Enlightened Despotism in Things to Come (1936)

H.G. Wells wrote the story of Things to Come, which was turned into a film in 1936. The film opens during Christmas 1940 in Everytown (obviously London) right before the outbreak of war. The war lasts almost thirty years before “the Airmen” led by John Cabal, a former resident of Everytown, leads the survivors to victory over the remaining war lords.

“The Airmen” use non-deadly means such as sleeping gas to bring the war lords to surrender. John Cabal, played by Raymond Massey, leads the Airmen in rebuilding society on principles of non-violence and mutual support.

Things to Come (1936) struggles with the issue of enlightened despotism. While the film seems to advocate John Cabal’s remaking of society, it cannot escape the reality that enlightened despotism is despotism just the same. Whether the despot believes his actions are benefiting him or benefiting society, the despot does not trust citizens with their freedom.

As you will see in the film even a society that has extended life and improved societal condition will experience rebellion when citizens do not have freedom to make their own decisions. “The Airmen” are no less despotic than the regimes that they replaced.

Things to Come (lyen afilye) is a feature film and runs approximately 90 minit.

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Kloure Li