World Without End

World Without End, directed by Edward Bernds, is an invigorating, tension-filled 1956 American science fiction film that masterfully combines elements of thrilling suspense, fear, curiosity and survival. The film, produced by Allied Artists, is a post-apocalyptic film noir that boldly investigates the struggles of humanity’s survival in an unfamiliar and harsh environment.

The film opens in the year 1957 with a four-man crew, including John Borden (played by Hugh Marlowe), Dr. Eldon Galbraithe (Nelson Leigh), Henry "Hank" Jaffe (Rod Taylor), and Herbert Ellis (Christopher Dark) onboard the spaceship XRV. They are part of a pioneering space exploration mission, which shifts from its routine course when the XRV is caught in a time warp that sends them crashing on a snow-covered Earth-like planet over 500 years in the future.

Upon arrival, they find themselves stranded in a world that has advanced centuries ahead but is left sparsely inhabited and devastated by an ancient nuclear war, known as ‘the Martian war’. The surface of the earth is now dominated by mutated and violent beings, known as Mutates, who serve as the primary antagonists of the film. Their brutish and savage behaviours present a continuous threat to the survival of the crew.

On the other side of the societal divide, there are significantly fewer normal human survivors living below the surface in fear of the Mutates. These survivors represent a parallel society whose culture, tech, and lifestyle starkly contrast that of the surface beings — a dichotomy aptly reflecting the horrifying realities of a post-nuclear world. The clear line of conflict drawn between these two groups adds an extra layer of tension to the plot.

At the core of the film, Hugh Marlowe, who brilliantly essays the role of the strong, decisive leader ‘John Borden’, is intent on ensuring the survival of the human race. As the narrative progresses, Borden and his crew engage in a struggle for survival while dealing with this unfamiliar territory and foreign creatures. They also strive to understand and adjust to the dynamics of the new society they've discovered in their quest.

Naturally, given the circumstances, the film incorporates elements of budding romance, which come in the form of Deena (played by Nancy Gates). As the only woman to exist in their immediate society, Deena becomes entangled in a love triangle that fuels tensions within the crew.

Visually, World Without End makes a bold and commendable use of colours, lights, and shadows to establish an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that convincingly portrays a post-apocalyptic world. The intricately designed sets and costumes meticulously capture the essence of a futuristic dystopian society, which contributes significantly to the film's overall aesthetic.

Edward Bernds, renowned for his work as a screenwriter and director in the science fiction genre, brings a gripping and at times intense narrative to World Without End. The film effectively maintains the suspense, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats from the moment the spaceship XRV lands into the future until the curtains close. Bernds’ narrative, coupled with his astute direction, creates a tangible thrill, a sensation further enhanced by the dramatic performances of the actors.

In essence, World Without End is much more than your average 1950s science fiction flick. While its plotline is intriguingly intricate, it’s the underlying social commentary that sets it apart in the genre. It's a prophetic projection of a doomed future where humanity is nearly wiped out due to our own scientific creations.

In retrospect, World Without End, with its captivating storyline, nail-biting tension, and solid performances, makes for meaningful viewing for fans of science fiction and film noir. It's a cinematic journey that beautifully blends an escalating battle for survival with a compelling human narrative, edging it into the cult classic category of 1950s science fiction films. Whether you're a fan of the genre or merely seeking an afternoon's dose of tense and thought-provoking entertainment, World Without End delivers in a way that very few in its era could.