Review of X-15 (1961) by Johnnylee T — 02 May 2016

I watched this in the cinema when I was 12. Fifty-four years later, I sat through it again. Why? Nostalgia only. "Beautiful aircraft" is the only positive thing I can write about it. Far too long at 1 hr 45 mins. Better to watch a documentary on it. Often, this comes across as a doco. anyhow. Listen to the James Stewart narration, the press conferences, the control room dialogue. Even when one of the wives is told of her husband's death, it is explained in technical terms! As well as the ludicrous lines about I'd give you a hug (to comfort her) except that it's too soon - or something as cold. Those wives are the closest thing to Stepford wives you'll see! If this served as some sort of NASA propaganda at the time then it fails.

Choicest role goes to none of the adults but to the young son played by Stanley Livingstone - later one of My Three Sons on TV. At least he gets to show some genuine emotion.

I have to admire my 12 year old self sitting through this - I mustn't have been able to leave!

Interesting fact: The lead actor David McLean, according to Wikipedia, is the famous Marlboro Man who later died of lung cancer.