship's interior and the spacesuits) enhance this wonderful British entry.Currently this exceptional film is not available on either VHS or DVD. Hopefully, Mr. Wade Williams will eventually offer it as part of his wonderful, high-quality collection.