The Astronaut (1972)
1h 13m
Running Time
January 8, 1972Release Date
The Astronaut (1972)
1h 13m
Running Time
January 8, 1972Release Date
Network & Production Companies
Plot.
An elaborate deception emerges when an American astronaut is lost on a mission to Mars. Space agency officials fearful of losing public support and government funding decide to cover up the accident by employing an exact double for the lost astronaut. The ruse begins to unravel when the wife of the lost astronaut realizes she is living with a different man. Although angered by the deception, the woman has fallen in love with the replacement and plans to keep the secret. They both have a change of heart and decide to reveal the secret when they discover a new Mars mission is underway.
Where to Watch.
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This Movie Is About.
Cast & Crew.
Jackie Cooper
Kurt Anderson
Monte Markham
Eddie Reese / Col. Brice Randolph
Richard Anderson
Dr. Wylie
Robert Lansing
John Phillips
Susan Clark
Gail Randolph
John Lupton
Don Masters
Robert Michael Lewis
Director
Gerald Di Pego
Writer
Walter Brooke
Tom Everett
James B. Sikking
Astronaut Higgins
Charles Kuenstle
Writer
Paul Kent
Carl Samuels
Robert Biheller
Writer
Loretta Leversee
Toni Scott
Harve Bennett
Producer
Ray Dimas
Freddie
Media.
Details.
Release DateJanuary 8, 1972
StatusReleased
Running Time1h 13m
Content RatingNR
Genres
Wiki.
The Astronaut is a 1972 American made-for-television science fiction film directed by Robert Michael Lewis and starring Jackie Cooper and Monte Markham. This made-for-television film follows a man who has been hired to impersonate an astronaut who died during the first crewed mission to Mars. The movie was made for ABC for its movie of the week franchise. Real-life astronaut Wally Schirra appears in a cameo role as himself.