Stowaway to the Moon

Stowaway to the Moon

Year: 1975

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Andrew V. McLaglen

Science FictionFamily

E.J. Mackernutt, Jr., an 11‑year‑old space fan, sneaks onto a NASA launch pad at Cape Kennedy and hides on a lunar‑bound spacecraft. Discovered, NASA aborts, but the boy and the crew persuade officials to continue. When an astronaut falls ill and two are stranded on the Moon, E.J. remotely pilots the capsule and rescues the mission.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Stowaway to the Moon (1975)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Stowaway to the Moon (1975). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s

Set during the height of the Space Race, the 1960s era is defined by rapid technological strides and intense public interest in space exploration. NASA’s Apollo program frames the plot, culminating in a Moon landing that captures national imagination. The period combines youthful ambition with formal spaceflight procedures, creating a tense but hopeful atmosphere.

Location

Titusville, Florida, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, Moon (Rupes Altai region)

The action centers around Kennedy Space Center near Titusville, Florida, the gateway to Apollo-era spaceflight. The mission’s lunar encounter places the story in the Rupes Altai region of the Moon, giving it a dramatic lunar setting. The Florida launch complex provides a real-world backdrop that contrasts with the film’s voyage to the Moon. Together, these locations fuse local pride with humanity’s reach for the stars.

🚀 Space launch site 🗺️ Floridian locale 🛰️ Aerospace heritage

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:15

Main Characters – Stowaway to the Moon (1975)

Meet the key characters of Stowaway to the Moon (1975), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eli 'E.J.' Mackernutt Jr. (Michael Link)

E.J. is an 11-year-old space-obsessed boy who secretly boards the Kennedy Space Center and hides aboard the Camelot during launch. His determination and ingenuity push the mission forward, and he assists the crew during crises while sustaining hope under extreme danger.

🚀 Determination 🧒 Young Protagonist 🧰 Resourcefulness

Joey Williams (Stephen Rogers)

Joey is E.J.'s best friend who shares the dream of space and helps fund their plan by working for Jacob Avril. His loyalty and teamwork underpin the boys’ daring adventure and keep the stunt from unraveling.

🎯 Friendship 💡 Inventiveness 🧭 Adventurous

Jacob Avril (John Carradine)

Jacob Avril is a property owner whose proximity to the Space Center enables the boys’ scheme. He becomes a pivotal adult presence connected to the kids’ plan and the community’s involvement in their dream.

🏞️ Proximity to Space Center 👨‍💼 Community figure 🤝 Supportive

Ben Pelham (Jim McMullan)

Ben Pelham is the command module pilot whose health deteriorates in space. His vulnerability frames the crisis, giving E.J. a chance to prove his value in the crew’s survival and mission success.

🧪 Human vulnerability 🧭 Leadership 🚨 Crisis management

Captain Rick Lawrence (Jeremy Slate)

Rick Lawrence is the mission commander who balances authority with compassion. He acknowledges E.J.'s impact on the mission and ultimately supports the decision to continue the Moon landing.

🛰️ Leadership 🧭 Courage 🤝 Teamwork

Dave Anderson (Morgan Paull)

Dave Anderson is the lunar module pilot who coordinates with Lawrence to land on the Moon and manage the return. He relies on quick thinking and the crew’s collaboration, often aided by E.J.'s presence during emergencies.

🚀 Astronaut 🧭 Precision 🧰 Collaboration

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:15

Major Themes – Stowaway to the Moon (1975)

Explore the central themes of Stowaway to the Moon (1975), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🚀 Space Dream

A young boy’s dream of space travel drives the plot and catalyzes a lunar mission. His curiosity connects the public to the mission, influencing decisions and keeping the crew motivated. The story frames space exploration as a bold, almost magical pursuit that transcends ordinary life.

🧭 Duty and Courage

The crew must balance professional duty with personal risk when a stowaway disrupts plans. Leadership is tested as improvisation and teamwork become essential to protect the boy and complete the mission. Courage emerges from steadiness under pressure and the willingness to do whatever it takes to bring everyone home.

❤️ Family & Hope

Family ties ground the narrative, with parents racing to the Space Center and a child’s dream driving a nation’s response. The astronauts’ commitment to returning safely highlights sacrifice for the greater good. The conclusion reinforces hope and the everyday magic of Earth viewed from space.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:15

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Stowaway to the Moon Summary

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Stowaway to the Moon Summary

Stowaway to the Moon Timeline

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Stowaway to the Moon Timeline

More About Stowaway to the Moon

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Stowaway to the Moon (1975) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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