Cast
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Peter Graves
as Dr. Ed Wainwright
Peggie Castle
as Audrey Aimes
Morris Ankrum
as Gen. John Hanson
Than Wyenn
as Frank Johnson
Thomas Browne Henry
as Col. Tom Sturgeon
Richard Benedict
as Cpl. Mathias
James Seay
as Capt. James Barton
John Close
as Maj. Everett
Don C. Harvey
as State Police Car 254 Officer
Larry J. Blake
as Roadblock Sergeant
Eilene Janssen
as William's Date
Hyllton Socher
as Frank, grainary platoon soldier
Frank Wilcox
as Gen. Short
Douglas Evans
as Editor Norman Taggart
Paul Grant
as William Summerfield, teen boy
Crew
Director
- Bert I. Gordon
Producer
- Bert I. Gordon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Beginning of the End presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Bert I. Gordon 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 1957, 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 Beginning of the End took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 73 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1957, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Beginning of the End shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Broadcast Signal Intrusion, which focuses more on action than character development, Beginning of the End offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Phantoms and Soldier explore similar territory, Beginning of the End 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: June 28, 1957
- Runtime: 1h 13m
