What's different about DESTINATION MARS! than other spoofs of that era, is that this movie is written and acted seriously. No hamming it up, no cheap jokes, just real situations and characters that could have come out of any 1950s sci-fi film. That's what sets DESTINATION MARS apart from other flicks; this movie is played straight. That's why Leonard Maltin called it "…the best spoof ever done on the 1950s sci-fi genre."

Before I get to the plot I'll let you know that the initial budget for DESTINATION MARS! was between 4 and 5 thousand (that's right, about the cost of a Yugo). I (Tor) sold my car to pay for the movie. The full story behind the making of DESTINATION MARS! is on our info page.

Dr. Karnov, the creator of the Atmos 4X Vaporizer.

The plot for Destination Mars begins when the Martians learn that the humans have developed a weapon called an Atmos 4X Vaporizer that can destroy entire planets. A weapon that uses the sun's rays to propel the deathray into outer space. The idea was inspired from the best movie ever made: "Plan 9 From Outer Space." Remember the Solar Benite weapon that the Martian was describing? Something about cans of gasoline, the sun's rays, and a match. It somehow made a lot of sense to me so I came up with a deathray gun that uses the sun's rays. Anyway, the Martians decide to send a squadron of ships down to Earth to investigate the humans and their weapons. But as they try to communicate with the American military they're fired upon and forced to retreat; before they leave, however, they take a couple of humans with them for observation: a farmer and a police officer (they grabbed the farmer because he knows how to operate large machinery).

The American military fires upon the Martian ships

Subplot time for Destination Mars: the Martians remember that they had sent a squadron to Earth many years ago and actually communicated with a little boy. The little boy was sending signals to the Martian ships using a flashlight; he had learned how to do that by listening to Buck Ranger on the radio.

The Martians were in the middle of communicating with him when they are attacked by American tanks; A War of the Worlds (first version) scene begins when the ships use an invisible shield around themselves for protection. After a short battle the ships take off heading back to Mars. Years later the Martians remember that little boy and decide to communicate with him once again, since he's the only human who has ever welcomed them.

Bob and Sue meeting with the military

The little boy, Bob, is now grown up and living in the suburbs with his wife. The American military receives some signals from outer space which are translated; after translating the messages they learn that the Martians want to set up a meeting to talk with Bob. The military informs Bob and a meeting is set up…

Bob goes to meet with the Martians.

Bob heads over to a local field where the Martians are supposed to meet him. A large ship is waiting for him and soon two Martian women appear before him.

Two of the Martian women sent to meet with Bob

They begin talking about how they came to Earth in peace and that all they want is for the Americans to be careful with their new weapons. As Bob explains that Americans are friendly and will work in peace with the Martians, local cops begin firing upon the Martian spacecraft. A firefight ensues and it's all out war.

More squadrons of ships are sent to Earth and a massive battle begins.

More and more Martian ships are sent to Earth. Soon, entire cities are destroyed.

Thousands of Martian ships descend upon Earth.

It's about this time that the U.S. Government decides to use their Atmos 4X Vaporizer weapon to destroy Mars. Destination Mars!

Well, that's about all the information I can give out right now for Destination Mars. I don't want to spoil the ending for anybody. Let me just say that there has never been an ending similar to this one in the history of cinema. Guaranteed!

Check out our info page and our fun facts page to learn more. We've loaded up this movie with inside jokes and visual references to past films. You'll have a blast trying to spot all the 'extras' we've added. You'll also learn that Destination Mars! was originally a sequel to "Plan 9 From Outer Space."

That's it for now; I hope you can get your hands on a copy of DESTINATION MARS! sometime soon. The Destination Mars DVD has a mocumentary in the beginning which talks about the history of this movie and why it was shelved over 50 years ago (cough,cough...). If you like the movie let us know! We may end up putting your quote on our site.

Later,

Tor Lowry

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