Watch Project Moonbase - The 1953 SCI-FI Schlocker!

Project Moonbase is a 1953 sci-fi film directed by Richard Talmadge and written by Robert A. Heinlein. It's a low budget, black and white film that is often referred to as a schlocker, but it still manages to capture the futuristic optimism and spirit of the times. The plot of the film revolves around a mission to establish a permanent human presence on the moon. It's the year 1970 and the United States has built a space station orbiting the Earth. The station is commanded by Colonel Briteis (Donna Martell), a brilliant and strong-willed astronaut who is determined to make the mission to the moon a success.

The team of astronauts also includes Major Moore (Ross Ford), a hotshot pilot who is initially skeptical of Briteis' leadership, and Dr. Wernher (Hayden Rorke), a German scientist who is responsible for the technical aspects of the mission.

Once the team reaches the moon, they encounter a series of unexpected challenges. They discover that the moon is already inhabited by a group of humanoid aliens who have been observing Earth for decades. The aliens are impressed by Briteis' leadership and intelligence and invite her to their secret city on the dark side of the moon. There, they reveal their plans to launch an invasion of Earth and ask Briteis to become their queen.

Briteis is conflicted by the offer and struggles to find a way to stop the invasion. Meanwhile, back on Earth, politicians and military leaders see the moon mission as an opportunity to gain control of peaceful space exploration and weaponize it for their own purposes.

The film's special effects are limited, but still impressive for the time period. One standout moment is a zero gravity fight sequence that was accomplished by filming the actors on harnesses against a backdrop of the moon's surface. The film also features a surprisingly feminist message, as Briteis is portrayed as a capable leader who is equal to, if not better than, her male counterparts.

Overall, Project Moonbase is a charming relic of 1950s sci-fi cinema. It's a film that manages to capture the sense of wonder and excitement that accompanied the early days of the space race, while also presenting some interesting ideas about humanity's place in the universe.