Sunday, June 28, 2015

Movie Review: The Day of the Triffids

Based on a book by Sci-Fi writer John Wyndham, The Day of the Triffids has been brought to the screen several times over the years.

Most people agree that the 1981 BBC mini-series is the best version of the story, and I'm inclined to agree with them.  Starring John Duttine, the story is well-told, and keeps the audience involved.

We learn that scientists have developed a plant that produces an oil that can be made into gasoline, but the plants turn out to be lethal to humans.  They become widespread at a time when a strange comet shower seen all over the world causes people to be blind.

The Triffids are cleverly shown as huge plants that can move about, and send a lethal sting on a ten-foot tongue.

The central story involves the character played by Duttine, and a female he encounters along the way portrayed by Emma Relph.  They manage eventually to escape from a London gone made, where sightless citizens led by sighted ones are plundering the city.

The six episodes that tell the story are all available on one DVD, and well worth the money.

Regular BBC viewers will recognize Duttine from the stunning 13 part series based on the R F Delderfield novel To Serve Them All My Days.






No comments:

Post a Comment