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When Worlds Collide
An impending collision with a runaway star signals the destruction of earth.
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- Supporting actors
- John Hoyt, Larry Keating, Rachel Ames, Alden 'Stephen' Chase, Frank Cady, Hayden Rorke, Sandro Giglio, Kirk Alyn, Gertrude Astor, Robert Chapman, Gene Collins, James Congdon, Marcel De la Brosse, Estelle Etterre, Sam Finn, Paul Frees, Art Gilmore, Charmienne Harker, Ramsay Hill, Walter Kelley, Hassan Khayam, Rudy Lee, Freeman Lusk, Chad Madison, Dolores Mann, William Meader, Joseph Mell, Leonard Mudie, Mary Murphy, Gay Nelson, Keith Richards, John Ridgely, Kasey Rogers, Frances Sandford, Jeffrey Sayre, James Seay, Queenie Smith, Harry Stanton, Robert Sully, Richard Vath, Stuart Whitman
- Studio
- Paramount
- MPAA rating
- G (General Audience)
- Subtitles
- English [CC]
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- English
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Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
919 customer ratings
Top Reviews
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Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2019
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I have seen this film many times, but have never owned a copy. I decided to take the plunge and purchase a copy. The copy I received was clean and the picture and sound are good. Every time I see this film I really wish there had been a sequel, since there is a second book, "After Worlds Collide." (Stokes Company, Wylie & Balmer, 1934). While the visuals may be a little dated, the story is not. This film is definitely a play about human interaction and human nature. If you would like to view a film that was one of the original "Earth is doomed" type films, like "Armageddon" or "Deep Impact" you don't want to miss this film. 1
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2019
Format: DVDVerified Purchase
Much like "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "Forbidden Planet", 1951's "War of the Worlds" forgoes the mindless bug-eyed monster films that littered the sci-fi genre through the 50s and 60s. In this case, there are no monsters per se. Instead, the threat is a natural disaster in space that will destroy the world (foreshadowing "Deep Impact" and "Armageddon") and the plot (which generally follows the book) about how humanity will react to it in an attempt to preserve the human race. Because the plot is intelligent (although somewhat naive at times) and focuses on the disaster on a comprehensible human level, it holds up remarkably well even nearly seven decades later.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2019
Format: DVDVerified Purchase
The biblical message for the time was to get Americans interested in science and the future, and to do so by tugging at their religious hearts. For me it's pretty ham fisted, and the survival message, I think, holds better than any religious dogma or placation to religious myths. And I have to add that given how some of the characters are treated and framed, I would think that the film, in spite of its pretty decent SFX for the time, would actually drive away some people from the film's ultimate message for the survival of mankind in the name of the Judeo Christian tradition.
Having said that the film is what it is, and no amount of griping about it going to change that. Even so it is interesting, and I bought a copy because it was one of the many scifi films I hadn't seen growing up in the San Joaquin valley on the likes of channel 40 or channel 3, both of which seemed to air scifi films from the 50s and 60s on a regular basis.
Overall I think the production values are good, but the characterizations are forced to be in align with the religious values, which if I were you, I would definitely question. On that note I would say the film has a number of poorly scripted points, and is exceedingly didactic and just plain wrong about human nature. Imagine you helped finance getting people off of Earth. Say you have billions at your disposal to pay for space arks to carry mankind beyond his doom. Would you really act the way that character is portrayed in this film?
And I'll leave this review at that question.
Having said that the film is what it is, and no amount of griping about it going to change that. Even so it is interesting, and I bought a copy because it was one of the many scifi films I hadn't seen growing up in the San Joaquin valley on the likes of channel 40 or channel 3, both of which seemed to air scifi films from the 50s and 60s on a regular basis.
Overall I think the production values are good, but the characterizations are forced to be in align with the religious values, which if I were you, I would definitely question. On that note I would say the film has a number of poorly scripted points, and is exceedingly didactic and just plain wrong about human nature. Imagine you helped finance getting people off of Earth. Say you have billions at your disposal to pay for space arks to carry mankind beyond his doom. Would you really act the way that character is portrayed in this film?
And I'll leave this review at that question.
