The read
It runs a compact 1h 28m.
Synopsis
Melvin Byrd, who dreams of being a scientist, is a Cape Kennedy "miniscule molecular particle surveillance monitor" - in short, a janitor. His job is to keep a major rocket project completely dust-free, and this he does with his own hilariously fantastic inventions - including a literal attack on dirt by a "knight on a white horse". In his work, he meets Judy, a chimp involved in a top-secret project, which leads Melvin into the one room strictly off-limits to him. Not until he has entered the project room does Melvin learn that any man entering it will be negatively ionized - making him fly like a bird.
Ratings
IMDb4.6/10
6 audience votes
Key crew
- Andrew MartonDirector
- Samuel MatlovskyOriginal Music Composer
- Art ArthurScreenplay
- Arnie KogenScreenplay
Cast
- Soupy SalesMelvin Byrd
- Tab HunterLieutenant Porter
- Arthur O'ConnellProfessor Wald
- Edward AndrewsGeneral Smithburn
- Doris DowlingCongresswoman Clanger
- Beverly AdamsClaudine Wald
- Louis QuinnSergeant Skam
- Frank NastasiYellow Cab Driver
- Burt TaylorDevlin
- Courtney BrownArno
- Russell SaundersClurg
- Julian VoloshinProfessor Nep
Stills
Themes
space race