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The creative mind and artistic talent of George Pal gave us the Oscar-winning Puppetoons, fantasy classics such as Tom Thumb and 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, and sci-fi favourites The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine.
Pal's first science fiction film 1950s Destination Moon won an Oscar for Best Effects, Special Effects. The Robert A. Heinlein novel Rocket Ship Galileo was the basis for a screenplay he wrote with Alford Van Ronkel and James O'Hanlon. Directed by Irving Pichel (The Most Dangerous Game) and filmed in Technicolor by Lionel Linden (Around the World in 80 Days), Destination Moon owes much of its stunning visuals to matte artist Chesley Bonestell.
The inspiration for 1951s When Worlds Collide is a serialized novel by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer that was first optioned for films in 1932 by Cecil B. DeMille. George Pal enlisted Chesley Bonestell as technical advisor, and this movie, like its predecessor, won the Oscar for Best Effects, Special Effects. Cinematographer turned director Rudolph Mate (D.O.A., Miracle in the Rain) was in charge and his cinematographers John Seitz (Double Indemnity) and W. Howard Greene (A Star is Born) were nominated for the Oscar for Best Cinematography, Color.
Dr. Emery Bronson (Hayden Rorke), from his observatory in South Africa, has determined that a star named Bellus is on a collision course with the earth. Also entering Earth's atmosphere, close enough to influence tides and cause earthquakes is the planet Zyra. Daredevil pilot/courier David Randall (Richard Derr) is tasked with bringing the information to Dr. Cole Hendron (Larry Keating) in New York City.
Randall doesn't realize the import of the information with which he has been entrusted, but once delivery is made finds himself involved with the Institute and its plans, and with Dr. Hendron's daughter Joyce (Barbara Rush). The end of the world may be nigh, but people being people, a love triangle develops among Randall, Joyce, and her intended, Dr. Tony Drake (Peter Hansen).
Dr. Hendron and his associate Dr. George Frye (Stephen Chase) have brought their concerns to the United Nations where, for the most part, their fears are scoffed at and their plans rejected. The plan is a bold attempt to build a ship capable of bringing people and animals to the Earth-sized planet Zyra, colonizing a New Earth. It is mentioned that various people around the world are working on a similar plan. It is the only hope.
Thankfully, a few industrialists with the money and means to assist are believers. While their own lives will not be saved, it is for the greater good of humanity that they give their resources. Only one man, Sydney Stanton (John Hoyt), a crippled and embittered billionaire will provide necessary funds on the proviso that he be one of the few to leave Earth on a "Noah's Ark" spaceship. Along with his cowed assistant (Frank Cady), Stanton uses his money to control the project.
Joyce is conflicted by her feelings for Dave Randall, but is able to share her concerns with her father. Dr. Hendron then does what he can to keep Dave in Joyce's life. Dr. Drake almost succumbs to his jealousy, but his better nature takes over. Tony even devises a plan to get Dave aboard the ship.
We watch the preparations for the end of the world and get to know some of the people involved. Only 40 of them will be allowed, by lottery, to make the fateful trip to Zayr. Among the crowd and a young couple in love, Eddie (James Congdon) and Julie (Rachel Ames in her film debut), and when the lottery separates them, Eddie makes the sacrifice of his lottery win which precipitates an emergency.
Scenes of destruction upon the arrival of Bellus and when Zyra enters the Earth's orbit are eye-opening thanks to the award-winning effects, and the sight they offer of a potential future. An orphaned boy Mike (Rudy Lee) now joins those looking to the hope of a planet that may or not support life as the only option for a doomed humanity. Can a puppy be far behind?
Stanton has been predicting that when the end is in sight that the crowd will turn on them in their fear. Dr. Herndon, optimistically believes in the innate goodness which is driving the project.
Dr. Herndon: "This project was started by real humanitarians, Marston and Spiro. They gave their money with no strings attached. You're not here under any special licence. You're always shouting for facts. Remember these facts, our chance of reaching the new world is as thin as you becoming a humanitarian!"
Only imminent destruction will prove who is right in their belief. Imminent destruction also reveals true character between Stanton and Herndon.
A literate and sympathetic script increases the sense of reality in this speculative fiction. The basis for the events and the horror of the unavoidable catastrophe motivates all the action and helps the audience identify with the characters in the movie. The beauty of the Technicolor and the craftsmanship evident in the artwork and effects contribute to a genuinely satisfying 1950s science fiction film experience.
Trivia wrap-up:
Among the familiar faces in smaller roles in the movie are Queenie Smith (Show Boat) in a cute bit in a restaurant, Leonard Mudie (Foreign Correspondent) as a UN official, Kirk "Superman" Allyn as a frightened man, John Ridgely (Air Force) as a customs official, James Seay (Miracle on 34th Street) as a reporter, Kasey Rogers (Strangers on a Train) as a stewardess, Mary Murphy (The Wild One) as a student, Stuart Whitman (The Mark) as a worker, and the voice of Paul Frees as the narrator and the president.
Peter Hansen who played Dr. Tony Drake and Rachel Ames who played Julie Cummings would go on to television success as lawyer Lee Baldwin and nurse Audrey Hardy on General Hospital which this year is celebrating 55 years on the air. Peter Hansen passed away in April of last year, and the program honored his character. Rachel Ames, the daughter of character actors Dorothy Adams and Byron Foulger, retired from the show in 2007, reprising her role for special occasions in 2013 and 2015.
