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{{short description|1933 American apocalyptic science fiction film directed by Felix E. Feist}}
{{short description|1933 film by Felix E. Feist}}
{{about|the American science fiction film|the Polish historical film|The Deluge (film)}}
{{about|the American science fiction film|the Polish historical film|The Deluge (film)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}}
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| name = Deluge
| name = Deluge
| image = Delugeposter.jpg
| image = Delugeposter.jpg
| caption = Poster
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Felix E. Feist]]
| director = [[Felix E. Feist]]
| producer = [[Sam Bischoff]]
| producer = [[Sam Bischoff]]
| writers = [[Warren B. Duff]]<br/>[[John F. Goodrich]]
| writer = [[Warren B. Duff]]<br/>[[John F. Goodrich]]
| based_on = {{based on|''[[Deluge (novel)|Deluge]]''|[[S. Fowler Wright]]}}
| based_on = {{based on|''[[Deluge (novel)|Deluge]]''|[[S. Fowler Wright]]}}
| starring = [[Peggy Shannon]]<br/>[[Sidney Blackmer]]<br/>[[Lois Wilson (actress)|Lois Wilson]]<br/>[[Matt Moore (actor)|Matt Moore]]<br/>[[Fred Kohler]]
| starring = [[Peggy Shannon]]<br/>[[Sidney Blackmer]]<br/>[[Lois Wilson (actress)|Lois Wilson]]<br/>[[Matt Moore (actor)|Matt Moore]]<br/>[[Fred Kohler]]
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| budget = $171,000
| budget = $171,000
}}
}}
'''''Deluge''''' is a 1933 American [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|apocalyptic]] [[science fiction film]], directed by [[Felix E. Feist]] and released by [[RKO Radio Pictures]].
'''''Deluge''''' is a 1933 American [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|apocalyptic]] [[science fiction film]], directed by [[Felix E. Feist]], and released by [[RKO Radio Pictures]].
The film is very loosely based on the 1928 [[Deluge (novel)|novel of the same name]] by [[S. Fowler Wright]], with the setting changed from the United Kingdom to the United States. It follows a small group of survivors after a series of unexplained [[natural disaster]]s erupt around the world and destroy human civilization, including a massive [[tsunami]] which inundates [[New York City]].
The film is very loosely based on the 1928 [[Deluge (novel)|novel of the same name]] by [[S. Fowler Wright]], with the setting changed from the United Kingdom to the United States. It follows a small group of survivors after a series of unexplained [[natural disaster]]s erupt around the world and destroy civilization, including a massive [[tsunami]] which inundates [[New York City]].


==Plot==
==Plot==
Scientists discover that a violent storm is heading toward [[New York City]] and begin the warning process throughout the city. They believe that something is wrong with the natural [[barometer]] patterns and that an unprecedented event is imminent. A sudden [[eclipse]] of the [[sun]] verifies their notions and it seems that global destruction is near. [[Telegraph]]s from [[Rome]] and [[London]] explain days of unending [[earthquakes]] and state "The End of the World is at Hand." Tremendous earthquakes hit the [[Pacific Coast]], killing millions, and it is reported that the entire western coast of the US has been demolished. The earthquakes have also caused major [[tsunamis]] in the oceans and disaster is just moments away.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
Scientists discover that a violent storm is heading toward [[New York City]] and begin the warning process throughout the city. They believe that something is wrong with the natural [[Barometer|barometric]] patterns and that an unprecedented event is imminent. A sudden [[Solar eclipse|eclipse]] of the [[sun]] verifies their speculations, and it seems that global destruction is near. [[Telegraph]] messages from [[Rome]] and [[London]] explain days of unending [[earthquake]]s and state "The End of the World is at Hand." Tremendous earthquakes hit the [[West Coast of the United States|United States West Coast]], killing millions, and it is reported that the entire west coast of the [[United States]] has been destroyed. The earthquakes have also caused major [[tsunami]]s in the world's oceans and disaster is just moments away.


