The Time Machine

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The Time Machine

G

Released Aug 17, 1960

1h 43m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

80%

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10,000+ Ratings

Scientist H. George Wells (Rod Taylor) builds a time machine, and despite the warning from his friend David (Alan Young) against "tempting the laws of providence," decides to visit the future. Jumping ahead 14 years, he observes changes in women's fashion. Jumping ahead 40, he meets David's son (also Young) amid a terrible war. Finally, he travels thousands of years ahead to discover a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by humanoid Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks that feed on them.

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Critics Consensus

Its campy flourishes tend to subdue its dramatic stakes, but The Time Machine brings H.G. Wells' story to life with plenty of sci-fi charm and a colorful sense of visual design.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Parts of it are colorful and imaginative, but the film flattens out toward the end.

Jun 5, 2007

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

The quaint time machine and Oscar-winning special effects hold one's interest initially, but the overall effect is one of glossy emptiness.

Feb 9, 2006

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Bosley Crowther

New York Times

The drama, for all its invention, is creaky and a bit pass.

Rated: 2.5/5

May 9, 2005

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Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

It has the epic feel that you need, and it hasn't quite gotten to the goofiness of the 60s yet... It's authentic, and I think it strives to be like the book.

Rated: 4/4

Jun 26, 2021

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

An unforgettable, breathtaking adventure and a staple of the science-fiction genre.

Rated: 9/10

Aug 27, 2020

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

His new opus is a disappointment by comparison, with ingenious trick photography but an awfully silly story...

Nov 7, 2019

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PaulSebastian P

An all time classic. Intriguing as a young boy and still fun to watch every few years as a middle aged man. Everyone should see it a few times!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/03/24

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Merman h

For me this film is for its time.. perfect

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/26/24

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Richard H

Great movie! It is a thinking man's sci-fi movie. Yes it's over 60 yrs old , but is very entertaining and well acted with a thought provoking story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/27/23

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DaMrNuggz

Insanely great movie it feels longer then it is but thats a good thing about this movie a great plot and story and quiet original

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/31/23

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Al s

Suspenseful movie. I have watched the movie many times

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/23

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Alec B

The 1960 version of The Time Machine follows it source material closely and adds a few interesting insights into what the early 20th century actually had in store for the traveler (and what people expected would come from the cold war). However, the removal of social commentary on the class system and the typical 1960s infantilization of women on screen will leave something of a sour taste in the mouths of today's viewers. While Rod Taylor proves himself a decent narrator, Yvette Mimieux was limited to poor character development and the role of the "helpless women" stereotype.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/14/23

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George Pal

Director

Rod Taylor

George (H. G. Wells)

Alan Young

David Filby

Yvette Mimieux

Weena

Sebastian Cabot

Dr. Philip Hillyer

Tom Helmore

Anthony Bridewell

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Synopsis

Scientist H. George Wells (Rod Taylor) builds a time machine, and despite the warning from his friend David (Alan Young) against "tempting the laws of providence," decides to visit the future. Jumping ahead 14 years, he observes changes in women's fashion. Jumping ahead 40, he meets David's son (also Young) amid a terrible war. Finally, he travels thousands of years ahead to discover a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by humanoid Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks that feed on them.

Director: George Pal
Producer: George Pal
Screenwriter: H.G. Wells, David Duncan
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Warner Home Vídeo, Vídeo Arte
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer, Galaxy Films, Loew's Inc.
Rating: G
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 17, 1960, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2008
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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