Film 3: The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)

An all-time great London film which sets the stage for the end of the world in real-life locations around the capital.

The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)

When the USA and Russia simultaneously test atomic bombs, the earth is knocked off its axis and set on a collision course with the sun. As temperatures around the world start to rise, Londoners are faced with challenges worse than those during the Blitz years – sun spots, power outages, freak mists, electrical storms and a dwindling supply of water. The impending doom is too much for some to bear, but Peter Stenning, a washed-up reporter, breaks the story and sets about investigating a potential government cover-up.

With strong performances, a vivid depiction of the world of newspaper journalism, and extensive location shooting on the streets of London, Val Guest delivers one of the best British sci-fi films.

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