Things to Come (1936) Director: William Cameron Menzies Studio: London Film Productions Starring: Raymond Massey, Edward Chapman, Ralph Richardson, Margaretta Scott, Cedric Hardwicke Release Date: February 20, 1936 (UK) Runtime: 100 minutes Format: Black-and-White, 35mm Country: United Kingdom Language: English Genres: Science Fiction, Drama, Futurism --- Summary: Things to Come is a visionary British science fiction film depicting the rise, fall, and rebirth of human civilization over the course of a century. Beginning in 1940 with a devastating global war, the story follows the collapse of society into chaos, followed by a re-emergence of order under a technocratic world state. Through sweeping time jumps, the film illustrates mankind’s struggles with war, disease, rebuilding, and progress, culminating in a leap toward space exploration and humanity’s enduring quest for advancement. --- Background: Based on H.G. Wells’ 1933 book *The Shape of Things to Come*, the film was adapted for the screen by Wells himself, making it one of the rare science fiction films directly shaped by its author. Directed by William Cameron Menzies, known for his pioneering work in production design, the movie showcased massive futuristic sets, innovative visual effects, and bold predictions about warfare, technology, and society. Produced by Alexander Korda’s London Film Productions, the film was one of the most ambitious British productions of the 1930s, reflecting both the optimism and anxieties of the interwar period. --- Trivia: * The film predicted a major world war beginning in 1940, just four years after its release, eerily foreshadowing World War II. * H.G. Wells insisted on creative control, which led to clashes with director William Cameron Menzies and producer Alexander Korda. * The art deco-inspired sets and futuristic cityscapes influenced later science fiction cinema, including *Metropolis*’ successors and 1950s sci-fi aesthetics. * The movie featured one of the earliest cinematic depictions of space travel as humanity’s next frontier. --- Hashtags: \#ThingsToCome #H.G.Wells #ClassicSciFi #BritishCinema #1930sFilm #RaymondMassey #Futurism #SciFiHistory