Wonderful. Wonderful. Best series on UA-cam. I sometimes watch an episode twice during the week. I have researched and bought some early SF on DVD. This Channel is a treasure. Thank You.
I've said before that coverage of real-world events and technology gives vital context to movies. I've also said before that, and this is more down to my own ignorance of this era, the concepts being explored in literature seem much more enlightened and creative than i would have expected. While the movies perhaps lacked in content, it looks as though there was a lot of effort and talent going into the sets and props. From the few moments you showed, Black Narcissus looks like an incredibly beautiful movie. A real fascinating, warts and all, look into older movies.
The sci-fi writers were taking more chances than the filmmakers but I think Hollywood was still hesitant about spending money on these genre films. It's all about making money. The sci-fi films made outside Hollywood did take some risks. Black Narcissus is a beautiful film with some gorgeous cinematography.
Another great episode - I definitely need to see The Beginning or the End, just to see the the first portrayal of the Manhattan project on screen. Besides, it will be nice to see Brian Donlevy again, after very recently enjoying his portrayal of Professor Quatermass in the eponymous film series. I'm also looking forward to checking out Jack Armstrong and the first few episodes of Brick Bradford on the internet archive. The forties may have been slim pickings, particularly in movies, but as I'm sure you're aware, the fifties is going to go into absolute overdrive. I'm guessing you're going to have to break up many of the years into several parts, as there is so much media to cover. The movies alone will be a major time-sink, especially if you intend to review them. Not a problem for me, especially if you keep them at such a high level of quality. Thanks again for the wonderful content, I'm still learning new stuff along with you, despite owning or having access to large amounts of sci-fi across all media. I hope you're still enjoying making each episode, as much as I enjoy watching them.
Thanks so much. I will break up most years in the 1950s into multiple parts. About 200 sci-fi films were released in the 1950s, so I have plenty of films to keep me busy. The Beginning or the End was the most well-made film in this episode with a decent story, but I wish they focused on the historical characters more.
Great vid as always! Surprisingly, I didn't actually have any of the movies you listed. Unsurprisingly, I have all of the serials. I agree that the mid to late 40s was kind of lacking in sci-fi over all. It really picks up in the 50s. See you in 1948!
@@marswantsmovies Looking forward to it! All in all, '47 seems like it wasn't terrible for science fiction, certainly a breath of fresh air after all the horror/monster movies of the previous decade plus.
I'm glad we're moving away from the mad scientists. It seems like Hollywood will take one idea and make way too many movies on the subject. I like the variety of the stories from 1947.
Once again, I find another movie I didn't know about: THE BEGINNING OR THE END. I thought OPPENHEIMER was only the second adaptation based on the Manhattan Project.
Congratulations on the creation of this episodic series. It is an excellent encapsulation of historical fact and fiction, of educative data and reminders of the entertainment I so did and do enjoy from my childhood. I look forward to each segment.
The specific year indeed seems pretty thin, sci-fi-wise, but this series of videos paints a truly awesome panorama of the development of the genre. Each and every episode has been a joy to watch! Can't wait for the next installment.
Sidenote: In the 1947 serial, Jack Armstrong's outrageous big-finned car was built on a stretched '30's L29 Cord chassis and was first seen in the 1936 Jimmy Stewart B-movie "Speed" where it was called "The Falcon". After its minor movie fame as the "Thunderbolt Comet" in the 1947 serial, it languished for years along HIghway 14 near Acton, CA.
That's so cool. I love all these tidbits of Hollywood history out there to learn. I'm not into cars, but I loved the look in the opening shots of the serial.
The war was over and we found ourselves truly living in a science fiction world. The Cold War had started and the early years were particularly tough. I had no idea that the video game "Space War" dated from this far back. There's a fascinating story of its development in Creative Computing magazine from about thirty-five years later.
No, Spacewar! was created in 1962 and ran (and still runs) on the DEC PDP-1 computer. I think the situation is that the two men patented the idea and later developed a machine that was impractical at the time (apparently). There are pictures of it and the screen looks similar to the one for Spacewar! and there are pictures of the PDP-1 mixed in to make things confusing.
Goldsmith and Mann filed a patent for a “Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement Device" in 1947 but nothing near what we think of video games today. It's cool that the idea was in its very early infancy.
Umm... leaflets *were* dropped on Japanese cities near the height of the conventional bombing campaign, advising citizens to evacuate, and there were leaflets also dropped prior to the atomic bombings, although of course the Japanese citizenry ignored them. So that part of "The Beginning or the End" is true, although not having seen the film, I don't know how the leaflet drops were depicted. But overall, that part isn't fictional or propaganda. And of course there was a "demoralization" factor to it as well--as some of the leaflets called attention to the fact that the Japanese military couldn't stop the bombing campaign, and exhorting the Japanese citizenry to overthrow their government. As ever, love this series. :-)
Yay for the mention of "Dimension X". Not only was it a brilliant radio sci-fi drama series (in many ways an early version of "The Twilight Zone") but it also lent its name to a fantastic 1991 technopop track by my favorite short-lived band, Seven Red Seven. Though all of the samples used in that song were from "The Outer Limits", it's utterly brilliant IMHO.