Martin Webster ([[Sidney Blackmer]]) and his wife Helen ([[Lois Wilson (actress)|Lois Wilson]]) prepare for the oncoming disaster by gathering their children and some essentials and head for a high rock formation to escape the floods. Martin leaves Helen and goes back to the house to get more food and clothes, but the destruction of New York begins. Buildings crumble from earthquakes and tsunami waters envelop the city. Martin returns to find his wife and daughters are nowhere to be found. In the aftermath, grief-stricken Martin builds a shelter and tries to survive on his own.
Martin Webster and his wife Helen prepare for the oncoming disaster by gathering their children, Ronny and Mary Ann, and some essentials and head for a high rock formation to escape the [[flood]]s. Martin leaves Helen and goes back to their house to get more food and clothes, but the destruction of New York begins while he is on his journey. Buildings crumble from earthquakes and large tsunamis strike the city. Martin returns to find his wife and daughters are nowhere to be found. Isolated on a newly formed island near the former site of New York City in the aftermath of the disaster, the grief-stricken Martin, who believes that Helen and the children died in the disaster, builds a cabin and tries to survive on his own, hiding supplies in a [[tunnel]].<ref name=tcm>{{cite web |url=https://prod-www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/72764/deluge#synopsis |title=Deluge (1933) Synopsis |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=tcm.com |publisher=Turner Classic Movies |access-date= 1 December 2023}}</ref>


Surviving in a cabin in another part of the New York City outskirts, two men, Jepson ([[Fred Kohler]]) and Norwood ([[Ralf Harolde]]), find Claire ([[Peggy Shannon]]) unconscious and washed up on the shore. As she recovers, the men start feuding and become very possessive. When Claire realizes the situation, she becomes uncomfortable and flees across the water for safety as she is a world-class swimmer, leaving the men angry and vengeful. Jepson kills Norwood and begins to search for Claire, vowing to bring her back.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WzCvBwAAQBAJ&q=burt+kelly+sam+cohen&pg=PA76|title=RKO Radio Pictures Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Films, 1929-1956|last=Pitts|first=Michael R.|date=March 27, 2015|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9781476616834|language=en}}</ref>
Surviving in a cabin on the outskirts of another island in what had been New York City are two ruffians, Jephson and Norwood. They find world-class [[Swimming (sport)|swimmer]] Claire Arlington unconscious and washed up on the shore outside their cabin. As she recovers, the men start feuding over her and become very possessive of her. When she is attacked, Claire flees and swims away, leaving the men angry and vengeful. Jephson kills Norwood and begins to search for her in a boat, vowing to bring her back.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WzCvBwAAQBAJ&q=burt+kelly+sam+cohen&pg=PA76|title=RKO Radio Pictures Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Films, 1929-1956|last=Pitts|first=Michael R.|date=March 27, 2015|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9781476616834|language=en}}</ref> Claire reaches Martin's island in a state of exhaustion and collapses. Martin finds her, takes her back to his cabin, and nurses her back to health. Martin and Claire become good friends and eventually fall in love.<ref name=tcm/>


Claire washes up on another shore, where Martin finds her this time. Martin and Claire become good friends and eventually fall in love. Meanwhile, in a nearby town, survivors have gathered together to start a new [[civilization]]. Among these survivors is Martin's wife, Helen, and their children. Tom ([[Matt Moore (actor)|Matt Moore]]), one of the townsmen, found Helen in the aftermath, and has been taking care of her ever since. He has also fallen in love with her, but Helen is convinced that Martin is still alive.
Meanwhile, survivors have gathered together nearby on the same island to form a town and start [[civilization]] again. Among the survivors is Martin's wife, Helen, and their two children. Tom, the town's leader, had found Helen in a poor state of health in the aftermath of the disaster, and has been taking care of her ever since. He has also fallen in love with her and asks her to marry him, but Helen is convinced that Martin is still alive and turns Tom down.<ref name=tcm/>


Jephson arrives on the island and finds Martin's tunnel. He then encounters a gang of thugs — which had been driven out of the town for committing crimes such as [[rape]] and [[theft]] — run by a man named Bellamy. Jephson tells the Bellamy gang about the tunnel and Claire. Jephson eventually finds Martin and Claire, subdues Martin in a violent fight, and kidnaps Claire, taking her to the Bellamy gang's hideout. As Jephson is about to rape Claire, Martin sneaks into the camp and rescues her. Martin and Claire then hide in the tunnel, but Jephson and the Bellamy gang follow them there. Finding that Martin is armed, Jephson orders the gang to set a fire at the entrance of the tunnel to force Martin and Claire out. After that plan fails, Jephson enters the tunnel and becomes involved in a fight with Martin, during which Claire kills Jephson with a spiked club. Meanwhile, a band of [[Vigilantism|vigilantes]] led by Tom tracks the gang to the tunnel, rescues Martin and Claire, and brings them to the town.<ref name=tcm/>
Jepson teams up with a gang of thugs who help him find Claire and Martin and eventually trap them in a [[tunnel]]. The townspeople stumble upon the situation and save Martin and Claire and bring them back to their new found city. Once they arrive, Martin finds his children and discovers his wife is alive and well and goes to her. Claire and Tom are devastated.


