“When Worlds Collide” (1951) produced by George Pal / Z-View
When Worlds Collide (1951)
Produced by: George Pal
Director: Rudolph Maté
Screenplay: Sydney Boehm; based on When Worlds Collide stories published in Blue Book Magazine in 1933 by Edwin Balmer, Philip Wylie
Stars: Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen, John Hoyt, Larry Keating, Rachel Ames, Stephen Chase, Hayden Rorke, Sandro Giglio, Kirk Alyn, Stuart Whitman and Frank Cady.
Tagline: 44 Men and Women in Desperate Getaway Flight…To Escape Earth’s Destruction!
The Plot…
Scientists learn that Bellus, a recently discovered star, and Zyra, a planet being pulled along by Bellus, are on a collision course with Earth. In just over eight months, Zyra will pass by Earth. Nineteen days later, Bellus’ impact will destroy our planet.
Dr. Cole Hendron has a plan to build a spaceship to carry 44 people to Zyra as it passes Earth. These 44 will repopulate the new planet and humanity will survive. Two wealthy humanitarians agree to put up the money, but the project still needs more. Sidney Stanton, a shrewd businessman agrees to put up the rest of the funds, if he can choose the people that get to go. Dr. Hendron refuses the offer since Stanton isn’t qualifed to make the decision. Staton agrees to put up the money if he is guaranteed a seat on the ship.
Panic throughout the world spreads as doomsday approaches. Other countries are making plans to build their own rockets, but time is short. As Zyra hurtles closer to Earth, massive earthquakes, tidal waves and volcanic eruptions wreak havok on the world. Many countries declare martial law. Dr. Hendron and his team work to make-up time, but as the day of launch approaches, and workers realize that not everyone can make the trip, tempers flare.
As the clock ticks down, so too do the odds of humanity’s survival.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
When Worlds Collide was nominated for two 1952 Academy Awards and won one…
- Nominee for Best Cinematography, Color – John F. Seitz, W. Howard Greene
- Winner for Best Effects, Special Effects
Producer, George Pal hoped to film a sequel based on the stories of the struggles on the new planet, but the film never happened.
Some of the shots used in When Worlds Collide would be reused in other George Pal films such as War of the Worlds, The Time Machine and Atlantis: The Lost Continent.
Features Stuart Whitman’s uncredited film debut.
Also features the film debut of Rachel Ames (aka Judith Ames). Rachael Ames and co-star Peter Hanson would go on to act on General Hospital together for decades.
Kirk Alyn, best known as the actor to first play Superman, appears uncredited as a rioter.
If you enjoy 1950s sci-fi, When Worlds Collide should be on your viewing list.
When Worlds Collide (1951) rates 3 of 5 stars.
