Just Imagine

IMDB
First time viewed: No
Current Release: No
Watched With: Myself

Retro futures are awesome. Imagine the world of 1980. So this film was a little off with its predictions, it was still pretty funny to watch.

This is a musical from 1930 set 50 years in the future where a young couple in love are denied a marriage licence unless the male can prove himself the better man over his opposing suitor. So of course he does the logical step of going on the first manned trip to Mars, where he meets the local natives in order to gain the notoriety necessary to win his girl's hand. All accompanied by his best friend and a man brought back to life from 1930, who might be the most annoying comedy relief ever.

While I'd classify this as a musical, it's important to note that it was made in 1930, and what we know as a musical structure today was not yet solidified. This has a far greater resemblance to the follies. Big dance numbers from the Martian natives full of spectacle, some love songs, a drinking song, a few others all of which are completely stand alone and have no baring on the plot whatsoever, something I find infuriating in musicals today but have to give a little leeway to here.

It's quite the curiosity and a fascinating look at an imagined future as well as the film and theatre conventions of the past.