RAB'S REVIEWS (PART 1)

Hello ebullient sci-fier, You are made most welcome to another Rab's Reviews, greetings and I wish a great new year to one and all.

Are you one of those people who remember when Black and White sci-fi moves 'Roamed' the Earth, believing everything you saw and thinking 'this could really happen'...those were the days Eh!. The War of the Satellites is a movie that has 'trod' the Earth long ago, indeed it could be called the Iguanodon of the sci-fi world, the Iguanodon had a special set of grinding teeth. This is a movie with a lot of bite, that you can really get your teeth into, it will take you back to a time when the World was a great place to live, except for the monsters...

Some intresting opening sequences, which could have been made from a piece of card cut with a pair of childs sissors, some jittery jumpy music is added for stimulating effect. A 'classy' opening space scene with stars, planets and nebula in the background, a Sattellite passes by (looks like a ping-pong ball with a knitting needle stuck through it) it is being watched from an observatory on Earth. Six men and a woman are watching inside the observatory on a flat screen T.V. (yes I did say flat screen T.V.) "How much longer", says one. "Very soon now", is the reply. "Why do we watch", asks another. "Patients Mr Demonie, we must give the good Doctor the benefit of every doubt, and we must admit we have done that up to now." the reply is, "Yes Mr Achan, I must admit that." Mr Achan says, "Let me see now, this is nine times, 1/2 a billion dollars,and this will make 10," we see the Satellite pass across the screen again. Another scientist speaks, "It's still in its orbit Mr Achan." Mr Achan replies by asking Miss Carrington (Cybill), "What is your opinion." Miss Carrington replies, "I correlate observed data Mr Achan, I make no predictions." (this lady would make first officer 'Spock' a great wife) another scientist 'butts-in', "Well I make a prediction, all those men in that Satellite will die, as have all the others, and when they do your project comes to an end Doctor." The satellite approaches the 'critical' area, all the scientists gather worriedly around the screen, one says, "There it is the 'Barrier', its forming again," someone else speaks, "Get through it." We see the satellite approach and is destroyed in an explosion, Mr Achan says, "I am truly sorry Dr Van Pundit, what is it that destroys every manned satellite that we launch." Dr Van Pundit replies, "I don't know, I just don't know." Mr Achan is becoming angry, "Yet you propose to follow this tenth failure with another attempt using more of your volunteers." Dr Van Pundit replies, "no matter how many times we fail Mr Achan, we'll continue until we succeed." Mr Achan retorts, "Human beings are not guinea pigs, I warn you Dr I will fight you on the floor of the council all the way, we've seen enough." they leave.

A young 'courting couple' are in their convertible parked up in the woods. Jack says, "Are you still cold baby," she (Mick) replies, "Yeah! but I'm getting warmer every second...'ring-a-ding-ding-ding." Jack informs her, "Listen doll they're playing our song, to many violins, change the station maybe we can get someone else's disk." A satellite 'streaks' across the heavens above them, Jack points and says, "a shooting star." Mick says, "Darling you're so romantic, make a wish." Jack replies, "that's no shooting star, it can't be 'Sputnik' it's not listed in the T.V. guide, Wow something is 'flippin' around here...(does anyone understand this)..Mick says, "Yeah! and it's my top," she continues, "Jack I really am scared." The audience is treated to a catastrophic explosion as the satellite strikes the ground. The couple hold each other tightly, Mick says, "did you hear something," Jack replies, "Yeah! my elastic just snapped." she responds, "no! besides that idiot, go see what it is, you're not scared are you." Jack gets out of the car to investigate, he spots a silver missile stuck into the ground, he calls his girlfriend, "hey Mick! come get a load of this." Mick replies, "Oh al-right! but I hope you know what you're doing, you know you 'flunked' chemistry twice." she gets out of the car and meets Jack who says, "What'll I do now." Mick says, "I don't know but make it 'snappy' we're double parked." They approach the rocket, Jack tries to pull it out of the ground saying, "well just don't stand there, who's the 3 letter man around here." Mick lends a hand and they retrieve the rocket. Jack 'taps' the rocket with a stone, there is something written on it, he tries to read it...HASS..MASS..IN...YOU...IM..YOUNIGHT IM PLANET..TAY." (sci-fier I feel so sorry for you, who can only read this and not see the acting, unforgettable)

