Restored by the people at Anchor Bay(the movie's bookend acts are tinted in sepia tones) this Science Fiction classic from 1961 won the British Academy Award for Best Screenplay. The movie's script is easily the best ever produced for this genre. It compares favorably with another film set in a newspaper environment, "All the President's Men." The premise of the movie concerns the two super powers testing nuclear devises in opposite hemispheres and subsequently knocking the Earth off its axis and sending it careening toward the sun. The actors are the stars of the day here. Edward Judd is excellent in his first major role. Janet Munro, hot off a three-picture deal with Disney, has a natural fresh beauty and handles the snappy dialog with keen skill. Leo McKern almost steals the the movie out from underneath the stars. Judd's character is portrayed as a heavy drinker who has trouble keeping up with his workload. McKern covers for him on more than one occasion. The scenes between Judd and Munro are simply magnificent and take on a prophetic and poignant epilogue. Sadly, Munro in real life was the drunk and died before the age of forty from heart disease caused by alcoholism. Judd, on the other hand is sober, and still working. Leo McKern had a long and rewarding career which ended last year when he died. Ultimately, I would not hesitate to show this movie to people who despise this genre. The movie is that good.
Review of The Day the Earth Caught Fire
