Title: Assignment: Outer Space
Year: 1960
Genres: Science Fiction; Adventure
Director: Antonio Margheriti

Cast:

• Rik Van Nutter as Ray Peterson (IZ41)
• Gabriella Farinon as Lucy (Y13)
• David Montresor as George, the Commander
• Archie Savage as Al (X15)
• Alain Dijon as Archie (Y16)
• Franco Fantasia as Sullivan
• Joe Pollini as King 116
• David Maran as Davis
• José Néstor as Venus Commander
• Anita Todesco as Venus Control
• Aldo Pini as Jacson

Synopsis:

Interplanetary News reporter Ray Peterson is sent to an orbiting space station in the 22nd century to cover its routine operations. When an unmanned vessel, Alpha Two, goes off-course and its powerful photon generators threaten to overheat and destroy Earth, Peterson clashes with the station’s commander over protocol. Racing against time and dwindling life support, he must find a way to board the runaway ship, disable its engines, and return safely before catastrophe strikes.

Trivia:

• Originally released in Italy as Space-Men, the film was shot in just twenty days on a very limited budget.
• U.S. distribution came in December 1961 from American International Pictures as part of a triple bill alongside First Spaceship on Venus and The Mysterians.
• The film’s U.S. copyright was not renewed, placing it in the public domain.