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2014
Format: DVDVerified Purchase
Great early 1950s sci-fi film produced by George Pal. The end of the world is in sight, but instead of nuclear holocaust it is nature that is going to do the Earth in. A sun and its orbiting planet is passing through our solar system and the rouge sun is going to obliterate our planet. Scientists and technicians have only about a year to build a space ark that hopefully will salvage a bit of humanity and livestock and try to populate the rogue planet. The only bit of human culture that they seem to be able to save is microfilmed literary works. I guess they can't save the artworks because the space ark has weight limitations. Only about forty people and necessary animals are to be saved. The special effects in the film are very good for the time and color is topnotch. What struck me most about the film is the sadness and regret of a world full of natural and man-made wonders lost forever. Highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2019
Format: DVDVerified Purchase
Science fiction was new to Hollywood in 1951, and most of their productions were at best B-grade. This is an exception. The special effects are primitive by today's standards, but still gripping. But the plot and writing are first-class, a faithful and skillful adaptation the 1932 novel by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer.
The plot, characters, and dialog made me feel I was watching real life. Like so many of today's films, the hot smart woman chooses between two impressive men. But everybody behaves like an adult, without the child-like tantrums that so often move plots. Overall, there are no false notes that broke my sense of disbelief - despite the fantastic nature of the story.
Seven decades later, it remains a classic as good as anything made today - and well-worth watching.
The plot, characters, and dialog made me feel I was watching real life. Like so many of today's films, the hot smart woman chooses between two impressive men. But everybody behaves like an adult, without the child-like tantrums that so often move plots. Overall, there are no false notes that broke my sense of disbelief - despite the fantastic nature of the story.
Seven decades later, it remains a classic as good as anything made today - and well-worth watching.
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2019
Format: DVDVerified Purchase
George Pal films, including this one, War of the Worlds, Conquest of Space and 7 Faces of Dr. Lao are some of my favorites since childhood. But some age well better than others, in part because of the cultural norms of the time.
For example, on the space wheel in Conquest, people smoked cigarettes.
In this one the only rocket in the USA (there were hints of others elsewhere) held 40 people to start the new world. All all white and I mean WASPY white!
The movie was made in the early 50's when it was assumed the audience was white as well. It was also during the "Red scare" time when, for example, "under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance to show we weren't all Godless commies. And so the movie opens with a Bible passage and in a scene showing books being microfilmed, the first one is the Holy Bible. That'll keep the McCarthy commission happy!
But the story itself is fun, showing the self-centered villain, the two lovers that discover only one gets aboard, the rivalry between two guys for the affection of a leading lady.
Richard Derr in the lead is charming and this may be his best role ever.
Just keep in mind that it was done a long time ago and (thankfully) times have changed,
For example, on the space wheel in Conquest, people smoked cigarettes.
In this one the only rocket in the USA (there were hints of others elsewhere) held 40 people to start the new world. All all white and I mean WASPY white!
The movie was made in the early 50's when it was assumed the audience was white as well. It was also during the "Red scare" time when, for example, "under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance to show we weren't all Godless commies. And so the movie opens with a Bible passage and in a scene showing books being microfilmed, the first one is the Holy Bible. That'll keep the McCarthy commission happy!
But the story itself is fun, showing the self-centered villain, the two lovers that discover only one gets aboard, the rivalry between two guys for the affection of a leading lady.
Richard Derr in the lead is charming and this may be his best role ever.
Just keep in mind that it was done a long time ago and (thankfully) times have changed,
Top international reviews
Sussman
4.0 out of 5 stars
The star Bellus will collide with Earth and wipe out all of humanity
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2016Verified Purchase
.
Possibly Spoilers
Humanity is in peril, and only a modern-day Noah's ark do – or just plain denial that Earth will somehow survive. The coming destruction of the Earth by the rogue star Bellus and the desperate efforts to build a space ark that will save and transport a small portion of humanity to the star's single orbiting planet, Zyra.
David Randall a skilled pilot finds employment in the form of delivering some mysterious pictures. These would be from one renowned astronomer to another. The recipient, Dir. Hendron, confirms the awful findings of the sender: the Star Bellus will collide with destroy the Earth and thus wipe out all of humanity. The movie is awash with Biblical allusions and kicks off with a preface that would not feel out of place in a Biblical epic. The Plans are hatched to build a modern “Noah’s Ark”– a rocket uncannily resembling a V-2. With the help of certain people, it is proposed that to create a rocket ship that will transport 40 or so people to the planet Zyra to keep the legacy of humanity alive.