After the reunion, Martin explains to Claire how he is in love with both his wife and with her and that he will not choose. Helen visits Claire and they have a painful discussion in which Claire says she will not give up Martin. However, when Claire sees Martin with his wife at the town meeting her heart breaks and she runs to the ocean. She swims away as Martin is left watching her go.
In the town, Martin is reunited with Helen and their children and tells Helen about his relationship with Claire. Martin explains to Claire how he is in love with both his wife and with her and that he will not choose between them. Martin's and Helen's continued commitment to one another devastates Claire and Tom. Helen visits Claire and they have a painful discussion in which Claire says she will not give up Martin.<ref name=tcm/>


Finding the town plagued by ugly disputes over the distribution of goods, Martin organizes an [[auction]] and establishes a successful monetary system for the community. Martin is elected the town's [[mayor]]. When Claire sees Martin with Helen at a town meeting, her heart breaks and she runs to the ocean and swims out to sea. Martin is left on shore watching her go.<ref name=tcm/>
==Cast==

==Main cast==
* [[Peggy Shannon]] as Claire
* [[Peggy Shannon]] as Claire
* [[Sidney Blackmer]] as Martin
* [[Sidney Blackmer]] as Martin
Line 54: Line 56:
[[S. Fowler Wright]], the author of the 1928 novel upon which the film was based, began pitching a script based on the book to studios in 1933. In May, he accepted an offer from Worldwide Studios for $5,000 for the options. Wright's script for a film version was not used.<ref name="wright">{{cite book|last=Wright|first=Sydney Fowler |others=Stableford, Brian M.|title=Deluge|year=2003|publisher=Wesleyan University Press|isbn=978-0-819-56659-1|pages=XXXV–XXXVI}}</ref> The independent, Admiral/K.B.S. Productions, produced the film with a budget of $171,000, equivalent to approximately 3.51 million in 2020.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cocchi|first=John|title=Second Feature: The Best of the B's|year=1991|publisher=Carol Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-806-51186-3|page=1933}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JO03AUgzYYYC&q=K.B.S.+productions&pg=RA1-PT72|title=Up from the Vault: Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s|last=Soister|first=John T.|date=June 28, 2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9780786481859|language=en}}</ref> Wright later watched the final scenes being shot and was disappointed to learn that producers had made changes and chose to not use the ending of the book as the film's ending. He later wrote in his diary that he felt the film was "ghastly" and advised his children not to see it.<ref name="wright"/>
[[S. Fowler Wright]], the author of the 1928 novel upon which the film was based, began pitching a script based on the book to studios in 1933. In May, he accepted an offer from Worldwide Studios for $5,000 for the options. Wright's script for a film version was not used.<ref name="wright">{{cite book|last=Wright|first=Sydney Fowler |others=Stableford, Brian M.|title=Deluge|year=2003|publisher=Wesleyan University Press|isbn=978-0-819-56659-1|pages=XXXV–XXXVI}}</ref> The independent, Admiral/K.B.S. Productions, produced the film with a budget of $171,000, equivalent to approximately 3.51 million in 2020.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cocchi|first=John|title=Second Feature: The Best of the B's|year=1991|publisher=Carol Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-806-51186-3|page=1933}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JO03AUgzYYYC&q=K.B.S.+productions&pg=RA1-PT72|title=Up from the Vault: Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s|last=Soister|first=John T.|date=June 28, 2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9780786481859|language=en}}</ref> Wright later watched the final scenes being shot and was disappointed to learn that producers had made changes and chose to not use the ending of the book as the film's ending. He later wrote in his diary that he felt the film was "ghastly" and advised his children not to see it.<ref name="wright"/>


