When Worlds Collide (1951)

Hot diggity darnit, the 1950s were a massively great time for science fiction. Sure, sometimes the special effects couldn't keep up with the grand ideas, but what a plethora of great stories were told back then. This is one that doesn't quite fit the mould of the others, focusing more on the human condition and characters and less on spectacular things happening. Well, almost.

Feel free to ignore the biblical reference that this film starts with. I have no doubt that it had to be included to appease certain factors in the filmmaking community (especially the factors that provided the money). In all fairness, it is a rather silly start to what is otherwise a fairly progressive (and dark) science fiction story about the end of the world.

Astronomers discover that a rogue star and encircling planet are on a collision course with Earth, which shall be completely destroyed. The scientists devise a plan to launch a rocket, filled with some people, technology and animals towards the planet. They hope it will be viable. But most of the world mocks them and they have to struggle to find the funds needed to follow through with their plan. Until a multi-billionaire wants to make sure he will survive himself and fronts the cash. Meanwhile, a hapless pilot is drawn into the thick of it and the daughter of the main scientist falls hopelessly in love with him.

I mean, of course they included a romantic subplot. It was the Fifties, after all.

Nevertheless, this film is ahead of its time in so many ways. For starters, our pilot 'hero' isn't a hero in the classic sense. In fact, he thinks himself completely useless amidst the scientists and engineers and vehemently wants to remain on Earth, even though we all know he won't. Also, the daughter of the scientist is herself a scientist and she's not relegated to the 'damsel in distress' or 'ditzy blonde'-trope. Pretty cool, if you ask me.

What really hits home, is the convention where our astronomers share their findings with other countries. Disbelief all around, mocking even and our central characters can do nothing except wonder why people remain blind in spite of the overwhelming evidence.

Sounds remarkably similar to what we've got going with climate change, doesn't it? And this was 1951...

To be fair, the special effects do look rather dated and some of the matte paintings are a little iffy, but considering this film did not have a massive budget, it is something that aficionados of the genre can overlook. Or at least maybe they should. Also, the fact that human beings will both do their best and worst when confronted with a massive crisis is captured very well. Sure, the film ends on a hopeful note, but there are some on the nose observations here as well, so the writing is pretty great.

'When Worlds Collide' is a genuinely great example of how good writing and decent directing can make a relatively low budget film a much better product than you would expect. Yes, it's a little dated in  places, but all in all, it is still very watchable, in contrast to some other science fiction from the same era.

I still recommend it, when you have some time to spare.