Destination Moon

Destination Moon is a George Pal movie from 1950. It was the first science fiction film to address the practical challenges of space flight. The US government space agency (NASA wasn't a thing until 1958) couldn't get the job done, so private industry was called in to fund and build a rocket to the moon. Along the way, astronauts had to complete a dangerous space walk. After visiting the moon, they find they don't have enough fuel to escape lunar gravity. Will someone have to be left behind? 

Destination Moon was a hit, making $5 million at the box office on a (enormous for its time) $500,000 budget. The film won an Academy Award for Best Special Effects and was nominated for Best Art Direction. It seems hopelessly dated now, but 76 years ago, it thrilled audiences. (Thanks, WTM!)