For some reason or other the school I went to during 1973-75 occasionally gave us kids a break from lessons and told us all to meet up in the drama studio and watch a film. The school had it's own projector and once the lights were out it was more like a cinema. It happened 3 times and all 3 films have become personal favourites. 'Journey To The Center Of The Earth','Fantastic Voyage' and this 'The Time Machine'. I Absolutely loved this film (and fell in love with Yvette Mimieux!). Rod Taylor is absolutely perfect as George and Alan Young makes a terrific Filby. The story is continually interesting and never dull and the machine itself well, the thing looks like it actually should work!! I owe this film a lot - it made science fiction fantasy my favourite film genre and got me into reading.I was 12 at the time and 'The Time Machine' was the first book I eagerly read - maybe there was some reasoning behind the teachers film 'treats'! Watching the film now is like re-visiting an old friend. It's always been in my top 5 favourite films of all time and I rarely go more than 6 months between viewings, This is probably the film I've seen most and I never tire of it. As a couple of hours pure escapism this film is very hard to beat and as a slice of 60's sci-fi it's unsurpassed in its vision. I cannot recommend this film enough and yes, after all these years I'm still in love with Yvette Mimieux. It's also a lot better than the recent remake. My idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon is to grab a few beers and watch this with the curtains pulled (preferably blowing a gale outside) and just let it take you along for the ride. Perfect!
Review of The Time Machine
