Four astronauts, Lex Barker, Skedge Miller, Robert Patten and Fred Stewart, are returning to Earth from a deep space mission. They were the first to land on Alpha Centuri. They discovered the remains of an advanced civilization. They gathered as much info as possible and blasted off back to Earth.
Two of the original six crew members had died on the planet. They were also the only ones not to have taken anti-radiation shots. Their deaths were put down to radiation poisoning.
Several days into the return journey, the crew discovers a "red dust" throughout the ship.
The flight surgeon, Stewart, begins a series of tests on the substance. He discovers that the "dust" is alive and growing more plentiful by the day.
He tells the crew that they are all infected with the virus. The anti-radiation shots are slowing the infection, but will not kill it. They cannot return to Earth and risk spreading the "dust".
Patten, loses his head and throws himself out the airlock.
Barker yanks a gun and says he is taking them back to Earth. He figures the science types back home can find a cure.
Stewart and Miller jump Barker and a general free for all happens. Barker and Miller are both killed in the exchange of fists and bullets.
Stewart waits till he can contact Earth by radio. He sends the government his reports on Alpha Centuri and the "red dust".
He then sets the ships motors to overload, and quietly waits for the explosion.
A pretty intense episode for 1952. (b/w)
Two of the original six crew members had died on the planet. They were also the only ones not to have taken anti-radiation shots. Their deaths were put down to radiation poisoning.
Several days into the return journey, the crew discovers a "red dust" throughout the ship.
The flight surgeon, Stewart, begins a series of tests on the substance. He discovers that the "dust" is alive and growing more plentiful by the day.
He tells the crew that they are all infected with the virus. The anti-radiation shots are slowing the infection, but will not kill it. They cannot return to Earth and risk spreading the "dust".
Patten, loses his head and throws himself out the airlock.
Barker yanks a gun and says he is taking them back to Earth. He figures the science types back home can find a cure.
Stewart and Miller jump Barker and a general free for all happens. Barker and Miller are both killed in the exchange of fists and bullets.
Stewart waits till he can contact Earth by radio. He sends the government his reports on Alpha Centuri and the "red dust".
He then sets the ships motors to overload, and quietly waits for the explosion.
A pretty intense episode for 1952. (b/w)
