The film covers his life from his early days in Germany, through Peenemünde, until his work with the U.S. Army, NASA, and the American space program.

[2][3] The film stars Curt Jürgens, Victoria Shaw, Herbert Lom, Gia Scala, and James Daly,[4] and was written by Jay Dratler based on a story by George Froeschel, H. W. John, and Udo Wolter.

Satirist Mort Sahl and others are often credited with suggesting the subtitle "(But Sometimes I Hit London)",[8] but in fact the line appears in the film itself, spoken by actor James Daly, who plays the cynical American press officer.

The film transitions to his life in America, focusing on his work in developing rockets for NASA, his contributions to launching the first American satellite, and his pivotal role in the Apollo Moon missions.

The film takes its title from von Braun's own philosophy: "We aim at the stars, but sometimes we hit London," underscoring the dichotomy of his life's work.

Thompson said shortly before filming that "Many Britons feel Von Braun should have stood trial as a war criminal and no sooner did I sign to direct the biopic when a sizable section of the press advised, 'This motion picture should not be made.

Thompson argued the film "doesn't whitewash Van Braun" saying "we set out to present an honest study of a man's mind and life and that's what we have done.