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Things to Come (Original title)Whither Mankind (Working title)Shape of Things to Come (Alternative title)H.G. Wells' Things to Come (Alternative title)
Date: 20 February 1936 (Release)

Country: United Kingdom

Directed by: William Cameron Menzies

Synopsis: Fantasy on the history of the world during the next 100 years.

Genre:
Science Fiction

Subject:
Future
Releases
Date: 20 February 1936Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - Sound - MonoRuntime: 108 mins Length: 9781 FeetDialogue (original): English
Date: 17 April 1936Country: USARelease type: unknownFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - Sound - MonoRuntime: 100 mins Dialogue (original): English

Credits (41)
All copyrights controlled by: London Film Productions Limited, a London Film production: London Film Productions, Distributed by: United Artists, Distributed in the United States of America by [US prints]: London Film Productions Inc., Produced by: Alexander Korda, Production Manager: David B. Cunynghame, Assistant Director: Geoffrey Boothby, [Screenplay]: H.G. Wells, [Screen Treatment]: Lajos Biró, Above the Title Credit [for novel]: H.G. Wells, Photography by: Georges Perinal, Camera: Robert Krasker, [Assistant Cameraman]: Donald Gallai-Hatchard, [Camera Assistant]: Bernard Browne, Special Effects Directed by: Ned Mann, Special Effects Photographed by: Edward Cohen, Assistant Special Effects: Lawrence Butler, [Special Effects Camera Operator]: Jack Cardiff, [Special Effects]: Harry Zech, [Special Effects]: Wally Veevers, Ross Jackman, Supervising Editor: William Hornbeck, Film Editor: Charles Crichton, Francis Lyon, Settings Designed by: Vincent Korda, [Associate Art Director]: John Bryan, [Associate Art Director]: William Cameron Menzies, Fred Pusey, Assistant Art Director: Frank Wells, [Scenic Artist]: Adolph Montague, Costumes Designed by: John Armstrong, Costumes Designed by: Rene Hubert, The Marchioness of Queensberry, Music Specially Composed by: Arthur Bliss, Musical Director: Muir Mathieson, Recording Director: A.W. Watkins, Sound System: Western Electric Noiseless Recording, Aeronautical Advisor: Nigel Tangye, [Studio]: Worton Hall Studios, Denham Studios
Cast (39)
Raymond Massey (John Cabal/Oswald Cabal), Edward Chapman (Pippa Passworthy/Raymond Passworthy), Ralph Richardson (The Boss), Margueretta Scott (Roxana/Rowena), Cedric Hardwicke (Theotocopulos), Maurice Braddell (Dr Harding), Sophie Stewart (Mrs Cabal), Derrick de Marney (Richard Gordon), Ann Todd (Mary Gordon), Pearl Argyle (Catherine Cabal), Kenneth Villiers (Maurice Passworthy), Ivan Brandt (Morden Mitani), Anne Mclaren (the child), Patricia Hilliard (Janet Gordon), Charles Carson (great grandfather), John Clements ([the airman]), Abraham Sofaer ([Wadsky]), Antony Holles ([Simon Burton]), George Sanders ([pilot]), Patrick Barr ([World Transport official]), Allan Jeayes ([Mr Cabal]), Terry-Thomas ([extra, man of the future]), Pickles Livingston ([Horrie Passworthy]), Paul O'Brien, Victor Papanek, Gordon Bailey, Clarence Bigge, Hilda Davies, Aubrey Dexter, Colin Eaton, H. Fisher White, Don Gemmell, Jacqueline Giovanni, Florence Harwood, Eugene Leahy, Clifford Marquand, Kim Peacock, Charles Stuart ([uncredited]), Anthony Bruce
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (29)
In: Sight and Sound v17 n9 September 2007  Page: 87
Title: Reviews: DVDs: Things to ComeAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Classic Images n387 September 2007  Pages: 22-26
Title: Things to ComeAuthor: SMITH, Grey Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article begins with a biographical overview of H.G. Wells fo llowed by the production history and critique of the 1936 ad aptation THINGS TO COME, describing it as a "cornerstone" of the science-fiction genre.

In: Empire n216 June 2007  Page: 150
Title: At Home/DVD Reissues: Things to ComeAuthor: THOMAS, William Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Filmfax n105 Jan/Mar 2005  Pages: 54-65,118-121
Title: The magic of Menzies: of genies in bottels, heads in...Author: DIFATE, Vincent Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Richly illustrated dossier on William Cameron Menzies' life and work as a production designer, focusing on THINGS TO COME and The THIEF OF BAGDAD, both produced by Alexander Korda.

In: Film Score Monthly v5 n8 Sep/Oct 2000  Pages: 26-29
Title: Ahead of its timeAuthor: SNEDDEN, William Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: On how Arthur Bliss met H.G.Wells which led to him being invited to score the music for the film adaptation of Wells' The SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME, and on the issue of the soundtrack by Decca in 1936 on three 12" 78rpm records.

