H. G. Wells' The Shape of Things to Come
Encyclopedia
H. G. Wells' The Shape of Things to Come is a Canadian
science fiction
motion picture first released in May 1979.
Although credited to H. G. Wells
, the film takes only its title and some character names from The Shape of Things to Come
, Wells' speculative novel from 1933. The plot bears no resemblance to the book whatsoever. The book predicts events such as a Second World War and the collapse of social order unless a world state is formed, whereas the film involves a high-tech future involving robots and spaceships. The film was an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of such recent successes as Star Wars
, and TV series such as Space: 1999
and Battlestar Galactica
, although the film had only a fraction of the production budget of any of these.
The main plot of the film involves a scientist (played by Barry Morse
, formerly of Space: 1999
), his son (Nicholas Campbell
, years before critical acclaim in Da Vinci's Inquest
) and Kim, a senator's daughter (Anne-Marie Martin
of Sledge Hammer!
fame, here credited as "Eddie Benton") hijacking an experimental spacecraft in order to stop the plans of the evil Omus (Jack Palance
), who has overthrown the governor of Delta Three (Carol Lynley
) and is threatening to destroy the Moon colonies unless he is installed as ruler of the human race.
Along the way, the trio encounter a robot who falls in love with Kim, a group of children left behind on earth, and other hazards.
said, "Released in 1979, the sets and FX look more akin to nineteen FIFTY-nine with the aptly named "Sparks" and his robo-ilk who precariously teeter along like oversized popcorn poppers with great big salad tongs for arms."
Nicholas Sylvain of DVD Verdict
wrote, "Embarrassing acting, mysterious scriptwriting, and ultra-cheesy effects are potentially forgivable, but the worst sin of all is that The Shape Of Things To Come takes itself seriously. If insomnia rules your world or you have a need for an emergency coaster, then try The Shape Of Things To Come. Otherwise, put it down, and pull slowly away. How far? How about Cleveland?"
J.C. Maçek III of WorldsGreatestCritic.com said, "Trust me folks, this film is NOT good and if this is, in fact, "The Shape of Things to Come", I'd much prefer to live in the past, man!"
The film was released on DVD in 2004.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
motion picture first released in May 1979.
Although credited to H. G. Wells
H. G. Wells
Herbert George Wells was an English author, now best known for his work in the science fiction genre. He was also a prolific writer in many other genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary, even writing text books and rules for war games...
, the film takes only its title and some character names from The Shape of Things to Come
The Shape of Things to Come
The Shape of Things to Come is a work of science fiction by H. G. Wells, published in 1933, which speculates on future events from 1933 until the year 2106. The book is dominated by Wells's belief in a world state as the solution to mankind's problems....
, Wells' speculative novel from 1933. The plot bears no resemblance to the book whatsoever. The book predicts events such as a Second World War and the collapse of social order unless a world state is formed, whereas the film involves a high-tech future involving robots and spaceships. The film was an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of such recent successes as Star Wars
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, is a 1977 American epic space opera film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the...
, and TV series such as Space: 1999
Space: 1999
Space: 1999 is a British science-fiction television series that ran for two seasons and originally aired from 1975 to 1977. In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident on 13 September 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and...
and Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica (1978 TV series)
Battlestar Galactica is an American science fiction television series, created by Glen A. Larson. It starred Lorne Greene, Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict and ran for one season in 1978–79. After cancellation, its story was continued in 1980 as Galactica 1980 with Adama, Lieutenant Boomer and...
, although the film had only a fraction of the production budget of any of these.
Plot
The film takes place in the far future, after the earth has been ravaged by "The Robot Wars". Most of mankind has fled the planet and resettled in giant domed cities on the moon. The race needs frequent doses of a rare drug in order to counter radiation sickness and survive. The only place where this drug is available is the planet Delta Three.The main plot of the film involves a scientist (played by Barry Morse
Barry Morse
Herbert "Barry" Morse was an Anglo-Canadian actor of stage, screen, and radio best known for his roles in the ABC television series The Fugitive and the British sci-fi drama Space: 1999...
