The Time Machine (1978)

A scientist builds a machine that will enable him to travel back and forth in time, but when he puts it in motion, he gets more than he bargained for.

Director:

Henning Schellerup

Writers:

Wallace C. Bennett, H.G. Wells (novel)

Stars:

John Beck, Priscilla Barnes, Andrew Duggan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Beck	...	Neil Perry
Priscilla Barnes	...	Weena
Andrew Duggan	...	Bean Worthington
Rosemary DeCamp	...	Agnes
Jack Kruschen	...	John Bedford
Whit Bissell	...	Ralph Branly
John Hansen	...	Ariel
R.G. Armstrong	...	Gen. Harris
John Doucette	...	Sheriff Finley
Parley Baer	...	Henry Haverson
John Zaremba
Peg Stewart
Bill Zuckert
Hyde Clayton
Craig Clyde

Storyline

A scientist builds a machine that will enable him to travel back and forth in time, but when he puts it in motion, he gets more than he bargained for.

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Plot Keywords:

year 802701 | living underground | pile of bones | back in time | human harvesting | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 November 1978 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die Zeitmaschine

Company Credits

Production Co:

Schick Sunn Classics, Sunn Classic Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cast members Whit Bissell and John Zaremba co-starred in the TV series The Time Tunnel (1966).

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Connections

Version of The Time Machine (1949)

User Reviews

Good

I, too, wish that this were available on DVD. Maybe it will be put onto some budget sci-fi collection DVD, someday--why not? I'm not certain that I still have this on VHS--it's been awhile for viewing, unfortunately.

This film shares a similar problem with the lesser-regarded special effects of the theatrical film "Clash of the Titans"--a work from the same era--that version of the film starred Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier, and other legendary Brit actors. Many people wish that some of today's digital wizardry then proved available for such lesser-supported works. Some of that magic might have made this a great TV movie, after all. (Sometimes, though, improbable modern special effects may prove tedious.)

I like Rod Taylor and his movie, too. Really, though, the late '70s is an era in which time travel would have proved more likely to succeed. Thus, the "time-ship," lab, and other prop features appear to be much more "accurate" and likely to succeed at such a task. They're pretty cool! Really, I don't see a problem with John Beck as "scientist," either. He portrays a fellow who proves to be quite calm, logical, and collected.

(Linking John to porn proves very insulting. He proved very highly valued in the '70s and '80s. John was one of the few guys in this biz whom, women--after an initial "shock and awe"--never forget! Really, he's etched forever, easily, as one of the most handsome guys ever to grace a screen. Apparently, that's something which John's harsh critics--mostly men--never will understand.)