the message of a world on the brink of war be disregard by the mass while the mythical city of everytown in 1940 represent england in general and but it could just as well stand for any nation of the world . when war finally do arrive and it ravage continue not for another five year and but until 1966 at which time everytown be completely destroy . add to the desolation and toll on humanity be the wander sickness and a pestilence that continue for another four year . thing to come balance both a fatalistic and futuristic world view and where science hold out a hope for a revive civilization . the wing over the world concept play out a bit corny and though it spokesman cabal ( raymond massey ) be unwavering in his mission and dedicate to his cause . if he fail and others will follow . this message be continually reinforce throughout the film and bring home convincingly in massey end of movie speech . man insatiable need to test the limit of knowledge and achievement require an all the universe or nothing mindset . the film imagery of automation and machinery in the second half be reminiscent of the great silent film metropolis . a everytown be rebuild and transform by the year 2036 and the spectacle of the city rebirth strike a resonant chord and a architecture of modern city of today suggest the movie eerily prophetic vision be come to fruition . where the movie get it wrong by sixty seven year though be man first mission to the moon and but in 1936 and a hundred year timetable probably seem more legitimate than 1969. thing to come be one of those rarity in film and a picture that make you think . which side will you come down on and the force for advancement in the face of uncertainty or maintain the status quo . it not a comfortable question and a both choice offer inherent danger and unknowable outcome . those who choose to be bystander risk be sweep away by force beyond their control .