Things to Come

Things to Come by Sir Christopher Frayling examines the 1936 science fiction film of the same name, produced by Alexander Korda and written by H.G. Wells. The book provides production history, cultural context, and analysis of this ambitious British film project that attempted to predict the future of human civilization. The text includes original documentation, behind-the-scenes photographs, and correspondence between Wells and the filmmakers during the development process. Frayling explores the technical innovations used to create the film's futuristic world and details the collaborative relationship between Wells, Korda, and designer William Cameron Menzies. The book situates Things to Come within both 1930s British cinema and the broader history of science fiction filmmaking. It chronicles how the production team worked to translate Wells' concepts about progress, technology, and human society from page to screen. Through this focused study of a single influential film, Frayling reveals larger patterns about how societies envision their own futures and how those visions are shaped by contemporary anxieties and aspirations. The book illuminates the intersection of scientific optimism and political uncertainty that characterized pre-war British culture.

Reviews applaud Frayling's research and analysis of H.G. Wells' Things to Come film adaptation. Many readers highlight his deep examination of the production process and inclusion of rare behind-the-scenes materials. Readers appreciated: - Detailed archival documentation - Previously unpublished photographs - Clear explanation of Wells' involvement in the film - Technical breakdown of special effects and set design Common criticisms: - Text can be dense and academic in tone - Limited discussion of the film's influence on later sci-fi - Some found the book too narrowly focused on production details Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (28 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (6 reviews) "A treasure trove for film historians" notes one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads user commented that it "gets bogged down in minutiae at times." Several readers mentioned wanting more analysis of the film's themes rather than production history.

Dressing a Galaxy: The Costumes of Star Wars by Trisha Biggar Chronicles the design process, sketches, and cultural influences behind the iconic costumes of the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

Science Fiction Film by J.P. Telotte Examines the intersection of science fiction cinema with cultural anxieties, technological advancement, and artistic expression through film history.

Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner by Paul M. Sammon Documents the production design, visual effects, and artistic decisions that created the influential dystopian world of Blade Runner.

Special Effects: The History and Technique by Richard Rickitt Traces the evolution of film special effects from early practical techniques through the digital age, with detailed technical explanations and production examples.

Alien: The Archive by Mark Salisbury Presents the original concept art, production designs, and behind-the-scenes photographs that shaped the visual language of the Alien franchise.

🎬 Author Sir Christopher Frayling served as Chairman of the Arts Council England and was Rector of London's Royal College of Art - he's one of Britain's leading cultural historians specializing in film and design. 🎨 The book extensively analyzes how the film's innovative Art Deco designs and futuristic visuals influenced science fiction cinema for decades to come. 🌟 "Things to Come" (1936) was the most expensive British film production of its time, with a budget of £300,000 - an astronomical sum for the era. 📝 H.G. Wells, who wrote the film's screenplay, exercised unprecedented control over the production and insisted on scientific accuracy in all futuristic elements. 🎭 The book reveals how the film's costume designer, John Armstrong, created over 1,000 unique costumes to represent his vision of future fashion, many incorporating transparent materials and geometrical patterns that would later become staples of sci-fi design.