George Pal
(1908-1980)
Pal's first science fiction film 1950s Destination Moon won an Oscar for Best Effects, Special Effects. The Robert A. Heinlein novel Rocket Ship Galileo was the basis for a screenplay he wrote with Alford Van Ronkel and James O'Hanlon. Directed by Irving Pichel (The Most Dangerous Game) and filmed in Technicolor by Lionel Linden (Around the World in 80 Days), Destination Moon owes much of its stunning visuals to matte artist Chesley Bonestell.
The inspiration for 1951s When Worlds Collide is a serialized novel by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer that was first optioned for films in 1932 by Cecil B. DeMille. George Pal enlisted Chesley Bonestell as technical advisor, and this movie, like its predecessor, won the Oscar for Best Effects, Special Effects. Cinematographer turned director Rudolph Mate (D.O.A., Miracle in the Rain) was in charge and his cinematographers John Seitz (Double Indemnity) and W. Howard Greene (A Star is Born) were nominated for the Oscar for Best Cinematography, Color.
Richard Derr, Hayden Rorke
A routine job for the pilot. Doomsday for the scientist.
Dr. Emery Bronson (Hayden Rorke), from his observatory in South Africa, has determined that a star named Bellus is on a collision course with the earth. Also entering Earth's atmosphere, close enough to influence tides and cause earthquakes is the planet Zyra. Daredevil pilot/courier David Randall (Richard Derr) is tasked with bringing the information to Dr. Cole Hendron (Larry Keating) in New York City.
"There isn't any error."
Barbara Rush, Larry Keating
Randall doesn't realize the import of the information with which he has been entrusted, but once delivery is made finds himself involved with the Institute and its plans, and with Dr. Hendron's daughter Joyce (Barbara Rush). The end of the world may be nigh, but people being people, a love triangle develops among Randall, Joyce, and her intended, Dr. Tony Drake (Peter Hansen).
Will it work?
The money man makes demands.
Frank Cady, John Hoyt
Thankfully, a few industrialists with the money and means to assist are believers. While their own lives will not be saved, it is for the greater good of humanity that they give their resources. Only one man, Sydney Stanton (John Hoyt), a crippled and embittered billionaire will provide necessary funds on the proviso that he be one of the few to leave Earth on a "Noah's Ark" spaceship. Along with his cowed assistant (Frank Cady), Stanton uses his money to control the project.
Now is not the time to speak of love, but it is the only time they have.
Barbara Rush, Richard Derr
Joyce is conflicted by her feelings for Dave Randall, but is able to share her concerns with her father. Dr. Hendron then does what he can to keep Dave in Joyce's life. Dr. Drake almost succumbs to his jealousy, but his better nature takes over. Tony even devises a plan to get Dave aboard the ship.
Will they have the luck of the draw?
Rachel Ames, James Congdon
We watch the preparations for the end of the world and get to know some of the people involved. Only 40 of them will be allowed, by lottery, to make the fateful trip to Zayr. Among the crowd and a young couple in love, Eddie (James Congdon) and Julie (Rachel Ames in her film debut), and when the lottery separates them, Eddie makes the sacrifice of his lottery win which precipitates an emergency.
There's always room for a puppy.
Peter Hansen, Rudy Lee, Barbara Rush
Scenes of destruction upon the arrival of Bellus and when Zyra enters the Earth's orbit are eye-opening thanks to the award-winning effects, and the sight they offer of a potential future. An orphaned boy Mike (Rudy Lee) now joins those looking to the hope of a planet that may or not support life as the only option for a doomed humanity. Can a puppy be far behind?
The scientist and the industrialist in conflict until the end.
Larry Keating, John Hoyt
Stanton has been predicting that when the end is in sight that the crowd will turn on them in their fear. Dr. Herndon, optimistically believes in the innate goodness which is driving the project.
Dr. Herndon: "This project was started by real humanitarians, Marston and Spiro. They gave their money with no strings attached. You're not here under any special licence. You're always shouting for facts. Remember these facts, our chance of reaching the new world is as thin as you becoming a humanitarian!"
Only imminent destruction will prove who is right in their belief. Imminent destruction also reveals true character between Stanton and Herndon.
A literate and sympathetic script increases the sense of reality in this speculative fiction. The basis for the events and the horror of the unavoidable catastrophe motivates all the action and helps the audience identify with the characters in the movie. The beauty of the Technicolor and the craftsmanship evident in the artwork and effects contribute to a genuinely satisfying 1950s science fiction film experience.
Trivia wrap-up:
Stuart Whitman draws his ticket.
Just make him a star already!
Among the familiar faces in smaller roles in the movie are Queenie Smith (Show Boat) in a cute bit in a restaurant, Leonard Mudie (Foreign Correspondent) as a UN official, Kirk "Superman" Allyn as a frightened man, John Ridgely (Air Force) as a customs official, James Seay (Miracle on 34th Street) as a reporter, Kasey Rogers (Strangers on a Train) as a stewardess, Mary Murphy (The Wild One) as a student, Stuart Whitman (The Mark) as a worker, and the voice of Paul Frees as the narrator and the president.
Peter Hansen, Rachel Ames
Dr. Drake and Julie moved into General Hospital.