We 'cut' to an image of a multi-storey Government building, a congress of people gathered together for talks. A woman is on a podium reading a message, "To the United Nations of the 3rd planet called by the inhabitance thereof the earth, Attention, we the masters of the spiral nebula Gana have been observing your actions, understand Earthlings, and look with disfavour upon your persistent efforts to depart from your own planet, and infest other areas of the Universe, we have set up quarantine measures to insure that the contamination shall not be allowed to spread. We shall frustrate your every attempt in the future, as we have those in the past, knowing that Earthlings are equipped with rudimentary reflex type intelligence, we are taking this means of conveying our command that all such efforts to expand and depart from the effected Earth, shall from this moment be stopped."

The Head of the U.N. (the president) stands on the podium facing the delegates who call his name, "Mr President!, Mr President!" He replies, "the chair recognizes the honourable member of the United States." A delegate stands up and asks, "Mr President, honourable delegates to the general assembly, I speak for all men everywhere when I say this Alien intelligence is wrong, if a man can be dismissed as a disease or a growth that infests our planet, our hopes, our aspirations lead us to the stars, no other race has the right to judge us or to deign us that journey."

'Cut' to Doctor Van Pounder who is being interviewed in an office by a reporter who asks, "What do you think of the space message." he replies, "Gentlemen!, Gentlemen, ladies please, I'll be frank with you, whatever I say is only an opinion." He is asked, "Why was the message in Latin, does it mean the end of project SIGMA." He replies, "the fact that the message was in latin causes me to believe it's a hoax, there are those who would like to see our rocket abandoned, however as for project SIGMA it will most assuredly proceed." Someone else asks, "Do you think you'll get a new volunteer crew." Doctor Van Pounder answers, "Well there's an old saying, if you just want something send someone for it, but if you really want it, go yourself." the reporter asks, "then you'd go up yourself." someone else adds, "that's a suicide mission." the Doctor responds, "I won't ask anyone to take a risk I wouldn't take myself, I mean to Captain my own ship." This causes quite a stir among the reporters. Mr Van Pounder stands up and declares, "and now gentleman, if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment with some 'components' (that's right components). The reporters disperse, and the lady who read the space message, says to her boyfriend, "I'm going with him", Her boyfriend replies, "I guess that makes me a volunteer also," they move over to the doctor and ask, "You've really started something this time doctor," He answers, "I think you're right, but I'm not at all certain I am right," Dave suggests that it's a hoax, and Dr Van Pounder explains, "Ever since the capsule has landed, we've been working on it, the metal container it's self defies analysis, it's harder than anything we've been able to devise, and it has a fantastic thermal resistance." Dave says, "I didn't know that, I haven't read all the reports yet." Mr Pounder continues, "Yes!, and consider the method of communication, now this is something telepathically geared to the human mind, one merely thinks the message and it appears, stop thinking and it goes blank again," the lady says, "Curious about the Latin." The Dr answers, "Well why not Latin it was understood throughout the civilized world, perhaps they think it still is." Dave speaks, "Well the whole thing is a little hard to swallow," Dr Van Pounder replies, "Dave!, not so many years back space travel was a little hard to swallow."

The headlines appear on a newspaper, SIGMA PROGRAM GIVEN OK, some exciting music is playing, and we are treated to a perplexing 'Rocket launch site' with rockets ready to go, the music builds....more headlines, MESSAGE FROM SPACE HOAX-SAYS SCIENTIST, back to the amazing launch pad again, music still building, more headlines, CREW IN TRAINING FOR SPACE FLIGHT, SIGMA NEAR COMPLETION, back to a close-up of the launch pad and what looks like, a giant ping pong ball with a knitting needle stuck through it.