While ''Deluge'' was the first film to capture the total destruction of New York City, it was filmed entirely in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="filmmaker">{{cite web|url=http://filmmakeriq.com/2012/09/deluge-1933-the-first-disaster-film-to-wipe-out-new-york-city/|title=Deluge (1933) – the first disaster film to wipe out New York City|publisher=filmmakeriq.com|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref> Many films have since continued to use New York as the center for their apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic film endeavors. A scene in ''Deluge'' that features a wave that leaves New York submerged in water and nearly all inhabitants of the city drown would later be recreated in the 2004 disaster film ''[[The Day After Tomorrow]]''.
While ''Deluge'' was the first film to visualize the total destruction of New York City, it was filmed entirely in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="filmmaker">{{cite web|url=http://filmmakeriq.com/2012/09/deluge-1933-the-first-disaster-film-to-wipe-out-new-york-city/|title=Deluge (1933) – the first disaster film to wipe out New York City|publisher=filmmakeriq.com|access-date=November 7, 2014|archive-date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107043039/http://filmmakeriq.com/2012/09/deluge-1933-the-first-disaster-film-to-wipe-out-new-york-city/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many films have since continued to use New York as the center for their apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic storylines. A scene in ''Deluge'' that features a tidal wave that leaves New York submerged in water with nearly all inhabitants drowned later was recreated in the 2004 disaster film ''[[The Day After Tomorrow]]''.


The special effects were done by Ned Mann, Russell E. Lawson and Billy Williams.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brotherton|first1=Jamie|last2=Okuda|first2=Ted|title=Dorothy Lee: The Life and Films of the Wheeler and Woolsey Girl|year=2013|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-1-476-60048-2|page=174}}</ref> Mann later worked on the [[H. G. Wells]]-scripted film ''[[Things to Come]]'' (1936).<ref>{{cite book|last=Stanley Weinkauf|first=May|title=Sermons in Science Fiction: The Novels of S. Fowler Wright|year=1994|publisher=Wildside Press LLC|isbn=978-0-893-70280-9|page=81}}</ref>
The special effects were done by Ned Mann, Russell E. Lawson, and Billy Williams.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Brotherton|first1=Jamie|last2=Okuda|first2=Ted|title=Dorothy Lee: The Life and Films of the Wheeler and Woolsey Girl|year=2013|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-1-476-60048-2|page=174}}</ref> Mann later worked on the [[H. G. Wells]]-scripted film ''[[Things to Come]]'' (1936).<ref>{{cite book|last=Stanley Weinkauf|first=May|title=Sermons in Science Fiction: The Novels of S. Fowler Wright|year=1994|publisher=Wildside Press LLC|isbn=978-0-893-70280-9|page=81}}</ref>


Part of the stock footage of ships and planes returning to base under storm warnings includes actual footage of the Navy Zeppelin [[USS Macon (ZRS-5)]] which would be lost at sea in 1935.
Part of the stock footage of ships and planes returning to port under severe storm warnings includes actual footage of the large [[United States Navy]] [[rigid airship]] {{USS|Macon|ZRS-5}}, which later was lost at sea in 1935.


==Reception==
==Reception==
Line 64: Line 66:


==Preservation status==
==Preservation status==
[[Republic Pictures]] later bought the film, for its special effects footage only<ref>National Screen Exhibitor's reference book</ref>
[[Republic Pictures]] later bought the film for just its special effects footage, <ref>National Screen Exhibitor's reference book</ref>
using some of the scenes of destruction in ''[[S.O.S. Tidal Wave]]'' (1939), ''[[Dick Tracy vs Crime Inc]]'' (1941) and ''[[King of the Rocket Men]]'' (1949).<ref name="wright"/><ref name="filmmaker"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Hurst|first=Richard M. |title=Republic Studios: Beyond Poverty Row and the Majors|year=2007|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-810-85886-2|page=99}}</ref>
using some of the scenes of destruction in ''[[S.O.S. Tidal Wave]]'' (1939), ''[[Dick Tracy vs Crime Inc]]'' (1941), and ''[[King of the Rocket Men]]'' (1949).<ref name="wright"/><ref name="filmmaker"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Hurst|first=Richard M. |title=Republic Studios: Beyond Poverty Row and the Majors|year=2007|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-810-85886-2|page=99}}</ref>


