Assignment Outer Space

A 1960 Italian science fiction film directed by Antonio Margheriti (credited as Anthony Dawson), originally titled Space Men. In the 22nd century, reporter Ray Peterson (Rik Van Nutter) is assigned to cover events aboard an orbiting space station. When a malfunctioning spaceship controlled by a deranged electronic brain threatens to destroy Earth with its photon generators, Peterson joins a desperate mission to intercept it. Considered by many to be the best science fiction film from director Margheriti, distinguished by its almost-plausible plot and impressive special effects. Released in the U.S. as a double feature with The Phantom Planet (1961).