Space Master X 7

Space Master X7 is a 1958 science fiction movie directed by Edward Bernds, starring Robert Ellis and Bill Williams.

After making several Westerns for Regal Films, director Ed Bernds and producer Bernard Glasser thought they would make a science fiction film. Glasser recalled that the film was budgeted at 125,000 with 25,000 going to the screenwriters. Director Bernds rewrote the script without credit as the original script was meant as a large budget film with a longer running time. The film was rushed into production to take advantage of the Explorer space launch. Publicity head of Regal Marty Weiser recommended they change the title from Missile into Space to the more exciting sounding Space Master X7.Moe Howard who had worked with Bernds on his Three Stooges shorts asked if the production crew had a position for his son in law Norman Maurer who would work for no salary in exchange for learning about the film industry. Maurer designed the special effects of the space fungus for 1000. Glasser was so impressed he recommended Maurer to producer Sidney Pink for his The Angry Red Planet science fiction film. ........

Source: Wikipedia