The Astronaut

The Astronaut

NR 1972 · 73 min · ★ 5.9 · Drama, TV Movie, Science Fiction

An elaborate deception emerges when an American astronaut is lost on a mission to Mars. Space agency officials fearful of losing public support and government funding decide to cover up the accident by employing an exact double for the lost astronaut. The ruse begins to unravel when the wife of the lost astronaut realizes she is living with a different man. Although angered by the deception, the woman has fallen in love with the replacement and plans to keep the secret. They both have a change of heart and decide to reveal the secret when they discover a new Mars mission is underway.

Directed by Robert Michael Lewis · Written by Charles Kuenstle

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Cast

Jackie Cooper Kurt Anderson
Monte Markham Eddie Reese / Col. Brice Randolph
Richard Anderson Dr. Wylie
Robert Lansing John Phillips
Susan Clark Gail Randolph
John Lupton Don Masters
Walter Brooke Tom Everett
James B. Sikking Astronaut Higgins
Paul Kent Carl Samuels
Loretta Leversee Toni Scott
Ray Dimas Freddie
Patsy Garrett Boy's Mother

Make it a double feature

2h 27m together

The Astronaut

Message to My Daughter

Both from Robert Michael Lewis.

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