Dr Van Pounder is in his office, Miss Carrington, (Cybill) enters, and hands him some papers saying, "I've calculated the figures for the Doppler effect at the speeds we'll be travelling." The Dr replies, "I want the figures all the way up to the speed of light, we can't put the solar reactors through a full test here on Earth, but if they reach optimum efficiency in space, we'll be the first to obtain Photon Propulsion." (great stuff). The phone rings it's Mr Hatchkiss he sounds worried, "It's Achan and his crowd Van, they're reviving the whole suicide issue, and the council, you'd better get down here in a hurry." Van replies. "I'll get there as soon as I can." It's night time and Dr Van Pounder is driving his car down the road, he begins to have difficulty in controlling his vehicle, there's something bright and flashing in the sky above him, it's focusing it's power onto the doctors car, which skids of the road,and summersaults down a hill, a horrific accident, the bright flashing stops.

Back at the U.N. a delegate is addressing the President, a small piece of paper is handed to the United States delegates, it is read with great interest. "Mr President!," calls the United States delegate. "I apologize to the honourable gentleman for interrupting, but his speech is no longer necessary, Dr Van Pounder without whom project SIGMA cannot proceed, Dr Van Pounder was killed in an auto-mobile accident on his way to this forum." Another delegate addresses the president, "I extend my condolences to the delegate from the United States, now there can be no further reason to delay passage of my motion to suspend payments of funds to project SIGMA immediately." Just as he finishes, the doors of the U.N. assembly burst open and in walks Dr Van Pounder, (but all us sci-fiers know there's something wrong here).

Van and his colleague Hatchkiss enter a room, Hatchkiss speaks, "I hope I never live through another moment like that again Van, getting that message, the shock of seeing you in the doorway, risen from the dead like that, it's almost a miracle." Pounder replies, "as I explained, the officer was mistaken." Hatchkiss replies, "well miracle or no miracle it worked like a charm, it pulled the slats right out from under old Achan, if I didn't know better, I'd say you'd planned it yourself." Van says, "We'll if you'll excuse me Mr Hatchkiss, I have some charts to prepare, I do hope you don't mind my using your office." Mr Hatchkiss answers, "No not at all, make yourself comfortable," and leaves. Mr Pounder switches the radio on and moves to the other side of the room, the commentator is reporting the sudden death of Dr Van Pounder, and his re-appearance at the U.N. As Dr Van Pounder listens, a Ghostly apparition of himself materializes and walks back to the radio, switches the radio off, looks back at the original Dr Pounder, they stare at each other, then walk away. (very frightening scene, very unexpected)

Cut to the launch pad, more headlines, with accompanying eerie music, FULL SPEED ON SIGMA AS UN GIVES BLESSING. The (lets call him) evil Dr Van Pounder is in his office, and is communicating with the Aliens saying, "They proceed with their plans, our warning did not deter them." An Alien voice resounds through some impressive graphical effects, "I propose a stronger warning." there's a knock at the door. Evil Van calls, "come in," It's Dave who says, "excuse me Van, I thought I heard you talking to somebody." Evil Van replies, "No Dave quite alone," Dave says, "I was wondering if I could ask you a question personally." Van says, "certainly, sit down what's on your mind." Dave explains, " It's about Cybill, she's volunteered for this job because she has great admiration for you, and I know what the chances of our returning are." Van asks, "Do you agree with Achan, that it's a suicide mission." Dave replies, "I didn't say that, if I did, I wouldn't be here, I know the danger involved, and I think you should order Cybill to stay behind." Van answers, "Miss Carrington is a very intelligent young woman, quite capable of making her own decisions." Cybill enters the office and says, "doctor turn on the radio quickly," he does so, a news reporter is reporting that, fires, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are spontaneously bursting out all over the World. Disastrous 'reel' footage from around the globe, wild fires, earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis, the commentator giving us a 'running' report, "these terrible events are purposeful and directed at earth..." Van switches the radio off and answers the phone, it's Hatch. Van says, "Yes we've been listening what can we do, we've got to quit, we can't fight this, I'll send Dave over with a statement, goodbye. Dave speaks, "Van you're not giving up." Van replies, "We're up against a race of beings whose intelligence is as ours to ants and bacteria, we have the choice of continuing to exist under whatever conditions they may name, or of being exterminated, its that simple, Cybill I want you to type this up immediately.