As you might have deduced, When Worlds Collide is totally a product of its time. This being the 1950s after all, a more civilised era, the caveat here is the sexual repression and racism. The final scene in the film for me is perhaps the more interesting with the unusual visual art, the sunrise landscape on Zyra were a “Bonestell sketch”. Due to budgetary constraints, the director was forced to use this colour sketch. When Earth's survivors gaze out over “Bonestell's vista”, there are three unusual rectangular shapes are clearly visible to the left of the scene. Could this be done by another intelligent species? Warts and all this is an innovative, thought-provoking science fiction film.
.
Possibly Spoilers
Humanity is in peril, and only a modern-day Noah's ark do – or just plain denial that Earth will somehow survive. The coming destruction of the Earth by the rogue star Bellus and the desperate efforts to build a space ark that will save and transport a small portion of humanity to the star's single orbiting planet, Zyra.
David Randall a skilled pilot finds employment in the form of delivering some mysterious pictures. These would be from one renowned astronomer to another. The recipient, Dir. Hendron, confirms the awful findings of the sender: the Star Bellus will collide with destroy the Earth and thus wipe out all of humanity. The movie is awash with Biblical allusions and kicks off with a preface that would not feel out of place in a Biblical epic. The Plans are hatched to build a modern “Noah’s Ark”– a rocket uncannily resembling a V-2. With the help of certain people, it is proposed that to create a rocket ship that will transport 40 or so people to the planet Zyra to keep the legacy of humanity alive.
As you might have deduced, When Worlds Collide is totally a product of its time. This being the 1950s after all, a more civilised era, the caveat here is the sexual repression and racism. The final scene in the film for me is perhaps the more interesting with the unusual visual art, the sunrise landscape on Zyra were a “Bonestell sketch”. Due to budgetary constraints, the director was forced to use this colour sketch. When Earth's survivors gaze out over “Bonestell's vista”, there are three unusual rectangular shapes are clearly visible to the left of the scene. Could this be done by another intelligent species? Warts and all this is an innovative, thought-provoking science fiction film.
.
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Darth Maciek
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Waste anything except TIME. Time is our shortest material!"
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2014Verified Purchase
This 1951 SF film shows of course its age, but is still a darn good watch! Below, more of my impressions, with some limited SPOILERS.
A new star is discovered near our solar system - scientists call it Bellus. It appears soon that Bellus is on a collision course, approaching fast - VERY FAST! Some amongst scientific community believe it can pass near Earth, close enough to burn all life on our planet - and those are actually the optimists... Then, a planet orbiting this new star is discovered - scientists call it Zyra. It appears soon, that Zyra may have a breathable atmosphere and the conditions on its surface allow existence of liquid water... I will say no more about the story.
This film is based on a popular SF novel written in 1933 and therefore is definitely NOT linked to any kind of Cold War scares, unlike what some critics wrote back in the 50s. Far from being a parabol of nuclear war, both the book and the film are in fact SF variations on the theme of Deluge and Noah's Ark...
This review will be short, because I really don't want to give away too much - so let me just say, that this film indeed is aged and yes, the plot has many holes, but it still remains a nice watch and of course a pretty powerful story, with the ending being particularly good.
Actors are mostly forgotten today, even if both Richard Derr and Barbara Rush had a long and rather succesfull career, mostly on TV - she also played the main female character in another SF classic from 50s, "It came from Outer Space" (1953). Veteran specialists of second roles, Larry Keating and John Hoyt are in fact even more important in this film than actors who are in principle cast in leading roles.
A sequel was planned, to be based on the second part of the book, "After Worlds Collide", but ultimately the project was abandoned. A remake of this film was considered also already for some time, but for the moment it seems also that all those plans were shelved. And it may be for the better, because this film, with all its weaknesses, still packs some punch and is still a darn good watch. Enjoy!
A new star is discovered near our solar system - scientists call it Bellus. It appears soon that Bellus is on a collision course, approaching fast - VERY FAST! Some amongst scientific community believe it can pass near Earth, close enough to burn all life on our planet - and those are actually the optimists... Then, a planet orbiting this new star is discovered - scientists call it Zyra. It appears soon, that Zyra may have a breathable atmosphere and the conditions on its surface allow existence of liquid water... I will say no more about the story.
