Not the 2002 remake which, although it obviously had much better effects, didn’t have an awful lot to do with H.G.Wells’ sci-fi classic, but the 1960 original starring Rod Taylor which, for all its dated effects and clunky props still can’t be beaten both for keeping to the master’s narrative and delivering on the emotion of the story.

This was Rod Taylor’s first lead role after playing many supports and he went on to long-term success with a career that continues right up to this year with his role in Kaw, and includes such well-known roles as Mitch Brenner in Hitchcock’s The Birds, the voice of Pongo in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians and more recently Frank Agretti in Falcon Crest. Time Machine also provided a breakout role for Yvette Mimieux as the Eloi girl Weena

A Victorian scientist called George (Taylor) builds a time machine and travels to the distant future where the human race has split into two races: the mild and gentle Eloi who live above ground and the cannibalistic Morlocks who live in technologically sophisticated underground burrows whose entrances are kept locked except when the Morlocks emerge to capture Eloi for their dinner.

While he is exploring the area George’s time machine is dragged into one of the burrows and he must find another entrance to the caves and risk being eaten so that he can return to his own time.

The Time Machine: Five, Friday 14 September, 1.40pm

Worth a look:
Edward Scissorhands: Five, Sunday 9 September, 4.45pm
The Pelican Brief: TCM, Sunday 9 September, 11.25pm
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: Film4, Friday 14 September, 9pm
10: ITV3, Friday 14 September, 9.05pm