Directed by Hollingsworth Morse, Crash of Moons is a 1954 sci-fi feature stitched together from three episodes of the syndicated TV series Rocky Jones, Space Ranger. Released for 16mm rental and later broadcast on television, the film is a prime example of mid-century space opera—complete with capes, rocketships, and interplanetary politics.
Plot Summary
Space Ranger Rocky Jones (Richard Crane) and his crew aboard the Orbit Jet discover that two inhabited moons—Posetta and Ophecius—are on a collision course. Rocky attempts to evacuate the population of Ophecius, but its proud ruler, Queen Cleolanta (Patsy Parsons), refuses to abandon her world. As the moons draw closer, Cleolanta’s resistance threatens the survival of her people. In a dramatic turn, her aide forcibly carries her aboard the Orbit Jet, and she watches in despair as her planet is destroyed. Ultimately, she reconciles with Rocky, realizing that “it is the people that make a nation, not the land itself”.
Cast Highlights
- Richard Crane as Rocky Jones
- Sally Mansfield as Vena Ray
- Scotty Beckett as Winky
- Patsy Parsons as Queen Cleolanta
- John Banner as Bavarro
- Nan Leslie, Harry Lauter, and Robert Lyden in supporting roles
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- The film is a compilation of episodes 21–23 from Rocky Jones, Space Ranger, edited into a 75-minute feature
- Unlike many TV shows of the era, Rocky Jones was filmed rather than broadcast live, allowing it to be preserved while others were lost
- The series was known for its serialized arcs, making it easy to repackage episodes into standalone movies like Crash of Moons, Manhunt in Space, and Menace from Outer Space
- The film was featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in Season 5, Episode 17, airing on November 28, 1992, where it gained cult status for its campy charm
Legacy
While scientifically inaccurate and modestly produced, Crash of Moons has endured thanks to its earnest storytelling and nostalgic appeal. It’s a time capsule of 1950s sci-fi optimism, where diplomacy and heroism still mattered—even in outer space.
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