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Doomsday

1934

Cat no. 3256

Science Fiction. The end of the world.

Science fiction film influenced by the style of inter-war European art cinema. Agricultural workers become aware of a strange phenomenon in the sky. People in rural locations discuss their observations. No-one knows what it is. Awareness of the phenomenon spreads; wildfires burn on heaths and panic is reported by newspapers. In the city, newspapers carry stories of earthquakes and changes affecting ‘the planets’. Extreme weather conditions are experienced. The changes are discussed on the streets. The day of final judgement is predicted by some. Uncertain of what is happening people hide indoors. A new day dawns and people venture outside. A large bright object fills the sky, collides with and destroys the earth. The film produced by Ruth Stuart (also known as Ruth Stuart Rodgers) is heavily influenced by the style of inter-war European art cinemas, making use of startling angles, light and shade and extreme close-ups to convey a mounting sense of unease.

Keywords

Influence of inter-war European art cinema; Avant-garde filmmaking; Alternative film production; End of world; Catastrophe; Doomsday; Fear; Rural life; Climate change; Apocalypse

Intertitles

based upon a fear which has preyed upon credulous minds from the beginning of Time WIDESPREAD PANIC ....... HEATHS BLAZING THE DAY OF WRATH IS AT HAND

Manifestations

Doomsday

  • Award:
    • Group 1:
      • Note: Awards (data migration 25/06/2021): Institute of Amateur Cinematographers International Film Competition, Amateur Cine World 16mm Plaque, 1935; Royal Photographic Society Exhibition of Kinematography Film Competition, Certificate Class 3, 1936; American Cinematographer International Film Contest, Grand prize winner [exact details not known], [year not known].

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