Movie Review A Message From Mars

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1913 – Spoiler alerts A rather odd curious but entertaining silent movie, believed to be the first British science fiction drama ever filmed and the first depiction of Martians on screen. Based on a popular stage play of the time it is essentially A Christmas Carol with a Martian taking over from the usual ghosts. This story is also set at Christmas. Horace, a miserable skinflint won’t contribute money to a travelling Punch & Judy showman, refuses to assist a homeless man known simply as ‘the Tramp’ and refuses to accompany his fiancé to the theatre. He is visited by a Martian, exiled by the God of Mars until he can bring the miser to his senses. After various adventures including being left ragged and homeless, the miser mends his ways, even saving orphans from a fire and the Martian goes home. He has cured the Earthling with magical electro-shock treatment and behavioural manipulation. At just 60 minutes long it doesn’t outstay its welcome but after numerous versions of A Christmas Carol, it is extremely predictable. The Miser is played by Charles Hawtrey, a popular comedian, and a later comedian, associated with the Carry On movies adopted his name, claiming bogusly to be his son. Maybe he should have been visited by Martians too. The film is available on free download online Arthur Chappell