Director: Rudolph Maté
Starring: Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen
As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home.
Long before Roland Emmerich brought us the modern-day disaster movies, director Rudolph Maté gave us ‘When Worlds Collide’. Back in 1951 the visual effects were groundbreaking and the film won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Off course the visuals are no match for today’s films, but teleport yourself back in time more than seven decades, and you can imagine how good the effects must have been.
Pilot David Randall (Richard Derr) is hired to deliver a black box to Dr Cole Hendron (Larry Keating). Inside the mysterious box are predictions of impending doom: a new planet and a giant star are on a collision course with Earth.
Now, the scientists must build a modern-day Noah’s Ark (in the form of a space rocket) to save a handful of people and ensure the survival of humanity. They plan on landing on the new planet, named Zyra. With a deadline looming before impact, the film is a race against time to complete the mission while there is being decided who the 44 occupants of the rocket will be.
The dialogue is sub-standard by today’s standards, but remember this film was made well before space travel became a reality. (The space race only achieved success over a decade after the release of ‘When Worlds Collide’). With little to no knowledge of space travel, the universe and rockets, this film was ahead of its time in that regard.
Off course the film offers a romance interest as well. Hendron’s daugter, Joyce (Barbara Rush) – who is engaged to be married to Dr Tony Drake – develops feelings for David, and in the process ensures his selection to board the rocket.
The final act delivers plenty of action and excitement. Yes, it is dated, but it was nevertheless still an entertaining disaster movie.
Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.
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