Things To Come

THINGS TO COME(PG)

D: William Cameron Menzies

London Films (Alexander Korda)

UK 1936

113 mins

Science Fiction

W: H.G. Wells [based on his novel "The Shape Of Things To Come"]

DP: Georges Perinal

Ed: Charles Crichton & Francis Lyon

Mus: Arthur Bliss

PD: William Cameron Menzies & Vincent Korda

Raymond Massey (John Cabal / Oswald Cabal), Edward Chapman (Pippa Passworthy / Raymond Passworthy), Ralph Richardson (The Boss), Margaretta Scott (Roxana / Rowena), Cedric Hardwicke (Theotocopulos)

In 1936, this British science fiction drama was likely to have been palmed off as flights of fancy. However, on hindsight, H.G. Wells' adaptation of his own novel features a prophecy which doesn't stray too far from real-life events.

The film opens in 1940, in a London-like "Everytown" on the eve of a war which rages on for decades. The war only ceases due to a plague, which is followed by a new civilisation, class system and a race for space, which prompts a rebellion that threatens another war.

A masterful storyteller H.G. Wells may be, but his skills as an author don't necessarily crossover to screenwriting, with little attention paid to dialogue or character development. Visually, however, this film is years ahead of its time, with much focus on the artistic and technical side of filmmaking. Director William Cameron Menzies, whose main expertise was as a production designer and art director, ensures that the ambitious set designs and special effects are a sight to behold, while Arthur Bliss's music captivates the ear. 

A remake was released in 1979, but this was more to cash-in on the success of Star Wars rather than pay tribute to this film.

7/10