TMR:

Directed by: Robert Parrish Written by: Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson Starring:Roy Thinnes, Ian Hendry, Patrick Wymark, Lynn Loring, Loni von Friedl, Franco De Rosa

Doppelgänger

I finally saw this again after a hiatus of a few decades. The first thing I noticed when returning to this science-fiction gem was the story. A little odd to be sure but what can you say about a film produced in 1969.

The plot revolves around the discovery of a planet on the other side of the sun which shares the same orbit as Earth. This odd orbit has left the twin planet undiscovered until a space probe photographs it. The government sends two astronauts (Roy Thinnes, Ian Hendry) to explore it but due to a malfunction they crash and find themselves back on earth only 3 weeks into their six week journey. When the astronauts arrive on Earth early they discover that some things seem out of place.

It has to be said that Journey to the Far Side of the Sun is a bit talky and flawed at times. Some plots are introduced and never fully explored, this leaves the view hanging with no real explanation. (though you have to be listening closely to really grab on to the disjointed plot holes.) The special effects boarder on the spectacular to the the mundane throughout the production. You will notice the style and quality of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson if your a fan of their work. (the team behind Space: 1999, UFO, Thunderbirds, Fireball XL-5 and others.)

It is a good old film worthy of your time. There are flaws, the science is questionable and the direction is questionable. Nevertheless, even with these flaws, the story is well told and played out. The view will be touched with visions of nostalgia for the good old science fiction of the day. The sets, costumes and visual effects are worth a few giggles, they are great examples of the era. It will get you past some of the tedious dialog.