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Documentary

First to the Moon (2018): Cast & Plot

First to the Moon (2018) movie poster

First to the Moon is a 2018 documentary directed by Paul Hildebrandt, starring Jim Lovell, Frank Borman and Bill Anders. It runs 2 hours 2 minutes.

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First to the Moon (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 2m (122 min)
Director
Paul Hildebrandt
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is First to the Moon About?

The premise of First to the Moon without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In 1968, as the world faced unrest, Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders embarked on a groundbreaking mission. This documentary explores their journey to become the first people to leave Earth and travel to the Moon. Through restored archival film and audio recordings, the astronauts recount their individual paths that led them to the same capsule, and share their experiences during this historic and daring voyage.

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Cast & crew

First to the Moon Cast

Jim Lovell leads the cast, with Frank Borman and Bill Anders. Directed by Paul Hildebrandt.

Plot

First to the Moon Plot Summary

What happens in First to the Moon from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Around 2000, a group of journalists digs into a highly secret document and uncovers a sensational claim: before the Second World War, in 1938, the Soviet Union allegedly built the first rocket and hatched a plan to send an orbiter to the Moon and back. The evidence feels convincing, suggesting that Soviet crewed lunar ambitions could have eclipsed the American race to the Moon. The film weaves together investigative grit with a chilling sense of historical what-ifs, painting a picture of a hidden chapter in space exploration that challenges widely held narratives.

Full summary

The whole story of First to the Moon, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

First to the Moon Trailers & Videos

The trailer of First to the Moon.

First to the Moon - Kickstarter Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know First to the Moon?

9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 9

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered

What year does the secret Soviet lunar program take place in the film?

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FAQ

First to the Moon FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of First to the Moon, each answered in a sentence.

How long is First to the Moon?

First to the Moon runs 2 hours 2 minutes (122 minutes).

When was First to the Moon released?

First to the Moon was released on November 30, 2018.

Who directed First to the Moon?

First to the Moon was directed by Paul Hildebrandt.

More films by Paul Hildebrandt

Who is in the cast of First to the Moon?

First to the Moon stars Jim Lovell, Frank Borman and Bill Anders.

Does First to the Moon have a post-credit scene?

No. First to the Moon has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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