After being fueled by the efforts of many scientists, government officials, and astronauts, the space program reached its zenith when Neil Armstrong stepped from the lunar landing module in July 1969, becoming the first man to walk on the Moon. As this PBS-aired NOVA episode illustrates, Armstrong was the perfect candidate for the assignment. A product of middle America, Armstrong discovered a love for flying as a young man, acquiring his pilot's license before he learned how to drive. Armstrong had the ability to remain cool and calm under pressure, both as an ace fighter pilot during the Korean War, and later as a test pilot exploring the limits of new jets. Tapped by NASA, Armstrong displayed his mettle on the perilous 1966 Gemini 8 mission, improvising solutions when a problem developed during a space docking attempt. Along with Mike Collins and Buzz Aldrin, Armstrong was a member of the historic Apollo 11 crew to the Moon. Filmmakers Christopher Riley and Duncan Copp's First Man on the Moon details the intense public speculation on what Armstrong's first words would be after touching down on the Moon's "magnificent desolation" (now famous, the quote was “that's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind”). Back on Earth, Armstrong felt less well equipped to handle the scrutiny and demands of instant celebrity. Constant travel led to the end of his marriage, and in later years (according to some) he became a recluse. However, before his 2012 death, Armstrong spoke out against what he perceived to be the diminished role and wrong direction that America's space program was taking. Featuring remembrances and tributes from his first wife, fellow astronauts, and taped recollections from Armstrong himself, this biographical profile of a ‘60s icon is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)
First Man on the Moon
(2013) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62789-115-8. Volume 30, Issue 2
First Man on the Moon
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