“The Time Machine” (1960) directed by George Pal, starring Rod Taylor, Alan Young and Yvette Mimieux / Z-View

The Time Machine (1960)

Director:  George Pal

Screenplay: David Duncan based on THE TIME MACHINE by H.G. Wells

Stars: Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux, Tom Helmore, Whit Bissell, Doris Lloyd, Paul Frees and Sebastian Cabot.

Tagline: You Will Orbit into the Fantastic Future!

The Plot…

New Year’s Eve 1899… George Wells (Taylor) has created a time machine that works!  Wells decides to go into the future.  He wants to see what kind of utopian society awaits.  Wells is disappointed to learn that instead of paradise, World Wars await.  Wells decides to go far into the future hoping for something better.

Wells lands in the year 802,701.  What at first seems like a perfect world turns out to be anything but.  Humans are treated like cattle by creatures called Morlocks.  Making things worse, Wells’ time machine is now in their possession.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Time Machine won one Academy Award for Best Effects, Special Effects – Gene Warren, Tim Baar

Alan Young (best known as Wilbur on the Mr. Ed television series) is the only actor to appear in this film and the 2002 remake.

The Time Machine features the first starring role in a feature film for both Rod Taylor and Yvette Mimieux.

The Time Machine (1960) rates 3 of 5 stars