Post by Zone Fighter on Sept 24, 2005 17:37:44 GMT -8
When Worlds Collide (1951)
Produced by George Pal
Based on the novel by Edwin Balmer & Philip Wylie
Starring
Richard Derr - David Randall
Barbara Rush - Joyce Hendron
Peter Hansen - Dr. Tony Drake M.D.
John Hoyt - Sydney Stanton
Larry Keating - Dr. Cole Hendron
Judith Ames - Julie Cummings
Stephen Chase - Dr. George Frye
Frank Cady - Harold Ferris, Stanton's Assistant
Hayden Rorke - Dr. Emery Bronson
Sandro Giglio - Dr. Ottinger
Astronomers determine that a rouge star and its single planet are traveling on a course to Earth. The planet will eventually be near enough to Earth to cause massive destruction. Soon after the star will actually collide with Earth destroying our planet.
Womanizing pilot David Randall carries the photographic plates and written data concerning the star and planet, from Africa to Washington, DC. He falls for Joyce Hendron daughter of astronomer Dr. Cole Hendron. Joyce is engaged to medical doctor Tony Drake but becomes infatuated with David.
The UN refuses to believe the astronomers. The US government doesn't accept their findings either. So they turn to wealthy business men for financing to build one space ark large enough to carry a few humans and animals to the new planet when Earth is destroyed. Other arks in other countries are said to be belt but the film only shows the one.
The impending destruction of the Earth brings out the best in some and the worst in others.
The final scene isn't very good because it used a temporary backdrop and was rushed into distribution by Paramount before Pal could have it replaced.
The original novel is followed by "After Worlds Collide" but apparently George Pal could not get Paramount to agree to make the sequel. After I saw this film for the first time years ago, I read both books and was disappointed that the second was never filmed.
The DVD contains a trailer. Otherwise no bonus material.
When Worlds Collide is being remade for 2006. No doubt it will be all CGI. And probably lose the opening refrence to the Biblical book of Genesis and the great flood.