With all the serials including footage from previous films, it's no wonder that many of them seem like the same movie all over again. A "modular" approach to film-making.
The same thing was happening with cheap westerns and western serials. It was a common trope that the SAME western storyline was being shown on EVERY channel at once.
There was a seven episode BBC mini-series called Oppenheimer made in 1980. It is a more thorough depiction of Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the bomb. There is also a twenty three episode docu-drama series called Manh(A)ttan. Much like "The Beginning or The End" movie many of the actual participants of the Manhattan Project are fictionalized composites. The depiction of the actual participants such a Robert Oppenheimer are given much less screen time. The 2023 film put greater emphasis on Oppenheimer's conflict with Lewis Strauss for dramatic purposes. There were leaflets dropped in 1945 on some cities in Japan warning of the destruction facing the Japanese. There is still debate about which cities were warned and when the leaflets were dropped. Typical wartime SNAFU IMHO.
1948 was a great year for science fiction. that was the year when 1984 was published. I used to check that book out from the school library every few weeks. I saw all the theatrical releases on UA-cam. for years, I have been fascinated with past visions of the future. and how visions of the future changed over time as technology evolved.
That 'rocket car' from the Jack Armstrong serial is a bad example of form over function. When you need to CRAWL out of your car, then you designed the door wrong. They should have done a Dukes of Hazzard going in and out through the window, instead.
In a way this lull in Sci-Fi movies possibly helps what's to come. As usual, thanks for your great work on this tremendous ongoing series!
More great work. My favourite 1948 film is The Red Shoes but not any science fiction that I know of so I'm waiting on the usual from you all.
I'll definitely mention The Red Shoes in the 1948 Hollywood chapter. It's such a stunning film.
Wonderful. Wonderful. Best series on UA-cam. I sometimes watch an episode twice during the week. I have researched and bought some early SF on DVD. This Channel is a treasure. Thank You.
Thank so you so much. Have a wonderful weekend.
Another fine episode. Elia Kazan has a long e, as in E-li-a. Fascinating material on the Brazilian film.
Yet another Fantastic episode ! Thank You for all the work you do putting these together Cheers
I've said before that coverage of real-world events and technology gives vital context to movies. I've also said before that, and this is more down to my own ignorance of this era, the concepts being explored in literature seem much more enlightened and creative than i would have expected. While the movies perhaps lacked in content, it looks as though there was a lot of effort and talent going into the sets and props. From the few moments you showed, Black Narcissus looks like an incredibly beautiful movie. A real fascinating, warts and all, look into older movies.
The sci-fi writers were taking more chances than the filmmakers but I think Hollywood was still hesitant about spending money on these genre films. It's all about making money. The sci-fi films made outside Hollywood did take some risks. Black Narcissus is a beautiful film with some gorgeous cinematography.
Another great episode - I definitely need to see The Beginning or the End, just to see the the first portrayal of the Manhattan project on screen. Besides, it will be nice to see Brian Donlevy again, after very recently enjoying his portrayal of Professor Quatermass in the eponymous film series. I'm also looking forward to checking out Jack Armstrong and the first few episodes of Brick Bradford on the internet archive.
The forties may have been slim pickings, particularly in movies, but as I'm sure you're aware, the fifties is going to go into absolute overdrive. I'm guessing you're going to have to break up many of the years into several parts, as there is so much media to cover. The movies alone will be a major time-sink, especially if you intend to review them. Not a problem for me, especially if you keep them at such a high level of quality.
Thanks again for the wonderful content, I'm still learning new stuff along with you, despite owning or having access to large amounts of sci-fi across all media. I hope you're still enjoying making each episode, as much as I enjoy watching them.
Thanks so much. I will break up most years in the 1950s into multiple parts. About 200 sci-fi films were released in the 1950s, so I have plenty of films to keep me busy. The Beginning or the End was the most well-made film in this episode with a decent story, but I wish they focused on the historical characters more.
Love the historical info you share - like the narrator of the 60s BatMan series had earlier been involved in Sci-Fi in 1947! Keep 'em coming
Another enjoyable episode. Thank you for all of your hard work.
Hear hear!
Great vid as always!
Surprisingly, I didn't actually have any of the movies you listed. Unsurprisingly, I have all of the serials. I agree that the mid to late 40s was kind of lacking in sci-fi over all. It really picks up in the 50s.
See you in 1948!
1948 will be a fun year to cover. There's some sci-fi out of Europe, and of course, I'll discuss the Superman serial.
