FIRST MEN IN THE MOON

UK, 1964, 103 Minutes, Colour.
Edward Judd, Lionel Jeffries, Martha Hyer, Peter Finch.
Directed by Nathan Juran (and Ray Harryhausen).

The First Men in the Moon is an enjoyable version of H.G. Wells' story. It looks attractive and recreates the atmosphere of the late 19th century. However, the treatment is geared towards Saturday matinee audiences rather than an adult response to science exploration. It is very much in the vein of Jules Verne. There are some very enjoyable special effects and people can be on the lookout for Peter Finch disguised as a messenger in the early part of the film. Apparently he had some spare time and was watching the production and was asked to join in. Edward Judd is an ordinary kind of hero; Martha Hyer was imported from America as heroine and a lot of the eccentric comedy depends on the skill of Lionel Jeffries. H.G. Wells' scientific writings have been popular for film
versions e.g. The Shape of Things to Come, The Time Machine, The Island of Doctor Moreau, Food of the Gods and so on.

1. How serious was this film? How comic? For adults, children, both? H.G. Wells' purpose in writing this story? The film-makers' purpose in making the film?

2. Use of widescreen, colour, effects? The apparatus of science-fiction?

3. The appeal of science-fiction: past and exploration, strange civilizations, exploration of space? Understanding the human spirit and modern discoveries? The future?

4. The framework of the 60s and space exploration, the moon? The flashback structure of the film. the British flags and the British emphasis?

5. How plausible was the plot. the scientific apparatus, the rocket, the gas? The civilization of the moon?

6. The character of the professor: the mad genius, the comic touches, his Victorian style, English, absent-minded? A particular type?

7. Bedford as very British, the ordinary hero? Relationship with the professor, with Kate? Kate as heroine?

8. Their behaviour before they left, the contrast with going to the moon? Their earthbound behaviour on the moon? Conventional attitudes, escape? Lack of curiosity about exploration?

9. The presentation of the civilization on the moon: the look of the creatures and their behaviour, sense of menace, the achievement of their civilization, energy, culture, science, intelligence, communication? what was the significance of the visualizing of this civilization? The communication with the professor? The retaliation when threatened?

10. The earth threat to the civilization? Bedford and Kate and their self-preservation?

11. The decision of the professor to stay, the irony of this destruction of the civilization?

12. How much a message film, how much entertainment?