For many years, ''Deluge'' was considered [[lost film|lost]] until [[Forrest J Ackerman]] discovered a print dubbed in Italian ''(La distruzione del mondo)'' in a film archive in [[Italy]] in 1981.<ref>{{cite book|last=T. Soister|first=John|title=Deluge (Up from the Vault: Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XKtuKgMXBNYC&q=Deluge+1933++Italy&pg=PA143|access-date=April 5, 2014|pages=143|isbn=9780786417452|date=January 1, 2004}}</ref>
For many years, ''Deluge'' was considered a [[lost film]]. In 1981, [[Forrest J Ackerman]] discovered a print, dubbed in Italian ''(La distruzione del mondo)'', in a film archive in [[Italy]].<ref>{{cite book|last=T. Soister|first=John|title=Deluge (Up from the Vault: Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XKtuKgMXBNYC&q=Deluge+1933++Italy&pg=PA143|access-date=April 5, 2014|pages=143|isbn=9780786417452|date=January 1, 2004}}</ref>


Wade Williams actually discovered an Italian-language nitrate print of the film in the basement of an old mansion in Rome in 1981 belonging to his friend and Italian film producer [[Luigi Cozzi]] aka Lewis Coates. Forry Ackerman, his wife Wyndane, the Mossman Brothers and Wade Williams were guest speakers at a Science-Fiction Festival in Rome. Forry Ackerman verified it was a lost film in the US. Wade Williams bought the access rights, made a dupe preservation negative and 35mm print. It was sub-titled in English for the first US re-release on VHS by Englewood Entertainment and the 35mm print was re-released theatrically and played at the [[Film Forum]] in New York and other revival houses and archives.<ref>Wade Williams Collection.com</ref>
Kansas City film distributor and collector Wade Williams claimed to have discovered an Italian-language nitrate film print in the basement of an old mansion in Rome in 1981. It belonged to Williams' friend and Italian film producer [[Luigi Cozzi]] (aka Lewis Coates). Ackerman, his wife Wyndane, and Williams were guest speakers at a science fiction festival in Rome. Ackerman verified it was a lost film in the U.S. After Williams bought the access rights, he made a duplicate preservation negative and 35mm print. It was subtitled in English for its first VHS release by Englewood Entertainment. The 35mm print was re-released theatrically and played at the [[Film Forum]] in New York City and at other revival houses and archives.<ref>Wade Williams Collection.com</ref>


In 2016, a 35mm nitrate dupe negative with the English soundtrack was discovered. A 2K scan restoration was made by Lobster Films, and this restoration was picked up for a limited theatrical re-release by Kino Repertory, and a home media release by Kino Lorber Studio Classics in February 2017.<ref>[http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Deluge-Blu-ray/164327/#Review Deluge Blu-Ray] Blu-ray.com</ref>
A 35mm nitrate duplicate negative with its original English soundtrack was discovered in 2016. A 2K restoration scan was made by Lobster Films. This restoration was picked up for a limited theatrical re-release by Kino Repertory. A home media blu-ray release by Kino Lorber Studio Classics appeared in February 2017.<ref>[http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Deluge-Blu-ray/164327/#Review Deluge Blu-Ray] Blu-ray.com</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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*{{Amg movie|13154|Deluge}}
*{{Amg movie|13154|Deluge}}
*{{Internet Archive film | delugeimagequalityupgrade | Deluge}}
*{{Internet Archive film | delugeimagequalityupgrade | Deluge}}

{{Felix E. Feist}}


[[Category:1933 films]]
[[Category:1933 films]]
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[[Category:American post-apocalyptic films]]
[[Category:American post-apocalyptic films]]
[[Category:American science fiction drama films]]
[[Category:American science fiction drama films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:Films based on British novels]]
[[Category:Films based on British novels]]
[[Category:Films based on science fiction novels]]
[[Category:Films based on science fiction novels]]
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[[Category:RKO Pictures films]]
[[Category:RKO Pictures films]]
[[Category:1930s English-language films]]
[[Category:1930s English-language films]]
[[Category:1930s American films]]
[[Category:English-language independent films]]
[[Category:English-language science fiction drama films]]

Latest revision as of 22:46, 22 September 2024

Deluge
Theatrical release poster
Directed byFelix E. Feist
Written byWarren B. Duff
John F. Goodrich
Based onDeluge
by S. Fowler Wright
Produced bySam Bischoff
StarringPeggy Shannon
Sidney Blackmer
Lois Wilson
Matt Moore
Fred Kohler
CinematographyNorbert Brodine
Edited byMartin G. Cohn
Rose Loewinger
Music byVal Burton
Production
company
Admiral Productions
Distributed byRKO Radio Pictures
Release date
  • August 13, 1933 (1933-08-13)
Running time
70 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$171,000

Deluge is a 1933 American apocalyptic science fiction film, directed by Felix E. Feist, and released by RKO Radio Pictures.

