Most of you are probably familiar with the theatrical film "Capricorn One" in which NASA blackmails the astronauts of the first manned Mars mission into "faking" the flight when it becomes apparent that they will be unable to achieve it legitimately.
But there is a more obscure film, perhaps a TV-Movie, that involves a failed manned Mars mission.
The basic plot as I recall (very dim memories) is that the first astronaut to venture to Mars (solo) lands successfully, but shortly after he emerges from his landing craft, he collapses and dies. (I think the premise was some unforeseen component in the Martian atmosphere that compromised the integrity of his pressure suit.) The one clip I remember vividly is technicians watching a video transmission as he suddenly shows signs of distress, then collapses.
They then try to cover up the tragedy (which assumedly must NOT have been seen live by the TV viewing public) by recruiting a near-double for the dead astronaut who, after some plastic surgery, takes his place and triumphantly "returns" to Earth. But the deceased astronaut's wife quickly realizes that something is wrong. Her revelation may have taken place when the doppelganger attempts to make love to her (I seem to recall a bedroom scene with the two of them).
This vague memory has stuck in my head (and craw) for a long time (the film may date from as far back as the 70's). And I'm pretty sure it was a made-for-TV production. Does anyone recall this?
But there is a more obscure film, perhaps a TV-Movie, that involves a failed manned Mars mission.
The basic plot as I recall (very dim memories) is that the first astronaut to venture to Mars (solo) lands successfully, but shortly after he emerges from his landing craft, he collapses and dies. (I think the premise was some unforeseen component in the Martian atmosphere that compromised the integrity of his pressure suit.) The one clip I remember vividly is technicians watching a video transmission as he suddenly shows signs of distress, then collapses.
They then try to cover up the tragedy (which assumedly must NOT have been seen live by the TV viewing public) by recruiting a near-double for the dead astronaut who, after some plastic surgery, takes his place and triumphantly "returns" to Earth. But the deceased astronaut's wife quickly realizes that something is wrong. Her revelation may have taken place when the doppelganger attempts to make love to her (I seem to recall a bedroom scene with the two of them).
This vague memory has stuck in my head (and craw) for a long time (the film may date from as far back as the 70's). And I'm pretty sure it was a made-for-TV production. Does anyone recall this?
