How a 1960 sci-fi classic used fermented oatmeal to simulate a volcanic apocalypse
In short: George Pal’s 1960 adaptation of H. G. Wells’s novella remains a landmark of science fiction cinema. Beyond its Oscar-winning time-lapse effects, the production was defined by resourceful filmmaking, including the use of foul-smelling fermented oatmeal to depict a volcanic eruption that buries London under layers of cooling, hardened lava.
Directed by George Pal, the 1960 film follows a Victorian inventor who travels through time, witnessing the horrors of the 20th century before arriving in the year 802,701. There, he discovers that humanity has diverged into two distinct species: the passive, surface-dwelling Eloi and the subterranean, predatory Morlocks. The film’s visual legacy is anchored by its iconic time machine prop, a clockwork-inspired sled designed by Bill Ferrari and built by Wah Chang, which features a brass plaque identifying its creator as H. George Wells.
The production was marked by significant constraints and creative ingenuity. Filmed in just 29 days on a budget of under $1 million, the crew relied on matte paintings and models to simulate London, as location shooting was financially unfeasible. The infamous scene involving a volcanic eruption utilized a miniature set covered in oatmeal; when left to ferment in the heat, the mixture created a notorious stench on set. Despite these challenges, the film earned $2,610,000 globally, turning a modest profit of $245,000.
Critical reception at the time was mixed. While some reviewers praised the special effects and the performance of lead actor Rod Taylor, others found the narrative pacing uneven or the inclusion of a love interest, Weena, to be a distraction. Nevertheless, the film secured an Academy Award for Best Special Effects. Its influence persists in popular culture, having inspired numerous references in series like The Big Bang Theory and Regular Show, and remains a touchstone for the visual representation of time travel in cinema.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Time Machine (1960 film)
- Also: Wikidata — The Time Machine · CC0
- Also: www.britannica.com — The Time Machine (1960 film) | Cast, Summary, Morlocks, & Science Fiction | Britannica
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