In: Classic Television n5 Jun/Jul 1998  Pages: 10-25
Title: British Film: The Classic Television top 100Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A brief history of British film and Classic Television read- ers' 100 British films. Films listed with short synopses.

In: Journal of Popular British Cinema n1 1998  Pages: 158-159
Title: ReviewsAuthor: Harper, Sue Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Review of "The Korda Collection", a selection of 12 video titles released by Carlton Home Entertainment, includes THINGS TO COME (1936).

In: Classic Images n278 August 1998  Page: 41
Title: Video tape reviewsAuthor: KLEPPER, Robert Article type: CreditsLanguage: English

In: Film Dope n44 March 1990  Page: 18
Title: [Film Dope - n44 March 1990: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note on Laszlo Moholy-Nagy's contribution to the 'city of the future' section.

In: TV Times v126 n9 21 Feb 1987  Page: 34
Title: [TV Times - v126 n9 21 Feb 1987: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note that the mine scenes were filmed at Griffin Colliery, near Abertillary.

In: American Cinemeditor v33 n2/3 Sum/Aut 1983  Page: Summer/Fall 17, 19
Title: [American Cinemeditor - v33 n2/3 Sum/Aut 1983: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Interview with editor William Hornbeck.

In: StarBurst v1 n10 [1979]  Pages: 44-47
Title: The Shape of Things to ComeAuthor: DUPEA, Bobby Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Extended review comparing THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME with the 1936 version

In: Film and History v6 n2 May 1976  Pages: 31-36
Title: [Film and History - v6 n2 May 1976: no known title]Language: English

In: L'Incroyable Cinema n3 Spring 1970  Page: 22
Title: [L'Incroyable Cinema - n3 Spring 1970: no known title]Language: English

In: Kinematograph Weekly n2133 18 Mar 1948
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n2133 18 Mar 1948: no known title]Language: English

In: Today's Cinema v70 n5611 18 Feb 1948
Title: [Today's Cinema - v70 n5611 18 Feb 1948: no known title]Language: English

In: Kinematograph Weekly n1900 16 Sep 1943
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n1900 16 Sep 1943: no known title]Language: English

In: Today's Cinema v61 n4928 10 Sep 1943
Title: [Today's Cinema - v61 n4928 10 Sep 1943: no known title]Language: English

In: The Commercial Film v2 n2 April 1936  Page: 1
Title: "Things To Come" for film libraryArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Copy donated to National Film Library (later National Film Archive).

In: Film Weekly v15 n385 29 Feb 1936  Page: 27
Title: [Film Weekly - v15 n385 29 Feb 1936: no known title]Language: English

In: Picture Show v34 n883 4 Apr 1936  Page: 9
Title: [Picture Show - v34 n883 4 Apr 1936: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: "Comedian v. Scientist". Article on contrast between THINGS T.C. and MODERN TIMES.

In: Hollywood Spectator v11 n2 25 Apr 1936  Pages: 9-10
Title: [Hollywood Spectator - v11 n2 25 Apr 1936: no known title]Language: English

In: The Picturegoer v5 n250 7 Mar 1936  Page: 17
Title: [The Picturegoer - v5 n250 7 Mar 1936: no known title]Language: English

In: Kinematograph Weekly n1506 27 Feb 1936  Page: 31
Title: [Kinematograph Weekly - n1506 27 Feb 1936: no known title]Language: English

In: Sight and Sound v5 n17 Spring 1936  Page: 10
Title: [Sight and Sound - v5 n17 Spring 1936: no known title]Language: English

In: Monthly Film Bulletin v3 n26 February 1936  Page: 25
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v3 n26 February 1936: no known title]Language: English

In: Motion Picture Herald v122 n10 7 Mar 1936  Page: 17
Title: [Motion Picture Herald - v122 n10 7 Mar 1936: no known title]Language: English

In: Photoplay Studies v2 n4 April 1936  Page: guide to the discussion of the film.
Title: [Photoplay Studies - v2 n4 April 1936: no known title]Language: English

In:   Page: 56
Title: [ - : no known title]


Books held in BFI Reuben Library (11)
Title: Projecting tomorrow: science fiction and popular cinema
Author: CHAPMAN, James  Pages: xiv, 240 pages

Title: Deleuze and film music: building a methodological bridge between film theory and music
Author: Redner, Gregg  Pages: 194 pages

Title: British Film Institute Film Classics, volume 1
Author: Buscombe, Edward  Pages: ix, 628 p.
Description: Two volume set containing the first 50 BFI Film Classics titles.

Title: H.G. Wells on film: the utopian nightmare
Author: SMITH, Don G  Pages: vii, 197 p.

