The Moonraker 1958
Set against the fiery backdrop of post-Civil War England, *The Moonraker (1958)* follows the daring exploits of the Earl of Dawlish, a cunning Royalist sympathizer who risks everything to help the future King Charles II escape Cromwell's forces.
Director: David MacDonald
Cast
George Baker
Anthony, Earl of Dawlish/The Moonraker
Sylvia Syms
Anne Wyndham
Marius Goring
Colonel John Beaumont
Peter Arne
Major Gregg/Edmund Tyler
Clive Morton
Lord Harcourt
Gary Raymond
Charles Stuart
Richard Leech
Henry Strangeways
Iris Russell
Judith Strangeways
Michael Anderson Jr.
Martin Strangeways
Paul Whitsun-Jones
Parfitt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Moonraker (1958) about?
*The Moonraker* is a historical drama set in 1651 England, where Royalist loyalist the Earl of Dawlish risks his life to smuggle the future King Charles II to safety after the Battle of Worcester. His mission hinges on a network of secret allies, including Anne Wyndham, whose divided loyalties complicate the escape.
Who directed The Moonraker?
The Moonraker was directed by David MacDonald, a British filmmaker known for his wartime and adventure films in the 1950s and 1960s.
Who stars in The Moonraker?
The film stars George Baker as the Earl of Dawless, Sylvia Syms as Anne Wyndham, Marius Goring, Peter Arne, and Clive Morton in pivotal roles.
Is The Moonraker (1958) worth watching?
While not as widely known as some historical epics, *The Moonraker* offers a tight, suspenseful 82-minute narrative driven by strong performances and an authentic backdrop. Its blend of action and historical drama makes it a compelling pick for fans of period thrillers, even if it leans more dramatic than blockbuster-sized.
How long is The Moonraker?
The Moonraker has a runtime of 82 minutes.
About The Moonraker (1958) — Earl of Dawlish's perilous Royalist escape from Cromwell's forces
Set against the fiery backdrop of post-Civil War England, *The Moonraker (1958)* follows the daring exploits of the Earl of Dawlish, a cunning Royalist sympathizer who risks everything to help the future King Charles II escape Cromwell's forces. Directed by David MacDonald, this wartime drama blends action and intrigue as Dawlish—codenamed the Moonraker—orchestrates secret escapes through a network of loyalists, including Anne Wyndham, the fiancée of a high-ranking Roundhead officer. With its tense cat-and-mouse atmosphere and moral clashes between duty and defiance, the film captures the perilous spirit of resistance during one of Britain's most turbulent eras.
Starring George Baker as the indefatigable Earl of Dawless and Sylvia Syms as Anne Wyndham, *The Moonraker* delivers a compact yet gripping narrative of loyalty and subterfuge. MacDonald's direction infuses the 82-minute runtime with urgency, balancing dramatic confrontations with quiet moments of tension. Fans of historical adventure films will appreciate its blend of espionage, wartime stakes, and the high personal cost of rebellion.