, formerly of Space: 1999
Space: 1999
Space: 1999 is a British science-fiction television series that ran for two seasons and originally aired from 1975 to 1977. In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident on 13 September 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and...
), his son (Nicholas Campbell
Nicholas Campbell
Nicholas Campbell , sometimes credited as Nick Campbell, is a Canadian actor and filmmaker, who has won three Gemini Awards for acting. The movies Naked Lunch, Prozac Nation and the TV series Da Vinci's Inquest are some examples of his acting work.-Early life:Campbell was born in Toronto, Ontario,...
, years before critical acclaim in Da Vinci's Inquest
Da Vinci's Inquest
Da Vinci's Inquest is a Canadian dramatic television series that aired on CBC Television from 1998 to 2005. Seven seasons of thirteen episodes each were filmed for a total of ninety-one episodes....
) and Kim, a senator's daughter (Anne-Marie Martin
Anne-Marie Martin
Anne-Marie Martin is a Canadian actress and writer who is perhaps best known for playing Sgt. Dori Doreau in the American television comedy series Sledge Hammer! from 1986 to 1988....
of Sledge Hammer!
Sledge Hammer!
Sledge Hammer! is an American satirical police sitcom produced by New World Television that ran for two seasons on ABC from 1986 to 1988. The series was created by Alan Spencer and stars David Rasche as Inspector Sledge Hammer, a preposterous caricature of the standard "cop on the edge" character,...
fame, here credited as "Eddie Benton") hijacking an experimental spacecraft in order to stop the plans of the evil Omus (Jack Palance
Jack Palance
Jack Palance , was an American actor. During half a century of film and television appearances, Palance was nominated for three Academy Awards, all as Best Actor in a Supporting Role, winning in 1991 for his role in City Slickers.-Early life:Palance, one of five children, was born Volodymyr...
), who has overthrown the governor of Delta Three (Carol Lynley
Carol Lynley
Carol Lynley is an American actress and former child model.-Life and career:Lynley was born Carole Ann Jones in New York City, the daughter of Frances , a waitress, and Cyril Jones. Her father was Irish and her mother, a native of New England, was of English, Scottish, Welsh, German, and Native...
) and is threatening to destroy the Moon colonies unless he is installed as ruler of the human race.
Along the way, the trio encounter a robot who falls in love with Kim, a group of children left behind on earth, and other hazards.
Critical reception
G. Noel Gross of DVD TalkDVD Talk
DVD Talk is a website for DVD enthusiasts founded in January 1999 by Geoffrey Kleinman when DVDs and DVD players were first beginning to hit the market.The site started as an online forum, an email newsletter, and a page of DVD news and reviews...
said, "Released in 1979, the sets and FX look more akin to nineteen FIFTY-nine with the aptly named "Sparks" and his robo-ilk who precariously teeter along like oversized popcorn poppers with great big salad tongs for arms."
Nicholas Sylvain of DVD Verdict
DVD Verdict
DVD Verdict is a judicial themed website for DVD reviews. The site was founded in 1999. Current editor in chief is Michael Stailey, who also reviews for Rotten Tomatoes...
wrote, "Embarrassing acting, mysterious scriptwriting, and ultra-cheesy effects are potentially forgivable, but the worst sin of all is that The Shape Of Things To Come takes itself seriously. If insomnia rules your world or you have a need for an emergency coaster, then try The Shape Of Things To Come. Otherwise, put it down, and pull slowly away. How far? How about Cleveland?"
J.C. Maçek III of WorldsGreatestCritic.com said, "Trust me folks, this film is NOT good and if this is, in fact, "The Shape of Things to Come", I'd much prefer to live in the past, man!"
The film was released on DVD in 2004.