Cast
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Howard Keel
as Bill Masen
Janina Faye
as Susan - Child on the Train
Nicole Maurey
as Christine Durrant
Janette Scott
as Karen Goodwin
Kieron Moore
as Tom Goodwin
Mervyn Johns
as Mr. Coker
Ewan Roberts
as Dr. Soames
Alison Leggatt
as Miss Coker
Geoffrey Matthews
as Luis de la Vega
Gilgi Hauser
as Teresa de la Vega
John Tate
as Captain - SS Midland
Carole Ann Ford
as Bettina
Arthur Gross
as Flight 356 Radioman
Colette Wilde
as Nurse Jamieson
Ian Wilson
as Greenhouse Watchman
Crew
Director
- Steve Sekely
Producer
- George Pitcher
Reviews
talisencrw
This was solid and surprisingly very effective at getting across both the dread and horrific atmosphere of such a predicament--and would make a very good double bill with Kaufman's (70's) 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'. I love my veggies, but I'll never look at a salad the same way again...
Jul 5, 2016
Wuchak
_**Attack of the Plant Monsters**_
After a curious meteor shower creates havoc on Earth, a merchant navy officer (Howard Keel) in England is forced to contend with mobile vegetation-based creatures; meanwhile on an island off of Cornwall a troubled scientist couple working at a lighthouse try to solve the problem (Janette Scott & Kieron Moore).
"The Day of the Triffids” (1963) is a British creature feature that borrows from “War of the Worlds” of ten years prior (particularly the ending), but it’s not in the same league. While the creators did their best to create scary-looking plant monsters, they’re just not as formidable as the Martian threat in that other movie. It doesn’t help that the females are depicted as dainty, useless screamers (I realize it’s a sign of the times but, c’mon, they could do more than stand idly by screaming).
Still, if you like 50s-60’s Brit horror, like "Island of Terror" (1966) and "Night of the Big Heat" (1967), you’ll probably appreciate it (it’s on par with the former, but not as good as the latter); just don’t expect Peter Cushing or Christopher Lee.
The movie runs 1 hour, 33 minutes and was shot at Shepperton Studios, just west of London, as well as locations in London and Spain.
GRADE: C
Sep 30, 2021
CinemaSerf
I loved this film as a child - and almost sixty years later, it is still a very entertaining, fast-moving sci-fi tale. A meteor shower deposits loads of walking plants that render their victims blind. Before we know it, civilisation is facing chaos as there are hardly any folks left who can see - cars and planes are crashing; people are starving - you name it, it's going wrong. A few can still see, and Howard Keel ("Masen") and Nicole Maurey ("Durrant) travel through Europe trying to escape their clutches and make it to a naval base in Cadiz. Meantime, another pair, Janette Scott & Kieron Moore are stranded in a lighthouse where they think themselves safe - well "an ill wind" blows and soon the "Triffids" are threatening them too. It's a well directed adaptation of John Wyndham's story - the performances are fine, not great, but good enough to create a sense of fear and jeopardy (OK, maybe just a little too much screaming) and the ending is just in the nick of time!!
Dec 30, 2024
Thematic Analysis
This Science Fiction/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Day of the Triffids presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Steve Sekely brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1963, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Day of the Triffids took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.8 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1963, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Day of the Triffids shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Jumper, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Day of the Triffids offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Irregular at Magic High School: The Girl Who Summons the Stars and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow explore similar territory, The Day of the Triffids stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 24, 1963
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Budget: $750,000
Where to Watch
