Movie: Things to Come (1936)

Director William Cameron Menzies and United Artists joined forces in 1936 to bring us Things to Come, a futuristic vision of man in a post-apocalyptic world. Raymond Massey, Ralph Richardson and Cedric Hardwicke star, with some imaginative sets and dazzling special effects in shining support.

Based on the Books by H.G. Wells

Things to Come is loosely based on the 1933 novel The Shape of Things to Come and the 1931 non-fiction book The Work, Wealth and Happiness of Mankind. Both are the works of noted British author H.G. Wells (1866-1946).

Things to Come Producer, Screenplay, Director

Alexander Korda produced Things to Come while H.G. Wells wrote the screenplay.

The celebrated William Cameron Menzies directed for London Films. Menzies, an award-winning art director and production designer, had previously directed such fare as The Spider (1931) and Chandu the Magician (1932).

Things to Come Cast

Raymond Massey (John Cabal/Oswald Cabal) and Edward Chapman (Pippa Passworthy/Raymond Passworthy) both play dual roles. Other cast members include Ralph Richardson (Rudolf The Boss), Margaretta Scott (Roxana/Rowena), Cedric Hardwicke (Theotocopulos), Maurice Braddell (Dr. Harding), Sophie Stewart (Mrs. Cabal), Derrick De Marney (Richard Gordon), Ann Todd (Mary Gordon) Pearl Argyle (Catherine Cabal) and Patricia Hilliard (Janet Gordon).

Budget, British Filming Locations

Budgeted at $1 million, Things to Come was filmed at Denham Studios in the United Kingdom. The film's enchanting music was recorded at the Scala Theatre in London.

Things to Come Movie

Things to Come begins in 1940 with the outbreak of a global war. The conflict, finally ending in 1966, proves so devastating that man is plunged back into a new Dark Ages. "The wandering sickness," a virus unleashed by biological warfare, is but one lingering consequence of the global apocalypse.

In the year 1970 the survivors of the war now reside in Everytown, run by a local chieftain known as "The Boss." A ruthless warlord, The Boss executes all those infected with the plague while continuing Everytown's ongoing battle with the rival "Hill People."

Everytown and other "zones" are later pacified by John Cabal and his "Wings Over the World" society, a group of scientists who are building a new civilization based in Iraq. Great technological advances follow, with mankind later launching the first moon flight in 2036.

Release, Reviews

Things to Come premiered in London on February 20, 1936. The film's American debut came at New York City's Rivoli Theatre on April 17, 1936.

"H.G. Wells, the eminent fortune teller, has painted a pessimistic, frightening, yet inspiring picture of our next 100 years in his first film..." reported Frank S. Nugent of The New York Times (4/18/36).

Film Analysis

Things to Come -- England's first $1 million film -- is a must-see for any serious fan of the fantastic cinema. It's a classic H.G. Wells story, encompassing apocalypse, struggle, survival and ultimately redemption for mankind.

The movie's special effects, supervised by Ned Mann, are particularly good for the era. Georges Perinal's cinematography is also top rate, as is Harry Zech's "trick photography."

Sci-fi fans will love this movie for its futuristic elements: underground cities, artificial sunlight, a space cannon and (yikes!) air conditioning. Shades of Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon will keep action buffs happy.

DVD

Things to Come is available on DVD (Legend, 2006).

"And when he (mankind) has conquered all the deeps of space and all the mysteries of time, still he will be beginning," declares Raymond Massey.

Wow...

Things to Come 1936 Australian Daybill film poster

Things to Come 1936 movie herald

Things to Come 1936 lobby card

Things to Come 1947 reissue insert poster

Things to Come 1947 reissue title lobby card

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