Life Magazine sent a photographer to take pictures on the set of Destination Moon, the 1950 film that Robert Heinlein worked on. They include on-set clowning, like this lunar ballet, but also stunning props.

Around 200 of Allan Grant's Life Magazine images are online now at Google, and they show some of the wirework that went into the lunar exploration scenes. Plus you can see how the film used little people in astronaut outfits in the background, to create a greater sense of perspective. In addition to working on the film as screenwriter and technical consultant, Heinlein also published a "Destination Moon" novella around the same time.

Tons more photos at the link. [Beamjockey, via BoingBoing]