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Apollo 13 Screenplay

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description Apollo 13 Screenplay Overview

Written by William Broyles Jr. and Al Reinert, Apollo 13 is a 1995 historical drama screenplay about NASA's 1970 lunar mission, which is aborted after an oxygen tank explosion damages the spacecraft. Astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert must work with mission control to survive and return to Earth using limited power, air, and navigation options. The screenplay draws on Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger's memoir Lost Moon and presents the crisis through both the crew's experience and NASA's ground response.

help Apollo 13 Screenplay FAQ

What mission does the Apollo 13 screenplay depict?

The screenplay follows the Apollo 13 lunar mission after an oxygen-tank explosion disables the spacecraft on its way to the Moon. Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise must work with Mission Control to return safely to Earth.

When did the real Apollo 13 mission take place?

Apollo 13 launched on April 11, 1970, and splashed down safely on April 17 after the crew abandoned the planned Moon landing. William Broyles Jr. and Al Reinert adapted the story from Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger's memoir Lost Moon.

Who plays Jim Lovell in Apollo 13?

Tom Hanks plays astronaut Jim Lovell in Ron Howard's 1995 film. The screenplay also gives major roles to Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert, Bill Paxton as Fred Haise, and Ed Harris as flight director Gene Kranz.

How does the Apollo 13 screenplay create suspense without a traditional villain?

The danger comes from failing systems, limited oxygen, power shortages, and the need to improvise with equipment already aboard the spacecraft. NASA's ground team and the astronauts must solve each problem under real mission deadlines rather than defeat a person or enemy.

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