This film is based on a popular SF novel written in 1933 and therefore is definitely NOT linked to any kind of Cold War scares, unlike what some critics wrote back in the 50s. Far from being a parabol of nuclear war, both the book and the film are in fact SF variations on the theme of Deluge and Noah's Ark...
This review will be short, because I really don't want to give away too much - so let me just say, that this film indeed is aged and yes, the plot has many holes, but it still remains a nice watch and of course a pretty powerful story, with the ending being particularly good.
Actors are mostly forgotten today, even if both Richard Derr and Barbara Rush had a long and rather succesfull career, mostly on TV - she also played the main female character in another SF classic from 50s, "It came from Outer Space" (1953). Veteran specialists of second roles, Larry Keating and John Hoyt are in fact even more important in this film than actors who are in principle cast in leading roles.
A sequel was planned, to be based on the second part of the book, "After Worlds Collide", but ultimately the project was abandoned. A remake of this film was considered also already for some time, but for the moment it seems also that all those plans were shelved. And it may be for the better, because this film, with all its weaknesses, still packs some punch and is still a darn good watch. Enjoy!
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ProfJoeCain
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good film. Middling special effects. Good quality DVD
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2014Verified Purchase
This film helped build the disaster film genre, but it's hard to see now why this won such praise for its special effects in 1951. This is a very good quality print, with good sound but no extras. That quality allows the viewer to see the low quality of the special effects. Compared with what the Japanese were doing with monster films, and the British were doing with highland thrillers, this is a bit embarrassing. Compare the book's emphasis on the need for positive eugenics on Earth and free love on the new planet, the film is a cut-down, censored, bland story of monogamous love, character development, and building a spacecraft. Horribly evil treatment of a wheelchair user near the end - made me gasp even though the character had retribution coming, hard to justify what happens to him.
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C. Watson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Got to be one of the best !!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2009Verified Purchase
I have to admit that this now one of my most favorite movies...great story....great effects(for it`s time)...and thought provoking in the extereme.
What would we do if the earth was threatened in this way?
A clever start with one of the main characters having no clue as to the value of the information he is transporting from africa to america,yet he shows the kind of strength we all think we have once he learns the awfull truth.
As the time ticks away for the Earth, we draw on peoples own hopes for the future, will they be one of the lucky few to gamble on a seat to salvation.....or have to stay behind and face certain doom?
A very 1950`s love intrest spoils it slightly yet does strangely add an element of jealously that brings a couple of scenes into sharp focus.
Buy it and enjoy one of the 50`s classics of sci-fi (without the need for ray-guns and pathetic monsters).
What would we do if the earth was threatened in this way?
A clever start with one of the main characters having no clue as to the value of the information he is transporting from africa to america,yet he shows the kind of strength we all think we have once he learns the awfull truth.
As the time ticks away for the Earth, we draw on peoples own hopes for the future, will they be one of the lucky few to gamble on a seat to salvation.....or have to stay behind and face certain doom?
A very 1950`s love intrest spoils it slightly yet does strangely add an element of jealously that brings a couple of scenes into sharp focus.
Buy it and enjoy one of the 50`s classics of sci-fi (without the need for ray-guns and pathetic monsters).
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Rubedo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really Worth Having
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2014Verified Purchase
It is a wonderful story line in these days of 'Preppers' who envision the end of civilisation.
It was an insightful story line. I like the story line about the multi billionaire and the power he had.
There was one annoyance where the days were being counted down.
Remember this was one of the first sci fi movies there was no CGI and the special effects are outstanding.
The story doesnt tickle your every sense as you have to use your imagination. I found myself thinking about the story for a few days after as it played on my mind regarding the situations seen in the world today.
But thats just me.
Recommended
It was an insightful story line. I like the story line about the multi billionaire and the power he had.
There was one annoyance where the days were being counted down.
Remember this was one of the first sci fi movies there was no CGI and the special effects are outstanding.
The story doesnt tickle your every sense as you have to use your imagination. I found myself thinking about the story for a few days after as it played on my mind regarding the situations seen in the world today.
But thats just me.
Recommended
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David McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Science Fiction !
