When Worlds Collide

1951 • 82 minutes

About this movie

Today's Science-Fiction extravaganzas all pay tribute to this pioneering classic from Producer George Pal (The War of the Worlds), which won an Oscar® for its spectacular special effects. An impending collision with a runaway star signals the destruction of earth. The government refuses to listen to scientists, but private industrialists finance the building of a spaceship, which will carry a limited number of people to another planet to begin a new civilization. As doomsday approaches, they race against time and the panic of those who will be left behind. The potential pulverizing impact of the collision, the massive tidal waves and devastating earthquakes and the final cosmic smashup make a chilling panorama of disaster. The balance between human and planetary drama is excellently maintained as the movie builds to its fascinating, unforgettable climax. The government refuses to listen to scientists, but private industrailist finance the building of a spaceship, which will carry a limited numer of people to another planet to begiin a new civilization. As doomsday approaches, they race against time and the panic of those who will be left behind. The potential pulverizing impact of the collision, the massive titdal waves and devastating earthquakes, and the final cosmic smashup make a chilling panorama of disaster. The balance between human and planetary drama is excellently maintained as the movie builds to its fascinating, unforgettable climax.

Ratings and reviews

A modern take on the Noah's Ark story but set in 1950's America. The most frightening aspect of the film for me was seeing the countdown notice on the wall and the rogue star Bellus growing menacingly large each day as it approaches Earth. That sense of imminent doom and destruction pervades the film as soon as the astronomers findings are confirmed. A remake would be good, if they retained the 1950's setting, albeit in an alternate timeline where the Soviets are ahead in the space race.

Left disappointed regarding the special effects. I am aware that the film is very old, but not convincing, with no view of the destruction of the earth and passing planet "devastation". Would like to see a big budget remake. Ps: Looks like they are not alone either looking at the buildings lol

I liked this film a lot for many years, the space craft was a great design. It was made better for me because there were no big stars in it, so the story was important. I can always remember being disappointed t hough that there was not more when they got to the planet