SNMR 3.3: "The Time Machine"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "The Time Machine" (1960, G, 103 minutes), starring Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux, Sebastian Cabot, Tom Helmore, Whit Bissell and Doris Lloyd. The film was directed by George Pal.

I can't even recall when exactly the first time I watched this film was. It was likely that I saw it for the first time on television in the late 1980's or early '90's. Since then I've watched it several times and am never disappointed.

From the DVD's dust case:

Here today, gone tomorrow. When George (Rod Taylor) sits at the controls of his new creation, he has all the time in the world. He's invented a Time Machine that whisks him from 1899 to war-ravaged moments of the 20th century and into 802701. In that far-off era, passive Eloi face a grim future as prey to the glow-eyed Morlocks... unless the time-traveling stranger from the past intervenes.
At the controls of the movie of H.G. Wells' classic The Time Machine (now digitaly restored and remasteredand in remixed Dolby Stereo) is effects trailblazer George Pal, whose features and short films won a combined seven Oscars and Special Awards. One winner was this beloved adventure loaded with visual marvels, from the nuclear destruction of London (complete with lava eruption) to the colorful whirligig of time travel.

From Martin & Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2007, p. 1155:

Rod Taylor plays a scientist in the early 1900's who invents a device that can transport him within the dimensions of time. He goes forward past three world wars and into the year 802,701, where he encounters a world very different from the one he left. This movie has all the elements that make up a classic in science fiction.

This film is based on H.G. Wells excellent novel of the same name, which sadly, I have not read since high school. As far as I can recall, the film doesn't deviate too badly from the book. The script was adapted well. The cast is decent - Rod Taylor is good. Weena, played by Yvette Mimieux, could have been filled decently by any actress of the day. Some of the special effects are, by todays standards, considered cheesy, but are excellent for the era in which this film was made. Can you think of a more wimpy set of mindless evil dudes than the Morlocks? I still love the way the time machine looks. I always leave this film wondering what three books George took back with him into the future at the end of the movie and wondering what three books I would take if time travel like this were possible. This film is, in my opinion, always an excellent view. I'll give it 4 stars.