Conquest of Space

Conquest of Space

Year: 1955

Runtime: 81 mins

Language: English

Director: Byron Haskin

Science FictionMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseImaginative space odysseys and alien encountersAction-packed space and alien sagasHumanity's odyssey: earth and beyond

Watch humanity's bold step toward the Red Planet as a crew of American astronauts departs from their orbital space station on the inaugural mission to Mars. Tensions rise when the commander’s deeply held religious convictions clash with the mission’s scientific objectives, threatening the crew’s unity and the success of the historic voyage.

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Timeline & Setting – Conquest of Space (1955)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Conquest of Space (1955). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Near future

The events unfold in a near-future era when orbital bases are routine and interplanetary travel is feasible. The mission exposes how advanced technology can exacerbate human frailty, testing leadership, loyalty, and faith. The setting emphasizes the contrast between a hopeful space-age dream and the fragile human psyche.

Location

Earth orbit (Wheel space station), Mars

The Wheel space station orbits Earth at about 1,075 miles (1,730 km) above the planet, serving as humankind's hub for orbital operations and the staging ground for the Mars expedition. It houses the mission’s command crew and supports long-term life in microgravity. The station's high-tech corridors embody 1950s futurism and the early optimism of space exploration.

🚀 Orbital station 🪐 Mars mission 🌌 Space exploration

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:03

Main Characters – Conquest of Space (1955)

Meet the key characters of Conquest of Space (1955), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gen. Samuel T. Merritt (Walter Brooke)

An experienced commander whose space fatigue begins to impair judgment. He is a principled, devout man who sees the mission through a strict moral lens. As the voyage unfolds, his fatigue deepens into doubt and fatal decisions. He dies in a confrontation with his son, a culmination of his quest to protect the mission, reinforcing the theme of sacrifice.

🧭 Leadership 🙏 Faith 🎖️ Duty

Capt. Barney Merritt (Eric Fleming)

Son of General Merritt and a capable officer. He volunteers to serve as second in command and eventually leads the Mars expedition after his father's death. He demonstrates decisive leadership under pressure and guides the crew toward a risky but necessary return to space.

🧭 Leadership 🎖️ Courage 🪐 Space exploration

Sgt. Mahoney (Mickey Shaughnessy)

A loyal, pragmatic crewman who values discipline and the mission above personal risk. He volunteers early on and supports the chain of command, but tensions rise when the possibility of a court-martial for Merritt's death is discussed. In the end, he chooses restraint to protect the crew's unity.

🧭 Loyalty 🎖️ Duty 🛡️ Protection

Andre Fodor ( Ross Martin)

A member of the crew whose life ends when a planetoid debris punctures his spacesuit. His death serves as a grim catalyst for the themes of fate, judgment, and sacrifice that permeate the mission. His loss deeply influences the remaining crew's decisions and morale.

💀 Death 🛰️ Space 🧭 Duty

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:03

Major Themes – Conquest of Space (1955)

Explore the central themes of Conquest of Space (1955), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Duty

Command responsibility weighs heavily on General Merritt as his growing space fatigue clouds judgment. He clings to a strict sense of duty, often interpreting events through a military lens. Sgt. Mahoney's willingness to volunteer and follow orders contrasts with the general's wavering resolve, highlighting the tension between authority and morale. The mission's fate rests on decisions made under pressure, including the line between sacrifice and obsession.

🙏 Faith

Merritt's religious preoccupations sharpen as the mission progresses, with Bible readings and a belief that events reflect divine judgment. The line between faith and practicality blurs as the crew grapples with what they are asked to risk for a distant goal. This theme explores how belief can both steady and destabilize a leader during extreme isolation. The story ultimately frames faith as a source of both strength and tragedy.

🪐 Survival

Mars presents a brutal test of survival: limited water, a treacherous landing, and a hostile landscape that forces the crew to improvise. The revelation of sabotage adds a human threat to the alien environment, amplifying fear and resolve. Barney's leadership, aided by Mahoney, enables a precarious return to space, underscoring sacrifice and resilience. The Martian ordeal exposes the fragility of life in the void and the endurance of those who endure it.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:03

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Conquest of Space Summary

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Conquest of Space Summary

Conquest of Space Timeline

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Conquest of Space Timeline

More About Conquest of Space

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