The Day The Earth Caught Fire [1961]

It works on several layers including social commentary; moral philosophy; environmental destruction which includes Humankind's innate desire to experiment with forces it does not really understand.

The Nuclear Age began at Trinity, New Mexico USA at 05:30am on July 17, 1945, with Robert Oppenheimer quoting from the Bible on seeing the first mushroom cloud: "I am become Death - the shatterer of worlds."

The film uses the cinematic and narrative tool of the anti-hero in which we encounter a jaded journalist who discovers that without each others' knowledge Russia and America have conducted simultaneous nuclear detonations at the North and South poles. The result of these detonations is catastrophic with the Earth's axis being sent out of alignment and sending Earth on a one-way journey towards the sun.

Our protaganist has relationship and alcohol problems but is spurred into action in trying to discover why the weather has changed so dramatically in recent times.

As the film progresses we see in a sub-parody of Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' how civilisation can adopt anarchistic tendencies when faced with oblivion. Watch out for the scene with the young Beatnik crowd journeying through London as water rationing is imposed on London's citizens.

The film has a cliff hanger ending which should never be divulged to non-initiates but overall this film comes highly recommended by me as thought-provoking and a piece of cinematic excellence for the discerning and intelligent lover of good cinema.


Great writing, great atmosphere, great DVD   January 8, 2002
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I'd forgotten just how good this film is. Fine performances bring to life a very good script and the setting is brilliantly realised. This isn't just British SF at its best, its SF at its best. OK so some of the science is cobblers but the story is stylish and clever.

The DVD is excellent. A good range of extras and, most importantly, a brilliantly clear print of the film itself. The sepia tinged opening is particularly effective and looks better than ever.

And this is a film with one of those endings that you can never get out of your mind.

Highly recommended.


A Tribute To The Late Ian McKern   August 9, 2002
E. A. Redfearn (Middlesbrough)
14 out of 22 found this review helpful

Now 40 years old, this classic sci-fi film is important for a reason. Made at the time when the Cold War was at its height, and the growing concern about the arms race between east and west, the story shows what could go horribly wrong during nuclear bomb testing. With the earth blown of its axis and drifting towards the sun, mankind looks doomed. The ending is left open so you have to make up your own mind though. Many fine actors grace this film, none more so that Ian McKern, better known for his portrayal of Rumpole of the Bailey, who died recently. Overall, it may be a little talky for some, but it does contain an important message that if mankind interferes with nature, nature may have the last word about mankind's own survival. Good picture and sound overall.


low key and amusing   December 6, 2002
7 out of 10 found this review helpful

Taking its drama from a simple premise: nuclear tests have made the earth move closer to the sun, this film is played out from the point of view of shifty newspaper reported Stenning. As London warms and the water dries up, we see the crazy beatniks of the 1960 finally loose it. Good workman-like direction, a terrific supporting turn from Leo McKern - and even Michael Caine before he was famous as a traffic cop. A real sunday afternoon treat !