Things to Come (1936)

Set in the near-future metropolis of Everytown (clearly modeled on London), "Things to Come" opens in December 1940, with looming threats of world war. Pacifist intellectuals like John Cabal (Raymond Massey) attempt to warn society, but their efforts are ignored by the self-interested elite. War erupts, and Everytown is devastated by tanks, aeroplanes, and gas bombs, all depicted four years before actual historical events in WWII. The conflict drags on for thirty years, becoming aimless and endless. Civilization collapses as "the Wandering Sickness" and widespread devastation plunge the world into chaos. By 1970, Everytown is ruled by a barbaric warlord known as The Boss (Ralph Richardson), and society resembles a medieval "Mad Max"-style Dark Age. Cast: - Raymond Massey as John Cabal/Oswald Cabal - Edward Chapman as Pippa Passworthy/Raymond Passworthy - Ralph Richardson as Rudolf a.k.a. The Boss - Margaretta Scott as Roxana Black/Rowena Cabal - Cedric Hardwicke as Theotocopulos - Maurice Braddell as Dr Edward Harding - Sophie Stewart as Mrs Cabal - Derrick De Marney as Richard Gordon - Ann Todd as Mary Gordon - Pearl Argyle as Catherine Cabal - Kenneth Villiers as Maurice Passworthy - Ivan Brandt as Morden Mitani - Anne McLaren as Child (2036) - Patricia Hilliard as Janet Gordon - Charles Carson as Great-Grandfather (2036) - Patrick Barr as World Transport official - John Clements as Enemy pilot - Antony Holles as Simon Burton - Allan Jeayes as Mr. Cabal (1940) - Pickles Livingston as Horrie Passworthy - Abraham Sofaer as Wadsky Runtime: 92 minutes.