Hello, and welcome to My Journey into Science-Fiction Part One. Commando Cody and the Radar Men from the Moon is a 12-episode TV serial from 1952. I started this site for a couple of reasons, and one is to learn more about my love for science-fiction. My interest in this film came about when I found an image of Commando Cody, and it looked so fantastic, that I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to learn more about it. My journey is simple, just find one connection between this and the next movie I visit. I don’t know where it will lead me, but I cannot wait to find out.
As we begin each twenty minute episode of Commando Cody, we are introduced to the story by a crawl which is familiar in popular culture. I think the whole series is about two hours long, but it went by so quickly that I didn’t even notice. The government has discovered that the radar men from the Moon could be about to invade Earth. They recruit Commando Cody and his finely dressed crew to help find out some more information, and finally wipe out the threat. There are many reasons that I am glad that I watched this show, and I will discuss some of those now. The music in these early black and white television shows is quite beautiful. Next up, the design and special effects used in the show are exquisite, and it has an art-deco aesthetic which pops on screen. The Actors are very smart, they look special, representing the film noir look which was quite popular at the time. The visual effects could be counted as primitive today, but I love the spaceships, ray guns and the set designs.
If you have watched the Star Wars prequels, you will find the DNA of Commando Cody all over them, starting with a beloved clone. I can see how this series inspired a young George Lucas to make movies. I also love that it also inspired some of the writers on Star Trek Voyager. Don’t forget, this was before we went to the Moon, and I cant imagine how exciting it would have been to watch a story set around that natural satellite. So, is Commando Cody worth your time? The story was a little repetitive, and you are going to have to put yourself in that timeline, and try to use your imagination a lot more, which is always a good thing for me. If you like looking at early visual effects and cool costumes, then yes it is worth it. watching Commando Cody fly is a joy to watch, and when he takes off, I’m sure you can see superman stealing some visual style from him. There are also some great comedy moments in this series. One of the funniest moments happens when Commando Cody’s jet-pack is damaged during mid-flight, leaving him to land in a bush. The whole two hours is worth it just for that alone. If you are looking for some lighthearted charming science-fiction, then this is for you. There is also a follow-up series called, Zombies from the Stratosphere, which I will be watching on that rainy day when I just want to cheer myself up.
So, where to next in My Journey into Science-Fiction part 2? Commando Cody has been referenced in many stories over the years. However, it’s no surprise that The Rocketeer, 1991 took inspiration from the series. The Rocketeer was directed by Joe Johnson, and stars Billy Campbell and Jennifer Connelly. I cant wait to revisit the film, and I hope you can join me next time.
Thank you for visiting today, it really is appreciated. if you enjoyed this review, please leave me a like or comment below. Also, if you would like to follow my journey on this site, please subscribe and say hi.
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Perhaps One Did Not Want To Be Loved So Much As To Be Understood. 