Title: British science fiction cinema
Author: Hunter, IQ  Pages: vi-x, 217p.

Title: Cinema and the Great War
Author: KELLY, Andrew  Pages: viii-xi, 219p.

Title: Things to come
Author: FRAYLING, Christopher  Pages: 83p.

Title: The prophetic soul: a reading of H.G. Wells's Things to come together with his film treatment, Whither mankind? and the post production script (both never before published)
Author: STOVER, Leon  Pages: 301p.

Title: Two film stories: Things to come [and] The man who could work miracles
Author: WELLS  Pages: 142p.

Title: Things to come; a film story based on the material contained in his history of the future "The shape of things to come"
Author: WELLS  Pages: 142p
Description: Also in The History of the Cinema 1895-1940 microfiche.

Title: Fifty key British films
Author: BARROW, Sarah  Pages: xviii, 247 pages


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(43)
Accessible materials to view(10)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-953961
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: C-1050677
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: CombinedLength: 8680 FeetBFI identifier: C-1091244
Status: Viewing - Access to film print is subject to clearance (servicing required)


Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-1279536
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: VHS cassetteDuration: 92.45 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1279550
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: Digital BetacamDuration: 92.45 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1307806
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: CombinedLength: 8680 FeetStock date: 1996BFI identifier: C-1065907
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-369010
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request


Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-369010-2
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request


Description: MP4BFI identifier: N-637854
Status: Viewing - Digital file is accessible to view within BFI



Digital materials(9)
Description: DPX - LTO5BFI identifier: N-368894
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: WAV - LTO5BFI identifier: N-369067
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: DPX - LTO5BFI identifier: N-368894-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: WAV - LTO5BFI identifier: N-369067-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MOV - LTO5ProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-368951
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-369010
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request


Description: MOV - LTO5ProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-368951-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-369010-2
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request


Description: MP4BFI identifier: N-637854
Status: Viewing - Digital file is accessible to view within BFI



Video materials(6)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-953961
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: C-1050677
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-1279536
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: VHS cassetteDuration: 92.45 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1279550
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: Digital BetacamDuration: 92.45 minutesLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-1307806
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: HD Cam SRBFI identifier: C-1489470
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status



Film materials(28)
Description: Re-recorded NegativeSound: SoundLength: 574 FeetBFI identifier: C-1014164
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 16mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 3332 FeetStock date: 1970BFI identifier: C-961992
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 16mm BW PositiveSound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-962001
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 16mm Dupe NegativeBase: CTASound: MuteLength: 3322 FeetBFI identifier: C-744547
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 16mm Dupe NegativeBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 3322 FeetStock date: 1951BFI identifier: C-744548
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 17.5mm NegativeBase: NitrateSound: SoundBFI identifier: N-8865
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm BW Dupe NegativeBase: CTASound: MuteLength: 8680 FeetStock date: 1985BFI identifier: C-169698
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedLength: 8676 FeetStock date: 1936BFI identifier: C-169700
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: NitrateSound: CombinedBFI identifier: N-420977
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 8674 FeetStock date: 1987BFI identifier: C-512620
Status: Master - Access to film print is subject to clearance (servicing required)


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: CombinedLength: 8680 FeetBFI identifier: C-1091244
Status: Viewing - Access to film print is subject to clearance (servicing required)


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: CombinedLength: 8680 FeetStock date: 1996BFI identifier: C-1065907
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 8364 FeetBFI identifier: C-169701
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 8372 FeetStock date: 1945BFI identifier: C-169702
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: PolyesterSound: SoundLength: 8680 FeetStock date: 1996BFI identifier: C-1038611
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film - suitable for duplication


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 8361 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-744549
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: CTASound: CombinedLength: 17 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-744550
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm Duplicating Lavender PositiveBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 8346 FeetStock date: 1936BFI identifier: C-169696
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Duplicating PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8346 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-744546
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI


Description: 35mm Master PositiveBase: PolyesterSound: SoundLength: 8680 FeetStock date: 1996BFI identifier: C-1018789
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 5531 FeetStock date: 1935BFI identifier: C-169705
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 593 FeetStock date: 1935BFI identifier: C-169709
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: NitrateSound: MuteLength: 6323 FeetBFI identifier: C-169703
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Original NegativeBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 466 FeetStock date: 1935BFI identifier: C-169710
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm PositiveBase: NitrateSound: SoundLength: 8346 FeetStock date: 1936BFI identifier: C-169699
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeSound: SoundBFI identifier: C-202809
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: CTASound: SoundLength: 8680 FeetBFI identifier: C-224547
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Re-recorded NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundLength: 8346 FeetStock date: 1952BFI identifier: C-744545
Status: On loan - Restricted access to film on loan to BFI