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Description
This programme concentrates on Wells's 'Things to Come', 'War of the Worlds' and 'The Time Machine', but mentions work by Hudson, Jefferies, Morris, Huxley, Orwell and W.D. Hay. Five distinct respo...nses are discussed: the utopian celebration of mechanical man triumphant and the development of a ruling elite; the arcadian rejection of mechanisation and a return to a rural pseudo-medieval society; the artist as Romantic Hero in rebellion against society; the evolution of society along lines discussed by Darwin in relation to plants and animals, and finally, the heat death of the universe, a view put forward by Lord Kelvin. Mention is also made of invasion novels such as 'The Battle of Dorking' and 'War of the Worlds'.
This programme concentrates on Wells's 'Things to Come', 'War of the Worlds' and 'The Time Machine', but mentions work by Hudson, Jefferies, Morris, Huxley, Orwell and W.D. Hay. Five distinct respo...nses are discussed: the utopian celebration of mechanical man triumphant and the development of a ruling elite; the arcadian rejection of mechanisation and a return to a rural pseudo-medieval society; the artist as Romantic Hero in rebellion against society; the evolution of society along lines discussed by Darwin in relation to plants and animals, and finally, the heat death of the universe, a view put forward by Lord Kelvin. Mention is also made of invasion novels such as 'The Battle of Dorking' and 'War of the Worlds'.
| Module code and title: | A101, An arts foundation course |
|---|---|
| Item code: | A101; 32 |
| First transmission date: | 04-10-1978 |
| Published: | 1978 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:25:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Roger Thompson |
| Contributors: | Simon Eliot; Patrick Troughton |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Literature; Science fiction |
| Footage description: | The proqramme opens with a series of stills showing both authors of English predictive fiction and title pages of books. Over this Eliot comments on the rise of this new kind of literature in Britain. Eliot explains that the programme will consider various general themes of early science fiction, as well as three works by H G Wells. Over a variety of stills illustrating Wells' life and works, Eliot sketches his literary career. Eliot describes the rise of Utopian ideas about progress in Victorian England. Extract from the film 'Things to Come' over which Eliot comments on the technological Utopia that is depicted. Over numerous illustrations Eliot describes W. D. Hay's book 'Three Hundred Years Hence'. He comments on the social Darwinism expressed in such works. Troughton reads a passage from Hay's book which illustrates this. Eliot mentions the ideals expressed in 'Things to Come'. An extract from the film is seen in which the achievements of science are lauded. Eliot explains that such views were open to criticism. Scene from 'Things to Come' in which revolt is plotted against the scientists. Over a range of illustrative material Eliot describes the rise of 'Arcadian' novels that envisaged a post-industrial age. He argues that these and later novels such as '1984' and 'Brave New World questioned the optimism of the early utopian science fiction novels. Eliot explains that some writers envisaged threats from outside society, such as from more technically advanced nations. He describes George Chesney's 'The Battle of Dorking' over stills of the countryside around Dorking. Eliot cites 'War of the Worlds' as another kind of outside threat over various illustrations. Troughton reads an extract from the book. An extract from Orson Welles' radio version of the 'War of the Worlds' is heard, over newspaper cuttings describing the reaction of Americans to this broadcast. Eliot refers to the book's view of mankind, and Troughton reads from the story's conclusion. Troughton reads from 'The Time Machine', after which Eliot outlines the book's plot. Another extract is read, after which Eliot comments on the social ideas that are presented. The programme ends with Troughton reading Wells' description of the end of the world. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72965 |
| Production number: | FOUA041R |
| Videofinder number: | 2622 |
| Available to public: | no |