@@marswantsmovies Looking forward to it! All in all, '47 seems like it wasn't terrible for science fiction, certainly a breath of fresh air after all the horror/monster movies of the previous decade plus.
I'm glad we're moving away from the mad scientists. It seems like Hollywood will take one idea and make way too many movies on the subject. I like the variety of the stories from 1947.
Once again, I find another movie I didn't know about: THE BEGINNING OR THE END. I thought OPPENHEIMER was only the second adaptation based on the Manhattan Project.
I love making these videos because I always get to watch a movie for the first time. I'm also going to check out the book about making the film.
Thank you again. Wonderful job.
Congratulations on the creation of this episodic series. It is an excellent encapsulation of historical fact and fiction, of educative data and reminders of the entertainment I so did and do enjoy from my childhood. I look forward to each segment.
Thank you very much!
The specific year indeed seems pretty thin, sci-fi-wise, but this series of videos paints a truly awesome panorama of the development of the genre. Each and every episode has been a joy to watch! Can't wait for the next installment.
Sidenote: In the 1947 serial, Jack Armstrong's outrageous big-finned car was built on a stretched '30's L29 Cord chassis and was first seen in the 1936 Jimmy Stewart B-movie "Speed" where it was called "The Falcon". After its minor movie fame as the "Thunderbolt Comet" in the 1947 serial, it languished for years along HIghway 14 near Acton, CA.
That's so cool. I love all these tidbits of Hollywood history out there to learn. I'm not into cars, but I loved the look in the opening shots of the serial.
The war was over and we found ourselves truly living in a science fiction world.
The Cold War had started and the early years were particularly tough.
I had no idea that the video game "Space War" dated from this far back. There's a fascinating story of its development in Creative Computing magazine from about thirty-five years later.
No, Spacewar! was created in 1962 and ran (and still runs) on the DEC PDP-1 computer. I think the situation is that the two men patented the idea and later developed a machine that was impractical at the time (apparently). There are pictures of it and the screen looks similar to the one for Spacewar! and there are pictures of the PDP-1 mixed in to make things confusing.
Goldsmith and Mann filed a patent for a “Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement Device" in 1947 but nothing near what we think of video games today. It's cool that the idea was in its very early infancy.
I never knew Brazil had a science fiction film, but it very interesting to see other countries attempting this a wonderful genre.
Umm... leaflets *were* dropped on Japanese cities near the height of the conventional bombing campaign, advising citizens to evacuate, and there were leaflets also dropped prior to the atomic bombings, although of course the Japanese citizenry ignored them. So that part of "The Beginning or the End" is true, although not having seen the film, I don't know how the leaflet drops were depicted. But overall, that part isn't fictional or propaganda. And of course there was a "demoralization" factor to it as well--as some of the leaflets called attention to the fact that the Japanese military couldn't stop the bombing campaign, and exhorting the Japanese citizenry to overthrow their government.
As ever, love this series. :-)
Yay for the mention of "Dimension X". Not only was it a brilliant radio sci-fi drama series (in many ways an early version of "The Twilight Zone") but it also lent its name to a fantastic 1991 technopop track by my favorite short-lived band, Seven Red Seven. Though all of the samples used in that song were from "The Outer Limits", it's utterly brilliant IMHO.
Great afternoon to gain some Martian knowledge!
With all the serials including footage from previous films, it's no wonder that many of them seem like the same movie all over again. A "modular" approach to film-making.
So true. Film an outside shot once and keep using it over and over again. Saves some money and time on production.
The same thing was happening with cheap westerns and western serials. It was a common trope that the SAME western storyline was being shown on EVERY channel at once.
There was a seven episode BBC mini-series called Oppenheimer made in 1980. It is a more thorough depiction of Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the bomb.
There is also a twenty three episode docu-drama series called Manh(A)ttan. Much like "The Beginning or The End" movie many of the actual participants of the Manhattan Project are fictionalized composites. The depiction of the actual participants such a Robert Oppenheimer are given much less screen time.
The 2023 film put greater emphasis on Oppenheimer's conflict with Lewis Strauss for dramatic purposes.
There were leaflets dropped in 1945 on some cities in Japan warning of the destruction facing the Japanese. There is still debate about which cities were warned and when the leaflets were dropped. Typical wartime SNAFU IMHO.
I did see the Manhattan TV series from 2014 and thought it was OK. I'll have to add the BBC series to my list.
1948 was a great year for science fiction. that was the year when 1984 was published. I used to check that book out from the school library every few weeks. I saw all the theatrical releases on UA-cam. for years, I have been fascinated with past visions of the future. and how visions of the future changed over time as technology evolved.
That 'rocket car' from the Jack Armstrong serial is a bad example of form over function. When you need to CRAWL out of your car, then you designed the door wrong. They should have done a Dukes of Hazzard going in and out through the window, instead.
They did look silly trying to get out of the car.