1960 film by J. Lee Thompson
I Aim at the Stars is a 1960 biographical film which tells the story of the life of Wernher von Braun. The film covers his life from his early days in Germany, through Peenemünde, until his work with the U.S. Army, NASA, and the American space program.[2][3]
The film stars Curt Jürgens, Victoria Shaw, Herbert Lom, Gia Scala, and James Daly.[4]
The film was written by Jay Dratler based on a story by George Froeschel, H. W. John, and Udo Wolter.[5] It was directed by J. Lee Thompson.[6]
It was shot at the Bavaria Studios in Munich, with sets designed by the art director Hans Berthel.
The film was premiered in Munich on 19 August 1960; it subsequently opened in New York City and Los Angeles on 19 October and London on 24 November.[7] In Germany the film was titled Ich greife nach den Sternen ("I Reach for the Stars"). In Italy the film was released as Alla Conquista dell' Infinito.
Satirist Mort Sahl and others are often credited with suggesting the subtitle "(But Sometimes I Hit London)",[8] but in fact the line appears in the film itself, spoken by actor James Daly, who plays the cynical American press officer.
Dell published a comic book adaptation of the film with art by Jack Sparling as Four Color #1148 (October 1960).[9]
Plot
The plot centers around von Braun's journey from his early days in Nazi Germany to his later work with the American space program. The film begins in the 1930s, with von Braun as a young engineer intrigued by the possibility of space travel. Despite the moral quandaries, he eventually joins the Nazi's V-2 rocket program during World War II to further his ambitions in rocket science. The film carefully depicts his efforts to reconcile his love for scientific exploration with the knowledge that his work is being used for destructive purposes.
After the war, von Braun and his team are captured by American forces and taken to the United States as part of Operation Paperclip. The film transitions to his life in America, focusing on his work in developing rockets for NASA, his contributions to launching the first American satellite, and his pivotal role in the Apollo Moon missions.
"I Aim at the Stars" wrestles with the ethical complexities of scientific progress and the personal life of von Braun. It highlights the disquieting paradox of a man who aimed for the stars but whose inventions caused immense destruction on Earth. The film takes its title from von Braun's own philosophy: "We aim at the stars, but sometimes we hit London," underscoring the dichotomy of his life's work.
Production
Filming started in Munich in October 1959. Thompson said shortly before filming that "Many Britons feel Von Braun should have stood trial as a war criminal and no sooner did I sign to direct the biopic when a sizable section of the press advised, 'This motion picture should not be made.'"[verify] He added that "The U-S ... didn't hesitate a moment when Von Braun surrendered. They put him to work. Can rejection of a great brain be justified? Current examples of this dilemma are not wanting. And though I oppose rejection, in 'Stars' we will let the public decide for itself."[10]
The film's release was delayed in Britain due to controversy over what was considered an overly-sympathetic depiction of Von Braun. Thompson argued the film "doesn't whitewash Van Braun" saying "we set out to present an honest study of a man's mind and life and that's what we have done. He's neither a hero nor a villain, neither all black or all white. He's simply a man of our times. To me the real villains are power politicians." Thompson said von Braun "wasn't entirely pleased" about the movie and did not know why the scientist let them make the movie. Thompson said he and von Braun "disliked each other on sight. And though I came to admire certain qualities in him – his dedication, for example – I can't help wondering what some of these scientists have in place of a heart."[1]
