Moscow-Cassiopeia
A Soviet space journey to Alpha Cassiopeia.
Moscow-Cassiopeia is a Soviet science fiction film directed by Richard Viktorov, based on a script by Isai Kuznetsov and Avenir Zak. The film was followed by a second part, Teens in the Universe, in 1975.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Richard Viktorov
- Writer
- Isai Kuznetsov; Avenir Zak
- Starring
- Innokenty Smoktunovsky
- Vasili Merkuryev
- Lev Durov
- Music
- Vladimir Chernyshev
- Cinematography
- Andrei Kirillov
- Editing
- Olga Katusheva
- Distributor
- Gorky Film Studio
- Released
- 1974
Facts from the source article.
Plot
In the opening scene, a man in a suit and tie, introducing himself as the Acting Officer of Special Responsibilities (A.O.O.), leans over a model of the Moon with the Sea of Moscow visible. Meanwhile, in an auditorium of young pioneers, Viktor Sereda presents a plan for a space journey to the star Alpha Cassiopeia aboard the spaceship Zarya, chosen because of mysterious signals from that sector. The academic commission is impressed but concerned about the 26-year travel time each way. Viktor suggests sending minors, who would still be in their forties upon arrival. He later receives an anonymous note asking, "Would you go on a lifelong journey?" signed, "I would go with him." After the presentation, pioneer Varvara Kuteyshchikova argues for preserving endangered species over seeking habitable planets, and Fedka Lobanov proposes a water-powered engine. Viktor tries to identify the note's sender without success. The next morning, Pasha Kozelkov hears on the radio that only those under 14 can apply for the crew. He and Viktor rush from Kaluga to Moscow but learn applications have closed. They approach academician Sergey Sergeevich Filatov, and the A.O.O. touches Viktor's shoulder to check his fitness. At the Academy of Sciences, Viktor's knowledge of antimatter impresses the academics, and he is invited to join discussions. The crew is assembled: three boys and three girls, including archaeologist Katya Panferova, who has feelings for Misha Kopanygin, a boy with a phenomenal memory. Filatov shows foreign journalists the Zarya, including its command section, common areas, bio-center, and a sense-catcher for alien communication. Fedka Lobanov sneaks aboard before departure. The young crew appears on the front page of Komsomolskaya Pravda and travels to Red Square to salute Lenin's Mausoleum. After launch, the crew discovers Lobanov as a stowaway. He is accidentally jettisoned into space but rescued. In the medical room, Lobanov activates systems that push Zarya to exceed the speed of light.
Filming
The original script was not divided into two films, but when the footage exceeded standard Soviet film timekeeping, permission from Goskino USSR allowed two films: Moscow—Cassiopeia and Teens in the Universe. This did not affect the filming schedule, so in the second film some characters appear younger than in the first. Cosmonaut Georgy Beregovoy served as consultant. Costumes were made of metallized nylon, boots had magnetic suction cups, and astronauts wore a sense collector on their chests for universal translation. The weightlessness scene was shot in four stages with design engineer Valery Pavlotos of the Yalta Film Studio; the actors' individual trajectories impressed the jury of the X UNIATEC International competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Moscow-Cassiopeia?
Moscow-Cassiopeia stars Innokenty Smoktunovsky, Vasili Merkuryev and Lev Durov.
When was Moscow-Cassiopeia released?
Moscow-Cassiopeia was released in 1974.
Who composed the music for Moscow-Cassiopeia?
The music for Moscow-Cassiopeia was composed by Vladimir Chernyshev.
How long is Moscow-Cassiopeia?
Moscow-Cassiopeia has a running time of 85 minutes.
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