Allreaders.com

Things To Come (1936) Movie Review Summary

Actors: Raymond Massey, Edward Chapman, Ralph Richardson

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of Things To Come (1936)


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.
Click here to see the rest of this review...


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?

The review of this Movie prepared by Daniel Staebler




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.
The review of this Movie prepared by David Loftus



Script Analysis of Things To Come (1936)

Click on a plot link to find similar books!

Plot & Themes

Composition of Book 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 post disaster gangs (mad max gangs)

Main Character

Identity:    -   Male Profession/status:    -   scientist    -   champion of justice Age:    -   60's-90's    -   long lived adults Ethnicity/Nationality    -   English/British

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

Writing Style

Accounts of torture and death?    -   generic/vague references to death/punishment    -   moderately detailed references to deaths Tone of movie    -   unhappy    -   depressed/sad Kinds of F/X    -   exploding bombs    -   exotic big cities Is this movie based on a    -   book

Movies with storylines, themes & endings like Things To Come (1936)

Things To Come (1936) Message Board (click here)
Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
2 Ways to Search!
Or



Our Chief Librarian