Hatch slams some papers onto the desk saying, "Intolerable." Dave says, "Well I guess that puts the 'raps' on SIGMA," Hatch replies, "and to think that Van should plunge the knife, let Stephens give the report, I haven't the heart for it I'm sick." Dave and Cybill take the report,

At the U.N. meeting a delegate is speaking, "the honourable delegates will recall, how my colleagues and I warned you of the dire consequences if we ignored this ultimatum, we are obviously in the grip of a force stronger than we can oppose, I notice that the delegate of the United States has chosen not to be present, well don't you agree we must give up as a matter of pure naked survival." Dave replies, "the delegate from the United States sends his apologies for his unfortunate absence from this important meeting, but has sent a message, the delegate has spoken of 'naked survival' Gentlemen! you do not survive by abject surrender, nations and Worlds must fight for survival, if we give in now, let down our defences, give this Alien planet full control over our actions and lives for mere survival, won't they even take that away from us, now ask yourselves, why!, are the aliens so concerned that we do not penetrate the SIGMA barrier, that this action alone insights retaliation, they consider us a danger if we break out of quarantine, they haven't even bothered to find out whether or not our motives are peaceful or not, we would collaborate and share knowledge as equal partners in the universe, we can't show them this by surrendering, they do not wish us to travel the skies, gentlemen we must proceed with project SIGMA at all costs." All the delegates give Dave a rapturous applause, he leaves. Van Pounder sits in his office and realizes what looked like certain defeat of project SIGMA turned into a brilliant vindication by an impassioned address to the U.N. by Dave.

We return to the rocket launch pad, Van and Dave are discussing figures, Van speaking, "Radiation density 1500 miles 10x-27, 2000 miles 10x-30, 2500 miles...." the door opens Jonny enters and asks, "Doctor how did you get here." Dave says, "We've been sweating it out here for the past 3 hours." Jonny replies, "Well that's funny, because I could have sworn I saw you over at the probing ground." Dave says, "I guess the place is getting to much for you Jonny, the eyes go first, Van here will probably be next, he's been working like twins." Jonny says,"Triplets is more like it, Oh! I just came to tell you that the new solenoids have arrived, we're testing them now." Dave notices something on Van's arm he says, "You still have that growth on your arm, you know you ought to take care of that Van, these things can be dangerous." A voice on the intercom informs Van that he is wanted in the reactor construction area. He says, "I'd better get over there," he notices something is 'up' with Dave, continuing, "what's the matter Dave." Dave says, "nothing Van." Van replies, "You can handle the rest of the reports can't you."...."Sure!" "I'll see you later." Van leaves. Dave goes outside, and 'jots' down the number plate on Van's car 9Z-9324 he drives away.

Van enters the construction area and says to John, "You want to see me." John replies, "Yes Doctor, it's the new solenoids," John sets his wielding torch onto a metal frame, it's still burning, "they're not testing up to capacity resistance." Van accidentally rests his hand in the direct path of the flame of the wielding torch, his hand begins to turn black (great effects) they continue to talk, Van doesn't even notice the horrific incineration of his hand, but Jonny notices and pulls Van's hand away from the flame saying, "Look out!, I'll get a doctor," and runs out. Van shouts, "No!", but can't stop him. Van turns off the wielder, holds his charcoaled coloured hand up, looks at it and shows no sign of pain whatsoever. A close up of Van's hand shows us how horrific his injury is, and he heals himself just by rubbing his good hand over it, it returns to normal. A Doctor arrives and says, "let me look at that hand Van," he inspects both hands saying, "What kind of a joke is this?" Van says, "Would you mind explaining what this is all about," The Dr replies, "well sure, John came rushing in and said you'd burned your hand." John speaks, "With this torch I saw it," Van replies, "quite obviously he's mistaken, we were examining the solenoids, suddenly he screamed and ran out of the room." The Dr says, "I see, well he's been under a lot of pressure, I'm surprised there hasn't been more of this sort of thing." As we approach Blast off, John is upset, "What are you talking about." The Dr says, "Buck fever Ma Boy!, I'm afraid your grounded." John argues, "I saw it with my own eyes, in the flame of that torch, and he didn't even feel it, there's something about you, you're not human, I know what I saw." Van says, "Perhaps you see to much." John is ushered out of the room.

