Sci Fi History: The Time Machine (1960)

H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine has been adapted into two full length films, at least two television series, and comic books. The book has influenced science fiction and science for over a century. In fact, the term time machine originated with Wells. The most famous adaptation came in 1960. The makers adapted the film to the Cold War and included a nuclear holocaust as well as the first two World Wars. The book sympathizes with the working classes in the form of the Morlocks, who live underground, operate machines, and cannibalize the Eloi. The Eloi represent the leisure classes who have developed into child-like sheep. The film ends with the traveler returning to Victorian Britain, grabbing some things, and setting off to the future to be with Weena, whom he saved from the Morlocks. Wells was not the first to ponder time travel, but he popularized it and time travel has been a key component of science fiction ever since.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKP-WkcDT5s

Sci-Fi History: Dracula (1897)

Bram Stoker did not invent the vampire. The creature has existed in myth for several thousands of years. Stoker did popularize the vampire and has influenced its mythology ever since. All vampires today derive from Dracula either as a counter to the Stoker story or as a continuation. In addition to the vampire myth, Stoker’s work examined several Victorian themes including folklore, the role of women, sexuality, colonialism, and immigration.

What makes Dracula so appealing is Stoker’s historical research. He based his fictional character on a real person. Stoker read Romanian history and discovered “Dracula”, which means “Son of the Dragon.” Dracula was Vlad the Impaler, whose bloody reign may have involved drinking the blood of his victims, whom he impaled on stakes. Stoker directly references Vlad within the pages of Dracula.

Dracula has appeared in a number of movies and books. Stoker wrote the first adaptation for the stage. The most popular film versions include Nosferatu (1922), Dracula (1931), The Horror of Dracula (1958), and Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992). There are many other adaptations and sequels. He has even appeared in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In fact, there are over 200 films featuring Dracula as a major character. Additionally, his influence is in any movie, TV show, play, or book featuring vampires.

Nosferatu (1922):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=patgT_qG65U

Dracula (1931):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVPxAgy7lBA

The Horror of Dracula (1958):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gBRe2XMljg

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j6b4Cd3OZo

 

Sci Fi History: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886)

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde investigates the dichotomy of good and evil. It also tackles the ideas of modernity, science, and civilization on one hand and barbarism and uncontrolled passion on the other. Jekyll used a potion to create Hyde which provided a Frankenstein-esque warning about unfettered science. At the time, the world witnessed several major technological advances ranging from the telephone to the light bulb. Frankenstein was a reaction to Enlightenment thinking. Dr. Jekyll provided a reaction to Thomas Edison and other major inventors. Eventually, the Hyde personality begins to take over and Jekyll seems willing to submit. Mr. Hyde provided Dr. Jekyll an escape. This last point is an attempt by Jekyll to escape the crushing Victorian ethos against anything sexual.


The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde proved extremely influential. The work led to several movies which helped advance special effects technology as well as provide an archetype for several movie villains. Additionally, the work clearly inspired comic book characters such as The Incredible Hulk and Two-Face.