Guide Note

The Time Machine represent two science fiction films that were loosely based on the 1895 novel by H.G. Wells. The original film was a British production from director-producer George Pál, the second an American production from Simon Wells that re-makes David Duncan's original screenplay.

Fast Facts

1. The Time Machine (1960)
2. Release Date: August 17, 1960
3. Producers: George Pál
4. Director: George Pál
5. Screenplay: David Duncan
6. Cast:
   1. Rod Taylor
   2. Alan Young
   3. Yvette Mimieux
   4. Sebastian Cabot
   5. Whit Bissell
7. Running Time: 103 Minutes
8. Award: Oscar, Visual Effects
9. The Time Machine (2002)
10. Release Date: March 8, 2002
11. Producers:
    1. Walter F. Parkes
    2. David Valdes
12. Director: Simon Wells
13. Screenplay: John Logan
14. Cast:
    1. Guy Pearce
    2. Jeremy Irons
    3. Orlando Jones
    4. Samantha Mumba
    5. Mark Addy
15. Running Time: 96 minutes
16. MPAA Rating: PG-13

Both adaptations of H.G. Wells' novel take a more adventurous approach -- the source material has an observer's detachment common to some fiction of that period that would be less appealing to modern audiences if adapted faithfully. In addition to the two better-known film versions listed here, there was also a 1949 BBC teleplay and a 1979 made-for-television movie.