When Worlds Collide

When Worlds Collide was released in 1951. A large part of the story hinges on the idea often found in these early movies - that the grand promise of technology will be marred by the flaws of human nature. All things considered, its not a very good movie, but it does have a nice space ship. The premise of the movie is that scientists discover a pair of rogue planets on a collision course with earth and an "ark" is constructed that will carry a select group of people to a new world to refound civilization. The ship is constructed on a track like a ski jump that launches it into the air.

Interestingly, the matte art and design for the space ark itself was done by renowned space artist Chesley Bonnestell. This probably explains the movie's visual appeal, despite the lackluster script.

When Worlds Collide is copyright by Paramount Studios

	The ship on its ramp as construction nears completion.
	Aft detail, with the approaching rogue planet in the background.
	The ship under construction on the ramp when a fire breaks out. This shot also gives a good view of the wing detail.
	The ship just as it is about to begin its takeoff roll..
	Another view of the side and wings.
	A profile of the ship on the dashboard, just in case you forget what it looks like during your journey.
	Outline of the approaching rocket
	Outline of the rocket receeding
	Outline of the rocket in space
	Outline of the rocket in space
	Outline of the rocket in space
	Outline of the rocket in space
	Outline of the rocket in space
	Outline of the rocket in space
	The ship cruises in for a landing on the new planet. This is among the best views of the ship in the movie, and is the subject of the movie below
	A nearly edge-on profile of the ship.
View Movie	The landing sequence showing the ship from many angles. (no sound) You can examine individual frames with the Quicktime viewer. ( 1.3 MB )

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