The film is very loosely based on the 1928 novel of the same name by S. Fowler Wright, with the setting changed from the United Kingdom to the United States. It follows a small group of survivors after a series of unexplained natural disasters erupt around the world and destroy civilization, including a massive tsunami which inundates New York City.

Plot

[edit]

Scientists discover that a violent storm is heading toward New York City and begin the warning process throughout the city. They believe that something is wrong with the natural barometric patterns and that an unprecedented event is imminent. A sudden eclipse of the sun verifies their speculations, and it seems that global destruction is near. Telegraph messages from Rome and London explain days of unending earthquakes and state "The End of the World is at Hand." Tremendous earthquakes hit the United States West Coast, killing millions, and it is reported that the entire west coast of the United States has been destroyed. The earthquakes have also caused major tsunamis in the world's oceans and disaster is just moments away.

Martin Webster and his wife Helen prepare for the oncoming disaster by gathering their children, Ronny and Mary Ann, and some essentials and head for a high rock formation to escape the floods. Martin leaves Helen and goes back to their house to get more food and clothes, but the destruction of New York begins while he is on his journey. Buildings crumble from earthquakes and large tsunamis strike the city. Martin returns to find his wife and daughters are nowhere to be found. Isolated on a newly formed island near the former site of New York City in the aftermath of the disaster, the grief-stricken Martin, who believes that Helen and the children died in the disaster, builds a cabin and tries to survive on his own, hiding supplies in a tunnel.[1]

Surviving in a cabin on the outskirts of another island in what had been New York City are two ruffians, Jephson and Norwood. They find world-class swimmer Claire Arlington unconscious and washed up on the shore outside their cabin. As she recovers, the men start feuding over her and become very possessive of her. When she is attacked, Claire flees and swims away, leaving the men angry and vengeful. Jephson kills Norwood and begins to search for her in a boat, vowing to bring her back.[2] Claire reaches Martin's island in a state of exhaustion and collapses. Martin finds her, takes her back to his cabin, and nurses her back to health. Martin and Claire become good friends and eventually fall in love.[1]

Meanwhile, survivors have gathered together nearby on the same island to form a town and start civilization again. Among the survivors is Martin's wife, Helen, and their two children. Tom, the town's leader, had found Helen in a poor state of health in the aftermath of the disaster, and has been taking care of her ever since. He has also fallen in love with her and asks her to marry him, but Helen is convinced that Martin is still alive and turns Tom down.[1]

Jephson arrives on the island and finds Martin's tunnel. He then encounters a gang of thugs — which had been driven out of the town for committing crimes such as rape and theft — run by a man named Bellamy. Jephson tells the Bellamy gang about the tunnel and Claire. Jephson eventually finds Martin and Claire, subdues Martin in a violent fight, and kidnaps Claire, taking her to the Bellamy gang's hideout. As Jephson is about to rape Claire, Martin sneaks into the camp and rescues her. Martin and Claire then hide in the tunnel, but Jephson and the Bellamy gang follow them there. Finding that Martin is armed, Jephson orders the gang to set a fire at the entrance of the tunnel to force Martin and Claire out. After that plan fails, Jephson enters the tunnel and becomes involved in a fight with Martin, during which Claire kills Jephson with a spiked club. Meanwhile, a band of vigilantes led by Tom tracks the gang to the tunnel, rescues Martin and Claire, and brings them to the town.[1]

In the town, Martin is reunited with Helen and their children and tells Helen about his relationship with Claire. Martin explains to Claire how he is in love with both his wife and with her and that he will not choose between them. Martin's and Helen's continued commitment to one another devastates Claire and Tom. Helen visits Claire and they have a painful discussion in which Claire says she will not give up Martin.[1]

Finding the town plagued by ugly disputes over the distribution of goods, Martin organizes an auction and establishes a successful monetary system for the community. Martin is elected the town's mayor. When Claire sees Martin with Helen at a town meeting, her heart breaks and she runs to the ocean and swims out to sea. Martin is left on shore watching her go.[1]

Main cast

[edit]

Production notes

[edit]

The film opens with a quote from the Bible's Book of Genesis, Chapter 9, verse 11: "And I shall establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of the flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth."

