Review of The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961) by Ugly T — 13 Nov 2008

I saw this on TV on afternoon in the early 80s and immediately enjoyed it. As mentioned by other reviewers it could be seen as one of the first environmental movies and must have been very topical when made as atmospheric H-bomb tests were still going on.

Despite being shot on a middling budget the film is more atmospheric than a lot of Hollywood blockbusters and the use of the old Daily Express building in Fleet Street adds a touch of nostalgia for the days of hot metal.

It is a bit ironic in these days of global warming that the film shows Britain suffering from tropical conditions. Oh, and Michael Caine (God Bless you sir) turns up in a cameo role as a policeman.