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2011Verified Purchase
This 1951 classic science fiction epic was produced by legendary special effects genius George Pal and I believe it won an Oscar for its spectacular special effects . A runaway star is on a collision course with planet Earth and the government refuses to listen to scientists who say that we must prepare for any adverse developments . Rich industrialists finance the construction of a huge spaceship which will carry a limited number of people to a newly discovered planet so the human race can start to build a new civilisation . As the end of the world draws ever so near the balance between human and planetry drama is excellently maintained as the movie builds to its fascinating unforgettable climax .
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Andy
5.0 out of 5 stars
When Worlds Collide
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 22, 2010Verified Purchase
This film, to me, seems to be something very plausible.
For the time in America, when religion and christianity, were very much the height of things, this film has elements of religion and blasphemy in them. The end of the world came and nobody in the film aksed about god.
The film itself is essentially the typical America 1950s sci-fi although with a downbeat theme all the way through because of the end of the world and the mass destruction of the human race.
This film is scheduled to be remade in 2012 by The Mummy creator Stephen Sommers.
For the time in America, when religion and christianity, were very much the height of things, this film has elements of religion and blasphemy in them. The end of the world came and nobody in the film aksed about god.
The film itself is essentially the typical America 1950s sci-fi although with a downbeat theme all the way through because of the end of the world and the mass destruction of the human race.
This film is scheduled to be remade in 2012 by The Mummy creator Stephen Sommers.
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Very satisfied customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
wow
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 23, 2019Verified Purchase
Arrived on time, for it's age a very good movie, takes you back to the golden age of movies, highly recommended.
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Flyboy
5.0 out of 5 stars
The End of the World is nigh!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2014Verified Purchase
When another planet is found to be on a collision course with Earth, our only hope is being picked to escape to another world by the use of special Rockets constructed to transport the lucky ones to populate a new planet
Great special effects for the time and a decent story told that was more than likely the inspiration for a few modern tales. Great stuff and recommended.
Great special effects for the time and a decent story told that was more than likely the inspiration for a few modern tales. Great stuff and recommended.
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pdwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
MY FAVORITE
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 21, 2011Verified Purchase
This is my favorite end of the world old time film. Again for me I watched this on WGN channel 9 out of Chicago on a Sunday afternoon. Every Sunday they would play an older film. I was gripped by this one and still am. It still address issues in our day, and has such wonderful dialog it is had not to like it. It was made in 1951 so it is dated. The special affect could be done better by 15 year old nephew on his laptop now a day's but it is still a fantastic movie.
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Marduk
3.0 out of 5 stars
B Moive
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2019Verified Purchase
Good B moive to watch on a Saturday afternoon.
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south walian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant film humanity in peril again This film spawned a ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2014Verified Purchase
Brilliant film humanity in peril again
This film spawned a few versions decades
Later . Saying that this is a pure classic only one
Slight problem the lucky few who escaped the doomed earth
Land on their new home. And by some miracle the planet
Has the same gravity ,oxygen levels as earth .......ok
Apart from that it's good
This film spawned a few versions decades
Later . Saying that this is a pure classic only one
Slight problem the lucky few who escaped the doomed earth
Land on their new home. And by some miracle the planet
Has the same gravity ,oxygen levels as earth .......ok
Apart from that it's good
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Mike McManus
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent quality is important
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2019Verified Purchase
Very good quality considering the year the film was made. Quick delivery service as always.
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Chris Bennett
3.0 out of 5 stars
1950'S SCI FI CLASSIC
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 1, 2015Verified Purchase
Probably the first disaster movie ever made and is surprisingly quite good, the effects were apparently top class for it's day and the storyline and acting is good. Surprised Hollywood have not done a new version of this film because with modern technology it could be a big blockbuster
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Bugman
4.0 out of 5 stars
Underated classic Sci-Fi movie
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2013Verified Purchase
Spotted this and brought it as it was a film I had watched on countless Sunday's when it was shown to fill in a gap in the schedules.
to me though it's one of those gems that you can watch again and again, I am amazed that it has not had the Hollywood re-do that most of the other films of that age have recieved.
Probably a good thing that it has not been through that process as it still retains it's 50's charm
to me though it's one of those gems that you can watch again and again, I am amazed that it has not had the Hollywood re-do that most of the other films of that age have recieved.
Probably a good thing that it has not been through that process as it still retains it's 50's charm
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