Things To Come (1936) Resident Scholar Profiles
TOP SCHOLAR: Daniel Staebler
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| Review Summary |
THINGS TO COME is a movie written by H.G. Wells and directed by William Cameron Menzies in 1936. The movie depicts how H.G. Wells imagines the evolution of the social and political life on Earth from 1936 until 2036.
After an initial global war that begins in 1940, several other wars and an incurable plague will provoke the death of half of the world population. Then, the remaining scientists will create a society based on the scientific progress that, during several years, will pacify and educate the numerous communities that have returned to a semi-barbarian level of civilization.
Later in the 21nd century, this new civilization, on the verge of conquering the moon and the space, will have to face the revolt of those who are opposed to any kind of progress and are tired of the efforts the government imposes on them. Will civilization return once again to chaos?
Daniel Staebler, Resident Scholar
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H.G. Wells wrote the screenplay for this tract, based on his novel _The Shape of Things to Come_, directed by William Cameron Menzies and produced by the Kordas. The story concerns a war that lasts 30 years, devastates the Earth until little fiefdoms dot the map of Europe, and then a visionary named John Cabal (Massey) organizes forward-thinking people into creating a better society and the chance for flight to the stars. Filmed in 1936, it predicted world war in 1940, a plague called "Wandering Sickness" in 1964, and the first moon flight in 2036. Preachy, often slow moving and obvious, it remains a landmark in science fiction films for imaginative art and set design, and an occasional striking image, such as the "sleeping" blonde head of a male child in a pile of rubble. Noted British stage actor Ralph Richardson injects some life into the plot during the middle section as a posturing tinhorn dictator.
David Loftus, Resident Scholar
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Composition of Movie
Actual chase scenes or violence - 30%
Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzle - 50%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20%
**Fantasy or Science Fiction?**
- science fiction story
Explore/1st contact
Yes
Environmental disaster?
- surviving a post environmental/nuclear disaster
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- scientist
- champion of justice
Age:
- 60's-90's
- long lived adults
Eccentric:
Yes
- obsessed
Is this an ordinary person caught up in events?
Yes
Hair type
- (man) short/medium straight
Body type
- very skinny (man)
- average (man)
Events of movie makes character more...
- sad
- tougher
Ethnicity/Nationality
- English/British
How sensitive is this character?
- middling sensitive to others' feelings
- hard edged
Sense of humor?
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
- Very much smarter than other characters
Physique
- average physique
Secondary Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Body type
- average build (man)
How much in movie?
- 60%
Ethnicity/Nationality
- British
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- dictator
Eccentric:
Yes
- emotionally unstable
- deluded
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- 40%
Hair style
- (man) short/standard straight
Body type
- fat (man)
Ethnicity
- British
Intelligence
- Average Intelligence
Physical condition
- average physique
How sensitive is this character?
- hard edged
- mean, arrogant
Setting
Earth setting:
- 20th century (1970's to Present)
- near future (later in 21st century)
- 20th Century (1950-1970)
- 20th Century (1900-1950)
Takes place on Earth?
Yes
Big cities?
Yes
Misc settings
- prison
Kind of city
- Dirty, crime-ridden (like NY)
- Beautiful sparkling advanced city
Style
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
- moderately detailed references to deaths
Tone of movie
- unhappy
- depressed/sad
Check here if B&W
Yes
Non-American film?
Yes
What language?
- English
Subtitles?
- No
Any profanity?
- None
Kinds of F/X
- exploding bombs
- exotic big cities
If Soundtrack VERY NOTICEABLE...
- Orchestra/classical
Is this movie based on a
- book
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