We're at 'EWINS' Auto Wrecking Garage now (scrap yard) Dave is looking around at the car number plates, he finds the plate 9Z-9324 it's the same as the number plate he jotted down earlier, he phones Cybill, "Meet me at the launch site, I've got to speak to you." Back at the launch site 3 rockets sit ready for Blast off. Dave is there, the intercom announces, rocket 1 ready to go, he finds Cybill who says, "we haven't got much time, I'm going in rocket 1." Dave says, "You where scheduled for rocket 2 with me." Cybill replies, "Van made me switch," Dave points out, "You can't go with him," Cybill replies, "he must have had a reason," and the lift doors close. The intercom announces, "Rocket 1...five minutes," Van is standing checking the astronauts as they enter the rocket, John approaches and apologizes for causing any trouble. The Dr says, "he's as good as new, astronautical engineers don't grow on trees." Van says, "No they don't, I'll see you on board," and lets them through. Intercom..."T minus four minutes, Dr Van Pounder is wanted in general control," Dave makes his way through the corridors to rocket 1, again the intercom, "Dr Van Pounder wanted on board rocket 1 immediately." The launch doors open, Dave spots Van and hides, Van does not know what to do...should he go to general control or rocket 1, so he turns, faces the launch doors, and once again the Ghostly apparition of himself materializes from his own body and walks to the launch doors. Dave is watching this, and (let's say 'split') Van goes to general control, and (original) Van goes into the rocket. We see a close up oe rocket 1, (it looks remarkably like Thunderbird 1) Van tells Cybill, "We're about to blast off," she goes to her comfy launch couch and straps her self in. Van checks the instrument panel and tells John to have a good trip. John is very nervous and says, "Yes sir!," Van leaves and straps himself in beside Cybill, (I must get one of those couches for my living room) Dave is still 'lurking' about outside wondering what to do, he looks up at rocket 1, the countdown begins, 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, fire! and rocket 1 lifts off, (spectacular visual imagery from here on in...) Dave goes to his rocket, and straps himself in, 3-2-1-...rocket 2 blasts off. We witness the 3 rockets 'zip' past on the flat screen monitor back at mission control. the controller speaks, "Rocket 1 second stage fire!" (do not miss the separation of rocket 1, this is the stuff sci-fiers are made of), "Rocket 2 second stage fire!," (a double helping, can it get any better), "Rocket 1 third stage fire!," (I'm going to have to take something), Rocket 1 is approaching the rendezvous point, rocket 2 converging, rocket 3 converging, (Wow! I'm sorry sci-fier 'Alexithymia' has taken over..) So the rockets fire their ping-pong balls into space, and they converge to make one big satellite. The controller announces, "Contact complete, ship in orbit, ground control handing over, good luck." Van is now in charge of the satellite. John raises the antenna and activates gravity control. Van commands, "Feedback interlock on automatic, orientate solar aspect cells, automate robot control." All his commands are adhered to, he unstraps and tells Cybill to check the computer panel. (split) Van meets John. John tells Van he needs a doctor, Van puts his hand in front of John's chest, John can't move, Van speaks, "I've partially inactivated your muscular system, there's no time to be more explicit, I have no desire to harm you, the warning from space is valid, it came from a superior intelligence, an intelligence able to transform energy into matter, and back again, you once told me I was not Human, you're correct, I am above the Human a transformation which can be yours, this satellite will never return to Earth...

 

Done