The Time Machine - 1960

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), George Pal Productions, Galaxy Films Inc.

Directed by George Pal

Cast:

• H. George Wells – Rod Taylor
• David Filby / James Filby – Alan Young
• Weena – Yvette Mimieux
• Dr. Phillip Hillyer – Sebastian Cabot

Story: On January 5th, 1900, four friends gather at the home of H. George Wells on an invitation to dinner. George, the host who has called this meeting, arrives late, looking very disheveled. He tells them he has just returned from the future, the year 802,701 AD where he has discovered the human race has divided into two distinct species, the Eloi, who live a Elysian life where everything is handed to them, and the Morlocks. The Morlocks, he discovers, are cannibals who keep the Eloi as cattle, conditioning them to respond to old air raid sirens and walk peacefully to their deaths like sheep tot he slaughter. His time machine is trapped in a Sphinx built by the Moorlocks, and he must discover their weakness before he can recover it to return to his own time. When he has finished with his tale, he dismisses his guests and returns to the room where the time machine is. We hear the machine power up, and when Filby and Mrs. Watchett go in, the machine is gone, and three books are missing from the shelf.

Review: Of the two films I am comparing here (Time Machine -2002 will follow), this is the more accurate to the book. Interestingly, Rod Taylor portrays H. George (H.G.) Wells, the author of the novel and the main character in this timeless fiction classic. His guests are Alan Young, Sebastian Cabot, Tom Helmore, and Whit Bissell. The dialog is clear and to the point, and while George relates his tale of time travel, the guests do not interrupt. Given the technology available in 1960, the scenery and settings are exceptional. Photography and Cinematography are excellent as well, and the acting is believable for the story. The departure from the book comes at the end, when George returns to the future to help the Eloi and Weena. An interesting point if the film, which was made for $750,000.00 in 35 days, is that Yvette Mimieux was only 17 years old at the time the shooting began and turned 18 during the filming. Violence is minor and profanity is non-existent in this George Pal classic, and there should be no problem allowing the children to watch. Collectible for science fiction fans and anyone who appreciates pre computer special effects.