A Message from Mars (1913 film)
A fantastical photo-drama, in four parts.
A Message from Mars is a 1913 British silent science-fiction film directed by J. Wallett Waller. The British Film Institute identifies it as the first science-fiction film made in Britain. The screenplay was co-written by Waller and Richard Ganthony, adapting Ganthony's own 1899 play of the same title. The play had been published as a book in 1912, credited to Lester Lurgan (the pseudonym of Mabel Knowles) and Ganthony. The narrative closely parallels Charles Dickens' 1843 story *A Christmas Carol*, centering on the idea that the wealthy have a duty to support the poor.
The plot follows Horace Parker, a wealthy man who is extremely self-centered and miserly, expecting everyone else to arrange their lives around his own comfort. He is engaged to Minnie Templer, but she has recognized his selfishness and is about to break off the engagement. On Christmas Eve, a messenger from Mars arrives on Earth to teach Parker a lesson. The pair become invisible and overhear the harsh but accurate criticisms that Parker’s friends and family are making about him.
In September 2014, the British Film Institute announced the online release of a restored version of the film on its website. This edition is longer than previous copies and reinstates the original tinting and toning.
The cast includes Charles Hawtrey as Horace Parker, E. Holman Clark as Ramiel, Chrissie 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. Clarence, R. Crompton as the God of Mars, B. Stanmore as the wounded man, and Tonie Reith as the wounded man’s wife. The film was promoted with the tagline: "A fantastical photo-drama, in four parts."
- field
- Science fiction silent film
- nationality
- British
- known_for
- First British science-fiction film
- director
- J. Wallett Waller
- release_year
- 1913
- based_on
- 1899 play by Richard Ganthony
Lore & Background
The film's story is similar to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol of 1843, with the theme that the rich should care for the poor. The plot follows Horace Parker, an exceedingly self-centered, wealthy man who is a miser and expects everyone to conduct their lives according to his personal convenience. Parker is engaged to Minnie Templer, but she discovers his selfishness and is on the brink of calling off the engagement. On Christmas Eve, a messenger from Mars comes to Earth to show Parker the error of his ways. The two become invisible and eavesdrop on all the terrible – and true – things Parker's friends and family are saying about him.
Reader's Guide
A Message from Mars holds significance as the first British science-fiction film, as recognized by the British Film Institute. Its adaptation from a 1899 play and its thematic resemblance to A Christmas Carol highlight early cinematic borrowing from literature. The film's restoration in 2014 by the British Film Institute, which restored its original tinting and toning and made it available online, underscores its historical value. The cast includes Charles Hawtrey as Horace Parker and E. Holman Clark as Ramiel. The film's tagline, 'A fantastical photo-drama, in four parts,' reflects its early promotional style. Its legacy is tied to its pioneering role in British science fiction cinema and its preservation efforts.
Did You Know?
- According to the British Film Institute, it is the first British science-fiction film.
- The film is based on Richard Ganthony's 1899 play A Message from Mars.
- The story is similar to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol of 1843.
- In September 2014, the British Film Institute published the restored film online.
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