This one’s for our British readers (and there are many).
The BFI (British Film Institute) National Archive has restored A MESSAGE FROM MARS - a 1913 film which represents Britain’s first full-length Science Fiction tale.
With a new score from Matthew Herbert and New Radiophonic Workshop, the film is now available for free and online streaming (in the UK only for the moment). Even though I wish they’d made this available for the whole world to (easily) access, I love, love, LOVE that they put this newly rested tale online - a nice move (BFI also hosts another of other vintage films online as well - brilliant).
The plot, which echoes A Christmas Carol, concerns a Martian exiled to Earth with the mission to change the heart of a selfish man.
[EDIT]
It features the first on-screen imaginings of Martians by a British film-maker, as futuristically clad members of the Martian court. Thought transference, instant space travel, mind control and the use of a far-seeing crystal ball all feature in this ground-breaking film.
…says BFI HERE, where the film can be seen in its entirety.
For those unable to view the stream due to regional issues, here’s a YouTube of a talk show discussion about the picture, featuring clips.
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Glen Oliver
“Merrick”
