H. G. Wells was both the author of the original source -- an essay, rather than an actual novel, concerning mankind's future -- and the screenplay (in conjunction with Lajos Biro) of this epic science fiction tale, but it was producer Alexander Korda who framed the terms on which it is presented, vast and elegant, and visually striking. Opening in the year 1940, we see the next century of human history unfold, initially with amazing prescience. In Everytown (a stand-in for London) in 1940, the people prepare to celebrate ...
Read More
H. G. Wells was both the author of the original source -- an essay, rather than an actual novel, concerning mankind's future -- and the screenplay (in conjunction with Lajos Biro) of this epic science fiction tale, but it was producer Alexander Korda who framed the terms on which it is presented, vast and elegant, and visually striking. Opening in the year 1940, we see the next century of human history unfold, initially with amazing prescience. In Everytown (a stand-in for London) in 1940, the people prepare to celebrate Christmas amid rumors and rumblings of war -- forward-thinking pacifists like John Cabal (Raymond Massey) try to raise concerns amid a populace either too fearful to think about the risks, or so pleased with business conditions that they're oblivious to the downside of war. And then it comes, devastating Everytown (in scenes shockingly close to the actual World War II London blitz, a half-decade away when these scenes were written) and the country, and finally the world. After 30 years, the war goes on, except that there are no more nations to fight it, only isolated petty fiefdoms ruled by brigand-like strongmen, running gangs organized like tiny armies. Among the most ruthless and successful of them is Rudolph (Ralph Richardson), who runs what's left of Everytown. He keeps his people in line by force, and his war with his neighbors going with his bedraggled troops, while pressuring the tiny handful of scientists, mechanics, and pilots to keep as many of the aging, decrepit planes as they can operating. A few educated men around him -- whom he doesn't really trust -- try to resist the worst of his plans and orders, while going through the motions of carrying them out.And then, one day, out of the sky comes a plane the like of which they've never seen before, sleek and fast, and piloted by a mysterious man whom Rudolph orders imprisoned. It is John Cabal, older but just as dedicated to the cause of peace, and ready to fight for it. He announces the existence of a new order, run by a society of engineers and scientists, called Wings Over The World, here to re-establish civilization. Rudolph will hear none of it, thinking instead to use Cabal's plane and those of any of his friends who follow as weapons of war -- but Rudolph's wife Roxana (Marguerite Scott) sees the wisdom of what Cabal offers and helps him. The bombers of Wings Over The World drop the Gas of Peace, which puts the entire population of Everytown to sleep -- all except Rudolph, who goes down fighting and dies -- allowing the army of the Airmen to enter and free the city.Seventy years go by, during which the Earth is transformed and a new civilization rises, led by scientists and engineers. Immense towers now rise into the sky, and the population is freed from most of the concerns that ever led to it war. In fact, a new complacency starts to take hold amid a populace for whom most needs are now easily met -- all except the leaders, engineers who keep advancing, year after year, with new projects and goals. And now, having conquered the Earth and all of the challenges it has to offer, Oswald Cabal (Raymond Massey), the great-grandson of John and the current leader, is about to embark on the grandest project of all, moving into deep space. The first launch of a manned vehicle, fired by the Space Gun, is about to take place. But there is discontent being spread by the sculptor Theotocopulos (Cedric Hardwicke), who is weary and distressed from this constant push toward new advances and progress -- he wants mankind to reassert itself over this ever-advancing technology, and sees the Space Gun and all it represents as a new threat. In a speech, he exhorts the restive populace to stop the launch. They proceed, en masse, to attack the Space Gun, while Cabal struggles to beat them to their objective and take the next bold step into space. "All of the Universe," he declares, "or nothing -- which shall it be?" Bruce Eder, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Things to Come-1936 to cart. $21.65, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by DigiComTV.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Margueretta Scott, Ralph Richardson, Raymond Massey. New. Run time: 93. Buy with confidence-Satisfaction Guaranteed! Delivery Confirmation included for all orders in the US.
Add this copy of Things to Come to cart. $22.95, new condition, Sold by Professional Books Service rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dayton, OH, UNITED STATES, published 1993 by Vintage Jazz Classics.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New in original shrink wrap-this is VHS video cassette. The big bands of both Gillespie and Eckstine ( 2 bands). Vintage Jazz Clasiics 2006. 55 minutes b & w. Bands include: Art Blakey, Helen Humes, John Lewis, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, Gene Ammons, etc. Filmed in 1946 & 1947. 18 songs total.
Add this copy of Things to Come (B&W + Colorized Versions) to cart. $23.52, new condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by United Artists.
Add this copy of Things to Come [Criterion Collection] to cart. $29.26, new condition, Sold by Importcds rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sunrise, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by United Artists.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Raymond Massey; Cedric Hardwicke; Edward Chapman; Ralph Richardson; Margaretta Scott; Maurice Braddell; Sophie Stewart. New. Run time: 93 mins. Language: English. New in new packaging. USA Orders only! Brand New product! please allow delivery times of 3-7 business days within the USA. US orders only please.
Add this copy of Things to Come [Blu-Ray] to cart. $30.47, new condition, Sold by Salzer's Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from ventura, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by Criterion Collection.
Add this copy of Things to Come (Criterion Collection) to cart. $31.44, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by Criterion Collection.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Margaretta Scott, Ralph Richardson, Edward Chapman, Raymond Massey. New. 1936 Run time: 97. Buy with confidence-Satisfaction Guaranteed! Delivery Confirmation included for all orders in the US.
Add this copy of Things to Come [Blu-Ray] to cart. $45.26, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by Criterion Collection.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Margaretta Scott, Ralph Richardson, Edward Chapman, Raymond Massey. New. 1936 Run time: 97. Buy with confidence-Satisfaction Guaranteed! Delivery Confirmation included for all orders in the US.
One of the early masterpiecs of science speculation brought to the screen. Several actors portray trans generational characters but one who doesn't stands out for his singularly impressive performance. Ralph Richardson in his early years is masterful as the warlord. Raymond Massey is as ever a huge presence on the screen. The dialogue follows HG Wells' ideas fairly well.. The special effects were probably what brought people to the theaters to see it originally, but now it is a must see for the vision of a future life that other than the clothes is fairly accurate (although we have gone to the moon which is the ending of this effort.) Sorry but the only DVD extra to report is the theatrical trailer.
![Things to Come [Criterion Collection]](https://www0.alibris-static.com/cover/v56414u7mx8_t.jpg)
![Things to Come [Blu-Ray]](https://www3.alibris-static.com/cover/v56413i1oke_t.jpg)
![Things to Come [Criterion Collection] [Blu-ray]](https://www0.alibris-static.com/things-to-come-criterion-collection-blu-ray/cover/v56413i1oke.jpg)
![Things to Come [Criterion Collection]](https://www3.alibris-static.com/things-to-come-criterion-collection/cover/v56414u7mx8.jpg)
![Things to Come [WS]](https://www2.alibris-static.com/things-to-come-ws/cover/u77954e1e8g.jpg)
Portions of content provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2024 Rovi Corporation.