1961's "X-15" was a sincere attempt to capture the space race in relation to the same theories espoused in George Pal's "Destination Moon," that American grit must triumph at all costs over the evil Soviets. Sincere does not also mean enjoyable, as this feature debut for director Richard Donner takes to the sky more than Christopher Reeve in "Superman," but otherwise remains grounded in dramatic cliches rehashed from Ivan Tors' "Riders to the Stars." Screenwriter Tony Lazzarino, a former Air Force radio operator, had shopped around an idea for a picture about NASA's Bell X-2 since 1958 before the flashier, rocket powered X-15 was chosen, first Bob Hope then Frank Sinatra giving the green light for United Artists, even allowing a brigadier general in the Air Force reserves the role of uncredited narrator to open and close the film, actor James Stewart. The flight details are accurately portrayed in the clouds while we listen to James Gregory's operations chief pontificate on the ground as to their various setbacks being reported by the sensational press, shooting at California's Edwards Air Base with its expansive, empty riverbeds. These gallant pilots don't have much time for the women in their lives, an early role for Mary Tyler Moore as David McLean's fiancee (they never wed), and a genuine starring turn from Charles Bronson, whose aviator is the only one who fails to make it to the end. Robert Mitchum and Jeffrey Hunter were originally announced before falling out, as well as director John Sturges, the title changed from EXIT, BEYOND THE UNKNOWN, and TIME OF DEPARTURE. What it lacks is an actual story to tie these events together, aeronautics experts just about the only species on two legs who will enjoy this trip down memory lane, 8 years before the moon landing that will be documented by "Footprints on the Moon: Apollo 11." Bronson had been a USAAF aerial gunner during the war, and James Stewart was over 30 when he enlisted in 1941, a strong family background in the military dating back to the Civil War, both do what they can here but are let down by a stodgy script.
Review of X-15
