I Aim at the Stars

I Aim at the Stars is a 1960 biographical film which tells the story of the life of Wernher von Braun.  The film covers his life from his early days in Germany, through Peenemünde, until his work with the U.S. Army, NASA, and the American space program. 

The film stars Curt Jürgens, Victoria Shaw, Herbert Lom, Gia Scala, and James Daly. 

The movie was written by Jay Dratler based on a story by George Froeschel, H. W. John, and Udo Wolter.  It was directed by J. Lee Thompson. 

It was shot at the Bavaria Studios in Munich, with sets designed by the art director Hans Berthel. 

The film was premiered in Munich on 19 August 1960; it subsequently opened in New York City and Los Angeles on 19 October and London on 24 November.  In Germany the film was titled Ich greife nach den Sternen ("I Reach for the Stars").  In Italy the film was released as Alla Conquista dell' Infinito. 

Satirist Mort Sahl and others are often credited with suggesting the subtitle "(But Sometimes I Hit London)", but in fact the line appears in the film itself, spoken by actor James Daly, who plays the cynical American press officer. 

Dell published a comic book adaptation of the film with art by Jack Sparling as Four Color #1148 (Oct. 1960). 

Cast
 Curd Jürgens as Wernher von Braun 
 Victoria Shaw as Maria von Braun 
 Herbert Lom as Anton Reger 
 Gia Scala as Elizabeth Beyer 
 James Daly as U.S. Major William Taggert 
 Adrian Hoven as Mischke 
 Gerard Heinz as Professor Oberth 
 Karel Stepanek  as Captain Dornberger 
 Peter Capell as Dr. Neumann 
 Hayden Rorke as U.S. Army Major 
 Austin Willis as U.S. General John B. Medaris 
 Alan Gifford as U.S. Army Colonel 
 Helmo Kindermann  as General Kulp 
 Lea Seidl as Baroness von Braun 
 John Crawford as Dr. Bosco - White Sands, New Mexico

See also
 List of American films of 1960

References

External links

 

Category:1960 films
Category:1960s biographical drama films
Category:American biographical drama films
Category:American black-and-white films
Category:American films
Category:Columbia Pictures films
Category:English-language films
Category:Films about Nazi Germany
Category:Films about space programs
Category:Films adapted into comics
Category:Films directed by J. Lee Thompson
Category:Films scored by Laurie Johnson
Category:Films shot in Germany
Category:Cultural depictions of Wernher von Braun
Category:Films shot at Bavaria Studios