Saw this at time of its release and sat through it again for nostalgia only. "Beautiful aircraft" is the only positive thing I can write about it. At 1 hr 45 mins it's far too long. Better to watch a documentary. Often this comes across as a doco anyhow. Listen to the James Stewart narration, the press conferences, the control room dialogue. Even when one of the wives is told of her husband's death, it is explained in technical terms! As well as the ludicrous lines about I'd give you a hug (to comfort her) except that it's too soon - or something as cold. Those wives are the closest thing to Stepford wives you'll see. If this served as some sort of NASA propaganda at the time then it fails. Choicest role goes not to any of the adults but to the young son played by Stanley Livingstone, later one of My Three Sons on TV. At least he gets to show some genuine emotion. Trivia: lead actor David McLean is the famous Marlboro Man who later died of lung cancer (according to Wikipedia).
Review of X-15
