I've watched this a number of times and always enjoy it. I must admit that I had a crush on Janet Munro that started with the "Horsemasters" Disney series but it's more than just her.
The science is by far the weakest aspect of the film. In summary it's annoyingly implausible. Nuclear weapons are indeed powerful, but that a couple of bombs could tilt the Earth and change its orbital path should elicit a "Hmmm" even for those with little science background. But that weakness is more than compensated by just about everything else.
The acting is top-notch. The crusty journalist role is played by Leo McKern flawlessly. Edward Judd is believable as the talented columnist whose career and life have been derailed by marital failure and alcohol. I don't care whether Janet Munro is good or not, I'll watch her all day long - her premature death was a loss to the industry.
The re-created atmosphere of the frantic newspaper business is excellent. I don't know how it really works but it sure convinced me. It was intensely demanding and competitive, portraying the kind of place where only the most talented and motivated professionals can thrive.
The grimness of the deteriorating environmental conditions may be the most compelling component in this film. The matte work is sub-par, but the misery of the common people shambling listlessly through the heat and dealing with rapidly dwindling resources is captured very nicely. You can imagine yourself there trying to survive while knowing there's not much future for you.
I have no complaints about this film and though it's not cinematic genius it is very well put together. Definitely worth a watch.
The science is by far the weakest aspect of the film. In summary it's annoyingly implausible. Nuclear weapons are indeed powerful, but that a couple of bombs could tilt the Earth and change its orbital path should elicit a "Hmmm" even for those with little science background. But that weakness is more than compensated by just about everything else.
The acting is top-notch. The crusty journalist role is played by Leo McKern flawlessly. Edward Judd is believable as the talented columnist whose career and life have been derailed by marital failure and alcohol. I don't care whether Janet Munro is good or not, I'll watch her all day long - her premature death was a loss to the industry.
The re-created atmosphere of the frantic newspaper business is excellent. I don't know how it really works but it sure convinced me. It was intensely demanding and competitive, portraying the kind of place where only the most talented and motivated professionals can thrive.
The grimness of the deteriorating environmental conditions may be the most compelling component in this film. The matte work is sub-par, but the misery of the common people shambling listlessly through the heat and dealing with rapidly dwindling resources is captured very nicely. You can imagine yourself there trying to survive while knowing there's not much future for you.
I have no complaints about this film and though it's not cinematic genius it is very well put together. Definitely worth a watch.
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