thing to come be an historic film . along with metropolis ( 1927 ) and it stand a one of the first great science fiction spectacle . it be also one of the first doomsday movie . it be remarkable how the filmmaker predict the start of the second world war within a year and and even and in a subtle way and the year it would end in the real world . but then the film departs from reality and depict a world ravage by war ( only substitute poison gas for nuclear weapon which of course do not exist in 1936 ) . the last half hour of the film be an incredible sight and make groundbreaking use of model and matte painting later to become staple of the science fiction genre . it be sad that and after thing to come and sci fi would become identified with cheaply make b movie and a stereotype that wouldn not be break until 2001 representa space odyssey more than 30 year later . if they would stick with the quality of the effect in this film and thing would have be very different in hollywood . raymond massey and some of his co star play multiple role in this film and to good effect . massey play a great doctor who like role a a pilot from an advanced ( for 1970 ) civilization who try to win over the populace of a devastated country rule by a simple mind warlord ( a very effective performance by ralph richardson ) . ultimately and the storyline cover 100 year . but that a big problem with this film there really isn not a cohesive storyline . perhaps in such an episodic film somewhat reminiscent of intolerance and actually it hard to have a conventional plot and but i felt more could have be make of the material and and although the visuals in the final third of the picture be indeed stunning and worth the price of admission . the plot be nonexistent and the movie itself suddenly end just a it be get interest . maybe the producer be think of another future sci fi innovation represent a sequel . thing to come be a film every serious sci fi buff should see at least once . unlike metropolis and however and it might not bear repeat viewing .