A Message from Mars (1913 film)

A Message From Mars (1913) is a British science fiction film. In September 2014, the British Film Institute announced that they were putting the restored feature film online on their website.

For the 1903 New Zealand film version of the play, see A Message from Mars.
A Message From Mars
Directed byJ. Wallett Waller
Produced byNicholas Ormsby-Scott
Written byRichard Ganthony
J. Wallett Waller
Based onplay A Message From Mars by Richard Ganthony
Production
company
United Kingdom Photoplays
Release date
July 1913
Running time
68 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageSilent film
English intertitles

The restored version is longer, and restores the original tinting and toning of the film. According to the BFI website, the plot (see below) is very similar to that of the Charles Dickens novella A Christmas Carol.[1][2]

Plot

Horace Parker (Hawtrey) is a wealthy young man who is exceedingly selfish and self-centered. Not only is he a miser, but he also expects his friends (and everyone else) to conduct their lives according to his personal convenience.

Parker is engaged to Minnie Templer (Bell), but Minnie has discovered Parker's selfishness and she is on the brink of calling off the engagement.

However, on Christmas Eve, a messenger from Mars comes to Earth to show Parker the error of his ways. The two of them become invisible and eavesdrop on all the terrible—and true—things Parker's friends and family are saying about him.

Cast
  • Charles Hawtrey as Horace Parker
  • E. Holman Clark as Ramiel
  • Crissie Bell as Minnie Templer
  • Frank Hector as Arthur Dicey
  • Hubert Willis as a tramp
  • Kate Tyndale as Aunt Martha
  • Evelyn Beaumont as Bella
  • Eileen Temple as Mrs. Claremce
  • R. Crompton as the God of Mars
  • B. Stanmore as the wounded man
  • Tonie Reith as the wounded man’s wife

Taglines

"A fantastical photo-drama, in four parts."

See also

References
  1. BFI press release (23 September 2014)
  2. BFI press release (4 December 2014)
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