No Blade of Grass (1970)When a deadly virus strikes London, John Custane takes his family to hoped-for safety in Scotland. Director:Cornel Wilde |
|
| 0Share... |
No Blade of Grass (1970)When a deadly virus strikes London, John Custane takes his family to hoped-for safety in Scotland. Director:Cornel Wilde |
|
| 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Nigel Davenport | ... |
John Custance
|
|
| Jean Wallace | ... |
Ann Custance
|
|
|
|
John Hamill | ... |
Roger Burnham
|
|
|
Lynne Frederick | ... |
Mary Custance
|
|
|
Patrick Holt | ... |
David Custance
|
|
|
Ruth Kettlewell | ... |
Fat Woman
|
|
|
M.J. Matthews | ... |
George
|
|
|
Michael Percival | ... |
Police Constable
|
|
|
Tex Fuller | ... |
Mr. Beaseley
|
|
|
Simon Merrick | ... |
T.V. Interviewer (Fred Gray)
|
|
|
Anthony Sharp | ... |
Sir Charles Brenner
|
|
|
George Coulouris | ... |
Mr. Sturdevant
|
|
|
Anthony May | ... |
Pirrie
|
| Wendy Richard | ... |
Clara
|
|
|
|
Max Hartnell | ... |
Lieutenant
|
A strange new virus has appeared, which only attacks strains of grasses such as wheat and rice, and the world is descending into famine and chaos. Architect John, along with his family and friends, is making his way from London to his brother's farm in northern England where there will hopefully be food and safety for all of them. Along the way, they encounter hostile soldiers, biker gangs, and all manner of people who are all too willing to take advantage of travelers for a mouthful of food. Written by Jean-Marc Rocher <rocher@fiberbit.net>
What most people seem to have missed is the Exodus theme and the Moses figure of the main character. He leads people to a new promised land in the midst of chaos and plague. He is assisted by a Joshua character who does the organizational work and heads the military actions. The daughter's fiancé is the hesitant and uncertain Aaron. Somewhat confused overall and not as effective as it could have been. The flash forwards were distracting and set up an anticipation that detracted from the present scenes. It is difficult to see how the film was an argument for environmental causes. It would be better seen as a cautionary tale on the fragility of society. Given a socially disruptive situation people are often incapable of recognizing the need for social order and become, instead, survivalists. Social order is even more necessary when normality is undercut and crisis events threaten to overwhelm our institutions.