Wednesday, August 29, 2007

H G Wells' Things to Come (1936)

This British science fiction film from '36 was on the telly this weekend and though I'd seen it before, this time I was deeply impressed by it and recommend you watch it. It's public domain in the US which is why it's on Google in its entirety. It starts in 1940 when war breaks out with a terrible air bombardment (pretty spot on) but the war drags on into barbarism with warlord Ralph Richardson fighting the Hill people by 1960. Soon a technologically advanced group 'Wings over the World' restore peace with the help of some great futuristic airships and clothing. Looks like the inspiration behind many later futuristic sci-fi organisations like Spectrum. Fast Forward to 2046 and everyone is living in underground cities. Fascinating and visually stunning this is worth the time spent watching it - why not watch it in chunks. If I was a US resident and in a band I'd project this onto a screen as its public domain - make a great backdrop. This is the best bargain you will get today unless you're a really lucky person...
Things to Come