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The Time Machine (1960)

Approved  |   |  Adventure, Fantasy, Romance  |  17 August 1960 (USA)
7.6
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Ratings: 7.6/10 from 24,960 users  
Reviews: 195 user | 73 critic

A man's vision for an utopian society is disillusioned when travelling forward into time reveals a dark and dangerous society.

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(screenplay), (novel)
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Title: The Time Machine (1960)

The Time Machine (1960) on IMDb 7.6/10

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Won 1 Oscar. Another 1 nomination. See more awards »

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Cast

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Doris Lloyd ...
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Storyline

On January 5, 1900, a disheveled looking H.G. Wells - George to his friends - arrives late to his own dinner party. He tells his guests of his travels in his time machine, the work about which his friends knew. They were also unbelieving, and skeptical of any practical use if it did indeed work. George knew that his machine was stationary in geographic position, but he did not account for changes in what happens over time to that location. He also learns that the machine is not impervious and he is not immune to those who do not understand him or the machine's purpose. George tells his friends that he did not find the Utopian society he so wished had developed. He mentions specifically a civilization several thousand years into the future which consists of the subterranean morlocks and the surface dwelling eloi, who on first glance lead a carefree life. Despite all these issues, love can still bloom over the spread of millennia. Written by Huggo

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

The Time Machine whirls you to a world of amazing adventure in the year 800,000! See more »


Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

17 August 1960 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

H. G. Wells' The Time Machine  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$750,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (video)

Sound Mix:

(35 mm optical prints)| (Westrex Recording System) (35 mm magnetic prints)

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Rod Taylor wanted Shirley Knight for the role of Weena. See more »

Goofs

In the great hall when George is at the table, the girl behind him is supposed to be eating a giant fruit, but there are no bites, showing it to be fake fruit. See more »

Quotes

Talking Rings: My name is of no consequence.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Futurama: The Late Philip J. Fry (2010) See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
It fired the imagination of a 10 year old boy for a lifetime
3 July 2006 | by (United Kingdom) – See all my reviews

OK, so some people are intent on pointing out factual or historical inaccuracies. Some people ridicule the costumes and accents, but what's important is the spirit of the film. I sincerely doubt anyone made the same kind of comments back in 1960. It was a seminal film and must have inspired a generation of film makers. You don't need CGI to make a good film. It's all about the story and the ingenuity of having to make do with the things you've got to hand. This film exemplifies that attitude.

I first saw The Time Machine as a 10 year old in 1970 and was utterly captivated. The stop-motion photography was spell-binding to me; particularly when George kills one of the attacking Morlocks. The gory footage of the body decomposing will abide with me forever. More importantly, and for the first time in my life, I was completely swept away with the concept of time travel. This film was unlike anything I had ever seen before and sowed seeds of profound thought for many years after.

This film may not be for everyone, but it was for a certain 10 year-old boy all those years ago. How I wish I could go back and recapture those moments...


52 of 56 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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