MORE ABOUT THE MOVIE: H.G. Wells' Things to Come paints a frightening picture of the intense destruction and dreadful calamities caused by a massive world war. An unseen and technologically superior enemy attacks the town, and the result is chaos and fear. During these moments, little hope exists for the human race and the future appears bleak.

Released in 1936, Things to Come was miles ahead of its time with daring (and surprisingly accurate) predictions of the future. Although our society has yet to face calamities on the level of this story, the possibility always rests in front of us. After the dreadful war, a deadly plague arises and spreads unchecked throughout the world. The subsequent scenes are extremely sad and depressing, with people murdering plague victims to save their own skins. Is this the end for the human race? Fear not, wayward soul, for hope arrives in the form of John Cabal (Raymond Massey), a mysterious imposing figure who arrives in an unknown aircraft. However, his brand of new world order may bring in a new form of tyranny.

John Cabal presents the message that progress is aligned with the creation of new machines. The battered world will rise again, and the efficiency of grand machines is the key to "restoring order and trade." Director William Cameron Menzies appears to share this theory, and he frames Cabal as a giant, almost god-like figure among the smaller villagers. His character always occupies the center of the frame, and rousing music blares in the background to support his powerful words. This new order impressively presents the power of humans to create amazing machines, but it contains several notable problems. Cabal speaks of unity and order, but he never speaks of individuality and creativity. People appear secondary to the works of huge machines that overwhelm their personalities, and it has echoes of communism. Also, women appear to lack a major role in this regime, which is composed almost entirely of men.

Things to Come stands as the Armageddon or Independence Day of its time period. It contains vast, gigantic sets and showcases top-notch and impressive special effects. Unfortunately, it also contains wooden characters who spout laugh-inducing and ridiculous lines. For a lengthy period of time, I had a difficult time recognizing or identifying with any characters in the story. Even the major Cabal characters are so one-dimensional about progress and the future that they lack basic human traits. When the plot reaches its ultimate destination, the grandiose Everytown in the future, people still lack defining characteristics. The effects in the final act are wonderful, especially in a scene where Passworthy (Edward Chapman) presents his speech in front of throngs of listeners. He stands on a giant screen in front of the masses, and an astounding effect projects him as a huge entity .

Based on a novel by science fiction guru H.G. Wells, Things to Come predicts the modern airplane and our landing on the moon. The set design and costumes are inventive, and the story takes a surprisingly strong stand on the future of humanity. Do we have to deny our individuality to achieve progress? I don't believe so, but Welles appears to align himself with that theory. While it lacks personality and compassion, this story does present an interesting look at one possible future for the human race.