S. Fowler Wright, the author of the 1928 novel upon which the film was based, began pitching a script based on the book to studios in 1933. In May, he accepted an offer from Worldwide Studios for $5,000 for the options. Wright's script for a film version was not used.[3] The independent, Admiral/K.B.S. Productions, produced the film with a budget of $171,000, equivalent to approximately 3.51 million in 2020.[4][5] Wright later watched the final scenes being shot and was disappointed to learn that producers had made changes and chose to not use the ending of the book as the film's ending. He later wrote in his diary that he felt the film was "ghastly" and advised his children not to see it.[3]

While Deluge was the first film to visualize the total destruction of New York City, it was filmed entirely in Los Angeles.[6] Many films have since continued to use New York as the center for their apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic storylines. A scene in Deluge that features a tidal wave that leaves New York submerged in water with nearly all inhabitants drowned later was recreated in the 2004 disaster film The Day After Tomorrow.

The special effects were done by Ned Mann, Russell E. Lawson, and Billy Williams.[7] Mann later worked on the H. G. Wells-scripted film Things to Come (1936).[8]

Part of the stock footage of ships and planes returning to port under severe storm warnings includes actual footage of the large United States Navy rigid airship USS Macon (ZRS-5), which later was lost at sea in 1935.

Reception

[edit]

Deluge received mixed but mostly positive reviews upon its release. It was a modest hit for RKO.[6]

Preservation status

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Republic Pictures later bought the film for just its special effects footage, [9] using some of the scenes of destruction in S.O.S. Tidal Wave (1939), Dick Tracy vs Crime Inc (1941), and King of the Rocket Men (1949).[3][6][10]

For many years, Deluge was considered a lost film. In 1981, Forrest J Ackerman discovered a print, dubbed in Italian (La distruzione del mondo), in a film archive in Italy.[11]

Kansas City film distributor and collector Wade Williams claimed to have discovered an Italian-language nitrate film print in the basement of an old mansion in Rome in 1981. It belonged to Williams' friend and Italian film producer Luigi Cozzi (aka Lewis Coates). Ackerman, his wife Wyndane, and Williams were guest speakers at a science fiction festival in Rome. Ackerman verified it was a lost film in the U.S. After Williams bought the access rights, he made a duplicate preservation negative and 35mm print. It was subtitled in English for its first VHS release by Englewood Entertainment. The 35mm print was re-released theatrically and played at the Film Forum in New York City and at other revival houses and archives.[12]

A 35mm nitrate duplicate negative with its original English soundtrack was discovered in 2016. A 2K restoration scan was made by Lobster Films. This restoration was picked up for a limited theatrical re-release by Kino Repertory. A home media blu-ray release by Kino Lorber Studio Classics appeared in February 2017.[13]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Deluge (1933) Synopsis". tcm.com. Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  2. ^ Pitts, Michael R. (March 27, 2015). RKO Radio Pictures Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Films, 1929-1956. McFarland. ISBN 9781476616834.
  3. ^ a b c Wright, Sydney Fowler (2003). Deluge. Stableford, Brian M. Wesleyan University Press. pp. XXXV–XXXVI. ISBN 978-0-819-56659-1.
  4. ^ Cocchi, John (1991). Second Feature: The Best of the B's. Carol Publishing Group. p. 1933. ISBN 978-0-806-51186-3.
  5. ^ Soister, John T. (June 28, 2010). Up from the Vault: Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s. McFarland. ISBN 9780786481859.
  6. ^ a b c "Deluge (1933) – the first disaster film to wipe out New York City". filmmakeriq.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2014. Retrieved November 7, 2014.
  7. ^ Brotherton, Jamie; Okuda, Ted (2013). Dorothy Lee: The Life and Films of the Wheeler and Woolsey Girl. McFarland. p. 174. ISBN 978-1-476-60048-2.
  8. ^ Stanley Weinkauf, May (1994). Sermons in Science Fiction: The Novels of S. Fowler Wright. Wildside Press LLC. p. 81. ISBN 978-0-893-70280-9.
  9. ^ National Screen Exhibitor's reference book
  10. ^ Hurst, Richard M. (2007). Republic Studios: Beyond Poverty Row and the Majors. Scarecrow Press. p. 99. ISBN 978-0-810-85886-2.
  11. ^ T. Soister, John (January 1, 2004). Deluge (Up from the Vault: Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s). p. 143. ISBN 9780786417452. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  12. ^ Wade Williams Collection.com
  13. ^ Deluge Blu-Ray Blu-ray.com
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