Professor Manfeldt

Professor Georg Manfeldt is oneo the lead character in the 1929 science fiction film Woman in the Moon, or as it is called in native German; Frau im Mond. Professor Manfeldt is a astronomer who finds him self largely rediculed for his hypothisis that the moon may contain deposits of gold, and that a rocket would be able to reach the moon. Years after his redicule the Professor launched an unmanned rocket, H-32, to the moon. H-32 was equiped with audio, and visual devices in order to send information back to the professor's laboratory. After the sucess of it's mission, proving that a rocket would reach the moon, the professor recieved finances to construct a manned rocket. The professor, fiancier Helius, assistance Friede, and Windegger; along side an American who calls himself Walter Turner, prepare to take flight. Prior to this, Manfeldt was approached by foriegn buisnessmen who wanted to steal the rocket's designs. They threatened to destory the rocket if they where not given access to the mission, and research. Walter is on board to insure the professor doesn't withhold information, for Manfeldt agreed to the terms. Upon reaching the Moon the professor puts on a Standard Diving Suit, and exits the craft. Taking out a box of matches, he lights one, this demonstrates that the air has oxegen, and is thus, breathable. Taking off his suit in elated celebration the professor begins his exploration; with Turner following close behind. They enter a cave, littered with gold. Turner, and Manfeldt struggle, before the Professor falls to his death.

Trivia

 * The film was reduced from 200 minutes (a little over three hours) to a mere 95 minutes for American viewing, and thus, most of the character was reduced to mere representation of the scientific probablity of space travel. In fact, much of the actual drama is lost. German physicist Hermann Oberth played a major role as advisory to the production crew, and thus Manfeldt's theories are presented in theoretical science, with charts Oberth provided. His insight insured the films popularity with the scientific circle.