The Lost Missile

An unknown missile-like object appears in space when a European nation fires a rocket to intercept it. Although the intercept destroys the object, the explosion diverts it into an orbit around Earth. The object's heat from its engine causes widespread devastation on land below.

At Havenbrook Atomic Laboratory near New York City, Dr. David Loring and his assistant Joan Woods are preparing for their wedding later that day. David's intense work on a hydrogen warhead for the Jove rocket strains their relationship and time together.

Joan confronts David about his obsession with work, accusing him of prioritizing his research over their relationship. The argument leads to the cancellation of the wedding and heightens personal tensions amidst the looming crisis.

A radar station on the DEW Line picks up the missile's approach toward North America. The warning triggers a full-scale emergency response as defense forces scramble to assess the threat.

A patrol jet attempts to intercept the missile but is destroyed by the intense heat of its drive. The pilot manages to photograph the object and transmit the image to Continental Air Defense Command (Conad).

Jets from the Royal Canadian Air Force scramble to intercept the missile, but they are unable to shoot it down and are destroyed in the attempt. The threat continues to loom over North America.

With the missile projected to fly over New York, U.S. authorities order full mobilization and civil defense measures. New York and Ottawa prepare for the imminent passage of the threat.

David realizes he can use the Jove rocket to penetrate the missile's extreme heat and destroy it, employing the plutonium core as the warhead trigger. He works feverishly to prepare the core for a daring inside-out attack.

A group of thugs steals the jeep carrying the plutonium core as Havenbrook evacuates. David and Joan chase after them, only to discover the vehicle abandoned and the men dead from radiation poisoning after opening the lead-lined box.

Realizing exposure is fatal, David takes the box and drives the core toward the waiting rocket, loading it into the warhead before dying. His sacrifice sets the stage for a last-ditch attempt to avert catastrophe.

The Jove rocket launches, delivering the plutonium core into the weapon and intercepting the incoming missile over Lake Champlain. The explosion neutralizes the threat and destroys the target.

In the final scenes, New York City shows scenes of revival and relief as the danger has passed. A movie marquee advertising 1951's Two Tickets to Broadway underscores the era's cultural memory.